This2shallpass Posted August 6, 2016 Share Posted August 6, 2016 (edited) I started taking lexapro about 5 years ago was on 20mg. I tapered off over the course of 9 weeks by 10mg each. I've been off for 12 days. I've been feeling the brain zaps which I expected, I was tired and irritable which I expected. One night I woke up in a dead slee with pgad symptoms. Who would have thought that an anti depressant withdrawal would have caused this? I do not have it as bad as what I read but it is there. Im also feeling itchyness all over my body. Tingling everywhere, did anyone have pgad from withdrawal? Did it go away? How long did it take? I came off the lexapro to try and have a baby with my husband. Iam now devastated. Please give me some positivity! (mod note: Original title: Pgad help! Does it ever go away!) Edited May 12, 2019 by manymoretodays Introduction topics merged 2010- Celexa 20 mg 2012-lexapro 20mg 2015- lexapro 30mg October 2016- tried a too fast taper of lexapro and completely crashed. I reinstated 10mg after 3 months and it worked. December 2016- started to wean off lexapro with liquid and got off in April of 2018 got pregnant in June of 2018 and remained off lexapro no withdrawal symptoms. february 2019- right after I gave birth I started having withdrawal symptoms March 2019- reinstated 10mg lexapro, it made me very sick May 2019- did a successful Prozac bridge and immediately felt better. currently stabilized on 20mg Prozac Link to comment
Administrator Altostrata Posted August 6, 2016 Administrator Share Posted August 6, 2016 Welcome, This2shallpass. I moved your topic to start your Introductions topic. This topic can act as your journal. You are having withdrawal symptoms from tapering too fast. These can get worse. As little as 1mg Lexapro might relieve these symptoms; you'd taper off it later. Do you have any Lexapro left? See What is withdrawal syndrome? About reinstating and stabilizing to reduce withdrawal symptoms The Windows and Waves Pattern of Stabilization Tips for tapering off Lexapro (escitalopram) This is not medical advice. Discuss any decisions about your medical care with a knowledgeable medical practitioner. "It has become appallingly obvious that our technology has surpassed our humanity." -- Albert Einstein All postings © copyrighted. Link to comment
Moderator Emeritus ChessieCat Posted August 6, 2016 Moderator Emeritus Share Posted August 6, 2016 Hi This2shallpass and welcome to SA, It's good that you have found this site. There is lots of excellent information here. Alto has already given you some useful links. We ask all members to Please put your Withdrawal History in Signature. Details of the last year and a summary of anything prior is helpful. Please include ALL drugs, doses, dates and how you decreased/increased. This will allow your history to be seen at a glance. Please update whenever you make a change so it remains current. Here you can find Dr Joseph Glenmullen's Symptoms Checklist These helped me to understand AD drug withdrawal: Brain Remodelling (Rhi's Description of Brain Healing) and Video: Healing From Antidepressants - Patterns of Recovery. People can be reluctant, understandably, to reinstate. These links might help you to understand why reinstatement has been suggested. Please use your Intro/Update topic to ask questions. If you click "Follow" top right you will be notified when someone responds. * NO LONGER ACTIVE on SA * MISSION ACCOMPLISHED: (6 year taper) 0mg Pristiq on 13th November 2021 ADs since ~1992: 25+ years - 1 unknown, Prozac (muscle weakness), Zoloft; citalopram (pooped out) CTed (very sick for 2.5 wks a few months after); Pristiq: 50mg 2012, 100mg beg 2013 (Serotonin Toxicity) Tapering from Oct 2015 - 13 Nov 2021 LAST DOSE 0.0025mg Post 0 updates start here My tapering program My Intro (goes to tapering graph) VIDEO: Antidepressant Withdrawal Syndrome and its Management Link to comment
This2shallpass Posted April 23, 2019 Author Share Posted April 23, 2019 I was on lexapro for about 7 years. In July 2016 my psychiatrist basically cold turkeyed me and I went into severe withdrawal. I reinstated after 3 months because I could not function. In December of 2016 I started a very slow taper and was successful in getting off the lexapro in April of 2018 with minimal symptoms. I got pregnant right away, I felt amazing during my pregnancy and gave birth to an amazing little girl February 6, 2019. fast forward to today, I had a traumatic birth, lost so much blood, and baby was in the nicu for a month. I think I have developed POTS syndrome as well as gastropresis, which in getting tested for. I had to go back on lexapro because I could not function I took 2.5 and worked myself up to 10mg. I actually can function again and be a mom, I guess my question is, will my pots or gastropresis improve once I stabilize on the medication? I'm only 32 years old and I feel like my life will never be the same, it's very upsetting. Am I doomed? Will I never be able to taper again? 2010- Celexa 20 mg 2012-lexapro 20mg 2015- lexapro 30mg October 2016- tried a too fast taper of lexapro and completely crashed. I reinstated 10mg after 3 months and it worked. December 2016- started to wean off lexapro with liquid and got off in April of 2018 got pregnant in June of 2018 and remained off lexapro no withdrawal symptoms. february 2019- right after I gave birth I started having withdrawal symptoms March 2019- reinstated 10mg lexapro, it made me very sick May 2019- did a successful Prozac bridge and immediately felt better. currently stabilized on 20mg Prozac Link to comment
Moderator Emeritus Carmie Posted April 26, 2019 Moderator Emeritus Share Posted April 26, 2019 Hi This2shallpass, Welcome to SA. I’m sorry you had such a rough time with the birth of your daughter. Congratulations on the birth though, that’s awesome news. We are actually a site for coming off medication, so if down the track you would like to taper the medication please let us know. The recommendation is no more than 10% a month. Yes, you can definitely come off these meds again, if you choose to do so, but it’s important to come off really slowly, and let your brain stabilise with every drop. As to whether the medication will help with your symptoms we don’t know. The medications I’ve been on have only caused me problems, and everyone is struggling on this site because of medications. Could you please go to the Read This First forum and to the thread entitled “ Please Put Your Withdrawal History In Your Signature.” Thanks a lot. I hope you have many fun times with your new baby girl, sending hugs🤗 Seroquel. 2019:➡️ From 7.25mg to 5.80mg✔️ 2020➡️From 5.60 to 4.80✔️ 2021➡️From 4.60 to 4.0✔️ 2022➡️From 3.95 to 3.55✔️2023➡️ Jan 26=3.50✔️March 17=3.45✔️ June12=3.40✔️ July30=3.35✔️ Sep14=3.30✔️ Oct31=3.25✔️ 2024➡️Jan15=3.20✔️ Feb19=3.15✔️ March26=3.10✔️This is NOT medical advice.Consult your doctor. Link to comment
