Administrator Altostrata Posted March 4, 2023 Administrator Share Posted March 4, 2023 To be honest, I don't know what's going on in the early morning, but it seems clear that you have an adverse reaction after taking your dose. Please continue to post daily notes. 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
poohstix Posted March 4, 2023 Author Share Posted March 4, 2023 1 hour ago, Altostrata said: To be honest, I don't know what's going on in the early morning, but it seems clear that you have an adverse reaction after taking your dose. Please continue to post daily notes. Do you think I should decrease to 4.5 now? I’ve only technically been on 5 for 9 days. Lexapro 5-20mg 2015-2018 for GAD. Lexapro 5-10 mg 2019-June 2022 for GAD June 30 2022 (approximate): last dose of lexapro 5 Jan 9 2023: lexapro 5 mg reinstatement —> Jan 15-17 (approximate)-Feb 5: lexapro 10 —> Feb 6-14: lexapro 5 —> Feb 16: lexapro 10 —> Feb 17: lexapro 5 —> Feb 18-23: lexapro 7.5 —> Feb 24: lexapro 5 —> March 5: lexapro 4.5 [During Jan-Feb 2023 had suspected kindling reaction with insomnia and multiple symptoms that were either withdrawal or side effects or both. Multiple sleep meds attempted including trazodone, gabapentin and valerian root.] March 2023: started slow taper at advice of the SA website. Things gradually improved. By 2024, most days were low symptom or symptom free, though manageable waves occasionally happen. 3/6/23 lexapro 4.5 —> 3/22/23 - 4.4 —> 4/8/23 - 4.3 —> 4/13/23 - 4.2 —> 4/17/23 - 4.1 —> 4/23/23 - 4.0 —> 5/4/23 - 3.9 —> 5/9/23 - 3.6 —> 5/14/23 - 3.7 —> 6/4/23- 3.6 —> 6/12/23 - 3.5 —> 7/8/23 - 3.4 —> 7/19/23 - 3.3 —> 8/13/23 - 3.2 —> 9/24/23 - 3.1 —> 10/12/23 - 3.0 (10/29/23 possible accidental updose to 6.0) —> 1/14/24 2.95 —>2/24/24 2.9 —> 5/4/24 2.85 —> 6/1/24 2.8 —> 9/8/24 2.75 Link to comment
Administrator Altostrata Posted March 4, 2023 Administrator Share Posted March 4, 2023 You've been on at least 5mg since January 14. Did you get any new symptoms after you went from 7.5mg to 5mg on February 24? 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
poohstix Posted March 5, 2023 Author Share Posted March 5, 2023 1 hour ago, Altostrata said: You've been on at least 5mg since January 14. Did you get any new symptoms after you went from 7.5mg to 5mg on February 24? I have more diarrhea but otherwise some things have improved: I no longer have moments of fight or flight, and PGAD and fluishness/warm skin seems to be less prevalent. Now I sweat more. Sleep is maybe marginally worse based on sheer hours tracked by my sleep tracker. But I also feel more rested than I feel I should for the 5-7 hours of sleep I get, but this may also be due to maybe me being asleep at times when I think I’m just resting in bed. Lexapro 5-20mg 2015-2018 for GAD. Lexapro 5-10 mg 2019-June 2022 for GAD June 30 2022 (approximate): last dose of lexapro 5 Jan 9 2023: lexapro 5 mg reinstatement —> Jan 15-17 (approximate)-Feb 5: lexapro 10 —> Feb 6-14: lexapro 5 —> Feb 16: lexapro 10 —> Feb 17: lexapro 5 —> Feb 18-23: lexapro 7.5 —> Feb 24: lexapro 5 —> March 5: lexapro 4.5 [During Jan-Feb 2023 had suspected kindling reaction with insomnia and multiple symptoms that were either withdrawal or side effects or both. Multiple sleep meds attempted including trazodone, gabapentin and valerian root.] March 2023: started slow taper at advice of the SA website. Things gradually improved. By 2024, most days were low symptom or symptom free, though manageable waves occasionally happen. 3/6/23 lexapro 4.5 —> 3/22/23 - 4.4 —> 4/8/23 - 4.3 —> 4/13/23 - 4.2 —> 4/17/23 - 4.1 —> 4/23/23 - 4.0 —> 5/4/23 - 3.9 —> 5/9/23 - 3.6 —> 5/14/23 - 3.7 —> 6/4/23- 3.6 —> 6/12/23 - 3.5 —> 7/8/23 - 3.4 —> 7/19/23 - 3.3 —> 8/13/23 - 3.2 —> 9/24/23 - 3.1 —> 10/12/23 - 3.0 (10/29/23 possible accidental updose to 6.0) —> 1/14/24 2.95 —>2/24/24 2.9 —> 5/4/24 2.85 —> 6/1/24 2.8 —> 9/8/24 2.75 Link to comment
