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cardcaptor515: weird withdrawal symptoms throat nose and digestive tube


cardcaptor515

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Posted

Hello everyone I apologize if I don’t write so good I hope I made sense in my writing , English is not my main language …

I was at the emergency room last month i. The middle of May due to panic attacks and they refer me to a mental clinic and when I was there last month I had no choice that to take the meds that they were giving me first lexapro 10mg with klonopin I don’t know the mg that was on my first day.

on my second day the give me lexapro 10mg and gabapentin 3 times a day I don’t know the mg but it was 1 big pill of gabapentin and the nurse keep giving me the same doses of lexapro and gabapentin  for the following week then After that 1 week I got discharged and when I was at home I only took  lexapro for 2 more days the I stop cold turkey because of the awful side effects like racing heart ,brain fog ,increased anxiety and insomnia I didn’t sleep at all those 2 days ,,and then  like 5 days after I quit I started experiencing weird feelings in my throat(feels very very very dry all the way to my stomach) it’s really hard for me to sleep now I keep waking up with this weird sensation and I have it all day but is more uncomfortable at night also my nose feels kinda dry as well I been having weird stools very soft but the main issue is the feeling of dryness that I feel in the throat I feel like is hard for me to breathe  even though I went to ER again recently to see what is going on and they told me my oxigen levels are perfect they check my lungs and they are fine idk what to do i don’t know if I will feel better I regret so much that I took those meds because I feel  worse now after I took it than before … oh and also I have slightly head pressure specially in the nights … I had ringing in my right ear the very first days that I stopped taking those meds and it seems like the ringing of ear has been fading .. I forgot to mention that the 3 days after of me stopped the med I was waking up with chills and sweating but I was feeling a little bit cold …I been searching if someone have similar issue as me of this weird dry feeling in the digestive track and throat  after stopping lexapro but I haven’t found anything and I’m scared because I only took those meds for just a short period of time I don’t know if a person can experience withdrawal when they only took a few doses it’s been 3 weeks now that I’m feeling this way I stopped taking lexapro on May 26 and this weird symptom started like 5 days after = (  I feel so hopeless 

Sertraline 25mg January 25 2022 took 1 pill 

Sertraline 25mg 02/08/22 -02/10/22 experience ugly side effects I stop , withdrawal lasted more than 4 weeks .

Ativan 1 pill morning 1 pill Afternoon at the ER May 14 2022

Ativan injection at the ER May 15 2022

Went to sleep good for the night woke up extra anxious and foggy mind.

Lexapro 10mg May 17-May 24 2022

Bad side effects stop cold turkey currently experiencing withdrawal .

Klonopin 1 pill May 17 2022

Gabapentin 1 pill 3 times a day from May 18 2022 - May 23 2022 

stop cold turkey currently experiencing withdrawal .  No psychiatric drugs currently. 

 

  • ChessieCat changed the title to cardcaptor515: weird withdrawal symptoms throat nose and digestive tube
  • Moderator Emeritus
Posted

Hello, and welcome to SA.  We are a volunteer-run community of people who have been or are getting off of psychiatric drugs.  It sounds to me as if you had an adverse reaction to your drugs.  It's good that you quit the Lexapro.  Are you still on the gabapentin, or did you also stop that?  Do you still take klonopin? It's fine that you went off cold turkey and did not taper the Lexapro, because you were on it for well under a month.  

 

Can you please give us specific information in your signature about your drug history for all drugs you are on and have been on, especially for the past 18-24 months?  It would be especially helpful to have the details of your drugs in a concise vertical list (no symptoms), only drug names, specific dates (as best you can say for example early March if you don't recall the day) and dosages of each medication decrease or increase.  Use this format:

 

Drug name: date, dose, date, dose, date, dose…

Drug name: date, dose, date, dose, date, dose…

Etcetera

 

Please read the link below for instructions.  This will allow us to give you the best guidance.  

 

How to List Drug History in Signature

 

 

Even though you had an adverse reaction (ADR) and not withdrawal, the recovery will follow a similar path, so these videos would be helpful for you to understand what is going on.  

 

Video on Recovery from Psych Drugs

 

Windows and Waves Pattern of Stabilization

 

 

The symptoms of ADR are very similar to withdrawal, so this might help too: 

 

Dr Joseph Glenmullen Withdrawal Symptom Checklists

 

 

Here are some techniques to cope with symptoms: 

 

Non Drug Ways to Cope with Withdrawal Symptoms

 

Stability is really important when we are recovering.  Please read the link about stability:

 

Keep It Simple, Slow, and Stable

 

 

We don't suggest many supplements, but 2 that many of us find helpful are magnesium and omega-3 fish oil. Here are the links for info about those. It is suggested to add one at a time, and start with a low dose to see how it affects you. 


Magnesium

Omega 3 Fish Oil

 

This explains about recovery from an adverse reaction: 

 

Adverse Reaction

 

I understand that you are feeling scared. It is frustrating when you are sick from drugs for weeks, when you only took them for a little over a week.  Please keep in mind that you can, and will recover.  They keys are time, and patience.  Keep us posted on how you are doing. 

Please do not private message me.  Only tag me for urgent questions about tapering and reinstating - thank you.  

 

***Please note this is not medical advice.  Discuss any decisions about your medical care with a doctor who understands psych meds and how to withdraw from them, if you can find one.

