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Hope2001: Lexapro tapering


Hope2001

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Hi,

 

I have been tapering Lexapro 21 months. I am currently on 0.75mg and will be dropping it to 0.70 soon. I have had huge withdrawal symptoms, all possible ones. This has been so long and awful. I am still on oxazepam 37,5mg for the sleep. This will be next taper.  I need advises for the lexapro tapering plan, how will I taper it when I am on so low dose? I should finish taper during next 5 months.  Any advises?

 

I have made couple tiny drops latelty from 0.8 to 0.75 and now from 0.75 to 0.7.  How long I should hold one dose after tiny drop? 

Lexapro has messed my periods. Can anyone explain why it does that? What would be safe jump off dose? 

 

Lexapro July 2016 5mg-10mg, August - September 2016 20mg. 20mg from 09/16-03/18. Started tapering 03/18 15mg,  04/18 7,5mg, 07/18 6,5mg & 5,5mg, 08/16 5,0mg, 09/18 4,5mg, 10/18 4,25mg, November - December 2016 from 4,25mg to 3,25mg, 01/19 2,75mg,  02/19 2,25mg, 04/19 1,75mg, 05/19 1,5mg, 06/19 1,25mg, 07/19 1,0mg, 09/19 0,9mg, 10/19 0,8mg, 11/19 0,75mg, 12/19 0,7mg, 01/20 0,65mg. March 2020 switched to microtapering: 15.03.20: 0.645mg (7days hold), 22.03.20: 0.640mg (5days hold), (3days hold)27.03.20: 0.635mg, (9days hold) 30.03.20: 0.630mg, (3 days hold)08.04.20: 0.625mg, (4days hold)11.04.20: 0.620mg, (3days hold)15.04.20: 0.615mg,  current 18.04.20: 0.610mg. After last drop my awful face pain started, nerve pain in face. Holding. Facial nerve pain startetd to improve today (24.04.20). I am planning to do next drop in couple days. 17.5.20 0.585mg. (0.605mg and 0.595mg drops). 15.4.21 0.26mg.

Finished Lexapro 2.6.2023. 

 

Probiotics on morning

Multivitamin on day or evening

Oxazepam 10-11pm

 

Tolvon 10mg July 2016-August 2016, CT on august 2016. 

 

Oxazepam 60mg July 2016-February 2018. Tapered to 37,5mg february-march 2018. Currently 37,5mg for the sleep.

 

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  • Moderator Emeritus

Welcome to SA, Hope2001.  Congratulation on getting to such a low dose of Lexapro.  What was your original dose and how fast have you been tapering up to this point?

 

We generally recommend tapering by no more than 10% of your current dose every four weeks.   

 

Why taper by 10% of my dosage?

 

The taper rate you describe in your post is within that limit.  However, it is at the very low doses that the taper should be especially slow, either with smaller drops or longer holds or both.  Since you report huge withdrawal symptoms, you might want to slow down a bit.

 

What is withdrawal syndrome.

 

Glenmullen’s withdrawal symptom list.

 

When we take medications, the CNS (central nervous system) responds by making changes over the months and years we take the drug(s). When the medication is discontinued, the CNS has to undo all the changes it made. Rebuilding the neurotransmitter production and reactivating the receptor and transporter cells takes time -- during that rebuilding process symptoms occur.  

 

This explains it really well:

 

Video:  Healing From Antidepressants - Patterns of Recovery 

 

You should hold a minimum of four weeks between each drop.  If the withdrawal symptoms are bad, you should hold longer.  How long have you been holding?

 

You mention finishing within 5 months.  It is better to listen to your body and taper according to how you're feeling rather than use a schedule.

 

We recommend jumping off no higher than 0.1mg, preferably lower.  .05 is a good jumping point.

 

Menstruation problems during withdrawal are very common.

 

We don't recommend a lot of supplements on SA, as many members report being sensitive to them due to our over-reactive nervous systems, but two supplements that we do recommend are magnesium and omega 3 (fish oil). Many people find these to be calming to the nervous system. 

 

Magnesium, nature's calcium channel blocker 

 

Omega-3 fatty acids (fish oil

 

Add in one at a time and at a low dose in case you do experience problems.

 

This is your Introduction topic, where you can answer my questions, ask your own questions and connect with other members.  We're glad you found your way here.

 

 

 

 

Gridley Introduction

 

Lexapro 20 mg since 2004.  Begin Brassmonkey Slide Taper Jan. 2017.   

End 2017 year 1 of taper at 9.25mg 

End 2018 year 2 of taper at 4.1mg

End 2019 year 3 of taper at 1.0mg  

Oct. 30, 2020  Jump to zero from 0.025mg.  Current dose: 0.000mg

3 year, 10 month taper is 100% complete.

 

Ativan 1 mg to 1.875mg 1986-2020, two CT's and reinstatements

Nov. 2020, 7-week Ativan-Valium crossover to 18.75mg Valium

Feb. 2021, begin 10%/4 week taper of 18.75mg Valium 

End 2021  year 1 of Valium taper at 6mg

End 2022 year 2 of Valium taper at 2.75mg 

End 2023 year 3 of Valium taper at 1mg

Jan. 24, 2024: Hold at 1mg and shift to Imipramine taper.

Taper is 95% complete.

 

Imipramine 75 mg daily since 1986.  Jan.-Sept. 2016 tapered to 14.4mg  

March 22, 2022: Begin 10%/4 week taper

Aug. 5, 2022: hold at 9.5mg and shift to Valium taper

Jan. 24, 2024: Resume Imipramine taper.  Current dose as of Oct 15: 3.2mg

Taper is 96% complete.  

  

Supplements: multiple, quercetin, omega-3, vitamins C, E and D3, magnesium glycinate, probiotic, zinc, melatonin .3mg, iron, serrapeptase, nattokinase, L-Glutamine, milk thistle, choline


I am not a medical professional and this is not medical advice. It is information based on my own experience as well as that of other members who have survived these drugs.

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  • 2 weeks later...

Hi,

 

Thank you for your answers. I printed Glenmuller symptom list and I am following my symptoms according that. 

 

I have had so bad nerve pain during this medication. I have nerve pain on the right side of my face and shoulder and sometimes on right hand and leg. Mainly on face and shoulder. Is there anything to relieve this pain? Does Lexapro cause nerve pain?

 

My eyes and nose are so dry, so dry. Is there any hope that those will return to normal? 

 

I have been holding from 4 to 8 weeks.

Lexapro July 2016 5mg-10mg, August - September 2016 20mg. 20mg from 09/16-03/18. Started tapering 03/18 15mg,  04/18 7,5mg, 07/18 6,5mg & 5,5mg, 08/16 5,0mg, 09/18 4,5mg, 10/18 4,25mg, November - December 2016 from 4,25mg to 3,25mg, 01/19 2,75mg,  02/19 2,25mg, 04/19 1,75mg, 05/19 1,5mg, 06/19 1,25mg, 07/19 1,0mg, 09/19 0,9mg, 10/19 0,8mg, 11/19 0,75mg, 12/19 0,7mg, 01/20 0,65mg. March 2020 switched to microtapering: 15.03.20: 0.645mg (7days hold), 22.03.20: 0.640mg (5days hold), (3days hold)27.03.20: 0.635mg, (9days hold) 30.03.20: 0.630mg, (3 days hold)08.04.20: 0.625mg, (4days hold)11.04.20: 0.620mg, (3days hold)15.04.20: 0.615mg,  current 18.04.20: 0.610mg. After last drop my awful face pain started, nerve pain in face. Holding. Facial nerve pain startetd to improve today (24.04.20). I am planning to do next drop in couple days. 17.5.20 0.585mg. (0.605mg and 0.595mg drops). 15.4.21 0.26mg.

Finished Lexapro 2.6.2023. 

 

Probiotics on morning

Multivitamin on day or evening

Oxazepam 10-11pm

 

Tolvon 10mg July 2016-August 2016, CT on august 2016. 

 

Oxazepam 60mg July 2016-February 2018. Tapered to 37,5mg february-march 2018. Currently 37,5mg for the sleep.

