ipuka: introduction

[ipuka]

Hi everybody,

 

First post and new member.

 

I wanted to thank all of you for all the support and useful information provided on this site.

 

I was put on Lexapro early last year, starting at 5,10,15, and 20 mg within 3 week. Side effects were horrendous for over a month. Came back down to 10mg after seeing a new doctor. Was also given Lunesta for sleep (2 mg), and ativan (.5 mg) as needed.

Tried to taper off 3-4 times (on my own - foolishly), not knowing fully how powerful this drug is. I tried to tapper off too quickly, only to have a slew of WD symptoms, which made me go back to 10 mg.

 

Finding this website was a Godsend!

Your experiences, knowledge, and continuous updates provide the type of support that is very hard to find out there.

 

I am starting the tapering process. I have made  changes in my life such as getting back to being more physically and socially active, nutrition, therapy.

 

I am happy to say that I have not used Ativan for at least 5-6 months. I hardly use Lunesta - maybe once a month or so when I need to get a good night sleep.

Things have definitely been improving.

 

I have downloaded the tapering spreadsheet, and will be using the microdose approach as I am very sensitive to medicine.

 

Thanks again,

Al

 

 

Edited August 20, 2020 by Gridley

[Gridley]

Welcome to SA, ipuka.  I'm glad you found this website.  It's very good you're here at the beginning if your taper.  

 

To start, could you summarize you medication history in a signature -- drugs, doses, dates, and discontinuations & reinstatements, in the last 12-24 months particularly.  We need basically the information in your post, with dates added for dose changes and when you tapered before.

 

Account Settings – Create or Edit a signature.

 

Here's the link for the microtaper you're starting.

 

Micro-taper instead of 10% or 5% decreases

 

This link is specifically about tapering Lexapro, including how to get the small, non-standard doses you'll need for your microtaper.

 

Tips for tapering off escitalopram (Lexapro)

 

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 particularly applicable to you since you're sensitive to medicines and possibly supplements.

 

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

 

 

 

[ipuka]

Thank you, Gridley.

 

I see you are almost done with Lexapro! Awesome!

[Gridley]

34 minutes ago, ipuka said:

Awesome!

Thanks, ipuka.  Just a little ways to go.  You'll get there too.

[ipuka]

Hi,

 

I have been off lexapro for about 4 months. Was taking 10 mg, and tapered slowly, in about 1 1/2 year.

 

The two first two months of post taper were generally OK.

The last two have been up and down, and it has been getting worse.

I am experiencing anxiety, mood swings, distorted thinking, low energy, sleep, appetite, motivation. My life is fine, and I really have no reason to feel this way.

I share the feeling with those being on the same boat with me.

 

Temptation is to reinstate at low dose and see if it helps with stabilizing the symptoms, but then I would be where I was 6 months ago, wait until stabilizing, and then retry tapering again.  Feels like going back to the start of the loop...

 

Anyway, I was reading the posts to get some perspective and I understand that there are no easy answers,

 

Thanks,

A

 

 

[ChessieCat]

Hi ipuka,

 

Thank you for returning and giving an update.

 

Please update your drug signature showing the last date you took Lexapro and the last dose you took.

 

Account Settings – Create or Edit a signature