This2shallpass Posted May 5, 2019 Author Share Posted May 5, 2019 I think I spoke too soon yesterday at 6 weeks in 10mg I started to experience severe burning sensations all over my body including my brain! I'm not sure what to do should I start tapering the 10mg? I'm fearing the worst, kindling. @Carmie @Altostrata please help strutting to remain calm and positive! The reinstatement was working until now 2010- Celexa 20 mg 2012-lexapro 20mg 2015- lexapro 30mg October 2016- tried a too fast taper of lexapro and completely crashed. I reinstated 10mg after 3 months and it worked. December 2016- started to wean off lexapro with liquid and got off in April of 2018 got pregnant in June of 2018 and remained off lexapro no withdrawal symptoms. february 2019- right after I gave birth I started having withdrawal symptoms March 2019- reinstated 10mg lexapro, it made me very sick May 2019- did a successful Prozac bridge and immediately felt better. currently stabilized on 20mg Prozac Link to comment
Administrator Altostrata Posted May 5, 2019 Administrator Share Posted May 5, 2019 Hello, This2. Your situation is complicated, since the difficult birth and the symptoms you developed after that. Were you given antibiotics? It could be that you have some kind of odd reactions independent of your earlier withdrawal from Lexapro. We cannot predict, nor can your doctors, whether Lexapro will help you with that. They are experimenting. In the last 6 weeks, have you taken any drugs other than Lexapro, particularly in the last couple of weeks? The burning, etc. does sound like a hypersensitivity reaction that is drug-related. This is not medical advice. Discuss any decisions about your medical care with a knowledgeable medical practitioner. "It has become appallingly obvious that our technology has surpassed our humanity." -- Albert Einstein All postings © copyrighted. Link to comment
This2shallpass Posted May 6, 2019 Author Share Posted May 6, 2019 @Altostrata thanks for the reply! I wasn't given any other medication and I have not taken anything else. My brain literally feels like it's on fire and my body feels sunburned; I'm pretty sure I'm having an adverse reaction but I'm not sure. I can function and don't really have anxiety just really intense burning. If this is a reaction, do I start tapering? Should I try another ssri? I'm so upset and I have a newborn to take care of 2010- Celexa 20 mg 2012-lexapro 20mg 2015- lexapro 30mg October 2016- tried a too fast taper of lexapro and completely crashed. I reinstated 10mg after 3 months and it worked. December 2016- started to wean off lexapro with liquid and got off in April of 2018 got pregnant in June of 2018 and remained off lexapro no withdrawal symptoms. february 2019- right after I gave birth I started having withdrawal symptoms March 2019- reinstated 10mg lexapro, it made me very sick May 2019- did a successful Prozac bridge and immediately felt better. currently stabilized on 20mg Prozac Link to comment
This2shallpass Posted May 6, 2019 Author Share Posted May 6, 2019 Also, it's been 6 weeks: did I severely damaged my brain? I've read some threads and people don't recover for years 2010- Celexa 20 mg 2012-lexapro 20mg 2015- lexapro 30mg October 2016- tried a too fast taper of lexapro and completely crashed. I reinstated 10mg after 3 months and it worked. December 2016- started to wean off lexapro with liquid and got off in April of 2018 got pregnant in June of 2018 and remained off lexapro no withdrawal symptoms. february 2019- right after I gave birth I started having withdrawal symptoms March 2019- reinstated 10mg lexapro, it made me very sick May 2019- did a successful Prozac bridge and immediately felt better. currently stabilized on 20mg Prozac Link to comment
laydefish Posted May 9, 2019 Share Posted May 9, 2019 Hi This2shallpass & Welcome to the Group! I wanted to let you know that there definitely is hope to be healed & whole again! I'm 8 months Benzo (Valium) free after 7 years & Antidepressant (Prozac) free after 11 years. During that time I had approximately 58 dose changes, as well as 14 other medications added in & taken away. I also went thru a Cold Turkey for 3 weeks due to being hospitalized for Pneumonia (possible due to being on 3 different drugs that can cause breathing issues). I was in Tolerance Withdrawal for about 6 years, and after all that-I haven't felt this good in about 6 years- Everyday I feel better, it took some time & patience but, please know this- you can & will heal! The human body is amazingly resilient & especially since your so young- you will prevail & get thru this.. Please be sure to contact me anytime if you like for moral support! And Congratulations on the birth of your new baby! Take Care & Hang in There! 2 years Drug History Prior to Tapering: Between 2011 & 2018 I had approximately 58 dose changes between the 4 main medications I took as well as 14 new medications add & taken away. Prozac (Fluoxetine):(Aug 2016-Dec 2016: 60MG),(June 2017-Nov 2017: 60MG),(Dec 2017: 80MG),(June 2017-Sept 2 2018: 60MG),(Sept 3 2018-Sept 5 2018: 40MG),(Sept 6 2018-Sept 8 2018: 20MG),(Sept 9 2018: 0MG). Cymbalta:(Jan 2017-May 2017: 60MG). Cyclobenzaprine: (Aug 2016: 30MG,(Feb 2017: 30MG). Diazepam (Valium):(Aug 2016-Sept 15 2016: 30MG),(Sept 16 2016-Oct 2017: 15MG),(Nov 2017-Aug 19 2018: 6MG),(Aug 20 2018: 0MG). Gabapentin:(Aug 2016-Aug 3 2018: 2400MG),(Aug 4 2018-March 26 2019: 2000MG),(March 27 2019-March 30 2019: 1600MG),(May 1 2019: 2000MG) Hydrocodone:(Aug 2016-Oct 2016: 10-325/4daily),(Nov 2016-Feb 2017: 10-325/3daily),(March 2017-April 2017: 5-325/4daily),(May 2017-April 2018: 10-325/3daily),(June 2018-Aug 25 2018: 10-325/5daily),(Aug 26 2018-Sept 2 2018: 4.5daily),(Sept 3 2018-Sept 10 2018: 10-325/4daily),(Sept 11 2018-Sept 18 2018: 10-325/3daily),(Sept 19 2018-May 1 2019: 10-325/3.5 daily). Oxycodone: May 2018: 10-325MG/4daily). Please see my Intro for full drug history. **Forgive Yourself For Not Knowing What You Didn't Know Before You Knew It! -Maya Angelou/ Link to comment