Administrator Altostrata Posted March 5, 2023 Administrator Share Posted March 5, 2023 Your description of what happened after you decreased to 5mg indicates you were taking too much before, and 5mg might still be too much. I would decrease to 4.5mg if I were you. This may mean using a liquid. 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
poohstix Posted March 5, 2023 Author Share Posted March 5, 2023 3 minutes ago, Altostrata said: Your description of what happened after you decreased to 5mg indicates you were taking too much before, and 5mg might still be too much. I would decrease to 4.5mg if I were you. This may mean using a liquid. I will try it. How long should I pursue 4.5, and under what circumstances should I think about going up again? Thank you so much for all your help. Lexapro 5-20mg 2015-2018 for GAD. Lexapro 5-10 mg 2019-June 2022 for GAD June 30 2022 (approximate): last dose of lexapro 5 Jan 9 2023: lexapro 5 mg reinstatement —> Jan 15-17 (approximate)-Feb 5: lexapro 10 —> Feb 6-14: lexapro 5 —> Feb 16: lexapro 10 —> Feb 17: lexapro 5 —> Feb 18-23: lexapro 7.5 —> Feb 24: lexapro 5 —> March 5: lexapro 4.5 [During Jan-Feb 2023 had suspected kindling reaction with insomnia and multiple symptoms that were either withdrawal or side effects or both. Multiple sleep meds attempted including trazodone, gabapentin and valerian root.] March 2023: started slow taper at advice of the SA website. Things gradually improved. By 2024, most days were low symptom or symptom free, though manageable waves occasionally happen. 3/6/23 lexapro 4.5 —> 3/22/23 - 4.4 —> 4/8/23 - 4.3 —> 4/13/23 - 4.2 —> 4/17/23 - 4.1 —> 4/23/23 - 4.0 —> 5/4/23 - 3.9 —> 5/9/23 - 3.6 —> 5/14/23 - 3.7 —> 6/4/23- 3.6 —> 6/12/23 - 3.5 —> 7/8/23 - 3.4 —> 7/19/23 - 3.3 —> 8/13/23 - 3.2 —> 9/24/23 - 3.1 —> 10/12/23 - 3.0 (10/29/23 possible accidental updose to 6.0) —> 1/14/24 2.95 —>2/24/24 2.9 —> 5/4/24 2.85 —> 6/1/24 2.8 —> 9/8/24 2.75 Link to comment
Administrator Altostrata Posted March 5, 2023 Administrator Share Posted March 5, 2023 You probably would take 4.5mg for at least a month. 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. Link to comment
poohstix Posted March 5, 2023 Author Share Posted March 5, 2023 16 hours ago, Altostrata said: You probably would take 4.5mg for at least a month. Please let us know how you're doing. Should I post daily notes still? This is from yesterday: 3/4: 6:30: wake. Tired. Rapid heartrate. Tight around upper chest and throat. Mild PGAD. Sad/ anxious emotions. Was able to doze until 10. Felt too warm under covers and too cold outside them. 10 am: feel better. Some itching 11-1pm: dozed more 1pm: took lexapro 5 3pm: massage 4pm: feel tired and sad, some tongue tightness. Hungry but also upset stomach. Had loose stool. 6:30: ate. No issues 8pm: upper back and chest discomfort. Feeling emotional. Did some kickboxing. Slightly upset stomach. Tight back of tongue 9pm: ate. diarrhea, upset stomach, poor appetite, sore throat. Fluish. 11pm: bedtime. 