 

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  • Moderator Emeritus
5 hours ago, Hope2001 said:

Does Lexapro cause nerve pain?

Neuralgia (nerve pain) is a known side effect of Lexapro.  Side effects generally decrease as the dosage gets smaller.  Has that been the case with you?

 

Dry eyes are a common withdrawal symptom.  These symptoms can come and go.  Eventually they will return to normal.

Gridley Introduction

 

Lexapro 20 mg since 2004.  Begin Brassmonkey Slide Taper Jan. 2017.   

End 2017 year 1 of taper at 9.25mg 

End 2018 year 2 of taper at 4.1mg

End 2019 year 3 of taper at 1.0mg  

Oct. 30, 2020  Jump to zero from 0.025mg.  Current dose: 0.000mg

3 year, 10 month taper is 100% complete.

 

Ativan 1 mg to 1.875mg 1986-2020, two CT's and reinstatements

Nov. 2020, 7-week Ativan-Valium crossover to 18.75mg Valium

Feb. 2021, begin 10%/4 week taper of 18.75mg Valium 

End 2021  year 1 of Valium taper at 6mg

End 2022 year 2 of Valium taper at 2.75mg 

End 2023 year 3 of Valium taper at 1mg

Jan. 24, 2024: Hold at 1mg and shift to Imipramine taper.

Taper is 95% complete.

 

Imipramine 75 mg daily since 1986.  Jan.-Sept. 2016 tapered to 14.4mg  

March 22, 2022: Begin 10%/4 week taper

Aug. 5, 2022: hold at 9.5mg and shift to Valium taper

Jan. 24, 2024: Resume Imipramine taper.  Current dose as of Oct 15: 3.2mg

Taper is 96% complete.  

  

Supplements: multiple, quercetin, omega-3, vitamins C, E and D3, magnesium glycinate, probiotic, zinc, melatonin .3mg, iron, serrapeptase, nattokinase, L-Glutamine, milk thistle, choline


I am not a medical professional and this is not medical advice. It is information based on my own experience as well as that of other members who have survived these drugs.

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My nerve pain varies sometimes it worse and then better. But now I have had couple so bad pain period. 

 

Lexapro ruined my eyes. For it has been all the time when I have had Lexapro and maybe it is even worse in withdrawal. 

I have also breathing difficulties. Have had those on Lexapro and now it seems that they come also when I have make drop. 

Is it common? I kind of cant breath normally.

Lexapro July 2016 5mg-10mg, August - September 2016 20mg. 20mg from 09/16-03/18. Started tapering 03/18 15mg,  04/18 7,5mg, 07/18 6,5mg & 5,5mg, 08/16 5,0mg, 09/18 4,5mg, 10/18 4,25mg, November - December 2016 from 4,25mg to 3,25mg, 01/19 2,75mg,  02/19 2,25mg, 04/19 1,75mg, 05/19 1,5mg, 06/19 1,25mg, 07/19 1,0mg, 09/19 0,9mg, 10/19 0,8mg, 11/19 0,75mg, 12/19 0,7mg, 01/20 0,65mg. March 2020 switched to microtapering: 15.03.20: 0.645mg (7days hold), 22.03.20: 0.640mg (5days hold), (3days hold)27.03.20: 0.635mg, (9days hold) 30.03.20: 0.630mg, (3 days hold)08.04.20: 0.625mg, (4days hold)11.04.20: 0.620mg, (3days hold)15.04.20: 0.615mg,  current 18.04.20: 0.610mg. After last drop my awful face pain started, nerve pain in face. Holding. Facial nerve pain startetd to improve today (24.04.20). I am planning to do next drop in couple days. 17.5.20 0.585mg. (0.605mg and 0.595mg drops). 15.4.21 0.26mg.

Finished Lexapro 2.6.2023. 

 

Probiotics on morning

Multivitamin on day or evening

Oxazepam 10-11pm

 

Tolvon 10mg July 2016-August 2016, CT on august 2016. 

 

Oxazepam 60mg July 2016-February 2018. Tapered to 37,5mg february-march 2018. Currently 37,5mg for the sleep.

 

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  • Moderator Emeritus
9 minutes ago, Hope2001 said:

breathing difficulties

 

Breathing difficulties are a common antidepressant withdrawal symptom.  If you will Google survivingantidepressants.org breathing difficulties you will find a number of threads on this subject.  Here's one:

Shortness of breath and other breathing issues - Symptoms ...

Gridley Introduction

 

Lexapro 20 mg since 2004.  Begin Brassmonkey Slide Taper Jan. 2017.   

End 2017 year 1 of taper at 9.25mg 

End 2018 year 2 of taper at 4.1mg

End 2019 year 3 of taper at 1.0mg  

Oct. 30, 2020  Jump to zero from 0.025mg.  Current dose: 0.000mg

3 year, 10 month taper is 100% complete.

 

Ativan 1 mg to 1.875mg 1986-2020, two CT's and reinstatements

Nov. 2020, 7-week Ativan-Valium crossover to 18.75mg Valium

Feb. 2021, begin 10%/4 week taper of 18.75mg Valium 

End 2021  year 1 of Valium taper at 6mg

End 2022 year 2 of Valium taper at 2.75mg 

End 2023 year 3 of Valium taper at 1mg

Jan. 24, 2024: Hold at 1mg and shift to Imipramine taper.

Taper is 95% complete.

 

Imipramine 75 mg daily since 1986.  Jan.-Sept. 2016 tapered to 14.4mg  

March 22, 2022: Begin 10%/4 week taper

Aug. 5, 2022: hold at 9.5mg and shift to Valium taper

Jan. 24, 2024: Resume Imipramine taper.  Current dose as of Oct 15: 3.2mg

Taper is 96% complete.  

  

Supplements: multiple, quercetin, omega-3, vitamins C, E and D3, magnesium glycinate, probiotic, zinc, melatonin .3mg, iron, serrapeptase, nattokinase, L-Glutamine, milk thistle, choline


I am not a medical professional and this is not medical advice. It is information based on my own experience as well as that of other members who have survived these drugs.

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  • Mentor

Hope2001

i too have dry eyes dry sinus and mouth so dry it’s a burning feeling- with lexapro. I had same with Paxil years ago and as I came down and off Paxil the moisture came back. 1 month ago I lowered the lexapro dose by 1.25 mgs and dryness lowered dramatically. But after 4 weeks it seems to be creeping back. I have tried other ssris with other s/e and when I came down and off they went away. Your body will return to normal just give it time. Welcome to SA you are in the right place!

2000-2013 Paxil - 1 year fast taper

2013-2018 merry go round
zoloft, cymbalta, lamictal, Prozac.

 Nov. 2018 lexapro 15 mgs, Dec. 2019 to Mar. 2020 taper to 10mg. Jul 2020 to October 2020 taper to 8.5 ml.
Oct 2020 reinstated to 9 ml.
Apr 2021 to Jul  taper to 7ml. Oct 2021 to Jan 2022 taper to 5.9ml, Mar 5 2022 5.8 ml, Mar 12 5.7ml, Mar 20 5.6ml, Mar 27 5.5ml, April 23 5.4ml, April 30 5.3ml, May 7 5.2ml,  Jul 9 2022 5.4ml, 

Klonopin prn, Allegra 180 for 3 seasons, aspirin 81 mg, plavix , nitroglycerin 0.4 mg prn, 2k mg  turmeric Qunol, 4- Trader Joe’s omega 3 -2400 mg, Pepcid 20mg,  Prilosec 40 mg, Tylenol arthritis 4 tablets daily, 350mg calm magnesium citrate, melatonin 2.5- 5mg as needed to sleep. Saline spray as needed. 

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  • 2 weeks later...

I am so depressed during my periods. I just feel so black and no hope. I am so desperate and want my old life back. I would give anything to get 3,5 years back when they started this **** for me. I feel so lonely and desperate. No joy or laugh. Just trying to go forward from day to day. I am andry and sad and feels I am going to be lonely for the rest of my life. And sick and not able to function. 