laydefish Posted May 9, 2019 Share Posted May 9, 2019 Hi @This2shallpass, I thought this might lead you to more research- hope it helps! How do ANTIDEPRESSANTS work? Not only do they affect serotonin levels in the brain, but they also have a profound impact upon a delicate balance between serotonin, dopamine and adrenaline (All Hormones!) , which, in turn, may lead to deregulating the entire body’s homeostasis. After stopping taking SSRIs, it may often take months or even years to fully recover. They profoundly change the brain and body chemistry. After stopping taking them, the body needs time to reach the state of homeostasis again (the delicate balance between serotonin, dopamine and adrenalin has to be re-established), which process may take months or even years. 2 years Drug History Prior to Tapering: Between 2011 & 2018 I had approximately 58 dose changes between the 4 main medications I took as well as 14 new medications add & taken away. Prozac (Fluoxetine):(Aug 2016-Dec 2016: 60MG),(June 2017-Nov 2017: 60MG),(Dec 2017: 80MG),(June 2017-Sept 2 2018: 60MG),(Sept 3 2018-Sept 5 2018: 40MG),(Sept 6 2018-Sept 8 2018: 20MG),(Sept 9 2018: 0MG). Cymbalta:(Jan 2017-May 2017: 60MG). Cyclobenzaprine: (Aug 2016: 30MG,(Feb 2017: 30MG). Diazepam (Valium):(Aug 2016-Sept 15 2016: 30MG),(Sept 16 2016-Oct 2017: 15MG),(Nov 2017-Aug 19 2018: 6MG),(Aug 20 2018: 0MG). Gabapentin:(Aug 2016-Aug 3 2018: 2400MG),(Aug 4 2018-March 26 2019: 2000MG),(March 27 2019-March 30 2019: 1600MG),(May 1 2019: 2000MG) Hydrocodone:(Aug 2016-Oct 2016: 10-325/4daily),(Nov 2016-Feb 2017: 10-325/3daily),(March 2017-April 2017: 5-325/4daily),(May 2017-April 2018: 10-325/3daily),(June 2018-Aug 25 2018: 10-325/5daily),(Aug 26 2018-Sept 2 2018: 4.5daily),(Sept 3 2018-Sept 10 2018: 10-325/4daily),(Sept 11 2018-Sept 18 2018: 10-325/3daily),(Sept 19 2018-May 1 2019: 10-325/3.5 daily). Oxycodone: May 2018: 10-325MG/4daily). Please see my Intro for full drug history. **Forgive Yourself For Not Knowing What You Didn't Know Before You Knew It! -Maya Angelou/ Link to comment
This2shallpass Posted May 9, 2019 Author Share Posted May 9, 2019 thanks so much for the kind words @laydefishTh@Carmie @Altostrata if someone has been kindeled or the reinstatement didn't work because of an adverse reactiin, do you recommended anything? I want to get off but I know I need to do it nice and slow just not sure if I need to stabilize myself? I'm also experiencing electric shock sensations in the body and some suicidal thoughts, which I've never had before. my brain literally feels like it was out on a skillet My doctor mentioned the Prozac bridge, not sure I should mess with it. Any recomnendations? I'm so nervous. I'm also very nervous since I've been on for so long and it was pretty much working at first. I'm now wondering if I was in withdrawal after I have birth. I feel completely stuck 😩 2010- Celexa 20 mg 2012-lexapro 20mg 2015- lexapro 30mg October 2016- tried a too fast taper of lexapro and completely crashed. I reinstated 10mg after 3 months and it worked. December 2016- started to wean off lexapro with liquid and got off in April of 2018 got pregnant in June of 2018 and remained off lexapro no withdrawal symptoms. february 2019- right after I gave birth I started having withdrawal symptoms March 2019- reinstated 10mg lexapro, it made me very sick May 2019- did a successful Prozac bridge and immediately felt better. currently stabilized on 20mg Prozac Link to comment
This2shallpass Posted May 9, 2019 Author Share Posted May 9, 2019 My doctor wants to do the Prozac bridge starting tomorrow due to the fact I'm having an adverse reaction from reinststing, thoughts? She is doing 10 mg then going down on the lexapro. I don't think I have a choice at this point, she is the first doctor that actually believes my withdrawal symptom and wants to help me do you know if any ProzAc bridges from failed reinstarements? @Altostrata @laydefish @Carmie it would be 10 mg of lex and 10 of prozac. I can't wait to get off this stuff 2010- Celexa 20 mg 2012-lexapro 20mg 2015- lexapro 30mg October 2016- tried a too fast taper of lexapro and completely crashed. I reinstated 10mg after 3 months and it worked. December 2016- started to wean off lexapro with liquid and got off in April of 2018 got pregnant in June of 2018 and remained off lexapro no withdrawal symptoms. february 2019- right after I gave birth I started having withdrawal symptoms March 2019- reinstated 10mg lexapro, it made me very sick May 2019- did a successful Prozac bridge and immediately felt better. currently stabilized on 20mg Prozac Link to comment
laydefish Posted May 10, 2019 Share Posted May 10, 2019 Hi @This2shallpass, I don't have knowledge in that area, sorry- I'm sure the Staff will know ! Take Care! 2 years Drug History Prior to Tapering: Between 2011 & 2018 I had approximately 58 dose changes between the 4 main medications I took as well as 14 new medications add & taken away. Prozac (Fluoxetine):(Aug 2016-Dec 2016: 60MG),(June 2017-Nov 2017: 60MG),(Dec 2017: 80MG),(June 2017-Sept 2 2018: 60MG),(Sept 3 2018-Sept 5 2018: 40MG),(Sept 6 2018-Sept 8 2018: 20MG),(Sept 9 2018: 0MG). Cymbalta:(Jan 2017-May 2017: 60MG). Cyclobenzaprine: (Aug 2016: 30MG,(Feb 2017: 30MG). Diazepam (Valium):(Aug 2016-Sept 15 2016: 30MG),(Sept 16 2016-Oct 2017: 15MG),(Nov 2017-Aug 19 2018: 6MG),(Aug 20 2018: 0MG). Gabapentin:(Aug 2016-Aug 3 2018: 2400MG),(Aug 4 2018-March 26 2019: 2000MG),(March 27 2019-March 30 2019: 1600MG),(May 1 2019: 2000MG) Hydrocodone:(Aug 2016-Oct 2016: 10-325/4daily),(Nov 2016-Feb 2017: 10-325/3daily),(March 2017-April 2017: 5-325/4daily),(May 2017-April 2018: 10-325/3daily),(June 2018-Aug 25 2018: 10-325/5daily),(Aug 26 2018-Sept 2 2018: 4.5daily),(Sept 3 2018-Sept 10 2018: 10-325/4daily),(Sept 11 2018-Sept 18 2018: 10-325/3daily),(Sept 19 2018-May 1 2019: 10-325/3.5 daily). Oxycodone: May 2018: 10-325MG/4daily). Please see my Intro for full drug history. **Forgive Yourself For Not Knowing What You Didn't Know Before You Knew It! -Maya Angelou/ Link to comment