75mg valerian, magnesium foot bath 4am: woke briefly 8:30 am: woke and returned to sleep Slept for 1-2 hours during morning (had a dream) I feel like upset stomach and fluishness are better now. Oddly, I had fluishness when I was getting on lexapro 10 in January. I’m not sure if right now those symptoms are withdrawals or side effects. I’m worried about withdrawal worsening but hopefully 4.5 is a small enough change that it won’t change much. Lexapro 5-20mg 2015-2018 for GAD. Lexapro 5-10 mg 2019-June 2022 for GAD June 30 2022 (approximate): last dose of lexapro 5 Jan 9 2023: lexapro 5 mg reinstatement —> Jan 15-17 (approximate)-Feb 5: lexapro 10 —> Feb 6-14: lexapro 5 —> Feb 16: lexapro 10 —> Feb 17: lexapro 5 —> Feb 18-23: lexapro 7.5 —> Feb 24: lexapro 5 —> March 5: lexapro 4.5 [During Jan-Feb 2023 had suspected kindling reaction with insomnia and multiple symptoms that were either withdrawal or side effects or both. Multiple sleep meds attempted including trazodone, gabapentin and valerian root.] March 2023: started slow taper at advice of the SA website. Things gradually improved. By 2024, most days were low symptom or symptom free, though manageable waves occasionally happen. 3/6/23 lexapro 4.5 —> 3/22/23 - 4.4 —> 4/8/23 - 4.3 —> 4/13/23 - 4.2 —> 4/17/23 - 4.1 —> 4/23/23 - 4.0 —> 5/4/23 - 3.9 —> 5/9/23 - 3.6 —> 5/14/23 - 3.7 —> 6/4/23- 3.6 —> 6/12/23 - 3.5 —> 7/8/23 - 3.4 —> 7/19/23 - 3.3 —> 8/13/23 - 3.2 —> 9/24/23 - 3.1 —> 10/12/23 - 3.0 (10/29/23 possible accidental updose to 6.0) —> 1/14/24 2.95 —>2/24/24 2.9 —> 5/4/24 2.85 —> 6/1/24 2.8 —> 9/8/24 2.75 Link to comment
poohstix Posted March 6, 2023 Author Share Posted March 6, 2023 3/5 12: fluishness and upset stomach improved. Thighs still feel warm. Physically tired still. 1pm: ate. Lexapro 4.5 liquid 1:30pm: mild chest pain 2:40pm: feeling good, eating, no issue 3pm: some stomach upset. Mild face and ear warmth. Feel mildly “off” 5pm: feel good. More energy. Dry throat 6-7pm: dinner. Moderately good appetite. Mostly no symptoms, just a bit of sore throat 11pm: magnesium foot soak. Still Somewhat hungry. Snack. 12midnight: valerian 75mg, bedtime 4am-5am: woke. Tired but cannot go back to sleep. Sweaty. Took more valerian (75mg) 5-8:30: slept, mostly light 9-10:45: slept lightly Lexapro 5-20mg 2015-2018 for GAD. Lexapro 5-10 mg 2019-June 2022 for GAD June 30 2022 (approximate): last dose of lexapro 5 Jan 9 2023: lexapro 5 mg reinstatement —> Jan 15-17 (approximate)-Feb 5: lexapro 10 —> Feb 6-14: lexapro 5 —> Feb 16: lexapro 10 —> Feb 17: lexapro 5 —> Feb 18-23: lexapro 7.5 —> Feb 24: lexapro 5 —> March 5: lexapro 4.5 [During Jan-Feb 2023 had suspected kindling reaction with insomnia and multiple symptoms that were either withdrawal or side effects or both. Multiple sleep meds attempted including trazodone, gabapentin and valerian root.] March 2023: started slow taper at advice of the SA website. Things gradually improved. By 2024, most days were low symptom or symptom free, though manageable waves occasionally happen. 3/6/23 lexapro 4.5 —> 3/22/23 - 4.4 —> 4/8/23 - 4.3 —> 4/13/23 - 4.2 —> 4/17/23 - 4.1 —> 4/23/23 - 4.0 —> 5/4/23 - 3.9 —> 5/9/23 - 3.6 —> 5/14/23 - 3.7 —> 6/4/23- 3.6 —> 6/12/23 - 3.5 —> 7/8/23 - 3.4 —> 7/19/23 - 3.3 —> 8/13/23 - 3.2 —> 9/24/23 - 3.1 —> 10/12/23 - 3.0 (10/29/23 possible accidental updose to 6.0) —> 1/14/24 2.95 —>2/24/24 2.9 —> 5/4/24 2.85 —> 6/1/24 2.8 —> 9/8/24 2.75 Link to comment
Administrator Altostrata Posted March 7, 2023 Administrator Share Posted March 7, 2023 Yes, please continue with the daily notes. 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
