Frogie: how to taper off Lexapro and Xanax?

[Frogie]

Just now, Junglechicken said:

 

Lucky you! yes, I hate it and hope it'll calm down - too much stress that's my problem.

Maybe that's my problem, stress!

[Junglechicken]

Just now, Frogie said:

Maybe that's my problem, stress!

 

I think its a problem for many of us - we have to learn how to handle it then things will improve (work in progress hence the spanner!).

[Frogie]

4 minutes ago, Longestroadhome said:

I put my peppermint oil in some macadamia or almond oil that I buy from the supermarket. 

 

You up can buy it already made up in roller bottles on ETSY from sellers who specialise in that field. A bit more expensive but convenient. 

 

I have  read of another person who struggled with nausea on lower doses of lexapro. I will try to find the thread and link it. 

Thanks Longestroadhome:

 

I really appreciate you doing that for me.

 

I'm in tears right now, and I don't cry. I'm usually very strong.

 

Take care,

Frogie xx

[apace41]

3 hours ago, Frogie said:

OK I need help!

 

I took the Vitamin E on Saturday night, woke up Sunday morning nauseous. I took a Phenergran. It stopped the nausea.

 

But, now today I have akasthisia in my knees! I think it's coming from the Phenergran. It seems that when I take the Phenergran a few days later I get the akasthisia in my knees!

 

I bought some magnesium cream and some flat weights. I've been putting that on, but haven't felt any relief yet. Does anyone know how much and how often I can use the magnesium?

 

Does anyone know of an anti nausea med that doesn't cause akasthisia? I'm desperate. I also have Zofran, but it says it can cause akasthisia. I don't want to try it. I've tried Benadryl, doesn't work for me for nausea.

 

I also read it could be from tapering Lexapro. Should I try to taper a little and see what happens?

 

I'm not taking the Vitamin E anymore to see if that stops my nausea.

 

I hope someone knows what I need to do.

 

Sorry for so many questions. I'm just going nuts. 😋🙃 (more than I already am).

 

Take care,

Frogie xx

 

Frogie,

 

I'm sorry you are struggling with all of this and I know you would like to have answers to your questions.  The problem is, and I know I've said this to you before, nobody really knows the answers to the questions.  I could tell you "oh, it's THIS or its THAT" but that would not be right since I don't really know.  All you can really do is trial and error as you have been doing.  If you think it is the Vitamin E, you stop it.  Then you change the time of day you take it. Etc., etc.  I can't say for sure if any of the things you have highlighted are causing your symptoms or if it's just a matter of where you are in the withdrawal process, the accumulation of stress in your life or otherwise.  The best thing you can do is to try to destress as much as you can and be as gentle on your CNS as possible.  If there's one thing we all know, in withdrawal stressing the CNS can cause many symptoms and exacerbate those you already have.

 

I say this in light of the fact that I've been (as you know) struggling badly for a while and have no answers for myself at the moment.  So, it's not  like I don't want to give you the answers -- I just don't really have any.  My advice would be to stay right where you are, do all  that you can to live  as low-stress as possible  (add in those Epsom salts baths if you can) and wait this out.  The urge to take something whenever you are uncomfortable is very strong and very understandable, however, each thing you take has its own set of side effects and it becomes impossible to know what is causing what.

 

This too shall pass, Frogie.

 

Best,

 

Andy

[Frogie]

8 minutes ago, apace41 said:

 

Frogie,

 

I'm sorry you are struggling with all of this and I know you would like to have answers to your questions.  The problem is, and I know I've said this to you before, nobody really knows the answers to the questions.  I could tell you "oh, it's THIS or its THAT" but that would not be right since I don't really know.  All you can really do is trial and error as you have been doing.  If you think it is the Vitamin E, you stop it.  Then you change the time of day you take it. Etc., etc.  I can't say for sure if any of the things you have highlighted are causing your symptoms or if it's just a matter of where you are in the withdrawal process, the accumulation of stress in your life or otherwise.  The best thing you can do is to try to destress as much as you can and be as gentle on your CNS as possible.  If there's one thing we all know, in withdrawal stressing the CNS can cause many symptoms and exacerbate those you already have.

 

I say this in light of the fact that I've been (as you know) struggling badly for a while and have no answers for myself at the moment.  So, it's not  like I don't want to give you the answers -- I just don't really have any.  My advice would be to stay right where you are, do all  that you can to live  as low-stress as possible  (add in those Epsom salts baths if you can) and wait this out.  The urge to take something whenever you are uncomfortable is very strong and very understandable, however, each thing you take has its own set of side effects and it becomes impossible to know what is causing what.

 

This too shall pass, Frogie.

 

Best,

 

Andy

Andy:

 

I know you are really struggling right now. I feel for you and hope you finally get some much needed rest. That's why I didn't want to bother you.