This2shallpass Posted May 10, 2019 Author Share Posted May 10, 2019 Thanks @laydefish!!!! Can one of you please respond and let me know your thoughts when you have a moment? @Altostrata @laydefish@Carmie 2010- Celexa 20 mg 2012-lexapro 20mg 2015- lexapro 30mg October 2016- tried a too fast taper of lexapro and completely crashed. I reinstated 10mg after 3 months and it worked. December 2016- started to wean off lexapro with liquid and got off in April of 2018 got pregnant in June of 2018 and remained off lexapro no withdrawal symptoms. february 2019- right after I gave birth I started having withdrawal symptoms March 2019- reinstated 10mg lexapro, it made me very sick May 2019- did a successful Prozac bridge and immediately felt better. currently stabilized on 20mg Prozac Link to comment
laydefish Posted May 10, 2019 Share Posted May 10, 2019 Hi @This2shallpass, I wish I could help you with you questions about possibly tapering, but in that area I have limited knowledge. I will say though after reading about how much antidepressants can effect the hormone levels in the body, I'm leaning toward that being the issue, as well as possible kindling- The Staff here are incredibly knowledgeable & can help with dosages- Hang in there-it will get better 2 years Drug History Prior to Tapering: Between 2011 & 2018 I had approximately 58 dose changes between the 4 main medications I took as well as 14 new medications add & taken away. Prozac (Fluoxetine):(Aug 2016-Dec 2016: 60MG),(June 2017-Nov 2017: 60MG),(Dec 2017: 80MG),(June 2017-Sept 2 2018: 60MG),(Sept 3 2018-Sept 5 2018: 40MG),(Sept 6 2018-Sept 8 2018: 20MG),(Sept 9 2018: 0MG). Cymbalta:(Jan 2017-May 2017: 60MG). Cyclobenzaprine: (Aug 2016: 30MG,(Feb 2017: 30MG). Diazepam (Valium):(Aug 2016-Sept 15 2016: 30MG),(Sept 16 2016-Oct 2017: 15MG),(Nov 2017-Aug 19 2018: 6MG),(Aug 20 2018: 0MG). Gabapentin:(Aug 2016-Aug 3 2018: 2400MG),(Aug 4 2018-March 26 2019: 2000MG),(March 27 2019-March 30 2019: 1600MG),(May 1 2019: 2000MG) Hydrocodone:(Aug 2016-Oct 2016: 10-325/4daily),(Nov 2016-Feb 2017: 10-325/3daily),(March 2017-April 2017: 5-325/4daily),(May 2017-April 2018: 10-325/3daily),(June 2018-Aug 25 2018: 10-325/5daily),(Aug 26 2018-Sept 2 2018: 4.5daily),(Sept 3 2018-Sept 10 2018: 10-325/4daily),(Sept 11 2018-Sept 18 2018: 10-325/3daily),(Sept 19 2018-May 1 2019: 10-325/3.5 daily). Oxycodone: May 2018: 10-325MG/4daily). Please see my Intro for full drug history. **Forgive Yourself For Not Knowing What You Didn't Know Before You Knew It! -Maya Angelou/ Link to comment
This2shallpass Posted May 10, 2019 Author Share Posted May 10, 2019 My husband wants me to do the Prozac bridge but he has no idea about withdrawal of how I feel. Before I do this please @Altostrata or @Carmiecan I have your input? I really think I may be kindeled 2010- Celexa 20 mg 2012-lexapro 20mg 2015- lexapro 30mg October 2016- tried a too fast taper of lexapro and completely crashed. I reinstated 10mg after 3 months and it worked. December 2016- started to wean off lexapro with liquid and got off in April of 2018 got pregnant in June of 2018 and remained off lexapro no withdrawal symptoms. february 2019- right after I gave birth I started having withdrawal symptoms March 2019- reinstated 10mg lexapro, it made me very sick May 2019- did a successful Prozac bridge and immediately felt better. currently stabilized on 20mg Prozac Link to comment
This2shallpass Posted May 10, 2019 Author Share Posted May 10, 2019 Hi This is This2shallpass husband. She did reinstate the lexapro and started slow at 2.5 mg and eventually got up to 10mg and was stable. After being stable for 2 weeks she thought it was a good idea on her own to lower her dose to 5mg and then 2.5 mg and that is when the burning started and has not gone away. She is now back on 10mg and after going for an autonomic functioning test and 3 diff mris on brain and spine she is concerned she is having an adverse reaction. To me it seems obvious that what she is feeling is effects from lowering her dose so drastically for that week. Right now we are on the fence of her going to a mental hospital and getting treated w horrible drugs or bringing her on to Prozac and tapering her off lexapro at her pace. The reason is Prozac is much easier to get off of and will help with her lexapro withdrawal. Before my wife blows up our entire family by leaving me with my 3 month old daughter. Can someone please respond and tell her not to go to the hospital and that the reason she is feeling this burning is due to her lowering her dose in such a fast manor? I don’t understand how this doesn’t make sense to her as burning was her main withdrawal symptoms when we got her off to get pregnant. Please help!! 2010- Celexa 20 mg 2012-lexapro 20mg 2015- lexapro 30mg October 2016- tried a too fast taper of lexapro and completely crashed. I reinstated 10mg after 3 months and it worked. December 2016- started to wean off lexapro with liquid and got off in April of 2018 got pregnant in June of 2018 and remained off lexapro no withdrawal symptoms. february 2019- right after I gave birth I started having withdrawal symptoms March 2019- reinstated 10mg lexapro, it made me very sick May 2019- did a successful Prozac bridge and immediately felt better. currently stabilized on 20mg Prozac Link to comment
This2shallpass Posted May 10, 2019 Author Share Posted May 10, 2019 Well she couldn’t wait any longer and has left the house on foot. Because if this site she feels she knows it all. Very disappointed. I am as of now a single father to our 3 month old daughter with a full time job and house to support. 2010- Celexa 20 mg 2012-lexapro 20mg 2015- lexapro 30mg October 2016- tried a too fast taper of lexapro and completely crashed. I reinstated 10mg after 3 months and it worked. December 2016- started to wean off lexapro with liquid and got off in April of 2018 got pregnant in June of 2018 and remained off lexapro no withdrawal symptoms. february 2019- right after I gave birth I started having withdrawal symptoms March 2019- reinstated 10mg lexapro, it made me very sick May 2019- did a successful Prozac bridge and immediately felt better. currently stabilized on 20mg Prozac Link to comment