poohstix Posted March 7, 2023 Author Share Posted March 7, 2023 3/6: 10:45: woke for the day 1 pm: lexapro 4.5 and ate 1:45pm: mild itch 2pm: warm skin, Bowel movement (soft, not diarrhea) 3pm: mild sore throat, upset stomach, edging toward fluishness, some tiredness 4pm: temp 99.9 4:30pm: loose stool, suddenly less fluish and broke a sweat 5:30pm: another loose stool, overall feel good, eating apples 6:00pm: some throat phlegm, mild ear warmth 7pm: temp 100, not feeling fluish, throat phlegm 8-10pm: feeling somewhat chilled, otherwise ok. Massage 11pm: valerian 75mg, mag foot bath 12midnight: bedtime 3:44am: woke up, tired 4:15am: fell back asleep 10am: slept, including deep sleep/dreaming Lexapro 5-20mg 2015-2018 for GAD. Lexapro 5-10 mg 2019-June 2022 for GAD June 30 2022 (approximate): last dose of lexapro 5 Jan 9 2023: lexapro 5 mg reinstatement —> Jan 15-17 (approximate)-Feb 5: lexapro 10 —> Feb 6-14: lexapro 5 —> Feb 16: lexapro 10 —> Feb 17: lexapro 5 —> Feb 18-23: lexapro 7.5 —> Feb 24: lexapro 5 —> March 5: lexapro 4.5 [During Jan-Feb 2023 had suspected kindling reaction with insomnia and multiple symptoms that were either withdrawal or side effects or both. Multiple sleep meds attempted including trazodone, gabapentin and valerian root.] March 2023: started slow taper at advice of the SA website. Things gradually improved. By 2024, most days were low symptom or symptom free, though manageable waves occasionally happen. 3/6/23 lexapro 4.5 —> 3/22/23 - 4.4 —> 4/8/23 - 4.3 —> 4/13/23 - 4.2 —> 4/17/23 - 4.1 —> 4/23/23 - 4.0 —> 5/4/23 - 3.9 —> 5/9/23 - 3.6 —> 5/14/23 - 3.7 —> 6/4/23- 3.6 —> 6/12/23 - 3.5 —> 7/8/23 - 3.4 —> 7/19/23 - 3.3 —> 8/13/23 - 3.2 —> 9/24/23 - 3.1 —> 10/12/23 - 3.0 (10/29/23 possible accidental updose to 6.0) —> 1/14/24 2.95 —>2/24/24 2.9 —> 5/4/24 2.85 —> 6/1/24 2.8 —> 9/8/24 2.75 Link to comment
poohstix Posted March 7, 2023 Author Share Posted March 7, 2023 Note: in post above I meant I slept until 10 am Lexapro 5-20mg 2015-2018 for GAD. Lexapro 5-10 mg 2019-June 2022 for GAD June 30 2022 (approximate): last dose of lexapro 5 Jan 9 2023: lexapro 5 mg reinstatement —> Jan 15-17 (approximate)-Feb 5: lexapro 10 —> Feb 6-14: lexapro 5 —> Feb 16: lexapro 10 —> Feb 17: lexapro 5 —> Feb 18-23: lexapro 7.5 —> Feb 24: lexapro 5 —> March 5: lexapro 4.5 [During Jan-Feb 2023 had suspected kindling reaction with insomnia and multiple symptoms that were either withdrawal or side effects or both. Multiple sleep meds attempted including trazodone, gabapentin and valerian root.] March 2023: started slow taper at advice of the SA website. Things gradually improved. By 2024, most days were low symptom or symptom free, though manageable waves occasionally happen. 3/6/23 lexapro 4.5 —> 3/22/23 - 4.4 —> 4/8/23 - 4.3 —> 4/13/23 - 4.2 —> 4/17/23 - 4.1 —> 4/23/23 - 4.0 —> 5/4/23 - 3.9 —> 5/9/23 - 3.6 —> 5/14/23 - 3.7 —> 6/4/23- 3.6 —> 6/12/23 - 3.5 —> 7/8/23 - 3.4 —> 7/19/23 - 3.3 —> 8/13/23 - 3.2 —> 9/24/23 - 3.1 —> 10/12/23 - 3.0 (10/29/23 possible accidental updose to 6.0) —> 1/14/24 2.95 —>2/24/24 2.9 —> 5/4/24 2.85 —> 6/1/24 2.8 —> 9/8/24 2.75 Link to comment
Administrator Altostrata Posted March 7, 2023 Administrator Share Posted March 7, 2023 The adverse effects from Lexapro should gradually decrease a bit, but it will take about a week for the reduction to 4.5mg to take full effect. 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