 

Lexapro   Started Apr 15 2010 - 10 mg;  started taper August 2017, recent taper info: Apr 2 '20  0.18 mg; Jul 16  0.17 mg, Aug 23  0.16 mg, Oct 7  0.15 mg, Nov 8 - 0.14, Jan 16 '21 - 0.13, Feb 7 - 0.12, Feb 22 - 0.11, Mar 26 - 0.10, May 21 - 0.09, June 15 - 0.08 Aug 16 - 0.07, Oct 6 - 0.06, Nov 21 0.05, Dec. 17 0.04, Jan 14 '22 0.03, Feb 19 0.02, Apr 18 0.01, May 15 0.005,  Jul 8, 0.00.  Psych Drug Free as of July 8, 2022!!  Woohoo!!!

other meds: Levothyroxine 75 mg

magnesium in small amounts at 4 AM, before bed

suppl AM: fish oil, flax oil, vit C, vit E, multivitamin, zinc

suppl 8 PM: magnesium 350 mg, extended release vitamin C, melatonin 2 mg

 

Paxil 2002 - 2010, switched to Lexapro 2010 

Trazodone 50 mg. 2002 - 2019, fast tapered in 2019 

Xanax 0.5 mg as needed 2002 - 2019, up to 3x weekly 

Posted

Thank you I did my signature and I’m in the end of the 3rd week of symptoms and I don’t see too much improvement the only thing is the ringing in my right ear doesn’t seem that is there I haven’t felt that sensation but I still feel bad with all the others symptoms, insomnia still strong I keep waking up a lot during the night, my stomach still upset specially in the mornings .. I stop all those meds I’m not taking anything at the moment , I wanna give it a try with CBD oil to see if that might help with my insomnia but at the same time  I’m very anxious to take anything  I will keep you updated 😞 and yes I’m very scared my mind keeps thinking that I ruin my brain and that I will not heal from this,, it’s honestly a very difficult time going through this but at least I found this forum to not feel so alone during this times 

Sertraline 25mg January 25 2022 took 1 pill 

Sertraline 25mg 02/08/22 -02/10/22 experience ugly side effects I stop , withdrawal lasted more than 4 weeks .

Ativan 1 pill morning 1 pill Afternoon at the ER May 14 2022

Ativan injection at the ER May 15 2022

Went to sleep good for the night woke up extra anxious and foggy mind.

Lexapro 10mg May 17-May 24 2022

Bad side effects stop cold turkey currently experiencing withdrawal .

Klonopin 1 pill May 17 2022

Gabapentin 1 pill 3 times a day from May 18 2022 - May 23 2022 

stop cold turkey currently experiencing withdrawal .  No psychiatric drugs currently. 

 

  • Moderator Emeritus
Posted
57 minutes ago, cardcaptor515 said:

I wanna give it a try with CBD oil

 

cannabis-marijuana-hashish-thc-cbd-cannabidiol-or-hemp-oil

 

When trying anything new start with a small dose to see how you react.  And only try one new thing/make one change at a time.

 

the-rule-of-3kis-keep-it-simple-keep-it-slow-keep-it-stable

 

* 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

Posted

Hey the symptoms you are describing sound like acid reflex (silent acid reflex also known as lpr) i have this as well. Digestive issues are common from stress:anxiety & are a side effect of withdrawal symptoms too. I do  restorative yoga for it & it helps calm the nervous system down. However seems won’t fully go away 100% until our brain & body heals some more. I too had an adverse reaction in April

April 2022- Only 1 celxa pill 10mg

had an adverse reaction & never took anymore again 

Posted
13 hours ago, peaceandlove said:

Hey the symptoms you are describing sound like acid reflex (silent acid reflex also known as lpr) i have this as well. Digestive issues are common from stress:anxiety & are a side effect of withdrawal symptoms too. I do  restorative yoga for it & it helps calm the nervous system down. However seems won’t fully go away 100% until our brain & body heals some more. I too had an adverse reaction in April

Thank you for making me feel less alone with this situation  it’s been really rough because I never experienced something like this before 😞 how are you feeling now what other symptoms have you experienced? 

Sertraline 25mg January 25 2022 took 1 pill 

Sertraline 25mg 02/08/22 -02/10/22 experience ugly side effects I stop , withdrawal lasted more than 4 weeks .

Ativan 1 pill morning 1 pill Afternoon at the ER May 14 2022

Ativan injection at the ER May 15 2022

Went to sleep good for the night woke up extra anxious and foggy mind.

Lexapro 10mg May 17-May 24 2022

Bad side effects stop cold turkey currently experiencing withdrawal .

Klonopin 1 pill May 17 2022

Gabapentin 1 pill 3 times a day from May 18 2022 - May 23 2022 

stop cold turkey currently experiencing withdrawal .  No psychiatric drugs currently. 

 

Posted
22 minutes ago, cardcaptor515 said:

Thank you for making me feel less alone with this situation  it’s been really rough because I never experienced something like this before 😞 how are you feeling now what other symptoms have you experienced? 