 

I really think my akasthisia is coming from a delayed reaction to the Phenergran. When I have been nauseous, I take the Phenergran, and about 3 days later I have the akasthisia in my knees! It's just horrendous. I've never had akasthisia taking Phenergran or Zofran, so it must be a new symptom for me. I've read where people commit suicide because of this. I understand why. I won't do that. You have nothing to worry about. I have too much to live for. We finally get to move home this year, and I will get my mother in law, oldest son, daughter in law, step son, Uncle, but more than anything my granddaughter back in my life. It can't come soon enough!

 

I have been taking Vitamin E for almost 2 years in high doses (800 IU) daily for my fatty liver. It has just started making me nauseous. I'm just going to stop taking it. I'm taking Milk Thistle. I read where Vitamin E can build up in your system and stay in the fat of your body. Maybe that's what's going on. I know you don't have the answer to that. But your body doesn't get rid of it like it does Vitamin C.

 

I read an article on SA to use weighted blankets, so I bought some weights that you wrap around your ankles and lay them fiat on my knees. I also bought some magnesium cream. I've rubbed it in 3 times today. I hope that's not too much. Taking a magnesium supplement makes me nauseous.

 

It only happens about 15 minutes after I wake up. I sleep fine. It doesn't bother me when I'm in bed, so it's not restless leg syndrome. (I'm sorry I can sleep).

 

My thread is just busy. I've been trying to stay off, except a couple times a day because I'm getting headaches. Pretty sure it's my glasses and the iPad. I'll know Monday. Going to get my eyes checked then.

 

I don't know what else to do. I'm staying home where I'm comfortable and snuggling with Brownie. I'm trying to be as stress free as possible. I think it all started with the remodeling and Christmas. 

 

I'm going to see how I feel at the end of the month/beginning of next month. If I feel better I'm going to taper.

 

I am really sending positive thoughts to you hoping you will end your sleepless nights, and recover from that.

 

Thanks for listening and helping me. I really appreciate it.

 

Take care,

Frogie xx

[Littlegrandma]

Hey Frogie 

i just ordered 3 roller balls, pre- mixed from BlessedNecessities on Etsy. 3 for 18.00. That’s cheaper than what I’ve paid in the past. 

1peppermint

1 for focus and concentration    

1 for anxiety and depression 

 

if you buy just one, they’re only $7

i usually pay $10 - 12.    

 

Feel better! Lg xx

[Frogie]

38 minutes ago, Littlegrandma said:

Hey Frogie 

i just ordered 3 roller balls, pre- mixed from BlessedNecessities on Etsy. 3 for 18.00. That’s cheaper than what I’ve paid in the past. 

1peppermint

1 for focus and concentration    

1 for anxiety and depression 

 

if you buy just one, they’re only $7

i usually pay $10 - 12.    

 

Feel better! Lg xx

Thanks LG:

 

I will check it out. I'm new to this oil stuff. The roller ball, you just put it on your temples?

 

I will be ok, just hard akasthisia time.

 

Take care,

Frogie xx

[manymoretodays]

Hi Froglet. 

 

On the knees and akathisia.  Can you describe it a little more?  Are your knees restless or painful or you have a need to keep moving them?  I'm just not sure that I understand.

 

Do the baths help?  Or just plain heat like a heating pad or something heated up in the microwave?  I don't think that you need to worry about using the cream at all?

 

Heres a link on akathisia and agitation that might be helpful:

 

http://survivingantidepressants.org/topic/32-akathisia-vs-restlessness-anxiety-agitation/

 

The weighted blankets idea is in there and more.  I hope you find it helpful.

 

I did not experience much nausea that I recall now.  I generally just sip some ginger tea with honey if I'm feeling any gut discomfort myself.  I think you don't tolerate ginger though?

 

Snow coming!!!  And I am happy about that.

 

Love, peace, healing/inrecovery, and growth,

mmt

 

Edited January 18, 2018 by manymoretodays

[Frogie]

13 minutes ago, manymoretodays said:

Hi Froglet. 

 

On the knees and akathisia.  Can you describe it a little more?  Are your knees restless or painful or you have a need to keep moving them?  I'm just not sure that I understand.

 

Do the baths help?  Or just plain heat like a heating pad or something heated up in the microwave?  I don't think that you need to worry about using the cream at all?

 

Heres a link on akathisia and agitation that might be helpful:

 

http://survivingantidepressants.org/topic/32-akathisia-vs-restlessness-anxiety-agitation/

 

The weighted blankets idea is in there and more.  I hope you find it helpful.

 

I did not experience much nausea that I recall now.  I generally just sip some ginger tea with honey if I'm feeling any gut discomfort myself.  I think you don't tolerate ginger though?

 

Snow coming!!!  And I am happy about that.