This2shallpass Posted May 10, 2019 Author Share Posted May 10, 2019 I don’t understand how you feel telling people with a mental disability it’s ok to not be on medicine. What do you suggest then, just dealing with it? This is absurd. 2010- Celexa 20 mg 2012-lexapro 20mg 2015- lexapro 30mg October 2016- tried a too fast taper of lexapro and completely crashed. I reinstated 10mg after 3 months and it worked. December 2016- started to wean off lexapro with liquid and got off in April of 2018 got pregnant in June of 2018 and remained off lexapro no withdrawal symptoms. february 2019- right after I gave birth I started having withdrawal symptoms March 2019- reinstated 10mg lexapro, it made me very sick May 2019- did a successful Prozac bridge and immediately felt better. currently stabilized on 20mg Prozac Link to comment
powerback Posted May 10, 2019 Share Posted May 10, 2019 4 hours ago, This2shallpass said: Hi This is This2shallpass husband. She did reinstate the lexapro and started slow at 2.5 mg and eventually got up to 10mg and was stable. After being stable for 2 weeks she thought it was a good idea on her own to lower her dose to 5mg and then 2.5 mg and that is when the burning started and has not gone away. She is now back on 10mg and after going for an autonomic functioning test and 3 diff mris on brain and spine she is concerned she is having an adverse reaction. To me it seems obvious that what she is feeling is effects from lowering her dose so drastically for that week. Right now we are on the fence of her going to a mental hospital and getting treated w horrible drugs or bringing her on to Prozac and tapering her off lexapro at her pace. The reason is Prozac is much easier to get off of and will help with her lexapro withdrawal. Before my wife blows up our entire family by leaving me with my 3 month old daughter. Can someone please respond and tell her not to go to the hospital and that the reason she is feeling this burning is due to her lowering her dose in such a fast manor? I don’t understand how this doesn’t make sense to her as burning was her main withdrawal symptoms when we got her off to get pregnant. Please help!! Hi there I am not a moderator but I can sense your frustration,hopefully a moderator can see this post and guide you how you need .@shep. Alcohol free since February 2015 1MG diazepam 4.5MG PROZAC. Link to comment
This2shallpass Posted May 10, 2019 Author Share Posted May 10, 2019 Thank you very much!! As mentioned she has now left the house and I am forced to call the police and let them know that my mentally unstable wife has left home and is unfortunately capable of hurting herself. Begging for any assistance. 2010- Celexa 20 mg 2012-lexapro 20mg 2015- lexapro 30mg October 2016- tried a too fast taper of lexapro and completely crashed. I reinstated 10mg after 3 months and it worked. December 2016- started to wean off lexapro with liquid and got off in April of 2018 got pregnant in June of 2018 and remained off lexapro no withdrawal symptoms. february 2019- right after I gave birth I started having withdrawal symptoms March 2019- reinstated 10mg lexapro, it made me very sick May 2019- did a successful Prozac bridge and immediately felt better. currently stabilized on 20mg Prozac Link to comment
powerback Posted May 10, 2019 Share Posted May 10, 2019 2 hours ago, This2shallpass said: Well she couldn’t wait any longer and has left the house on foot. Because if this site she feels she knows it all. Very disappointed. I am as of now a single father to our 3 month old daughter with a full time job and house to support. From reading your wifes intro topic ,she has been through an awful lot ,she may need specialised help .her hormones must be all over the place.Im not saying by any means a hospital is the place for her ,but you mite need to consult her DR .your wifes situation is different in relation to giving birth so recent .your wifes situation is bigger than this site is equipped to handle maybe but please stay around and the mods will do better than me at giving you links. Please try and calm down for your sake and your babys . Take care. Alcohol free since February 2015 1MG diazepam 4.5MG PROZAC. Link to comment
powerback Posted May 10, 2019 Share Posted May 10, 2019 5 minutes ago, This2shallpass said: Thank you very much!! As mentioned she has now left the house and I am forced to call the police and let them know that my mentally unstable wife has left home and is unfortunately capable of hurting herself. Begging for any assistance. This is the best thing you could do ,my heart goes out to you . Alcohol free since February 2015 1MG diazepam 4.5MG PROZAC. Link to comment
bhasski Posted May 10, 2019 Share Posted May 10, 2019 53 minutes ago, This2shallpass said: Thank you very much!! As mentioned she has now left the house and I am forced to call the police and let them know that my mentally unstable wife has left home and is unfortunately capable of hurting herself. Begging for any assistance. You have done the right thing. 3 hours ago, This2shallpass said: I don’t understand how you feel telling people with a mental disability it’s ok to not be on medicine. What do you suggest then, just dealing with it? This is absurd. We know you are also in emotional turmoil, but if people were so happy on drugs, they wouldn't have looked for any other option like website or forum. Instead people here have gone through the pain that come first with drugs and then the hell when they have mistakenly left the drug. There are chances that people have mental disability but the drugs do harm and cause mental issues. Your wife needs your care and support. The pain of withdrawals and mental disability that come with it is inexplicable. Also I appreciate you being here on her behalf looking for answers. 08/13 - 01/14Olanzapine, petril MD (Clonazepam ), Dicorate ER (divalproex). Soza 10 (Zolpidem) 02/14 - 05/14Flunil 20mg , Divaa OD 250 mg(divalproex), Amisulpride 50mg (1-0-2), zolfresh 5 mg , Quetiapine05/14 - 08/14 Venlafaxine 75 xr ( 1-0-1), zapiz 0.2510/14 Zaptra 12.5mg , Oxetol xr 150mg (0-0-1)11/14 - 08/15Paris CR 25 (paroxetine) , Oxetol xr 600 mg (0-0-1), nitrest 5mg , Quetiapine for a month.09/15-11 Venlafaxine XR 75 ( 1-0-1), Mirtazipine 15, Respiredal 0.5, Lamitor 25, zillion 10.12/15-02/16 Off Meds (C.T) 03/16-Mid April Sertraline, Aripropazole, Quetiapine, Etizolam. After that : CT and on OTC supplements (Roadback), now on Ayurveda Link to comment