Your welcome. & I was feeling good a couple of days ago but now currently I’m in a wave you can read my post to see everything. But no appetite, low mood, panic attacks for no reason, intrusive thoughts, sensitive to light, extremely tired, hair loss etc 

April 2022- Only 1 celxa pill 10mg

had an adverse reaction & never took anymore again 

Posted
7 minutes ago, peaceandlove said:


Your welcome. & I was feeling good a couple of days ago but now currently I’m in a wave you can read my post to see everything. But no appetite, low mood, panic attacks for no reason, intrusive thoughts, sensitive to light, extremely tired, hair loss etc 

It’s good that your having windows because you have time to recharge for when the waves hit  I hope this wave passes soon and you can feel better , I don’t have appetite as well I force myself to eat , I have insomnia and yes hair loss too I regret so much that I took those pills but the good thing is our brains  will recover is just this moments that seem very hard 😔 

Sertraline 25mg January 25 2022 took 1 pill 

Sertraline 25mg 02/08/22 -02/10/22 experience ugly side effects I stop , withdrawal lasted more than 4 weeks .

Ativan 1 pill morning 1 pill Afternoon at the ER May 14 2022

Ativan injection at the ER May 15 2022

Went to sleep good for the night woke up extra anxious and foggy mind.

Lexapro 10mg May 17-May 24 2022

Bad side effects stop cold turkey currently experiencing withdrawal .

Klonopin 1 pill May 17 2022

Gabapentin 1 pill 3 times a day from May 18 2022 - May 23 2022 

stop cold turkey currently experiencing withdrawal .  No psychiatric drugs currently. 

 

Posted
33 minutes ago, cardcaptor515 said:

It’s good that your having windows because you have time to recharge for when the waves hit  I hope this wave passes soon and you can feel better , I don’t have appetite as well I force myself to eat , I have insomnia and yes hair loss too I regret so much that I took those pills but the good thing is our brains  will recover is just this moments that seem very hard 😔 


Yes I wish I could go back in time & never take the pill either. I can’t function on bad days all I do is stay at home. Thank you. I hope you feel better soon too & get a window sometime 

April 2022- Only 1 celxa pill 10mg

had an adverse reaction & never took anymore again 

Posted
1 hour ago, peaceandlove said:


Yes I wish I could go back in time & never take the pill either. I can’t function on bad days all I do is stay at home. Thank you. I hope you feel better soon too & get a window sometime 

Yes I totally relate with you 🥺 thank you too ,,,,,, Around What week did you had your first window? 

Sertraline 25mg January 25 2022 took 1 pill 

Sertraline 25mg 02/08/22 -02/10/22 experience ugly side effects I stop , withdrawal lasted more than 4 weeks .

Ativan 1 pill morning 1 pill Afternoon at the ER May 14 2022

Ativan injection at the ER May 15 2022

Went to sleep good for the night woke up extra anxious and foggy mind.

Lexapro 10mg May 17-May 24 2022

Bad side effects stop cold turkey currently experiencing withdrawal .

Klonopin 1 pill May 17 2022

Gabapentin 1 pill 3 times a day from May 18 2022 - May 23 2022 

stop cold turkey currently experiencing withdrawal .  No psychiatric drugs currently. 

 

Posted
36 minutes ago, cardcaptor515 said:

Yes I totally relate with you 🥺 thank you too ,,,,,, Around What week did you had your first window? 


looking back at my notes it seemed to have took about a month to have a window where I felt “ok” meaning the symptoms were not so intense & I was able to function better & get a little break. The window seemed to only last 2 days. My last window lasted about 8 days & that was a week ago. I’m currently in a wave for 7 days now. It’s like a mixture of anxiety/depression. Today I feel very depressed for no reason. However I only took 1 pill & I think you have took a mixture of multiple ones everyone’s story will be different. Do you keep a journal of your symptoms??


 

*also sometimes I get a small window like 1 or 2 hours in a day that I felt horrible

April 2022- Only 1 celxa pill 10mg

had an adverse reaction & never took anymore again 

Posted
14 hours ago, peaceandlove said:


looking back at my notes it seemed to have took about a month to have a window where I felt “ok” meaning the symptoms were not so intense & I was able to function better & get a little break. The window seemed to only last 2 days. My last window lasted about 8 days & that was a week ago. I’m currently in a wave for 7 days now. It’s like a mixture of anxiety/depression. Today I feel very depressed for no reason. However I only took 1 pill & I think you have took a mixture of multiple ones everyone’s story will be different. Do you keep a journal of your symptoms??


 

*also sometimes I get a small window like 1 or 2 hours in a day that I felt horrible

Yes I totally agree that everyone is different and I do have a log of all my symptoms and feelings but I keep checking it and I don’t see to much improvement yet so I get frustrated because of that …. Once a have a window I’ll let you know 🥹 the only thing is I woke up less in the night yesterday so I hope I keep improving the first days Of withdrawal I was waking up every 30 min or every hour . It sucks that you felt depressed yesterday,,,how are you feeling today ?  

Sertraline 25mg January 25 2022 took 1 pill 

Sertraline 25mg 02/08/22 -02/10/22 experience ugly side effects I stop , withdrawal lasted more than 4 weeks .

Ativan 1 pill morning 1 pill Afternoon at the ER May 14 2022

Ativan injection at the ER May 15 2022

Went to sleep good for the night woke up extra anxious and foggy mind.

Lexapro 10mg May 17-May 24 2022

Bad side effects stop cold turkey currently experiencing withdrawal .

Klonopin 1 pill May 17 2022

Gabapentin 1 pill 3 times a day from May 18 2022 - May 23 2022 

stop cold turkey currently experiencing withdrawal .  No psychiatric drugs currently. 