I have gained over 30kg and look like ****. Look like I had been drinking last years. That is how I look. My husband told me he doesnt love me anymore. Hard to see any light anywhere, just deep darkness. 

Lexapro July 2016 5mg-10mg, August - September 2016 20mg. 20mg from 09/16-03/18. Started tapering 03/18 15mg,  04/18 7,5mg, 07/18 6,5mg & 5,5mg, 08/16 5,0mg, 09/18 4,5mg, 10/18 4,25mg, November - December 2016 from 4,25mg to 3,25mg, 01/19 2,75mg,  02/19 2,25mg, 04/19 1,75mg, 05/19 1,5mg, 06/19 1,25mg, 07/19 1,0mg, 09/19 0,9mg, 10/19 0,8mg, 11/19 0,75mg, 12/19 0,7mg, 01/20 0,65mg. March 2020 switched to microtapering: 15.03.20: 0.645mg (7days hold), 22.03.20: 0.640mg (5days hold), (3days hold)27.03.20: 0.635mg, (9days hold) 30.03.20: 0.630mg, (3 days hold)08.04.20: 0.625mg, (4days hold)11.04.20: 0.620mg, (3days hold)15.04.20: 0.615mg,  current 18.04.20: 0.610mg. After last drop my awful face pain started, nerve pain in face. Holding. Facial nerve pain startetd to improve today (24.04.20). I am planning to do next drop in couple days. 17.5.20 0.585mg. (0.605mg and 0.595mg drops). 15.4.21 0.26mg.

Finished Lexapro 2.6.2023. 

 

Probiotics on morning

Multivitamin on day or evening

Oxazepam 10-11pm

 

Tolvon 10mg July 2016-August 2016, CT on august 2016. 

 

Oxazepam 60mg July 2016-February 2018. Tapered to 37,5mg february-march 2018. Currently 37,5mg for the sleep.

 

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  • Moderator Emeritus

I understand you hope, periods trigger the worst symptoms for me too

I know how hard it is To believe right now while you Feel so bad, but believe me, it does get better.

Only 2 months ago, I have written a post that sounds exactly like yours.

But now I'm functionnal and able To appreciate the beauty of life

You Will too ❤

 

You're not going To be lonely for the rest of your life, because this isnt the rest of your life

This is probably the most rough thing you Will have To go through in your life, but it is only temporary. 

Remember this : it is only temporary  ❤

2006 : 20mg Paxil+Bromazepam. 2008 : cold turkey of both. 2010 : Reinstatement 20mg Paxil + Bromazepam.

2014-June2017 : Switch from Bromazepam to Prazepam, slow taper to 0mg.

2018 to August 2019 : Paxil 20mg taper (3% every 15 days). 22 Aug 2019 updose to 10mg (was at 8.4mg).

25th Sept 2019 To April 2020 : found SA, holding at 10mg Paxil. 

April 2020 : Paxil 10mg to Prozac 7mg bridge. Details topic/21457

 

Current Supplements : magnesium citrate + fish oil

Current medication :

* 7pm Diazepam  : 0.85mg (15 Aug 2022) / 0.95 mg (24 April 2022) / 1mg Diazepam (since 29 Aug 2020)

* 8am Prozac : 6.16mg (25 oct 2022, feel awful, slight updose) / 6.08 mg (9 oct 2022) / 6.24mg (11 July 22) / 6.44mg (22 May 22) / 6.64mg (4 Nov 21) / 6.72mg (8 oct 21) / 6.8 mg (15 Sept 21)6.88mg (14 Aug 21)/ 6.92mg (23 Jun 21)

 

I am not a professional, I don't give medical advice. Discuss any decisions about your medical care with a knowledgeable medical practitioner.

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  • 2 months later...

 Current dose 0.645mg lexapro. I just made drop from 0.65 to 0.645. This has been ok this far, 4 days. 

 

My eye problems are bad. I have so dry eyes and hurting so much. Nothing helps. Also nerve pain again. This is so diffucult. My face are so swollen. Stomach also. 

Lexapro July 2016 5mg-10mg, August - September 2016 20mg. 20mg from 09/16-03/18. Started tapering 03/18 15mg,  04/18 7,5mg, 07/18 6,5mg & 5,5mg, 08/16 5,0mg, 09/18 4,5mg, 10/18 4,25mg, November - December 2016 from 4,25mg to 3,25mg, 01/19 2,75mg,  02/19 2,25mg, 04/19 1,75mg, 05/19 1,5mg, 06/19 1,25mg, 07/19 1,0mg, 09/19 0,9mg, 10/19 0,8mg, 11/19 0,75mg, 12/19 0,7mg, 01/20 0,65mg. March 2020 switched to microtapering: 15.03.20: 0.645mg (7days hold), 22.03.20: 0.640mg (5days hold), (3days hold)27.03.20: 0.635mg, (9days hold) 30.03.20: 0.630mg, (3 days hold)08.04.20: 0.625mg, (4days hold)11.04.20: 0.620mg, (3days hold)15.04.20: 0.615mg,  current 18.04.20: 0.610mg. After last drop my awful face pain started, nerve pain in face. Holding. Facial nerve pain startetd to improve today (24.04.20). I am planning to do next drop in couple days. 17.5.20 0.585mg. (0.605mg and 0.595mg drops). 15.4.21 0.26mg.

Finished Lexapro 2.6.2023. 

 

Probiotics on morning

Multivitamin on day or evening

Oxazepam 10-11pm

 

Tolvon 10mg July 2016-August 2016, CT on august 2016. 

 

Oxazepam 60mg July 2016-February 2018. Tapered to 37,5mg february-march 2018. Currently 37,5mg for the sleep.

 

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  • 1 month later...
  • Administrator

How are you doing, Hope?

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.

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Hi,

 

Than you for asking. I am not doing well. I am so sick all the time. I am now down to 0.610mg. I have went down from 0.645 by 0.005mg drops. I thought this would help me but it hasnt. 

 

I feel all the time flu and have diarhhea. My face is on fire, nervous pain. Breathing difficulties and cfs symptoms. I feel so sick and just lay on the coach. Anedhonia and depression. Some good days. I am desperate. Any ideas what I can do to make me feel less sick? Can I do something to my diarrhea? I eat probiotics and fiber to help.

Lexapro July 2016 5mg-10mg, August - September 2016 20mg. 20mg from 09/16-03/18. Started tapering 03/18 15mg,  04/18 7,5mg, 07/18 6,5mg & 5,5mg, 08/16 5,0mg, 09/18 4,5mg, 10/18 4,25mg, November - December 2016 from 4,25mg to 3,25mg, 01/19 2,75mg,  02/19 2,25mg, 04/19 1,75mg, 05/19 1,5mg, 06/19 1,25mg, 07/19 1,0mg, 09/19 0,9mg, 10/19 0,8mg, 11/19 0,75mg, 12/19 0,7mg, 01/20 0,65mg. March 2020 switched to microtapering: 15.03.20: 0.645mg (7days hold), 22.03.20: 0.640mg (5days hold), (3days hold)27.03.20: 0.635mg, (9days hold) 30.03.20: 0.630mg, (3 days hold)08.04.20: 0.625mg, (4days hold)11.04.20: 0.620mg, (3days hold)15.04.20: 0.615mg,  current 18.04.20: 0.610mg. After last drop my awful face pain started, nerve pain in face. Holding. Facial nerve pain startetd to improve today (24.04.20). I am planning to do next drop in couple days. 17.5.20 0.585mg. (0.605mg and 0.595mg drops). 15.4.21 0.26mg.

Finished Lexapro 2.6.2023. 

 

Probiotics on morning

Multivitamin on day or evening

Oxazepam 10-11pm

 

Tolvon 10mg July 2016-August 2016, CT on august 2016. 

 

Oxazepam 60mg July 2016-February 2018. Tapered to 37,5mg february-march 2018. Currently 37,5mg for the sleep.

 

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  • Altostrata changed the title to Hope2001 Lexapro tapering
  • Administrator

How long have you had flu feelings and diarhhea? Have you seen the doctor for the flu feelings and diarhhea? The dry eyes? You'll have to make sure you do not have a medical illness.