 

Love, peace, healing/inrecovery, and growth,

mmt

 

Hi MMT:

 

I just want to dig my knees off my body. I can't stand the creepy crawly inside them.

 

I read the article before, that's how I got the idea of putting the weights on my knees. But thanks for the information.

 

The baths help for an hour or so, then I'm back to the akasthisia. I put heat on and that helps some.

 

I have had nausea off and on since starting this **** tapering. Ginger makes me sicker even in food.

 

We are supposed to get snow Saturday night and Sunday, but I'm sure it will change before that and we won't get any. That's what always happens. It's supposed to be almost 70 Friday. It's not winter at all.

 

Thanks for checking on me.

 

Take care,

Frogie xx

[Littlegrandma]

36 minutes ago, Frogie said:

Thanks LG:

 

I will check it out. I'm new to this oil stuff. The roller ball, you just put it on your temples?

 

I will be ok, just hard akasthisia time.

 

Take care,

Frogie xx

Yes. Temples, wrists, inner arm. 

Sorry you feel so lousy.   Lg

[Frogie]

13 minutes ago, Littlegrandma said:

Yes. Temples, wrists, inner arm. 

Sorry you feel so lousy.   Lg

Thanks, now just convincing my fiancé I need it.

 

Thanks for caring.

 

Hope you are doing better.

 

Take care,

Frogie xx

[brassmonkey]

Hi Frogie-- It's looking like nausea is the poster-child symptom for your taper, and is going to be showing up every time you get too stressed or start experimenting with supplements and such.  I think every nausea cure known to man has been discussed several time already on your thread, so there isn't anything more that we can add.  If the phenegran is causing problems with your knees then you have to decide which is worse the nausea or the knees.  How much magnesium are you using? Baths, tablets, creams, it's possible to be getting too much of a good thing which will cause an adverse reaction and make you feel worse. I strongly recommend that you reread the thread on Dealing With Emotional Spirals, as I'm seeing a lot of spiral thinking going on here.

 

Dealing With Emotional Spirals

[Frogie]

1 hour ago, brassmonkey said:

Hi Frogie-- It's looking like nausea is the poster-child symptom for your taper, and is going to be showing up every time you get too stressed or start experimenting with supplements and such.  I think every nausea cure known to man has been discussed several time already on your thread, so there isn't anything more that we can add.  If the phenegran is causing problems with your knees then you have to decide which is worse the nausea or the knees.  How much magnesium are you using? Baths, tablets, creams, it's possible to be getting too much of a good thing which will cause an adverse reaction and make you feel worse. I strongly recommend that you reread the thread on Dealing With Emotional Spirals, as I'm seeing a lot of spiral thinking going on here.

 

Dealing With Emotional Spirals

Thanks for getting back to me. I just started using the magnesium cream 2 days ago. I only put it on my knees. It says on the tube that each .5 oz of the cream contains 521mg of tonic magnesium. I probably use the size of 1/2 of my pinky fingernail twice a day, so it's not even .5oz a day. The weights are helping a lot. I got some weights that you wrap on your ankles and lay them flat on my knees. I have been taking 800IU of Vitamin E for almost 2 years. I forgot to put that in my signature, that's my fault. I was so upset about my liver then that I forgot a lot of things. The Vitamin E has just started making me nauseous. It was a process of elimination. I didn't take it one morning and wasn't nauseous. I took it at night and woke up the next morning and was nauseous. I quit taking it two days ago and haven't been nauseous (knock on wood). It was originally given to me for my infiltrated liver, but I had a well known liver dr in New York look at my CT. He said my liver was a little fatty, but I was fine. Where we live, a lot of people have infiltrated and fatty livers. It makes us all wonder if the lab is coming back with that so the Drs have something to treat? I have not had this akasthisia in my knees ever. It just popped up three days after I took a Phenergran. And I've been taking Phenergran a long time. I'm going to try meclizine or Benadryl if I get nauseated and see what happens. I know that nausea is always going to be there through my WD, unfortunately, and I'm going to have to learn how to deal with it. I would be really happy if the meclizine or Benadryl worked.  I just got freaked out with the akasthisia in my knees because like I said it's never happened to me before. I'll be so glad to be off this Lexapro. Then Xanax and I'm done!  Do you think the Benadryl or meclizine would be a good try? Were you ever nauseous in WD? What were your symptoms, if I may ask? I really appreciate you answering my questions. 

 

One more question, if you don't mind. How low do you go before you jump off? I'm just curious.