 

Posted
5 hours ago, cardcaptor515 said:

Yes I totally agree that everyone is different and I do have a log of all my symptoms and feelings but I keep checking it and I don’t see to much improvement yet so I get frustrated because of that …. Once a have a window I’ll let you know 🥹 the only thing is I woke up less in the night yesterday so I hope I keep improving the first days Of withdrawal I was waking up every 30 min or every hour . It sucks that you felt depressed yesterday,,,how are you feeling today ?  


I’m feeling ok today so far. What about you? Ahw I’m sorry you haven’t been able to sleep well, your insomnia will improve with time. Yeah I know it gets frustrating waiting for improvements/a window.. I  just try not to compare myself with others healing journey & ride it out that’s the only thing we can do. But yes please let me know I will be following your post & keeping in touch with you 🙂 

April 2022- Only 1 celxa pill 10mg

had an adverse reaction & never took anymore again 

Posted
17 hours ago, peaceandlove said:


I’m feeling ok today so far. What about you? Ahw I’m sorry you haven’t been able to sleep well, your insomnia will improve with time. Yeah I know it gets frustrating waiting for improvements/a window.. I  just try not to compare myself with others healing journey & ride it out that’s the only thing we can do. But yes please let me know I will be following your post & keeping in touch with you 🙂 

I’m happy for you I hope your good days stay with you forever 🙂 and your right every person journey is different it’s just that sometimes I feel so alone in this ,, I’m feeling the same no improvement yet my anxiety still high because of the symptoms but I’m trying to be strong 💪 do you think you will another ssri a chance? I hope you feel so much better today 

Sertraline 25mg January 25 2022 took 1 pill 

Sertraline 25mg 02/08/22 -02/10/22 experience ugly side effects I stop , withdrawal lasted more than 4 weeks .

Ativan 1 pill morning 1 pill Afternoon at the ER May 14 2022

Ativan injection at the ER May 15 2022

Went to sleep good for the night woke up extra anxious and foggy mind.

Lexapro 10mg May 17-May 24 2022

Bad side effects stop cold turkey currently experiencing withdrawal .

Klonopin 1 pill May 17 2022

Gabapentin 1 pill 3 times a day from May 18 2022 - May 23 2022 

stop cold turkey currently experiencing withdrawal .  No psychiatric drugs currently. 

 

  • Moderator Emeritus
Posted
On 6/25/2022 at 7:45 PM, cardcaptor515 said:

I stop all those meds I’m not taking anything at the moment

OK, thanks.  I put a note in your signature, to make it clear to the staff.  

 

On 6/25/2022 at 7:45 PM, cardcaptor515 said:

I’m in the end of the 3rd week of symptoms and I don’t see too much improvement

Hopefully you read the links I gave you in my first posts, especially the first 2.  This shows how complex our nervous systems are, and since they are intricately interwoven with every system in our body, recovery is extremely gradual and slow, and takes many months, in some cases even longer.  This link will explain it thoroughly: 

 

Are We There Yet - How Long is Withdrawal Going to Take

 

Here is another link that will really help.

 

Steps for Managing WD Symptoms

 

Take care, and please realize that in time, this will get better and you will heal, if you take proper care of yourself, and stay off the drug carousel.  

Please do not private message me.  Only tag me for urgent questions about tapering and reinstating - thank you.  

 

***Please note this is not medical advice.  Discuss any decisions about your medical care with a doctor who understands psych meds and how to withdraw from them, if you can find one.

 

Lexapro   Started Apr 15 2010 - 10 mg;  started taper August 2017, recent taper info: Apr 2 '20  0.18 mg; Jul 16  0.17 mg, Aug 23  0.16 mg, Oct 7  0.15 mg, Nov 8 - 0.14, Jan 16 '21 - 0.13, Feb 7 - 0.12, Feb 22 - 0.11, Mar 26 - 0.10, May 21 - 0.09, June 15 - 0.08 Aug 16 - 0.07, Oct 6 - 0.06, Nov 21 0.05, Dec. 17 0.04, Jan 14 '22 0.03, Feb 19 0.02, Apr 18 0.01, May 15 0.005,  Jul 8, 0.00.  Psych Drug Free as of July 8, 2022!!  Woohoo!!!

other meds: Levothyroxine 75 mg

magnesium in small amounts at 4 AM, before bed

suppl AM: fish oil, flax oil, vit C, vit E, multivitamin, zinc

suppl 8 PM: magnesium 350 mg, extended release vitamin C, melatonin 2 mg

 

Paxil 2002 - 2010, switched to Lexapro 2010 

Trazodone 50 mg. 2002 - 2019, fast tapered in 2019 

Xanax 0.5 mg as needed 2002 - 2019, up to 3x weekly 

Posted
4 hours ago, cardcaptor515 said:

I’m happy for you I hope your good days stay with you forever 🙂 and your right every person journey is different it’s just that sometimes I feel so alone in this ,, I’m feeling the same no improvement yet my anxiety still high because of the symptoms but I’m trying to be strong 💪 do you think you will another ssri a chance? I hope you feel so much better today 


heck no!! Never again will I take a pill. If it wasn’t for this I’d be at work making money & outside with my friends lol. Now im in the house healing for who knows long instead. I much rather do it the natural way exercise, restorative yoga, meditation, threapy, hanging with friends etc. I just got impatient & wanted a quick fix. Thanks hang in there you’ll feel better & get a window in there soon

April 2022- Only 1 celxa pill 10mg

had an adverse reaction & never took anymore again 

  • Mentor
Posted
On 6/18/2022 at 12:25 PM, cardcaptor515 said:

I quit I started experiencing weird feelings in my throat(feels very very very dry all the way to my stomach) it’s really hard for me to sleep now I keep waking up with this weird sensation and I have it all day but is more uncomfortable at night also my nose feels kinda dry as well I been having weird stools very soft but the main issue is the feeling of dryness that I feel in the throat I feel like is hard for me to breathe  even though I went to ER again recently to see what is going on and they told me my oxigen levels are perfect they check my lungs and they are fine


Hello cardcaptor515 and welcome to SA!  I’m sorry you are in this because of the drug. We can totally relate. 
 