 

If you're able, follow these instructions Please put your drug and withdrawal history in your signature You may need to use a computer to do this.

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.

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Doctors are clueless. Nobody knows anything, nobody says anything. I am on my own. I have doctor tomorrow but I know she doesnt know anything. I know the flue feeling is because lexapro. But i have had so many side-effects from it that i dont know what is side-effect and what is withdrawal. Eyes are dry still and so is my nose. Skin is dry also. I eat berries and olive oil every day, try to eat healthy. Some strange sugar and carb cravings. I am just so desperate. During last 30 days I have made 0.035mg cut.

Lexapro July 2016 5mg-10mg, August - September 2016 20mg. 20mg from 09/16-03/18. Started tapering 03/18 15mg,  04/18 7,5mg, 07/18 6,5mg & 5,5mg, 08/16 5,0mg, 09/18 4,5mg, 10/18 4,25mg, November - December 2016 from 4,25mg to 3,25mg, 01/19 2,75mg,  02/19 2,25mg, 04/19 1,75mg, 05/19 1,5mg, 06/19 1,25mg, 07/19 1,0mg, 09/19 0,9mg, 10/19 0,8mg, 11/19 0,75mg, 12/19 0,7mg, 01/20 0,65mg. March 2020 switched to microtapering: 15.03.20: 0.645mg (7days hold), 22.03.20: 0.640mg (5days hold), (3days hold)27.03.20: 0.635mg, (9days hold) 30.03.20: 0.630mg, (3 days hold)08.04.20: 0.625mg, (4days hold)11.04.20: 0.620mg, (3days hold)15.04.20: 0.615mg,  current 18.04.20: 0.610mg. After last drop my awful face pain started, nerve pain in face. Holding. Facial nerve pain startetd to improve today (24.04.20). I am planning to do next drop in couple days. 17.5.20 0.585mg. (0.605mg and 0.595mg drops). 15.4.21 0.26mg.

Finished Lexapro 2.6.2023. 

 

Probiotics on morning

Multivitamin on day or evening

Oxazepam 10-11pm

 

Tolvon 10mg July 2016-August 2016, CT on august 2016. 

 

Oxazepam 60mg July 2016-February 2018. Tapered to 37,5mg february-march 2018. Currently 37,5mg for the sleep.

 

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During last month I have tried to found how fast I can taper with microtapering. With longer holds it went better. Maybe 3 days between cuts is too  much for me?

Face pain started after last drop. I have been holding since.

Lexapro July 2016 5mg-10mg, August - September 2016 20mg. 20mg from 09/16-03/18. Started tapering 03/18 15mg,  04/18 7,5mg, 07/18 6,5mg & 5,5mg, 08/16 5,0mg, 09/18 4,5mg, 10/18 4,25mg, November - December 2016 from 4,25mg to 3,25mg, 01/19 2,75mg,  02/19 2,25mg, 04/19 1,75mg, 05/19 1,5mg, 06/19 1,25mg, 07/19 1,0mg, 09/19 0,9mg, 10/19 0,8mg, 11/19 0,75mg, 12/19 0,7mg, 01/20 0,65mg. March 2020 switched to microtapering: 15.03.20: 0.645mg (7days hold), 22.03.20: 0.640mg (5days hold), (3days hold)27.03.20: 0.635mg, (9days hold) 30.03.20: 0.630mg, (3 days hold)08.04.20: 0.625mg, (4days hold)11.04.20: 0.620mg, (3days hold)15.04.20: 0.615mg,  current 18.04.20: 0.610mg. After last drop my awful face pain started, nerve pain in face. Holding. Facial nerve pain startetd to improve today (24.04.20). I am planning to do next drop in couple days. 17.5.20 0.585mg. (0.605mg and 0.595mg drops). 15.4.21 0.26mg.

Finished Lexapro 2.6.2023. 

 

Probiotics on morning

Multivitamin on day or evening

Oxazepam 10-11pm

 

Tolvon 10mg July 2016-August 2016, CT on august 2016. 

 

Oxazepam 60mg July 2016-February 2018. Tapered to 37,5mg february-march 2018. Currently 37,5mg for the sleep.

 

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  • Administrator
2 hours ago, Hope2001 said:

With longer holds it went better. Maybe 3 days between cuts is too  much for me?

 

Very likely. We advise people to listen to their bodies when tapering. If symptoms arise, stop tapering.

 

If your symptoms have gotten significantly worse since your last decrease, I would increase a little, back to 0.615mg, and hold there. Please let us know how you're doing.

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.

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What is this fatigue and excerise intolerance what I have? Where this comes? I have had fatigue due to Lexapro - I dont know if this is now se or wd? 

 

I have some improvements with low dose Lexapro. My periods are more regular, not so bad fatigue, i see some improvement on that. But it is still messing my life badly. Cognitio is better and head so much clearer. Swelling is not so bad. Anxiety gone. 

Lexapro July 2016 5mg-10mg, August - September 2016 20mg. 20mg from 09/16-03/18. Started tapering 03/18 15mg,  04/18 7,5mg, 07/18 6,5mg & 5,5mg, 08/16 5,0mg, 09/18 4,5mg, 10/18 4,25mg, November - December 2016 from 4,25mg to 3,25mg, 01/19 2,75mg,  02/19 2,25mg, 04/19 1,75mg, 05/19 1,5mg, 06/19 1,25mg, 07/19 1,0mg, 09/19 0,9mg, 10/19 0,8mg, 11/19 0,75mg, 12/19 0,7mg, 01/20 0,65mg. March 2020 switched to microtapering: 15.03.20: 0.645mg (7days hold), 22.03.20: 0.640mg (5days hold), (3days hold)27.03.20: 0.635mg, (9days hold) 30.03.20: 0.630mg, (3 days hold)08.04.20: 0.625mg, (4days hold)11.04.20: 0.620mg, (3days hold)15.04.20: 0.615mg,  current 18.04.20: 0.610mg. After last drop my awful face pain started, nerve pain in face. Holding. Facial nerve pain startetd to improve today (24.04.20). I am planning to do next drop in couple days. 17.5.20 0.585mg. (0.605mg and 0.595mg drops). 15.4.21 0.26mg.

Finished Lexapro 2.6.2023. 

 

Probiotics on morning

Multivitamin on day or evening

Oxazepam 10-11pm

 

Tolvon 10mg July 2016-August 2016, CT on august 2016. 

 

Oxazepam 60mg July 2016-February 2018. Tapered to 37,5mg february-march 2018. Currently 37,5mg for the sleep.

 

Link to comment

Why I get tired couple hours after I wake up? I am tired until 5-6pm and then I get more energy.  Do I take escitalopram on wrong time? Should I take it on mornings? 

 

 

 

 

Lexapro July 2016 5mg-10mg, August - September 2016 20mg. 20mg from 09/16-03/18. Started tapering 03/18 15mg,  04/18 7,5mg, 07/18 6,5mg & 5,5mg, 08/16 5,0mg, 09/18 4,5mg, 10/18 4,25mg, November - December 2016 from 4,25mg to 3,25mg, 01/19 2,75mg,  02/19 2,25mg, 04/19 1,75mg, 05/19 1,5mg, 06/19 1,25mg, 07/19 1,0mg, 09/19 0,9mg, 10/19 0,8mg, 11/19 0,75mg, 12/19 0,7mg, 01/20 0,65mg. March 2020 switched to microtapering: 15.03.20: 0.645mg (7days hold), 22.03.20: 0.640mg (5days hold), (3days hold)27.03.20: 0.635mg, (9days hold) 30.03.20: 0.630mg, (3 days hold)08.04.20: 0.625mg, (4days hold)11.04.20: 0.620mg, (3days hold)15.04.20: 0.615mg,  current 18.04.20: 0.610mg. After last drop my awful face pain started, nerve pain in face. Holding. Facial nerve pain startetd to improve today (24.04.20). I am planning to do next drop in couple days. 17.5.20 0.585mg. (0.605mg and 0.595mg drops). 15.4.21 0.26mg.