 

Take care,

Frogie xx

[Downbutnotout]

48 minutes ago, Frogie said:

Thanks for getting back to me. I just started using the magnesium cream 2 days ago. I only put it on my knees. It says on the tube that each .5 oz of the cream contains 521mg of tonic magnesium. I probably use the size of 1/2 of my pinky fingernail twice a day, so it's not even .5oz a day. The weights are helping a lot. I got some weights that you wrap on your ankles and lay them flat on my knees. I have been taking 800IU of Vitamin E for almost 2 years. I forgot to put that in my signature, that's my fault. I was so upset about my liver then that I forgot a lot of things. The Vitamin E has just started making me nauseous. It was a process of elimination. I didn't take it one morning and wasn't nauseous. I took it at night and woke up the next morning and was nauseous. I quit taking it two days ago and haven't been nauseous (knock on wood). It was originally given to me for my infiltrated liver, but I had a well known liver dr in New York look at my CT. He said my liver was a little fatty, but I was fine. Where we live, a lot of people have infiltrated and fatty livers. It makes us all wonder if the lab is coming back with that so the Drs have something to treat? I have not had this akasthisia in my knees ever. It just popped up three days after I took a Phenergran. And I've been taking Phenergran a long time. I'm going to try meclizine or Benadryl if I get nauseated and see what happens. I know that nausea is always going to be there through my WD, unfortunately, and I'm going to have to learn how to deal with it. I would be really happy if the meclizine or Benadryl worked.  I just got freaked out with the akasthisia in my knees because like I said it's never happened to me before. I'll be so glad to be off this Lexapro. Then Xanax and I'm done!  Do you think the Benadryl or meclizine would be a good try? Were you ever nauseous in WD? What were your symptoms, if I may ask? I really appreciate you answering my questions. 

 

One more question, if you don't mind. How low do you go before you jump off? I'm just curious.

 

Take care,

Frogie xx

Frogie: thinking of you. I did read the emotional spiral thing. I’ll have to try it. Sorry your nauseous. 

[manymoretodays]

Hi Frogie,

Were you planning another 10% decrease in your Lexapro tomorrow?  3 mos. since your greater than 50% decrease?  I just noticed your signature notes this.  Please consider holding until you are in a better place of W/D stability.  And even then, considering even smaller drops than 10%.  I don't think that it's so much the Lexapro itself now, as it is the W/D.  I mean it's complicated yet.......   Your W/D may be further intensified, by too many additions and subtractions of other medications, and possibly supplements.

 

I'm glad brassmonkey chimed on in on the magnesium as well.  And not overdoing.  Sounds like you are going good with the cream and baths.  That's good you figured out the nausea was related to the Vit E.  You may be able to re introduce it at a later date again and do okay with it.  Or reintroduce at a lower dosage.  That's happened to a fair amount of us.

 

I also think that you should go to drugs.com and read up on the Phenergan, as well as Benadryl and other medications/drugs/supplements mentioned lately, that you are considering using, or have been using.  As you know, you are in W/D.   Oftentimes........reaching for another medication/drug is not the best plan.  Do your research.  Then decide.

 

I'm hoping you get some relief from the nausea soon.  I know that you have had a long hard bout with illness and circumstances even before your arrival here........and I'm sorry. 

 

Hoping this is helpful.  Not to make you more fearful and frustrated.  I want to you pay attention to what is said about hypersensitivity.  And maybe you can poke around over there and find some inspiration and ideas for coping. 

https://beyondmeds.com/2014/04/20/limbic-kindling/

 

This is a great time to work on your non medication coping skills.   And you WILL be rewarded for your efforts down the line I think. 

 

Best, Love, peace, healing/inrecovery, and growth,

mmt

 

Edited January 19, 2018 by manymoretodays

[Frogie]

9 hours ago, manymoretodays said:

Hi Frogie,

Were you planning another 10% decrease in your Lexapro tomorrow?  3 mos. since your greater than 50% decrease?  I just noticed your signature notes this.  Please consider holding until you are in a better place of W/D stability.  And even then, considering even smaller drops than 10%.  I don't think that it's so much the Lexapro itself now, as it is the W/D.  I mean it's complicated yet.......   Your W/D may be further intensified, by too many additions and subtractions of other medications, and possibly supplements.

 

I'm glad brassmonkey chimed on in on the magnesium as well.  And not overdoing.  Sounds like you are going good with the cream and baths.  That's good you figured out the nausea was related to the Vit E.  You may be able to re introduce it at a later date again and do okay with it.  Or reintroduce at a lower dosage.  That's happened to a fair amount of us.

 

I also think that you should go to drugs.com and read up on the Phenergan, as well as Benadryl and other medications/drugs/supplements mentioned lately, that you are considering using, or have been using.  As you know, you are in W/D.   Oftentimes........reaching for another medication/drug is not the best plan.  Do your research.  Then decide.

 

I'm hoping you get some relief from the nausea soon.  I know that you have had a long hard bout with illness and circumstances even before your arrival here........and I'm sorry. 