Im curious about the symptoms you describe.

Do you have spring or summer pollen allergies?

 

The reason I ask is because I have the same symptoms you describe and I chased the drs for answers. 
Started noticing symptoms about 4 to 5 months after starting lexapro this would put me in the spring. And I do have pollen allergies. 

 

The side effect/wd symptoms I have had  that are related to yours are dry mouth, dry eyes, dry sinuses, loose soft stools , hard to breathe, chest betting hard, brain fog, and dizziness. 
 


 

the brain fog and dizziness are getting less and less as I taper down . But they do ramp up a little during taper then back down. 
 

Now back to the allergies- every spring summer, every time I am in hot weather and around the things I am allergic to the hard to breathe, dizziness, brain fog, and chest beating hard with small activity then symptoms come on strong. 

The first time it happened I thought I was going to pass out it was scary. 
 

I have been tracking this for 4 years. 
For me I believe It is a side effect because I never had this problem before lexapro. And as I said the symptoms do ramp up during tapering so that would include withdrawals playing some kind of role in this. 

The dizziness, brain fog and soft stool can be wd or side effects in ssri drugs. 
 

Glad you only took it a short time it will pass. Hang on!

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. 

Posted
42 minutes ago, Heath said:


Hello cardcaptor515 and welcome to SA!  I’m sorry you are in this because of the drug. We can totally relate. 
 

Im curious about the symptoms you describe.

Do you have spring or summer pollen allergies?

 

The reason I ask is because I have the same symptoms you describe and I chased the drs for answers. 
Started noticing symptoms about 4 to 5 months after starting lexapro this would put me in the spring. And I do have pollen allergies. 

 

The side effect/wd symptoms I have had  that are related to yours are dry mouth, dry eyes, dry sinuses, loose soft stools , hard to breathe, chest betting hard, brain fog, and dizziness. 
 


 

the brain fog and dizziness are getting less and less as I taper down . But they do ramp up a little during taper then back down. 
 

Now back to the allergies- every spring summer, every time I am in hot weather and around the things I am allergic to the hard to breathe, dizziness, brain fog, and chest beating hard with small activity then symptoms come on strong. 

The first time it happened I thought I was going to pass out it was scary. 
 

I have been tracking this for 4 years. 
For me I believe It is a side effect because I never had this problem before lexapro. And as I said the symptoms do ramp up during tapering so that would include withdrawals playing some kind of role in this. 

The dizziness, brain fog and soft stool can be wd or side effects in ssri drugs. 
 

Glad you only took it a short time it will pass. Hang on!

Hello thank you for your response, first I want to apologize if my English is not good I hope I make sense in my writing ✍️ I never had allergies before so I don’t know if this would be allergies related 😞  but I do still have all the symptoms that you mention the brain fog ,the dry sinus /dry chest /dry throat, yeah my eyes feel slightly dry but I didn’t pay attention before until now …the loose stools but is mainly in the morning when I wake up I go to use the restroom and is weird very loose 🥺 then the rest of the day I don’t use the restroom it’s been like this for 4 weeks only in the mornings,  I have bad insomnia, I was experiencing dizziness for a while too I been in the ER 3 times looking for answers of why I feel like this because I never had symptoms like this before when I was put in this meds and I stop the meds and then this symptoms appear :( but  I’m in my 4 week withdrawal and I don’t seem to get better I’m very scared because yeah I took only a few doses and now it’s been 4 weeks feeling like this but thank you for your reassurance that this will pass honestly you made me feel a little better thank you and I hope you are healing from this because I known how difficult this can be thank you for making me feel less alone in all this 

Sertraline 25mg January 25 2022 took 1 pill 

Sertraline 25mg 02/08/22 -02/10/22 experience ugly side effects I stop , withdrawal lasted more than 4 weeks .

Ativan 1 pill morning 1 pill Afternoon at the ER May 14 2022

Ativan injection at the ER May 15 2022

Went to sleep good for the night woke up extra anxious and foggy mind.

Lexapro 10mg May 17-May 24 2022

Bad side effects stop cold turkey currently experiencing withdrawal .

Klonopin 1 pill May 17 2022

Gabapentin 1 pill 3 times a day from May 18 2022 - May 23 2022 

stop cold turkey currently experiencing withdrawal .  No psychiatric drugs currently. 

 

Posted
6 hours ago, peaceandlove said:


heck no!! Never again will I take a pill. If it wasn’t for this I’d be at work making money & outside with my friends lol. Now im in the house healing for who knows long instead. I much rather do it the natural way exercise, restorative yoga, meditation, threapy, hanging with friends etc. I just got impatient & wanted a quick fix. Thanks hang in there you’ll feel better & get a window in there soon

I’m totally with you in this I don’t think I will give another try to other of this pills 💊 I feel like they do more damage than healing ❤️🩹 and I use to love do yoga before all this withdrawal sh*t I miss my life so much 🥺 I recommend you an app named Calm for meditation it’s really cool 🙂 and thank you I will keep hanging in here 🥹

Sertraline 25mg January 25 2022 took 1 pill 

Sertraline 25mg 02/08/22 -02/10/22 experience ugly side effects I stop , withdrawal lasted more than 4 weeks .