Finished Lexapro 2.6.2023. 

 

Probiotics on morning

Multivitamin on day or evening

Oxazepam 10-11pm

 

Tolvon 10mg July 2016-August 2016, CT on august 2016. 

 

Oxazepam 60mg July 2016-February 2018. Tapered to 37,5mg february-march 2018. Currently 37,5mg for the sleep.

 

Link to comment
  • Moderator Emeritus
1 hour ago, Hope2001 said:

Should I take it on mornings? 

Lexapro is an activating drug.  I moved taking it from night to morning to improve sleep.  Taking it in the morning might improve your fatigue.  If you do this, move taking it back one hour each day until you reach the time in the morning when you want to take it.  

Gridley Introduction

 

Lexapro 20 mg since 2004.  Begin Brassmonkey Slide Taper Jan. 2017.   

End 2017 year 1 of taper at 9.25mg 

End 2018 year 2 of taper at 4.1mg

End 2019 year 3 of taper at 1.0mg  

Oct. 30, 2020  Jump to zero from 0.025mg.  Current dose: 0.000mg

3 year, 10 month taper is 100% complete.

 

Ativan 1 mg to 1.875mg 1986-2020, two CT's and reinstatements

Nov. 2020, 7-week Ativan-Valium crossover to 18.75mg Valium

Feb. 2021, begin 10%/4 week taper of 18.75mg Valium 

End 2021  year 1 of Valium taper at 6mg

End 2022 year 2 of Valium taper at 2.75mg 

End 2023 year 3 of Valium taper at 1mg

Jan. 24, 2024: Hold at 1mg and shift to Imipramine taper.

Taper is 95% complete.

 

Imipramine 75 mg daily since 1986.  Jan.-Sept. 2016 tapered to 14.4mg  

March 22, 2022: Begin 10%/4 week taper

Aug. 5, 2022: hold at 9.5mg and shift to Valium taper

Jan. 24, 2024: Resume Imipramine taper.  Current dose as of Oct 15: 3.2mg

Taper is 96% complete.  

  

Supplements: multiple, quercetin, omega-3, vitamins C, E and D3, magnesium glycinate, probiotic, zinc, melatonin .3mg, iron, serrapeptase, nattokinase, L-Glutamine, milk thistle, choline


I am not a medical professional and this is not medical advice. It is information based on my own experience as well as that of other members who have survived these drugs.

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Today I will make drop from 0.610mg to 0.605mg. I thought first drop to 0.600mg but then decided to make smaller cut and see how I feel. This has been so hard week. Now I am feeling better. On friday I went to longer walk and price was fatigue, i was so tired yesterday. Today better but not good. My symptoms are just like on cfs. Today bit flue feeling also. But maily I am stable and so much better.

 

 

Lexapro July 2016 5mg-10mg, August - September 2016 20mg. 20mg from 09/16-03/18. Started tapering 03/18 15mg,  04/18 7,5mg, 07/18 6,5mg & 5,5mg, 08/16 5,0mg, 09/18 4,5mg, 10/18 4,25mg, November - December 2016 from 4,25mg to 3,25mg, 01/19 2,75mg,  02/19 2,25mg, 04/19 1,75mg, 05/19 1,5mg, 06/19 1,25mg, 07/19 1,0mg, 09/19 0,9mg, 10/19 0,8mg, 11/19 0,75mg, 12/19 0,7mg, 01/20 0,65mg. March 2020 switched to microtapering: 15.03.20: 0.645mg (7days hold), 22.03.20: 0.640mg (5days hold), (3days hold)27.03.20: 0.635mg, (9days hold) 30.03.20: 0.630mg, (3 days hold)08.04.20: 0.625mg, (4days hold)11.04.20: 0.620mg, (3days hold)15.04.20: 0.615mg,  current 18.04.20: 0.610mg. After last drop my awful face pain started, nerve pain in face. Holding. Facial nerve pain startetd to improve today (24.04.20). I am planning to do next drop in couple days. 17.5.20 0.585mg. (0.605mg and 0.595mg drops). 15.4.21 0.26mg.

Finished Lexapro 2.6.2023. 

 

Probiotics on morning

Multivitamin on day or evening

Oxazepam 10-11pm

 

Tolvon 10mg July 2016-August 2016, CT on august 2016. 

 

Oxazepam 60mg July 2016-February 2018. Tapered to 37,5mg february-march 2018. Currently 37,5mg for the sleep.

 

Link to comment

Hi hope?

 

 

How Are you doing?

 

Did you change the time you take the drug?

 

If you dropped from 0.610 to 0.605 this is almost 1%. This might seem small but I have not been able to make larger changes myself.

 

Don't hurry, let your body decide.

 

Hope you are doing better!!

 

 

Cheer

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, updosed to 18 mg

- 14Aug 2018 - 26apr 2019  citalopram 18 mg, hold 8 months

 

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 / 28apr 1.33 mg / 2may 1.32 mg / 9may 1.30 mg hold / micro taper 0.002 mg/day start 17jun / 27jun 1.28 mg / 06jul  1.26 mg / 29jul 1.20 mg / 24aug 1.14 mg / 02sep 1.12 mg / 10sep 1.10 mg / 17sep 1.08 mg / 23 sep 1.06 mg / 07 oct 1.02 mg / 12oct 1.0 mg /

Link to comment

Hi jozeff,

 

I have had couple better days now. Dont know why. I havent yet changed time I take lexapro. Nerve pain gone, cfs much better, mood much better. Doctor wants me to see neurologist due to leg muscle pain. I know it is from lexapro but doctors doesnt know. 

Lexapro July 2016 5mg-10mg, August - September 2016 20mg. 20mg from 09/16-03/18. Started tapering 03/18 15mg,  04/18 7,5mg, 07/18 6,5mg & 5,5mg, 08/16 5,0mg, 09/18 4,5mg, 10/18 4,25mg, November - December 2016 from 4,25mg to 3,25mg, 01/19 2,75mg,  02/19 2,25mg, 04/19 1,75mg, 05/19 1,5mg, 06/19 1,25mg, 07/19 1,0mg, 09/19 0,9mg, 10/19 0,8mg, 11/19 0,75mg, 12/19 0,7mg, 01/20 0,65mg. March 2020 switched to microtapering: 15.03.20: 0.645mg (7days hold), 22.03.20: 0.640mg (5days hold), (3days hold)27.03.20: 0.635mg, (9days hold) 30.03.20: 0.630mg, (3 days hold)08.04.20: 0.625mg, (4days hold)11.04.20: 0.620mg, (3days hold)15.04.20: 0.615mg,  current 18.04.20: 0.610mg. After last drop my awful face pain started, nerve pain in face. Holding. Facial nerve pain startetd to improve today (24.04.20). I am planning to do next drop in couple days. 17.5.20 0.585mg. (0.605mg and 0.595mg drops). 15.4.21 0.26mg.

Finished Lexapro 2.6.2023. 

 

Probiotics on morning

Multivitamin on day or evening

Oxazepam 10-11pm

 

Tolvon 10mg July 2016-August 2016, CT on august 2016. 

 

Oxazepam 60mg July 2016-February 2018. Tapered to 37,5mg february-march 2018. Currently 37,5mg for the sleep.

 

Link to comment
  • ChessieCat changed the title to Hope2001: Lexapro tapering

Hi,

 

Do you still have good days? I hope you do!

 

Cheers

 

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, updosed to 18 mg

- 14Aug 2018 - 26apr 2019  citalopram 18 mg, hold 8 months

 

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 / 28apr 1.33 mg / 2may 1.32 mg / 9may 1.30 mg hold / micro taper 0.002 mg/day start 17jun / 27jun 1.28 mg / 06jul  1.26 mg / 29jul 1.20 mg / 24aug 1.14 mg / 02sep 1.12 mg / 10sep 1.10 mg / 17sep 1.08 mg / 23 sep 1.06 mg / 07 oct 1.02 mg / 12oct 1.0 mg /

Link to comment

Hi, 

 

I have had better days now. Not so bad leg pain, no depression or anxiety. Sleep is poor. I have brain fog and dry eyes. My vision is blurred. 