 

Hoping this is helpful.  Not to make you more fearful and frustrated.  I want to you pay attention to what is said about hypersensitivity.  And maybe you can poke around over there and find some inspiration and ideas for coping. 

https://beyondmeds.com/2014/04/20/limbic-kindling/

 

This is a great time to work on your non medication coping skills.   And you WILL be rewarded for your efforts down the line I think. 

 

Best, Love, peace, healing/inrecovery, and growth,

mmt

 

Thanks mmt:

 

Yeah I'm making a taper this morning. It's not the Lexapro that's making sick, it was the Vitamin E. When I quit taking that, I wasn't sick. I'm going to try a taper. I can always go back up if I have to. I just saw on the forum a lot of people use meclizine or Benadryl for nausea if they need it that's why I asked. I don't put magnesium in my baths. I just take nice hot baths and then put that cream on my knees. But I don't need it or the weights right now. I haven't taken a Phenergran. It only happens about three days after I take one. Then it's horrible. That's when I used the magnesium cream and weights. This is the first time Phenergran and Zofran has ever done this to me. I've never had a problem with them. I went to drugs.com yesterday and read about phenegran, zofran, meclizine and Benadryl. Phenergran and Zofran does have akasthisia listed as a side effect, but not meclizine or Benadryl. I might try tums or Roland's even if it's not too bad. I also googled a lot too and got lots of answers. I saw peppermint tea and chamomile tea helps too. I have that. I will look at BeyondMeds. Thanks for the information. I will let you know how it goes. I usually have problems within a day or two.

 

Thanks for caring.

 

Take care,

Frogie xx

 

PS Has is snowed? They say 1-5 inches (different weather places I read). Saturday night/all day Sunday. They haven't changed it yet, maybe it's finally going to happen! ❄️❄️❄️☃☃☃ I will feel sooooo much better having some winter instead of 70 degrees like today!

[Frogie]

11 hours ago, Downbutnotout said:

Frogie: thinking of you. I did read the emotional spiral thing. I’ll have to try it. Sorry your nauseous. 

I was nauseous because of the Vitamin E, not the Lexaoro like I thought.

 

I appreciate you caring.

 

Hope you are doing well.

 

Take care,

Frogie xx

[Downbutnotout]

Wow, that’s great! You figured it out. 

[Frogie]

Just now, Downbutnotout said:

Wow, that’s great! You figured it out. 

Yeah, now wish me luck. I tapered this morning. It's been 2 1/2 months since the pharmacy mistake and I feel stable.

 

Take care,

Frogie xx

[Downbutnotout]

2 minutes ago, Frogie said:

Yeah, now wish me luck. I tapered this morning. It's been 2 1/2 months since the pharmacy mistake and I feel stable.

 

Take care,

Frogie xx

Good luck! 

[Frogie]

1 minute ago, Downbutnotout said:

Good luck! 

Thanks!

[manymoretodays]

Can you recap on the liver problem that you have Frogie?  And the Vitamin E?  How does that help with it?  It's all got me wondering now if your liver function is affected?  And then of course how that is effecting everything else you ingest, meds/drugs, and food intake?  Metabolism, you know?  Have you seen your country bumpkin Doctor lately that you like?  And been able to do small, frequent feeds rather than large eats.  And looked for specific foods that you tolerate well.  Be creative!  It can be fun and kind of empowering as well.  Oh......and the nausea!!

 

I mostly do the essential oils with a diffuser myself.  Like a small little humidifier.    Aromatherapy.......which still can have some healing effects.  We had the best ginger tea at a Thai food place yesterday.  Just the aroma was yummy.  Do you really have to check with your fiance for every expenditure?  That must be tough.

 

This isn't quite the end of the month yet, as far as your tapering plan goes.  And I do wonder if you might do okay with less than a 10% drop.  I'm sure that you have considered all this?

 

I think it's snowing somewhere for sure.  The skies have gotten darker and just the small birdies out there are quietly chatting now.  Do you venture outside much these days?  I would encourage you to take full advantage of 70 degree Fahrenheit weather, and even go exploring.  Take a drive.  And how nice that is.  70 degrees!  Instead of always looking for and dwelling on the negative........try to be positive or even neutral about some of the here and now stuff.   You can make that choice.  I mean if you keep waiting, waiting, on your moving back to where you were before as the answer for your discontent.........you may find it is not an answer at all when you get there.  I don't know........I am just feeling philosophical today.  I hope you don't mind.

 

I was talking with my dear friend yesterday and we got on the subject of how strangers would often just take over for us and help so much.........like when things were hard, or are hard.  Many of us think that our regular people should be there, more than they are, and feel so slighted.  Yet then.........it turns out to be, if not a complete stranger, someone we least expected, in our circle of acquaintances who turned out to be the most comforting and helpful, in getting us moving forward again, or even being more comfortable in the way/place that we were at.  Something to think about I think for you.   