Ativan 1 pill morning 1 pill Afternoon at the ER May 14 2022

Ativan injection at the ER May 15 2022

Went to sleep good for the night woke up extra anxious and foggy mind.

Lexapro 10mg May 17-May 24 2022

Bad side effects stop cold turkey currently experiencing withdrawal .

Klonopin 1 pill May 17 2022

Gabapentin 1 pill 3 times a day from May 18 2022 - May 23 2022 

stop cold turkey currently experiencing withdrawal .  No psychiatric drugs currently. 

 

Posted
On 6/30/2022 at 6:37 PM, cardcaptor515 said:

I’m totally with you in this I don’t think I will give another try to other of this pills 💊 I feel like they do more damage than healing ❤️🩹 and I use to love do yoga before all this withdrawal sh*t I miss my life so much 🥺 I recommend you an app named Calm for meditation it’s really cool 🙂 and thank you I will keep hanging in here 🥹


try restorative yoga, if you can that’s what I do. Thanks yeah I’ve heard of that app 

April 2022- Only 1 celxa pill 10mg

had an adverse reaction & never took anymore again 

  • Moderator Emeritus
Posted (edited)
On 6/30/2022 at 8:25 PM, cardcaptor515 said:

I’m in my 4 week withdrawal and I don’t seem to get better I’m very scared because yeah I took only a few doses and now it’s been 4 weeks feeling like this

Did you read the link above that I posted on June 30?  

 

Are We There Yet - How Long is Withdrawal Going to Take

 

Please read the section titled "But I only took it for a week".  Adverse reactions take a long time to recover from, even if you only took the drug for a very short time.  It's unfortunate.  Our brains are extremely complex, and take a really long time to destabilize.  Read this: 

 

What is Happening in Your Brain? (Explains why recovery takes so long)

 

On 6/30/2022 at 8:37 PM, cardcaptor515 said:

I’m totally with you in this I don’t think I will give another try to other of this pills 💊 I feel like they do more damage than healing ❤️🩹

I'm very much in agreement on this.  I too believe they do more damage than healing.  In fact, I don't believe they do any healing.  They have actually shown evidence that in the long run, they worsen depression and other problems. 

 

Robert Whitaker, author Anatomy of an Epidemic video

 

Chemical Imbalance is a Myth

 

Mad in America - Robert Whitaker archives

 

 

 

Edited by getofflex

Please do not private message me.  Only tag me for urgent questions about tapering and reinstating - thank you.  

 

***Please note this is not medical advice.  Discuss any decisions about your medical care with a doctor who understands psych meds and how to withdraw from them, if you can find one.

 

Lexapro   Started Apr 15 2010 - 10 mg;  started taper August 2017, recent taper info: Apr 2 '20  0.18 mg; Jul 16  0.17 mg, Aug 23  0.16 mg, Oct 7  0.15 mg, Nov 8 - 0.14, Jan 16 '21 - 0.13, Feb 7 - 0.12, Feb 22 - 0.11, Mar 26 - 0.10, May 21 - 0.09, June 15 - 0.08 Aug 16 - 0.07, Oct 6 - 0.06, Nov 21 0.05, Dec. 17 0.04, Jan 14 '22 0.03, Feb 19 0.02, Apr 18 0.01, May 15 0.005,  Jul 8, 0.00.  Psych Drug Free as of July 8, 2022!!  Woohoo!!!

other meds: Levothyroxine 75 mg

magnesium in small amounts at 4 AM, before bed

suppl AM: fish oil, flax oil, vit C, vit E, multivitamin, zinc

suppl 8 PM: magnesium 350 mg, extended release vitamin C, melatonin 2 mg

 

Paxil 2002 - 2010, switched to Lexapro 2010 

Trazodone 50 mg. 2002 - 2019, fast tapered in 2019 

Xanax 0.5 mg as needed 2002 - 2019, up to 3x weekly 

Posted
On 7/7/2022 at 10:23 AM, getofflex said:

Did you read the link above that I posted on June 30?  

 

Are We There Yet - How Long is Withdrawal Going to Take

 

Please read the section titled "But I only took it for a week".  Adverse reactions take a long time to recover from, even if you only took the drug for a very short time.  It's unfortunate.  Our brains are extremely complex, and take a really long time to destabilize.  Read this: 

 

What is Happening in Your Brain? (Explains why recovery takes so long)

 

I'm very much in agreement on this.  I too believe they do more damage than healing.  In fact, I don't believe they do any healing.  They have actually shown evidence that in the long run, they worsen depression and other problems. 

 

Robert Whitaker, author Anatomy of an Epidemic video

 

Chemical Imbalance is a Myth

 

Mad in America - Robert Whitaker archives

 

 

 

I will read it and thank you so much  🥺 I will definitely update when I feel better ,, right now I’m still the same no improvement and for some reason my throat is in pain 😩 I regret taking those meds ,,, when I took Zoloft in the past  for a few days and I stopped because of the side effects I developed depression  I never had depression before so yeah I believe the damage this meds can do 

Sertraline 25mg January 25 2022 took 1 pill 

Sertraline 25mg 02/08/22 -02/10/22 experience ugly side effects I stop , withdrawal lasted more than 4 weeks .