This2shallpass Posted May 10, 2019 Author Share Posted May 10, 2019 Understood. But most ppl find this place because they get off the drug incorrectly and I appreciate this place as they try to educate. However, after someone with a mental disability gets off the drug then what??? That’s he answer I am looking for on this forum because a mentally disability needs help and if not with these medicines that help millions of ppl than what?? Certain ppl need these meds to be able to live a happy and normal life. Pardon me if I haven’t researched enough on this site but what is the answer for someone who has depression anxiety etc and weens of their anti depressant? Then what?? 2010- Celexa 20 mg 2012-lexapro 20mg 2015- lexapro 30mg October 2016- tried a too fast taper of lexapro and completely crashed. I reinstated 10mg after 3 months and it worked. December 2016- started to wean off lexapro with liquid and got off in April of 2018 got pregnant in June of 2018 and remained off lexapro no withdrawal symptoms. february 2019- right after I gave birth I started having withdrawal symptoms March 2019- reinstated 10mg lexapro, it made me very sick May 2019- did a successful Prozac bridge and immediately felt better. currently stabilized on 20mg Prozac Link to comment
laydefish Posted May 10, 2019 Share Posted May 10, 2019 hi @Altostrata, if you haven't been notified yet, I believe this Poster needs some advice that I certainly can't give- it's kinda of an emergency! Thanks for your time! 2 years Drug History Prior to Tapering: Between 2011 & 2018 I had approximately 58 dose changes between the 4 main medications I took as well as 14 new medications add & taken away. Prozac (Fluoxetine):(Aug 2016-Dec 2016: 60MG),(June 2017-Nov 2017: 60MG),(Dec 2017: 80MG),(June 2017-Sept 2 2018: 60MG),(Sept 3 2018-Sept 5 2018: 40MG),(Sept 6 2018-Sept 8 2018: 20MG),(Sept 9 2018: 0MG). Cymbalta:(Jan 2017-May 2017: 60MG). Cyclobenzaprine: (Aug 2016: 30MG,(Feb 2017: 30MG). Diazepam (Valium):(Aug 2016-Sept 15 2016: 30MG),(Sept 16 2016-Oct 2017: 15MG),(Nov 2017-Aug 19 2018: 6MG),(Aug 20 2018: 0MG). Gabapentin:(Aug 2016-Aug 3 2018: 2400MG),(Aug 4 2018-March 26 2019: 2000MG),(March 27 2019-March 30 2019: 1600MG),(May 1 2019: 2000MG) Hydrocodone:(Aug 2016-Oct 2016: 10-325/4daily),(Nov 2016-Feb 2017: 10-325/3daily),(March 2017-April 2017: 5-325/4daily),(May 2017-April 2018: 10-325/3daily),(June 2018-Aug 25 2018: 10-325/5daily),(Aug 26 2018-Sept 2 2018: 4.5daily),(Sept 3 2018-Sept 10 2018: 10-325/4daily),(Sept 11 2018-Sept 18 2018: 10-325/3daily),(Sept 19 2018-May 1 2019: 10-325/3.5 daily). Oxycodone: May 2018: 10-325MG/4daily). Please see my Intro for full drug history. **Forgive Yourself For Not Knowing What You Didn't Know Before You Knew It! -Maya Angelou/ Link to comment
Administrator Altostrata Posted May 10, 2019 Administrator Share Posted May 10, 2019 As we're just a Web site, we can't deal with emergencies. We don't encourage people to go off drugs, if they ask, as peer counselors, we give them our best advice. It's the individual's choice what to do. We are very specific: If you go off drugs, you will need to learn to manage your symptoms and your life with non-drug methods. Your wife is not necessarily mentally ill, it sounds like she's having a bad drug reaction. Thanks for her most recent history regarding going up and down on Lexapro. She didn't tell us about that, which happened before your wife joined this Web site. We're not responsible for her adverse reactions. It is possible that having reduced 10mg Lexapro too soon, too far, too fast when she was stabilizing, and then jumping up in dosage again, your wife has further sensitized her nervous system and is reacting badly to 10mg Lexapro now even though it worked for her before. Adverse reactions to psychiatric drugs can be very distressing and confusing, making people think they're losing their minds. It doesn't help if family members also panic and jump to unfounded conclusions. Your wife was not "mentally ill" when she gave birth to your daughter, she was very ill physically. She seems to have reacted badly to whatever medical treatment she received. It's very unfair to her to blame her symptoms on her being "mentally ill." 18 hours ago, This2shallpass said: My doctor wants to do the Prozac bridge starting tomorrow due to the fact I'm having an adverse reaction from reinststing, thoughts? She is doing 10 mg then going down on the lexapro. I don't think I have a choice at this point, she is the first doctor that actually believes my withdrawal symptom and wants to help me do you know if any ProzAc bridges from failed reinstarements? @Altostrata @laydefish @Carmie it would be 10 mg of lex and 10 of prozac. I can't wait to get off this stuff This2shallpass, I would not compound the hypersensitivity with another drug switch right now. Before doing anything, we need to see the daily symptom pattern. Are the symptoms worse or better at any time of day? We need to find out if it's the Lexapro that's causing the symptoms. This is not medical advice. Discuss any decisions about your medical care with a knowledgeable medical practitioner. "It has become appallingly obvious that our technology has surpassed our humanity." -- Albert Einstein All postings © copyrighted. Link to comment