 

Okay.......hugs.

 

Love, peace, healing/inrecovery, and growth, 

mmt

Edited January 19, 2018 by manymoretodays

[Frogie]

56 minutes ago, manymoretodays said:

Can you recap on the liver problem that you have Frogie?  And the Vitamin E?  How does that help with it?  It's all got me wondering now if your liver function is affected?  And then of course how that is effecting everything else you ingest, meds/drugs, and food intake?  Metabolism, you know?  Have you seen your country bumpkin Doctor lately that you like?  And been able to do small, frequent feeds rather than large eats.  And looked for specific foods that you tolerate well.  Be creative!  It can be fun and kind of empowering as well.

 

I mostly do the essential oils with a diffuser myself.  Like a small little humidifier.    Aromatherapy.......which still can have some healing effects.  We had the best ginger tea at a Thai food place yesterday.  Just the aroma was yummy.  Do you really have to check with your fiance for every expenditure?  That must be tough.

 

This isn't quite the end of the month yet, as far as your tapering plan goes.  And I do wonder if you might do okay with less than a 10% drop.  I'm sure that you have considered all this?

 

I think it's snowing somewhere for sure.  The skies have gotten darker and just the small birdies out there are quietly chatting now.  Do you venture outside much these days?  I would encourage you to take full advantage of 70 degree Fahrenheit weather, and even go exploring.  Take a drive.  And how nice that is.  70 degrees!  Instead of always looking for and dwelling on the negative........try to be positive or even neutral about some of the here and now stuff.   You can make that choice.  I mean if you keep waiting, waiting, on your moving back to where you were before as the answer for your discontent.........you may find it is not an answer at all when you get there.  I don't know........I am just feeling philosophical today.  I hope you don't mind.

 

I was talking with my dear friend yesterday and we got on the subject of how strangers would often just take over for us and help so much.........like when things were hard, or are hard.  Many of us think that our regular people should be there, more than they are, and feel so slighted.  Yet then.........it turns out to be, if not a complete stranger, someone we least expected, in our circle of acquaintances who turned out to be the most comforting and helpful, in getting us moving forward again, or even being more comfortable in the way/place that we were at.  Something to think about I think for you.   

 

Okay.......hugs.

 

Love, peace, healing/inrecovery, and growth, 

mmt

Hi MMT:

 

I usually do my taper the middle of the month. So I thought I would try today. That gives me the weekend to see how it goes with my fiancé here. Yes, I check with him before I buy anything. It's not that I have too, we are saving to remodel the other bathroom, fix some siding issues, and recoat the roof, so we can move back home. There is nothing out here. Cows, fields, wheat, corn, tumbleweeds and a highway. I've been everywhere possible out here without driving for hours. I'm not big on driving. I used to love to drive until we moved out here. Now we have to drive everywhere to get anything. So I'm kinda burned out on it. My fiancé wants to move back home too. He's tired of living out here and wants to be closer to family also. I think it's time. I don't venture out much. I'm very happy at home with my 16 year old chihuahua. I tried Volunterring, but with my disability, it was too hard on me. I have a Pilates machine and a stationary bike, I just need to use them lol... There are no yoga classes or anything like that out here. There is 1 gym 16 miles away, but it's mostly for body builders. They have a treadmill and some bikes. Other than that it's all body building machines.

 

I saw my country dr last month. He says I'm doing fine. I have an infiltrated liver. That's why I'm on 800IU Vitamin E. But I had a well known New York liver dr read my CT and he said I was fine. It was a little fatty, but I was fine. Almost everyone we know out here has this liver problem. Even my fiancé. We are all beginning to think its something Drs want you to have so they have something to treat. But my dr said I could taper as fast or slow as I felt comfortable with. He would continue to prescribe the Lexapro as long as I needed it. He is actually a really good dr for this. He hasn't pushed me but one time. I told him to back off and we now have an understanding. I'm wondering if my liver is not metabolizing all the meds also. 

 

I wish I could take ginger, but I can't. Not even in food. Or I'm throwing up. 

 

We try to be creative with food. But sometimes it's hard. We have 1 small, small grocery store in our town. Then 16 miles we have a small Safeway. No deli or bakery. Sometimes you go shopping and they are out of meat and some veggies we really like, so it's hit and miss. We are going to try a keto diet. Got the books. We are going to start going through the books this weekend and reading about it. Supposed to be a very good diet. Lots of veggies.

 

I have no friends out here. Don't ask. If you aren't from here, or your family isn't from here, you don't belong here. I've tried for almost 5 years. So has my fiancé. He has acquaintances. I will be glad to go home where my friends and family are. Especially my granddaughter. I really think I will heal better. I have had long talks with my therapist about this and she agrees.