Ativan 1 pill morning 1 pill Afternoon at the ER May 14 2022

Ativan injection at the ER May 15 2022

Went to sleep good for the night woke up extra anxious and foggy mind.

Lexapro 10mg May 17-May 24 2022

Bad side effects stop cold turkey currently experiencing withdrawal .

Klonopin 1 pill May 17 2022

Gabapentin 1 pill 3 times a day from May 18 2022 - May 23 2022 

stop cold turkey currently experiencing withdrawal .  No psychiatric drugs currently. 

 

  • 3 weeks later...
Posted

Hey how are you feeling?

April 2022- Only 1 celxa pill 10mg

had an adverse reaction & never took anymore again 

  • 1 month later...
Posted
On 7/29/2022 at 12:40 AM, peaceandlove said:

Hey how are you feeling?

Hey I think I starting to get small windows during the day but I’m still feeling sick with the withdrawal symptoms, I thought my tinnitus was improving but I noticed is still there only in my right ear and I been dealing with skin burning sensation lately 😒 this symptoms I swear one goes and another one appears , it’s very draining 🥺 !!! How are you how is everything going for you ?

Sertraline 25mg January 25 2022 took 1 pill 

Sertraline 25mg 02/08/22 -02/10/22 experience ugly side effects I stop , withdrawal lasted more than 4 weeks .

Ativan 1 pill morning 1 pill Afternoon at the ER May 14 2022

Ativan injection at the ER May 15 2022

Went to sleep good for the night woke up extra anxious and foggy mind.

Lexapro 10mg May 17-May 24 2022

Bad side effects stop cold turkey currently experiencing withdrawal .

Klonopin 1 pill May 17 2022

Gabapentin 1 pill 3 times a day from May 18 2022 - May 23 2022 

stop cold turkey currently experiencing withdrawal .  No psychiatric drugs currently. 

 

Posted
On 8/29/2022 at 12:16 PM, cardcaptor515 said:

Hey I think I starting to get small windows during the day but I’m still feeling sick with the withdrawal symptoms, I thought my tinnitus was improving but I noticed is still there only in my right ear and I been dealing with skin burning sensation lately 😒 this symptoms I swear one goes and another one appears , it’s very draining 🥺 !!! How are you how is everything going for you ?


that’s awesome I’m glad your starting to get windows 😄 my lpr seems to be slowly improving so that’s good. I had like a week long window I felt like myself. Now I’m in a wave again. I also get the burning skin thing it mainly happens on my head & neck that’s how I know a wave is coming actually 

April 2022- Only 1 celxa pill 10mg

had an adverse reaction & never took anymore again 

  • 2 weeks later...
Posted
On 9/2/2022 at 10:11 PM, peaceandlove said:


that’s awesome I’m glad your starting to get windows 😄 my lpr seems to be slowly improving so that’s good. I had like a week long window I felt like myself. Now I’m in a wave again. I also get the burning skin thing it mainly happens on my head & neck that’s how I know a wave is coming actually 

Thank you ☺️ I’m happy for you as well that your symptoms are improving and I hate waves but let’s keep pushing ok I been improving in my sleep hopefully things get better , the burning skin I don’t feel it so hopefully it doesn’t return but yeah it was specially in my neck /shoulder … now the symptom that is very uncomfortable for me is sinus pressure/congestion… idk if it’s allergies but I never had issues with sinus or allergies before this meds and I know we have a “weak” inmune/nervous system because of the meds so I hope it’s not a sinus infection 🤔 besides that uncomfortable symptom I would say I’m slowly getting better ❤️🩹 

Sertraline 25mg January 25 2022 took 1 pill 

Sertraline 25mg 02/08/22 -02/10/22 experience ugly side effects I stop , withdrawal lasted more than 4 weeks .

Ativan 1 pill morning 1 pill Afternoon at the ER May 14 2022

Ativan injection at the ER May 15 2022

Went to sleep good for the night woke up extra anxious and foggy mind.

Lexapro 10mg May 17-May 24 2022

Bad side effects stop cold turkey currently experiencing withdrawal .

Klonopin 1 pill May 17 2022

Gabapentin 1 pill 3 times a day from May 18 2022 - May 23 2022 

stop cold turkey currently experiencing withdrawal .  No psychiatric drugs currently. 

 

Posted
2 hours ago, cardcaptor515 said:

Thank you ☺️ I’m happy for you as well that your symptoms are improving and I hate waves but let’s keep pushing ok I been improving in my sleep hopefully things get better , the burning skin I don’t feel it so hopefully it doesn’t return but yeah it was specially in my neck /shoulder … now the symptom that is very uncomfortable for me is sinus pressure/congestion… idk if it’s allergies but I never had issues with sinus or allergies before this meds and I know we have a “weak” inmune/nervous system because of the meds so I hope it’s not a sinus infection 🤔 besides that uncomfortable symptom I would say I’m slowly getting better ❤️🩹 


I get those same symptoms. Like pressure in the sinus area head/ nose. It’s just a symptom. I’m glad you’re feeling better 

April 2022- Only 1 celxa pill 10mg

had an adverse reaction & never took anymore again 

  • Mentor
Posted

@cardcaptor515 @peaceandlove

Ive had bad sinus, eye and mouth symptoms since I started these drugs. The worst has been last 3 summers with the lexapro. Dry burning achy dizziness. In 2019 it was very alarming never had I experienced it like that. Thought allergies every sinus type med I tried made dizziness worse. Dr found nothing wrong. Every summer gets better in fall. For me it’s side effect. The symptoms I have are related to not having any fluid or mucus in sinus cavities. It took me about a year or so to figure it out. Flushing with saline helps , stick head under shower, stick head in freezer, steam, and humidifier. 
It does go away after the drug is stopped . I learned this after 2 fast tapers many years ago. 