This2shallpass Posted May 10, 2019 Author Share Posted May 10, 2019 I never said she is mentally ill. I said she has a mental disability which is accurate. Her psychiatrist recommends taking Prozac and lexapro at the same time to try and ween off the lexapro. Why would you advise someone against their doctors wishes? What proof do you have that makes it ok to advise someone that way and what title do you hold to give that advice? I am not trying to be rude only looking to get answers as my wife will not listen to me or dr but comes here for her advice. Also my other questions was after a person successfully weens off their antidepressant, that does not cure their depression or anxiety. What does this website recommend at that point to address these issues?? Please advise why you feel adding orozac would would not help allievate her withdrawal or adverse reaction symptoms. I feel taking that chance as opposed to her weening off lexapro for 6-12 months is a better option. I am looking to you for information. Thank you 2010- Celexa 20 mg 2012-lexapro 20mg 2015- lexapro 30mg October 2016- tried a too fast taper of lexapro and completely crashed. I reinstated 10mg after 3 months and it worked. December 2016- started to wean off lexapro with liquid and got off in April of 2018 got pregnant in June of 2018 and remained off lexapro no withdrawal symptoms. february 2019- right after I gave birth I started having withdrawal symptoms March 2019- reinstated 10mg lexapro, it made me very sick May 2019- did a successful Prozac bridge and immediately felt better. currently stabilized on 20mg Prozac Link to comment
Administrator Altostrata Posted May 10, 2019 Administrator Share Posted May 10, 2019 We don't advise against doctor's wishes. If you prefer to see a doctor rather than get suggestions from peer counselors here, please do! If I were you, I'd respect your wife's decisions and not undermine them. She is an autonomous adult. As I said before, for people who want to go off psychiatric drugs, we stress pursuing non-drug treatments. There are many discussed in We leave it to the autonomous adult to learn techniques of self- care or see a counselor or therapist for coaching. We do not provide such treatment on this site, we are not qualified to do that. I do not feel I have enough information to discuss Prozac vs Lexapro. Generally, a drug switch may bring in more problems. I need to discuss this with This2ShallPass, it's her body and her decision to make. @This2shallpass, is there some reason you cannot speak for yourself? If someone cannot manage their life without drugs, we suggest it's not the right time to go off. But it's entirely up to the individual. This is not medical advice. Discuss any decisions about your medical care with a knowledgeable medical practitioner. "It has become appallingly obvious that our technology has surpassed our humanity." -- Albert Einstein All postings © copyrighted. Link to comment
This2shallpass Posted May 10, 2019 Author Share Posted May 10, 2019 Not sure if you missed it but my wife left the house today with nothing. She cannot speak for herself because she was so scared to listen to her dr because of what was said on here. I already explained her scenario on hiw she went down and has been feeling burning and even when she went back up to her normal dose for 3 weeks she still feels the burning in brain and body. She feels this is adverse reaction even though she went down on her dose abruptly for a week and then this started. I feel it’s withdrawal and she should either stay on the lexapro or try and switch to prozac via bridge. Please let let me know your thoughts and why you think switching to Prozac to ween her off lexapro is a bad idea. 2010- Celexa 20 mg 2012-lexapro 20mg 2015- lexapro 30mg October 2016- tried a too fast taper of lexapro and completely crashed. I reinstated 10mg after 3 months and it worked. December 2016- started to wean off lexapro with liquid and got off in April of 2018 got pregnant in June of 2018 and remained off lexapro no withdrawal symptoms. february 2019- right after I gave birth I started having withdrawal symptoms March 2019- reinstated 10mg lexapro, it made me very sick May 2019- did a successful Prozac bridge and immediately felt better. currently stabilized on 20mg Prozac Link to comment
Administrator Altostrata Posted May 10, 2019 Administrator Share Posted May 10, 2019 Yes, I understand she was doing okay on 10mg Lexapro but made some drug changes and upset the apple cart. We see this all the time. Our nervous systems like stability. Your wife's nervous system was going along on the 10mg Lexapro track but changed the dosage, switching the track. Her nervous system got confused. That's what the strange symptoms mean. When she went back to 10mg Lexapro -- another switch -- her nervous system went into uproar. This is called "kindling." We see this all the time. Doctors tend not to be aware of it, or anything about adverse drug effects, really. Backing down on the Lexapro is a lesser risk of further kindling than arbitarily switching the track yet again to an entirely different drug. Read Your wife's nervous system is bruised from drug changes. She is understandably very upset, particularly after her health difficulties during and after childbirth. Adverse drug effects are not a mental illness and should not be treated as mental illness. Your wife knows her nervous system is hurt. I can understand why she became angry and left the house. However, none of us can foretell the future -- not even your wife's doctor -- and definitely not us peer counselors. All we can do is recommend moving cautiously. The nervous system is not made of rubber and these are powerful drugs. Without having more details from your wife, in my opinion, reducing the Lexapro is the more cautious approach. This is not medical advice. Discuss any decisions about your medical care with a knowledgeable medical practitioner. "It has become appallingly obvious that our technology has surpassed our humanity." -- Albert Einstein All postings © copyrighted. Link to comment
This2shallpass Posted May 10, 2019 Author Share Posted May 10, 2019 What details do you need? There are no other related issues. We just had autonomic functioning test in Manhattan which came back normal. Brain scans normal mris normal in brain and spine. Blood normal. Eeg normal we have done it all. I believe some of this is her health anxiety reading these things and giving it to her self. Please let let me know anything you need to know to further help if you would like as we are desperate and our dr has had success with this same method. 2010- Celexa 20 mg 2012-lexapro 20mg 2015- lexapro 30mg October 2016- tried a too fast taper of lexapro and completely crashed. I reinstated 10mg after 3 months and it worked. December 2016- started to wean off lexapro with liquid and got off in April of 2018 got pregnant in June of 2018 and remained off lexapro no withdrawal symptoms. february 2019- right after I gave birth I started having withdrawal symptoms March 2019- reinstated 10mg lexapro, it made me very sick May 2019- did a successful Prozac bridge and immediately felt better. currently stabilized on 20mg Prozac Link to comment