 

With my taper, I'm only asking for reassurance and a pat on the back once in a while. I've been through really rough times with it, so I know how my body reacts. I really think my body says it's time. I stopped the Vitamin E and feel great!

 

Thanks for caring MMT. It really does mean a lot to me.

 

Take care,

Frogie xx

 

 

[RachelSusan]

Hi Frogie,

 

I wanted to wish you good luck with your taper.  You are always so brave. 

 

I have had nausea a few times with my tapers.  For me, it's the feeling of being sick to my stomach like I get from being on a boat.  I have had great success with Meclizine.  My doctor suggested 25 mg however I find that I get relief with 12.5 mg. I always figure less is better if possible.  I think we all have those things that plague us more during tapers.  It appears that nausea is sort of your torture.  I don't get nausea very often, for me my torture is usually internal tremors or the hot sweats. I think nausea is the worst so I have tons of compassion for you.  I hope you are spared too much suffering my friend.

 

Stay strong.

xo

Rachel

[Frogie]

5 minutes ago, RachelSusan said:

Hi Frogie,

 

I wanted to wish you good luck with your taper.  You are always so brave. 

 

I have had nausea a few times with my tapers.  For me, it's the feeling of being sick to my stomach like I get from being on a boat.  I have had great success with Meclizine.  My doctor suggested 25 mg however I find that I get relief with 12.5 mg. I always figure less is better if possible.  I think we all have those things that plague us more during tapers.  It appears that nausea is sort of your torture.  I don't get nausea very often, for me my torture is usually internal tremors or the hot sweats. I think nausea is the worst so I have tons of compassion for you.  I hope you are spared too much suffering my friend.

 

Stay strong.

xo

Rachel

Hi Rachel:

 

I appreciate your kind words. I don't think I'm that brave, I just think I feel really well and want to try to taper.

 

I can't take Phenergran anymore. I've taken it for years, but all of a sudden, it's giving me akasthisia in my knees, after about 3 days of taking it. Is Meclizine like Dramamine or Bonine? Scallywag suggested Dramamine to me quite a while ago.

 

My stomach feels like I have the flu. I guess I'm lucky I don't have the tremors or sweating. But I'm beginning to think it was the Vitamin E I was on for my liver. I haven't been sick since I stopped it. But I'm keeping the Meclizine in mind just in case.

 

I guess everyone has some sort of tortue. I'll be glad when this nightmare is over. As I'm sure you will too.

 

I see that you are on Gabapentin and steroids. I tapered off Gabapentin way too fast. And I've been on steroids a couple of times throughout my WD. Both are nightmares! Don't taper the Gabepentn for a while after you are off Zoloft, I think some of that was my problem. I just tapered too fast off everything. One right after the other.

 

Thanks again for the encouragement. It makes me feel good that people care.

 

Hope you are doing well.

 

Take care,

Frogie xx

[RachelSusan]

I tried to look up what is the difference between  Meclizine and Dramamine on the internet  and I got the impression that one was the chemical compound name and one was the brand, so it might be the same thing.  I wasn't 100% clear in what I was reading though.   Glad you don't have the nausea now.  I do make sure that I always have some Meclizine in the house just because I can't stand the nausea.  So bad!!!!!

 

As for the Gabapentin, I will wait until after I am off the Zoloft.  I will wait a long while.  It's not even on my radar right now.

 

I hope that when you get off your meds you will continue to check in here.  You are a ray of sunshine and there are a lot of people that would miss you if you stopped coming back.

xo

RS

[Frogie]

3 minutes ago, RachelSusan said:

I tried to look up what is the difference between  Meclizine and Dramamine on the internet  and I got the impression that one was the chemical compound name and one was the brand, so it might be the same thing.  I wasn't 100% clear in what I was reading though.   Glad you don't have the nausea now.  I do make sure that I always have some Meclizine in the house just because I can't stand the nausea.  So bad!!!!!

 

As for the Gabapentin, I will wait until after I am off the Zoloft.  I will wait a long while.  It's not even on my radar right now.

 

I hope that when you get off your meds you will continue to check in here.  You are a ray of sunshine and there are a lot of people that would miss you if you stopped coming back.

xo

RS

Hi Rachel:

 

I'm pretty sure Dramamine and Bonine is Meclizine. I was reading about it yesterday. 

 

I'm glad the Gabapentin is off in the distance. My phychiatrist took me off Gabapentin, Lamictal and Valium one right after the other without waiting in between. Then I cut my Lexapro in 1/2 which just made this a nightmare! If I can help one person from going through what I went through, it's worth it. 

 

I'm not going anywhere. After this **** Lexapro, I have Xanax to taper off of. The only place I'm going is home. Hopefully by the end of the year. My fiancé is ready to go home.  finally!!!

