ShrinkingViolet: Finally off meds but feeling like a wreck

[ShrinkingViolet]

Hi everyone!

 

I have been on 10mg lexapro for about 3 years, mainly for my anxiety, and I recently weaned off them (3rd try). I've been off them for about 3 months now and in general I've been feeling okay-ish aside from lots of anger for some reason and occasional bouts of weeping.

But today is another story. I started having chest pain and tightness and my heart was racing. I've had many panic attacks and I know them well but I haven't had one in ages. I was freaking out to the point I burst into tears. Ended up going to the emergency room but the doctor literally laughed me off (currently working in Asia and they don't take mental illness seriously at all). I legit felt like I was having a heart attack and wanted them to help me. They did an EKG but never tried to tell me the results or calm me down in any way. Eventually I stood there practically in tears begging for someone just to tell me if I'm gonna live. The doctor giggled and said "you have panic disease right? All you need to do is not think about it" 🤬🤬🤬

 

It's been a few hours now and I was feeling better but the tightness and fear and panic are back and I don't know what to do. I'm so scared and freaking out and don't know if I should go back on the meds because this feeling is unbearable. Honestly, I would love any advice or kind words from anyone. Please 🙏🙏🙏 I don't know what to do 😭

[Kiasofia]

Welcome @ShrinkingViolet

I am sorry you are going through this and are suffering, but relieved you have found us. This forum is run by others like you who have been through and survived, or are surviving, the negative effects of psychiatric drugs. Hang in there.

 

What date was your last dose of lexapro? What dose was it? Do you take any other medications or supplements?

 

To help us better advise you, can you please create a signature with all of the drugs that you are taking and have been taking in the last couple of years following these instructions:

How to List Drug History in Signature

 

Reinstatement of a small amount of the drug can often work well to alleviate withdrawal symptoms. For lexapro it is advised to start with no more than 0.5mg and then slowly increase. According to medical knowledge, reinstatement is the only way to alleviate withdrawal. The only other alternative is to try and wait out the symptoms and manage as best you can until your central nervous system returns to homeostasis.  

 

Reinstatement is best done immediately upon appearance of symptoms. The more time that passes, the less likely it is to work. Once you have stabilized on a low dose of the drug, then a slower, safer taper can be started. Here is some information about reinstatement to help you decide if its something you would like to try:

About reinstating and stabilizing to stop withdrawal symptoms

 

About withdrawal:

What is withdrawal syndrome?

Dr. Joseph Glenmullen's withdrawal symptom checklist

The Windows and Waves Pattern of Stabilization

 

How these drugs actually work:

How Psychiatric Drugs Remodel Your Brain

 

Aside from a high quality fish oil and magnesium, be careful with supplements. Your central nervous system (CNS) has become sensitized from psychiatric drug use and can react unpredictably. Alcohol, caffeine, nicotine and other mind altering substances can make the condition worse.

Important topics about tests, supplements, treatments, diet

 

Here is our symptoms and self care section, you may find some useful ideas to help manage symptoms as you recover. 

Symptoms and self care topics

 

Take some time to read the information I have provided and then we can take it from there. This is your Introductory topic, where you can ask questions and connect with other members. We're glad you found your way here.

Edited November 23, 2021 by Kiasofia