This2shallpass Posted May 10, 2019 Author Share Posted May 10, 2019 Before my wife went on lexapro she thought she had every disease or adverse reaction to anything. No lexapro in her system. This is her health anxiety and why she needs an anti depressant. We would go out to dinner and her anxiety was so debilitating she would have to wait in the car as she thought she was going to pass out or die. That whole saga has come to an end with all of the tests coming back negative most recently autonomic function due to her nervous system being destroyed as that’s what this website tells her which again came back negative. Now we all realizd it was her anxiety and she went on lexapro and all symptoms are gone until she went down on her dose and bruised her nervous system as you would say. Her only symptom is burning and now suicidal thoughts thinking that she will be doomed like several others on this site. She does not have a mental illness which you keep saying. She has anxiety and depression that when untreated cause harm to herself and others. I would like to know why why you feel getting off lexapro is a better option than taking Prozac while tapering down on the lexapro. She needs help! 2010- Celexa 20 mg 2012-lexapro 20mg 2015- lexapro 30mg October 2016- tried a too fast taper of lexapro and completely crashed. I reinstated 10mg after 3 months and it worked. December 2016- started to wean off lexapro with liquid and got off in April of 2018 got pregnant in June of 2018 and remained off lexapro no withdrawal symptoms. february 2019- right after I gave birth I started having withdrawal symptoms March 2019- reinstated 10mg lexapro, it made me very sick May 2019- did a successful Prozac bridge and immediately felt better. currently stabilized on 20mg Prozac Link to comment
Administrator Altostrata Posted May 10, 2019 Administrator Share Posted May 10, 2019 We want to hear from your wife, not your version of how she feels. Please ask her to resume posting. You'll have to tell her the new password you chose. This is not medical advice. Discuss any decisions about your medical care with a knowledgeable medical practitioner. "It has become appallingly obvious that our technology has surpassed our humanity." -- Albert Einstein All postings © copyrighted. Link to comment
jozeff Posted May 11, 2019 Share Posted May 11, 2019 Hi husband of this2! I'm so sorry for your struggling! I just started reading this topic and it really bothers me how things are going for you right now. Remember that someone in withdrawal and having all these severe mental symptoms and panicking isn't reacting normally and is absolutely desperate to take some action. When my first child was born my wife had this awful depression and she just crashed and begged me to take her to a mental institution. She stayed there for 3 weeks. I had to go to work and take care of a baby. Fortunately I had a lot of family that helped me out. My wife really recovered well in those three weeks. Is your wife heading towards the hospital? They know exactly what to do and they also recognise you being a father. They will think along with you. So where is she going? Maybe she went in rage and will return soon. This is highly stressful man but things will probably work out fine. It's just so stressful now that everything seems blurry. When did she jump of the Lexapro 10 my? I really don't think another ssri will do the trick. She must stop messing around with Lexapro dosage. I messed around a lot going up and down and nothing good came out of that. PS I wrote this yesterday but I forgot to send so maybe things have settled down a bit. Keep your head up!! Jozeff Sep- 2016 - Okt 2017 citalopram some months 15 mg some months 20 mg Nov 2017- Apr 2018 citalopram 25 mg Apr 2018 - Jun 2018 citalopram 3 month TAPER too fast from 25mg to 16.5 mg (0.1 mg per day decrease, felt horrible and crashed) Jun 2018 - Aug13th 2018 citalopram trying to stabilize at 16.5 mg for 5 wks - August 14th 2018 - April 29th 2019 citalopram 18 mg (1.5 mg updose). 2019 apr 27 : START taper citalopram @ 18 mg: 29Jun 16.4 mg / 19aug 15.4 mg / 25aug 15.2 mg / 30sep 14.0 mg / 4dec 13.1 mg 2020 03Jan 12.75 mg / 28Jan 12.29 mg / 18Feb 11.83 mg, 25Feb 11.68 mg hold.. / 7May 11.33 mg hold...., 4Aug 10.98 mg / 5Dec 10.0 mg 4 month hold... 2021 30mar 9.8 mg / 06apr 9.5 mg / 13apr 9.4 mg / 14may 8,5 mg / 04jun 8,0 mg / 11jun 7.75 mg, 02jul 7.35 mg / 09jul 7.2 mg hold 3 weeks during holiday /31jul 7 mg/ 8aug 6.8 mg / 15aug 6.63mg / 22aug 6.5mg / 1sep 6.3 mg / 8sep 6.15 mg / 15sep 6.0 mg / 22sep 5.9 mg / 29sep 5.8 mg / 04 oct 5.65 mg / 10oct 5.55 mg / 17oct 5.45 mg / 24oct 5.35mg / 30oct 5.25 mg hold 3 wks / 22nov 5.15 mg / 01dec 5.1mg / 12dec 5.0mg / 20dec 4.85mg / 30dec 4.70mg 2022 08jan 4.5 mg / 16jan 4.4 mg / 23jan 4.3 mg / 27jan 4.2 mg / 18feb 4.1 mg / 25feb 4.0 mg / 04mar 3.9 mg / 11mar 3.75 mg / 18Mar 3.65 mg / 09apr 3.55 mg / 16apr 3.45 mg / 23apr 3.35 mg / 01may 3.25 mg / 8may 3.15 mg / 17may 3.10 mg / 28 may 3.0 mg / 7jun 2.94 mg / 18 Jun 2.88 mg / 27 jun 2.84 mg / 05 jul 2.80 mg / 16 jul 2.75 mg / 23 jul 2.70 mg / 01aug 2.65 mg / 09aug 2.60 mg hold 5wks / 18sep 2.55 mg / 25sep 2.5 mg /02oct 2.45 mg / 10oct 2.40 mg / 19oct 2.35 mg / 27oct 2.30 mg / 05nov 2.27 mg / 14nov 2.25 mg / 22nov 2.20 mg / 29nov 2.10mg / 09dec 2.05 mg / 15dec 2.0 mg 2023 hold 2.0 mg for 5 months / 05may 1.95 mg / 14may 1.90 mg / 24may 1.87 mg / 02jun 1.85 mg / 17jun 1.82 mg / 27jun 1.79 mg / 07jul 1.75 mg / 31jul 1.72 mg / 12aug 1.69mg / 27aug 1.67 mg / 04sep 1.65 mg / 09sep 1.63 mg / 22sep 1.61 mg / 27sep 1.60 mg / 12oct 1.58 mg / 18oct 1.56 mg / 31oct 1.54 mg / 06nov 1.52 mg / 18nov 1.50 mg / 04dec 1.48 mg / 11dec 1.46 mg / 22dec 1.45 mg / 28dec 1.44 mg 2024 01jan 1.43 mg / 06jan 1.42 mg/ 10jan 1.40 mg hold / 08apr 1.38 mg / 15apr 1.36 mg / 20apr 1.34 mg Link to comment
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