 

I really have you fooled... A ray of sunshine? Lol... You are too my friend. You are always kind to me. Right now I need that more than anything. It's been pretty cruel latley.

 

I hope you are feeling well.

 

Take care,

Frogie xx

[RachelSusan]

Thanks for the information on the Dramamine and Bonine is Meclizine. 

 

I am hanging in there. My last taper on Dec 9 brought about some difficulties and I am still getting some symptoms but at the moment it is fairly light,  just a few hot and sweaty moments, and a few myoclonic jerks. Nothing that lasts very long.  I am still following you advice though, no new taper until I am 30 days clear of symptoms.  Also I am adding one of my own rules, no tapering during any physical stress or emotional stress.

 

Sorry it's been rough on you. Really and truly I do see you as a ray of sunshine. You may laugh, it's OK if you do, but I have my own opinion and I am sticking with it. By the way, my opinion isn't based on how you are doing or feeling one moment in time, but in how you are overall, for months at a time.

 

xo

RS

 

 

[Frogie]

12 minutes ago, RachelSusan said:

Thanks for the information on the Dramamine and Bonine is Meclizine. 

 

I am hanging in there. My last taper on Dec 9 brought about some difficulties and I am still getting some symptoms but at the moment it is fairly light,  just a few hot and sweaty moments, and a few myoclonic jerks. Nothing that lasts very long.  I am still following you advice though, no new taper until I am 30 days clear of symptoms.  Also I am adding one of my own rules, no tapering during any physical stress or emotional stress.

 

Sorry it's been rough on you. Really and truly I do see you as a ray of sunshine. You may laugh, it's OK if you do, but I have my own opinion and I am sticking with it. By the way, my opinion isn't based on how you are doing or feeling one moment in time, but in how you are overall, for months at a time.

 

xo

RS

 

 

You are welcome about the Dramamine and Bonine. Scallywag told me about the Dramamine. I'm going to try it if I get nauseous. But praying just once, I don't.

 

That's great that you are tapering only when you have no symptoms. That's the only way to do it. I'm so glad I could help you through my own mistakes.

 

Rachel, you brought tears to my eyes when you said I'm a ray of sunshine. I'm so glad you don't have an opinion of me only on good times, because I have a lot of bad times as you know. I just try to keep it off of here. You truly are a ray of sunshine yourself. It's been really rough, but, hey, it can only get better right? I have a saying on my fridge: "Today is a good day for a good day". I try to follow it as much as I can. 

 

You are very special and I'm glad we got to be friends.

 

Don't be a stranger. I love hearing from you.

 

Take care,

Frogie xx

[Gridley]

Thanks for writing.  Yes, I'm down to 9.0, going very slowly.  Next week 8.8.  You are doing great--way down there!  Remember to go slower as the doses get lower.

 

Gridley

[Downbutnotout]

6 hours ago, Downbutnotout said:

Good luck! 

 

[Frogie]

24 minutes ago, Gridley said:

Thanks for writing.  Yes, I'm down to 9.0, going very slowly.  Next week 8.8.  You are doing great--way down there!  Remember to go slower as the doses get lower.

 

Gridley

Can I still do every 30 days?

 

Thanks!

 

Take care,

Frogie xx

[Frogie]

8 minutes ago, Downbutnotout said:

 

Thanks I need it! 

 

Hope you are having a good day.

 

Take care,

Frogie xx

[Downbutnotout]

I felt s bit of a physical difference in my head today. I woke up a little better.  I dragged myself to a zumba silver sneakers class.  I did talk to a friend today, had lunch and managed to enjoy the food, went snd spent an hour and a half with my 95 old aunt. I gave them my name to volunteer at the facility. I want to believe this depression will manage to lift wo intervention. Aside from the non drug techniques. I want to hear from someone who had this positive experience. 

[Frogie]

1 minute ago, Downbutnotout said:

I felt s bit of a physical difference in my head today. I woke up a little better.  I dragged myself to a zumba silver sneakers class.  I did talk to a friend today, had lunch and managed to enjoy the food, went snd spent an hour and a half with my 95 old aunt. I gave them my name to volunteer at the facility. I want to believe this depression will manage to lift wo intervention. Aside from the non drug techniques. I want to hear from someone who had this experience. I don’t want to hear from anyone saying this is impossible. That negativity really is bad, and brings me way down. 

Sounds like you had a very good day.

 

Maybe the reinstatement is starting to work.

 

I will keep my fingers crossed.

 

Take care,

Frogie xx

[Downbutnotout]

Aw, thank you Frogie. You know, you choked me up, almost. I have that emotionless thing going. I actually felt a bit of emotion when I was with my aunt. The poor thing has dementia and was looking for her suitcase so she can go home to her mother. She also wants to get her job back at the newspaper where she worked 60 years ago.