How are you? 

Lexapro July 2016 5mg-10mg, August - September 2016 20mg. 20mg from 09/16-03/18. Started tapering 03/18 15mg,  04/18 7,5mg, 07/18 6,5mg & 5,5mg, 08/16 5,0mg, 09/18 4,5mg, 10/18 4,25mg, November - December 2016 from 4,25mg to 3,25mg, 01/19 2,75mg,  02/19 2,25mg, 04/19 1,75mg, 05/19 1,5mg, 06/19 1,25mg, 07/19 1,0mg, 09/19 0,9mg, 10/19 0,8mg, 11/19 0,75mg, 12/19 0,7mg, 01/20 0,65mg. March 2020 switched to microtapering: 15.03.20: 0.645mg (7days hold), 22.03.20: 0.640mg (5days hold), (3days hold)27.03.20: 0.635mg, (9days hold) 30.03.20: 0.630mg, (3 days hold)08.04.20: 0.625mg, (4days hold)11.04.20: 0.620mg, (3days hold)15.04.20: 0.615mg,  current 18.04.20: 0.610mg. After last drop my awful face pain started, nerve pain in face. Holding. Facial nerve pain startetd to improve today (24.04.20). I am planning to do next drop in couple days. 17.5.20 0.585mg. (0.605mg and 0.595mg drops). 15.4.21 0.26mg.

Finished Lexapro 2.6.2023. 

 

Probiotics on morning

Multivitamin on day or evening

Oxazepam 10-11pm

 

Tolvon 10mg July 2016-August 2016, CT on august 2016. 

 

Oxazepam 60mg July 2016-February 2018. Tapered to 37,5mg february-march 2018. Currently 37,5mg for the sleep.

 

Link to comment
  • 3 weeks later...

My dose is 0.560mg. I dropped from 0.575mg to 0.560mg couple days ago. Now stomach issues, fatigue, floaters, blurred vision, salivation, cognitive difficulties. Some of these symptoms I have all the time on some level. Periods were awful again, pmdd. 

 

Tomorrow I have neurologist. 

Lexapro July 2016 5mg-10mg, August - September 2016 20mg. 20mg from 09/16-03/18. Started tapering 03/18 15mg,  04/18 7,5mg, 07/18 6,5mg & 5,5mg, 08/16 5,0mg, 09/18 4,5mg, 10/18 4,25mg, November - December 2016 from 4,25mg to 3,25mg, 01/19 2,75mg,  02/19 2,25mg, 04/19 1,75mg, 05/19 1,5mg, 06/19 1,25mg, 07/19 1,0mg, 09/19 0,9mg, 10/19 0,8mg, 11/19 0,75mg, 12/19 0,7mg, 01/20 0,65mg. March 2020 switched to microtapering: 15.03.20: 0.645mg (7days hold), 22.03.20: 0.640mg (5days hold), (3days hold)27.03.20: 0.635mg, (9days hold) 30.03.20: 0.630mg, (3 days hold)08.04.20: 0.625mg, (4days hold)11.04.20: 0.620mg, (3days hold)15.04.20: 0.615mg,  current 18.04.20: 0.610mg. After last drop my awful face pain started, nerve pain in face. Holding. Facial nerve pain startetd to improve today (24.04.20). I am planning to do next drop in couple days. 17.5.20 0.585mg. (0.605mg and 0.595mg drops). 15.4.21 0.26mg.

Finished Lexapro 2.6.2023. 

 

Probiotics on morning

Multivitamin on day or evening

Oxazepam 10-11pm

 

Tolvon 10mg July 2016-August 2016, CT on august 2016. 

 

Oxazepam 60mg July 2016-February 2018. Tapered to 37,5mg february-march 2018. Currently 37,5mg for the sleep.

 

Link to comment
  • 1 month later...

I really need your help. I have dropped lexapro lately 0.005mg in a day 2-3 weeks and before periods 5-7 days hold. I am holding until periods finish. My current dose is 0.440mg. 

 

I had awful periods, so awful. Pmdd. Tired, depression and bad nausea. I was in bed 6 days. Nausea continues. I have felt derealisation. Badbad fatigue. Have I dropped too fast? What is this? 

 

 

Lexapro July 2016 5mg-10mg, August - September 2016 20mg. 20mg from 09/16-03/18. Started tapering 03/18 15mg,  04/18 7,5mg, 07/18 6,5mg & 5,5mg, 08/16 5,0mg, 09/18 4,5mg, 10/18 4,25mg, November - December 2016 from 4,25mg to 3,25mg, 01/19 2,75mg,  02/19 2,25mg, 04/19 1,75mg, 05/19 1,5mg, 06/19 1,25mg, 07/19 1,0mg, 09/19 0,9mg, 10/19 0,8mg, 11/19 0,75mg, 12/19 0,7mg, 01/20 0,65mg. March 2020 switched to microtapering: 15.03.20: 0.645mg (7days hold), 22.03.20: 0.640mg (5days hold), (3days hold)27.03.20: 0.635mg, (9days hold) 30.03.20: 0.630mg, (3 days hold)08.04.20: 0.625mg, (4days hold)11.04.20: 0.620mg, (3days hold)15.04.20: 0.615mg,  current 18.04.20: 0.610mg. After last drop my awful face pain started, nerve pain in face. Holding. Facial nerve pain startetd to improve today (24.04.20). I am planning to do next drop in couple days. 17.5.20 0.585mg. (0.605mg and 0.595mg drops). 15.4.21 0.26mg.

Finished Lexapro 2.6.2023. 

 

Probiotics on morning

Multivitamin on day or evening

Oxazepam 10-11pm

 

Tolvon 10mg July 2016-August 2016, CT on august 2016. 

 

Oxazepam 60mg July 2016-February 2018. Tapered to 37,5mg february-march 2018. Currently 37,5mg for the sleep.

 

Link to comment
  • Administrator

Have you looked into non-drug remedies for your difficult menstrual periods? I found taking ibuprofen before my period started would reduce cramps and other symptoms.

 

What is your current daily drug schedule, with times and dosages for each drug?

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
  • 2 weeks later...

I drink lemon oringe juice before menstruation to help. Started magnesium and take fish oil and now added vitamin e. Is there something else I could do? 

 

I am iron deficient and I should do something to that. I just cant tolerate iron tablets. I take also one multivitamin tablet in morning. 

 

Current lexapro dose is 0.42mg. I take it around 4pm. Oxazepam I take when I go to sleep around 11-12pm. 

 

My eyes have been better last few weeks. My head is so much clearer. But pmdd and other physical symptoms. I feel so sick, I have excerise intolerance, same as people have in cfs. My muscles hurt so much. I have breathing difficulties. 

 

I have now dropped 0.01mg in a week. Three weeks dropping and now 4 days not dropping because my periods will be in a week. 

Lexapro July 2016 5mg-10mg, August - September 2016 20mg. 20mg from 09/16-03/18. Started tapering 03/18 15mg,  04/18 7,5mg, 07/18 6,5mg & 5,5mg, 08/16 5,0mg, 09/18 4,5mg, 10/18 4,25mg, November - December 2016 from 4,25mg to 3,25mg, 01/19 2,75mg,  02/19 2,25mg, 04/19 1,75mg, 05/19 1,5mg, 06/19 1,25mg, 07/19 1,0mg, 09/19 0,9mg, 10/19 0,8mg, 11/19 0,75mg, 12/19 0,7mg, 01/20 0,65mg. March 2020 switched to microtapering: 15.03.20: 0.645mg (7days hold), 22.03.20: 0.640mg (5days hold), (3days hold)27.03.20: 0.635mg, (9days hold) 30.03.20: 0.630mg, (3 days hold)08.04.20: 0.625mg, (4days hold)11.04.20: 0.620mg, (3days hold)15.04.20: 0.615mg,  current 18.04.20: 0.610mg. After last drop my awful face pain started, nerve pain in face. Holding. Facial nerve pain startetd to improve today (24.04.20). I am planning to do next drop in couple days. 17.5.20 0.585mg. (0.605mg and 0.595mg drops). 15.4.21 0.26mg.