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. 

Posted
On 9/14/2022 at 3:24 PM, peaceandlove said:


I get those same symptoms. Like pressure in the sinus area head/ nose. It’s just a symptom. I’m glad you’re feeling better 

It’s very uncomfortable 🥴 yes it’s like a pressure in the sinus area and also I feel it a little in the forehead 😞 I hope those symptoms can go away soon for us , it’s crazy we have to deal with one symptom and then when that one goes another appear I just hope next month can be better for us please keep me updated how your feeling next month 

Sertraline 25mg January 25 2022 took 1 pill 

Sertraline 25mg 02/08/22 -02/10/22 experience ugly side effects I stop , withdrawal lasted more than 4 weeks .

Ativan 1 pill morning 1 pill Afternoon at the ER May 14 2022

Ativan injection at the ER May 15 2022

Went to sleep good for the night woke up extra anxious and foggy mind.

Lexapro 10mg May 17-May 24 2022

Bad side effects stop cold turkey currently experiencing withdrawal .

Klonopin 1 pill May 17 2022

Gabapentin 1 pill 3 times a day from May 18 2022 - May 23 2022 

stop cold turkey currently experiencing withdrawal .  No psychiatric drugs currently. 

 

Posted
On 9/14/2022 at 4:37 PM, Heath said:

@cardcaptor515 @peaceandlove

Ive had bad sinus, eye and mouth symptoms since I started these drugs. The worst has been last 3 summers with the lexapro. Dry burning achy dizziness. In 2019 it was very alarming never had I experienced it like that. Thought allergies every sinus type med I tried made dizziness worse. Dr found nothing wrong. Every summer gets better in fall. For me it’s side effect. The symptoms I have are related to not having any fluid or mucus in sinus cavities. It took me about a year or so to figure it out. Flushing with saline helps , stick head under shower, stick head in freezer, steam, and humidifier. 
It does go away after the drug is stopped . I learned this after 2 fast tapers many years ago. 

 

On 9/14/2022 at 4:37 PM, Heath said:

@cardcaptor515 @peaceandlove

Ive had bad sinus, eye and mouth symptoms since I started these drugs. The worst has been last 3 summers with the lexapro. Dry burning achy dizziness. In 2019 it was very alarming never had I experienced it like that. Thought allergies every sinus type med I tried made dizziness worse. Dr found nothing wrong. Every summer gets better in fall. For me it’s side effect. The symptoms I have are related to not having any fluid or mucus in sinus cavities. It took me about a year or so to figure it out. Flushing with saline helps , stick head under shower, stick head in freezer, steam, and humidifier. 
It does go away after the drug is stopped . I learned this after 2 fast tapers many years ago. 

Thank you for the advice I will buy saline spray I hope I can find relief because this is my main symptom now and it’s uncomfortable feels like I can’t breath I will try to put my head in the freezer 🥶 hehe I hope my family doesn’t think I got crazy when they see me lol it’s unbelievable all the things we have to do now because of the issues this meds gave us 🥹 I never had problems with sinus before this but I heard sinus issues are very common with this meds …. What symptoms do you have now ? I had mouth and throat issues too and burning skin but I hope those are gone for good , I haven’t felt them recently.. I wish you can recover soon from all this

Sertraline 25mg January 25 2022 took 1 pill 

Sertraline 25mg 02/08/22 -02/10/22 experience ugly side effects I stop , withdrawal lasted more than 4 weeks .

Ativan 1 pill morning 1 pill Afternoon at the ER May 14 2022

Ativan injection at the ER May 15 2022

Went to sleep good for the night woke up extra anxious and foggy mind.

Lexapro 10mg May 17-May 24 2022

Bad side effects stop cold turkey currently experiencing withdrawal .

Klonopin 1 pill May 17 2022

Gabapentin 1 pill 3 times a day from May 18 2022 - May 23 2022 

stop cold turkey currently experiencing withdrawal .  No psychiatric drugs currently. 

 

  • Mentor
Posted
9 hours ago, cardcaptor515 said:

What symptoms do you have now ?

  I work around the dry burning sinuses, dry mouth and dry eyes. It happens mostly in  hot weather. Cooler weather is coming now. Winter time is much easier. So it’s not constant and/or I’ve learned to live with it. 
 

So the dry eyes and dry mouth has gotten better as dose lowers. But dry mouth is probably gonna hang around till the last dose. 
 

I had burning mouth starting in January it went away after a few months.  Still Sometimes I may feel it a little with an acidic diet soda. I avoid sugar . During the time I had burning mouth sugary bread donuts or cakes would set it off. 

And currently having nervous- anxious mornings. Monday mornings worst. Much calmer every afternoon. 
 

you know now that you mention it  never thought of it,  I will have to take notice of my family and co workers expressions when I stick my head in freezer or shower😂
 

we will make it just takes time 💪

 

Ayr Saline Nasal Mist 1.69 Oz https://a.co/d/hWq8DRC

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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