f00zzy: intro

[f00zzy]

Hi

 

male - 40's - on lexapro for 7 years - initially 10mg then up'd to 15mg. also on losec ppi, high bp meds, statins for cholesterol

 

lexapro made v. positve impact for anxiety and mild depression - however downside is blood pressure started to increase

and bit by bit weight (that had been steady all my life) has increased despite trying many things  diet/exercise - generally fit

convinced lex is source of weight issue - like my metabolism is out of whack

 

have tried tapering back to 10 - but found mood went very flat so went back to 15

 

want to get weight under ctrl so welcome any advice. also dont want to be on lex forever - would like to seek

alternatives ..

 

tnks

 

 

Edited March 5, 2017 by scallywag
tags

[DaddyCee]

Hi and Welcome.

 

How quickly did you taper from 15mg to 10mg?  Can you complete an email signature with your meds history it will be easier for experts to give advice.

 

You have come to the correct place to get help with your taper plan and for advice when you start to feel that things are rocky.

 

Weight increase is a known side effect with most of the Antidepressants and I can assure you that weight will drop off as you slowly wean from the Lexapro.

 

Have a great day and peace to you.

 

DC.

[f00zzy]

Thanks DC. updated signature now.

 

I tapered over a month - alternating days 15mg and 10mg until eventually dropping down to 10mg - was going fine but then after period flatness returned..

.. also had a lot of work pressure at the time - 

[scallywag]

f00zzy: -- Welcome to Surviving Antidepressants (SA)
 
Thanks for creating a signature. Would you add to your signature the doses and timeline you mention in your first post?

For now you'd be wise to keep things steady at 15 mg for at least a month, more may be needed to stabilize.
3KIS: Keep it slow. Keep it simple. Keep it stable.
How long to stabilize after reinstating or updosing.

Alternating doses or skipping days can be very demanding of the CNS (central nervous system). We suggest tapering by no more than 10% per month. These topics provide more detail:
Before you begin tapering -- what you need to know.
Why taper by 10% of my dosage?.

Here's information about Lexapro:
Tips for tapering off Lexapro (escitalopram)

To make tapered doses, e.g. reducing 10% from 15 mg = 13.5 mg, most people either use digital scales, get liquid medication prescribed, or make liquid from tablets and capsules.
Using a digital scale to measure doses.
Making a liquid from a tablet or capsules .
 
Some people find supplementing with Omega 3 fatty acids and/or magnesium to be helpful. Start with one or the other at a low dose and work your way up.
Omega-3 fatty acids (fish oil).
Magnesium, nature's calcium channel blocker.
 
 
I hope you'll find the information in the SA forums helpful for your situation. I'm sorry that you are in the position that you need the information, but am glad that you found us.

[f00zzy]

Thanks @scallywag

 

Are there any natural supplements that are recommended for combatting anxiety either while tapering or afterwards ?

[scallywag]

The ones that seem to help and to cause problems for the fewest people are omega-3 fatty acids and magnesium. Other members dealing with anxiety report that magnesium has been helpful.  If you are going to use supplement, please introduce them one at a time and start with a low dose.

Omega-3 fatty acids (fish oil).

Magnesium, nature's calcium channel blocker.

3KIS: Keep it slow. Keep it simple. Keep it stable.

[KarenB]

Diet can play a role in anxiety.  It's the usual stuff - avoid caffeine, sugar and junk/processed food.  Same as we suggest for w/d, actually. 

 

And you can eat more of foods that are soothing.  Various ideas are discussed in these threads: 

http://survivingantidepressants.org/index.php?/topic/2840-eating-as-an-activating-factor-increasing-anxiety-or-symptoms/

http://survivingantidepressants.org/index.php?/topic/1229-probiotics-and-gut-health/

http://survivingantidepressants.org/index.php?/topic/8469-feeling-better-green-smoothies/

 

I personally find oats very soothing - I eat them twice a day.  Green smoothies are useful for lowering sugar cravings (and I'm currently trying to make myself eat some...)

[f00zzy]

Thanks KarenB, scallywag

 

Am taking magnesium and will start omega 3 again. also watch caffeine and what I eat.

 

quite a pressure job with a lot of responsibility so timing of when I begin tapering will be important. need to start it at time can give myself best chance of success.

[scallywag]

Considering when you'll be able to handle symptoms in planning your taper is very smart, f00zzy. <<applause>>