Finished Lexapro 2.6.2023. 

 

Probiotics on morning

Multivitamin on day or evening

Oxazepam 10-11pm

 

Tolvon 10mg July 2016-August 2016, CT on august 2016. 

 

Oxazepam 60mg July 2016-February 2018. Tapered to 37,5mg february-march 2018. Currently 37,5mg for the sleep.

 

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  • 3 months later...

Hi, 

Altostrata or Griedly could you please check my message and advice?

 

I suffer hugely during my periods. This is awful. I am so depressed and my periods have been late. Please tell me that this is just withdrawal issue and goes away. 

I am afraid that this **** has ruened my fertility. I want to have baby in future. Pleaseplease tell me. Current dose is 0.33mg.  Please tell me that others have this too and have survived.

Lexapro July 2016 5mg-10mg, August - September 2016 20mg. 20mg from 09/16-03/18. Started tapering 03/18 15mg,  04/18 7,5mg, 07/18 6,5mg & 5,5mg, 08/16 5,0mg, 09/18 4,5mg, 10/18 4,25mg, November - December 2016 from 4,25mg to 3,25mg, 01/19 2,75mg,  02/19 2,25mg, 04/19 1,75mg, 05/19 1,5mg, 06/19 1,25mg, 07/19 1,0mg, 09/19 0,9mg, 10/19 0,8mg, 11/19 0,75mg, 12/19 0,7mg, 01/20 0,65mg. March 2020 switched to microtapering: 15.03.20: 0.645mg (7days hold), 22.03.20: 0.640mg (5days hold), (3days hold)27.03.20: 0.635mg, (9days hold) 30.03.20: 0.630mg, (3 days hold)08.04.20: 0.625mg, (4days hold)11.04.20: 0.620mg, (3days hold)15.04.20: 0.615mg,  current 18.04.20: 0.610mg. After last drop my awful face pain started, nerve pain in face. Holding. Facial nerve pain startetd to improve today (24.04.20). I am planning to do next drop in couple days. 17.5.20 0.585mg. (0.605mg and 0.595mg drops). 15.4.21 0.26mg.

Finished Lexapro 2.6.2023. 

 

Probiotics on morning

Multivitamin on day or evening

Oxazepam 10-11pm

 

Tolvon 10mg July 2016-August 2016, CT on august 2016. 

 

Oxazepam 60mg July 2016-February 2018. Tapered to 37,5mg february-march 2018. Currently 37,5mg for the sleep.

 

Link to comment

Lexapro July 2016 5mg-10mg, August - September 2016 20mg. 20mg from 09/16-03/18. Started tapering 03/18 15mg,  04/18 7,5mg, 07/18 6,5mg & 5,5mg, 08/16 5,0mg, 09/18 4,5mg, 10/18 4,25mg, November - December 2016 from 4,25mg to 3,25mg, 01/19 2,75mg,  02/19 2,25mg, 04/19 1,75mg, 05/19 1,5mg, 06/19 1,25mg, 07/19 1,0mg, 09/19 0,9mg, 10/19 0,8mg, 11/19 0,75mg, 12/19 0,7mg, 01/20 0,65mg. March 2020 switched to microtapering: 15.03.20: 0.645mg (7days hold), 22.03.20: 0.640mg (5days hold), (3days hold)27.03.20: 0.635mg, (9days hold) 30.03.20: 0.630mg, (3 days hold)08.04.20: 0.625mg, (4days hold)11.04.20: 0.620mg, (3days hold)15.04.20: 0.615mg,  current 18.04.20: 0.610mg. After last drop my awful face pain started, nerve pain in face. Holding. Facial nerve pain startetd to improve today (24.04.20). I am planning to do next drop in couple days. 17.5.20 0.585mg. (0.605mg and 0.595mg drops). 15.4.21 0.26mg.

Finished Lexapro 2.6.2023. 

 

Probiotics on morning

Multivitamin on day or evening

Oxazepam 10-11pm

 

Tolvon 10mg July 2016-August 2016, CT on august 2016. 

 

Oxazepam 60mg July 2016-February 2018. Tapered to 37,5mg february-march 2018. Currently 37,5mg for the sleep.

 

Link to comment
  • Administrator

We have seen many women whose systems have been sensitized by going on and off psychiatric drugs have increased difficulty during their menstrual periods.

 

However, we don't have any remedy for this. If difficult menstrual periods have always been a problem for you, please see a specialist in women's hormonal activity.

 

It is unlikely your psychiatric drug usage has affected it, but a women's hormonal specialist can better answer your questions about the state of your fertility.

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.

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  • 4 months later...

Hi,

I am currently on dose 0.26mg lexapro. This has been so hard. I have really hard time to taper because I get diarrhea and it is so powerful. I dont know what would make that easier. Do you have any tips for that? This led me to have fever and they gave me two antibiotics last weekend which I got bad reaction. They gave me Metronidazole and Cefuroxime. I got really bad reaction and now my head is mess, i feel confused and tired and got depression. I had other symptoms, these wasn only ones. 

 

 

 

 

@Shep @Gridley

Lexapro July 2016 5mg-10mg, August - September 2016 20mg. 20mg from 09/16-03/18. Started tapering 03/18 15mg,  04/18 7,5mg, 07/18 6,5mg & 5,5mg, 08/16 5,0mg, 09/18 4,5mg, 10/18 4,25mg, November - December 2016 from 4,25mg to 3,25mg, 01/19 2,75mg,  02/19 2,25mg, 04/19 1,75mg, 05/19 1,5mg, 06/19 1,25mg, 07/19 1,0mg, 09/19 0,9mg, 10/19 0,8mg, 11/19 0,75mg, 12/19 0,7mg, 01/20 0,65mg. March 2020 switched to microtapering: 15.03.20: 0.645mg (7days hold), 22.03.20: 0.640mg (5days hold), (3days hold)27.03.20: 0.635mg, (9days hold) 30.03.20: 0.630mg, (3 days hold)08.04.20: 0.625mg, (4days hold)11.04.20: 0.620mg, (3days hold)15.04.20: 0.615mg,  current 18.04.20: 0.610mg. After last drop my awful face pain started, nerve pain in face. Holding. Facial nerve pain startetd to improve today (24.04.20). I am planning to do next drop in couple days. 17.5.20 0.585mg. (0.605mg and 0.595mg drops). 15.4.21 0.26mg.

Finished Lexapro 2.6.2023. 

 

Probiotics on morning

Multivitamin on day or evening

Oxazepam 10-11pm

 

Tolvon 10mg July 2016-August 2016, CT on august 2016. 

 

Oxazepam 60mg July 2016-February 2018. Tapered to 37,5mg february-march 2018. Currently 37,5mg for the sleep.

 

Link to comment
  • Moderator Emeritus
25 minutes ago, Hope2001 said:

Hi,

I am currently on dose 0.26mg lexapro. This has been so hard. I have really hard time to taper because I get diarrhea and it is so powerful. I dont know what would make that easier. Do you have any tips for that? This led me to have fever and they gave me two antibiotics last weekend which I got bad reaction. They gave me Metronidazole and Cefuroxime. I got really bad reaction and now my head is mess, i feel confused and tired and got depression. I had other symptoms, these wasn only ones. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I'm sorry you're feeling bad.  Diarrhea is a known side effect of oxazepam.   Though we normally recommend tapering activating drugs like Lexapro before sedating drugs like oxazepam, you might consider, once you've recovered from the antibiotics, stopping your Lexapro taper and start a 10% taper of oxazepam.  Side effects lessen as dosage decreases.  

 

If the diarrhea was caused by oxazepam, it is unfortunate that you were misdiagnosed as having a bacterial infection and given two powerful antibiotics.  Antibiotics quite often make withdrawal worse.  I would stop tapering and hold where you are to recover from the antibiotics and allow your system to stabilize.  Then you could start a slow taper of the oxazepam to see if that helps with the diarrhea, while holding on your current dose of Lexapro.

 

 

Gridley Introduction

 

Lexapro 20 mg since 2004.  Begin Brassmonkey Slide Taper Jan. 2017.   

End 2017 year 1 of taper at 9.25mg 

End 2018 year 2 of taper at 4.1mg

End 2019 year 3 of taper at 1.0mg  

Oct. 30, 2020  Jump to zero from 0.025mg.  Current dose: 0.000mg

3 year, 10 month taper is 100% complete.

 

Ativan 1 mg to 1.875mg 1986-2020, two CT's and reinstatements

Nov. 2020, 7-week Ativan-Valium crossover to 18.75mg Valium

Feb. 2021, begin 10%/4 week taper of 18.75mg Valium 

End 2021  year 1 of Valium taper at 6mg

End 2022 year 2 of Valium taper at 2.75mg 

End 2023 year 3 of Valium taper at 1mg

Jan. 24, 2024: Hold at 1mg and shift to Imipramine taper.

Taper is 95% complete.

 

Imipramine 75 mg daily since 1986.  Jan.-Sept. 2016 tapered to 14.4mg  

March 22, 2022: Begin 10%/4 week taper

Aug. 5, 2022: hold at 9.5mg and shift to Valium taper

Jan. 24, 2024: Resume Imipramine taper.  Current dose as of Oct 15: 3.2mg

Taper is 96% complete.  

  

Supplements: multiple, quercetin, omega-3, vitamins C, E and D3, magnesium glycinate, probiotic, zinc, melatonin .3mg, iron, serrapeptase, nattokinase, L-Glutamine, milk thistle, choline


I am not a medical professional and this is not medical advice. It is information based on my own experience as well as that of other members who have survived these drugs.

Link to comment

Diarrhea comes when lowering Lexapro.

Lexapro July 2016 5mg-10mg, August - September 2016 20mg. 20mg from 09/16-03/18. Started tapering 03/18 15mg,  04/18 7,5mg, 07/18 6,5mg & 5,5mg, 08/16 5,0mg, 09/18 4,5mg, 10/18 4,25mg, November - December 2016 from 4,25mg to 3,25mg, 01/19 2,75mg,  02/19 2,25mg, 04/19 1,75mg, 05/19 1,5mg, 06/19 1,25mg, 07/19 1,0mg, 09/19 0,9mg, 10/19 0,8mg, 11/19 0,75mg, 12/19 0,7mg, 01/20 0,65mg. March 2020 switched to microtapering: 15.03.20: 0.645mg (7days hold), 22.03.20: 0.640mg (5days hold), (3days hold)27.03.20: 0.635mg, (9days hold) 30.03.20: 0.630mg, (3 days hold)08.04.20: 0.625mg, (4days hold)11.04.20: 0.620mg, (3days hold)15.04.20: 0.615mg,  current 18.04.20: 0.610mg. After last drop my awful face pain started, nerve pain in face. Holding. Facial nerve pain startetd to improve today (24.04.20). I am planning to do next drop in couple days. 17.5.20 0.585mg. (0.605mg and 0.595mg drops). 15.4.21 0.26mg.

Finished Lexapro 2.6.2023. 

 

Probiotics on morning

Multivitamin on day or evening

Oxazepam 10-11pm

 

Tolvon 10mg July 2016-August 2016, CT on august 2016. 

 

Oxazepam 60mg July 2016-February 2018. Tapered to 37,5mg february-march 2018. Currently 37,5mg for the sleep.

 

Link to comment
  • Moderator Emeritus
21 minutes ago, Hope2001 said:

Diarrhea comes when lowering Lexapro.

If you're positive the diarrhea is coming from the Lexapro taper, then hold at your present dose until you've recovered from the antibiotics.  When you resume your Lexapro taper, you should taper more slowly if it's causing withdrawal-related diarrhea.  Withdrawal that causes intolerable symptoms means you're tapering too fast.  You very likely need to hold much longer than the three days you've been holding.

Gridley Introduction

 

Lexapro 20 mg since 2004.  Begin Brassmonkey Slide Taper Jan. 2017.   

End 2017 year 1 of taper at 9.25mg 

End 2018 year 2 of taper at 4.1mg

End 2019 year 3 of taper at 1.0mg  

Oct. 30, 2020  Jump to zero from 0.025mg.  Current dose: 0.000mg

3 year, 10 month taper is 100% complete.

 

Ativan 1 mg to 1.875mg 1986-2020, two CT's and reinstatements

Nov. 2020, 7-week Ativan-Valium crossover to 18.75mg Valium

Feb. 2021, begin 10%/4 week taper of 18.75mg Valium 

End 2021  year 1 of Valium taper at 6mg

End 2022 year 2 of Valium taper at 2.75mg 

End 2023 year 3 of Valium taper at 1mg

Jan. 24, 2024: Hold at 1mg and shift to Imipramine taper.

Taper is 95% complete.

 

Imipramine 75 mg daily since 1986.  Jan.-Sept. 2016 tapered to 14.4mg  

March 22, 2022: Begin 10%/4 week taper

Aug. 5, 2022: hold at 9.5mg and shift to Valium taper

Jan. 24, 2024: Resume Imipramine taper.  Current dose as of Oct 15: 3.2mg

Taper is 96% complete.  

  

Supplements: multiple, quercetin, omega-3, vitamins C, E and D3, magnesium glycinate, probiotic, zinc, melatonin .3mg, iron, serrapeptase, nattokinase, L-Glutamine, milk thistle, choline


I am not a medical professional and this is not medical advice. It is information based on my own experience as well as that of other members who have survived these drugs.

Link to comment
  • 2 years later...

I havent wrote for long time. I am finally in 0mg escitalopram. Three weeks now. I am struggling badly. My blood pressure is high and I need medication but my body cant deal with meds. I tried to take bp meds but that was unsuccesfull and I ended to hospital. 
 

I try currently eat arginine for blood pressure. Also try to lose weight which is hard. I am drpressed and afraid not to get my life back. I think I have multiple chemical sensitivity and cant tolerate any medication. This is so diffucult. Anyone else who has got depression or reaction from blood pressure meds? I would be glad from any ideas to lower blood pressure naturally.
 

Previously I got bad reaction to several antibiotics. I have bad nerve pains and my body keeps getting water. I look 10 years older than normal. 
 

I jumped to 0 from 0,02mg divided in several capsules. I thought that I wouldnt get witdrawal from that. 

Lexapro July 2016 5mg-10mg, August - September 2016 20mg. 20mg from 09/16-03/18. Started tapering 03/18 15mg,  04/18 7,5mg, 07/18 6,5mg & 5,5mg, 08/16 5,0mg, 09/18 4,5mg, 10/18 4,25mg, November - December 2016 from 4,25mg to 3,25mg, 01/19 2,75mg,  02/19 2,25mg, 04/19 1,75mg, 05/19 1,5mg, 06/19 1,25mg, 07/19 1,0mg, 09/19 0,9mg, 10/19 0,8mg, 11/19 0,75mg, 12/19 0,7mg, 01/20 0,65mg. March 2020 switched to microtapering: 15.03.20: 0.645mg (7days hold), 22.03.20: 0.640mg (5days hold), (3days hold)27.03.20: 0.635mg, (9days hold) 30.03.20: 0.630mg, (3 days hold)08.04.20: 0.625mg, (4days hold)11.04.20: 0.620mg, (3days hold)15.04.20: 0.615mg,  current 18.04.20: 0.610mg. After last drop my awful face pain started, nerve pain in face. Holding. Facial nerve pain startetd to improve today (24.04.20). I am planning to do next drop in couple days. 17.5.20 0.585mg. (0.605mg and 0.595mg drops). 15.4.21 0.26mg.

Finished Lexapro 2.6.2023. 

 

Probiotics on morning

Multivitamin on day or evening

Oxazepam 10-11pm

 

Tolvon 10mg July 2016-August 2016, CT on august 2016. 

 

Oxazepam 60mg July 2016-February 2018. Tapered to 37,5mg february-march 2018. Currently 37,5mg for the sleep.

 

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