poohstix Posted March 8, 2023 Author Share Posted March 8, 2023 3/7: 10 am: mild stomach upset, arms and legs feel sore. Temp 99.3. Ate. Phlegm/soreness in throat 12noon: muscle soreness almost gone, sweats. Throat feels dry 1pm: lexapro 4.5 2pm: food 2:45pm: loose stool 3pm: temp 100F 6pm: temp 100F 7pm: massage 8:30: dinner. Hungry, no issues. Temp 99F. Magnesium foot soak 12midnight: bed. Valerian 100mg 5am: woke up. Tired, not anxious, but not able to sleep. Hungry. Mild PGAD. Sweaty. Got under thinner blanket. 7am: took 3 drops valerian tincture (standard dose is 30 drops) 12:30: woke up again for the day. Some deep sleep and some light sleep, no throat or muscle soreness or fever Lexapro 5-20mg 2015-2018 for GAD. Lexapro 5-10 mg 2019-June 2022 for GAD June 30 2022 (approximate): last dose of lexapro 5 Jan 9 2023: lexapro 5 mg reinstatement —> Jan 15-17 (approximate)-Feb 5: lexapro 10 —> Feb 6-14: lexapro 5 —> Feb 16: lexapro 10 —> Feb 17: lexapro 5 —> Feb 18-23: lexapro 7.5 —> Feb 24: lexapro 5 —> March 5: lexapro 4.5 [During Jan-Feb 2023 had suspected kindling reaction with insomnia and multiple symptoms that were either withdrawal or side effects or both. Multiple sleep meds attempted including trazodone, gabapentin and valerian root.] March 2023: started slow taper at advice of the SA website. Things gradually improved. By 2024, most days were low symptom or symptom free, though manageable waves occasionally happen. 3/6/23 lexapro 4.5 —> 3/22/23 - 4.4 —> 4/8/23 - 4.3 —> 4/13/23 - 4.2 —> 4/17/23 - 4.1 —> 4/23/23 - 4.0 —> 5/4/23 - 3.9 —> 5/9/23 - 3.6 —> 5/14/23 - 3.7 —> 6/4/23- 3.6 —> 6/12/23 - 3.5 —> 7/8/23 - 3.4 —> 7/19/23 - 3.3 —> 8/13/23 - 3.2 —> 9/24/23 - 3.1 —> 10/12/23 - 3.0 (10/29/23 possible accidental updose to 6.0) —> 1/14/24 2.95 —>2/24/24 2.9 —> 5/4/24 2.85 —> 6/1/24 2.8 —> 9/8/24 2.75 Link to comment
Administrator Altostrata Posted March 9, 2023 Administrator Share Posted March 9, 2023 Do you have a virus coming on? 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
poohstix Posted March 9, 2023 Author Share Posted March 9, 2023 15 minutes ago, Altostrata said: Do you have a virus coming on? Not sure. Today I feel fine: no cold symptoms, not feeling fluish, no fever. If I did have a virus, this would be my second or third one since mid-Jan. I suspect the medication and/or withdrawal process and the sleep deprivation over time has affected my immune system negatively. Lexapro 5-20mg 2015-2018 for GAD. Lexapro 5-10 mg 2019-June 2022 for GAD June 30 2022 (approximate): last dose of lexapro 5 Jan 9 2023: lexapro 5 mg reinstatement —> Jan 15-17 (approximate)-Feb 5: lexapro 10 —> Feb 6-14: lexapro 5 —> Feb 16: lexapro 10 —> Feb 17: lexapro 5 —> Feb 18-23: lexapro 7.5 —> Feb 24: lexapro 5 —> March 5: lexapro 4.5 [During Jan-Feb 2023 had suspected kindling reaction with insomnia and multiple symptoms that were either withdrawal or side effects or both. Multiple sleep meds attempted including trazodone, gabapentin and valerian root.] March 2023: started slow taper at advice of the SA website. Things gradually improved. By 2024, most days were low symptom or symptom free, though manageable waves occasionally happen. 3/6/23 lexapro 4.5 —> 3/22/23 - 4.4 —> 4/8/23 - 4.3 —> 4/13/23 - 4.2 —> 4/17/23 - 4.1 —> 4/23/23 - 4.0 —> 5/4/23 - 3.9 —> 5/9/23 - 3.6 —> 5/14/23 - 3.7 —> 6/4/23- 3.6 —> 6/12/23 - 3.5 —> 7/8/23 - 3.4 —> 7/19/23 - 3.3 —> 8/13/23 - 3.2 —> 9/24/23 - 3.1 —> 10/12/23 - 3.0 (10/29/23 possible accidental updose to 6.0) —> 1/14/24 2.95 —>2/24/24 2.9 —> 5/4/24 2.85 —> 6/1/24 2.8 —> 9/8/24 2.75 Link to comment
Administrator Altostrata Posted March 9, 2023 Administrator Share Posted March 9, 2023 Suddenly raised temperature would be unusual for withdrawal syndrome. 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
poohstix Posted March 9, 2023 Author Share Posted March 9, 2023 3/8: 12:30pm: can feel heartbeat, gone quickly 1pm:lexapro 4.5 1:30pm: mild PGAD 2:30pm: magnesium glycinate 50mg. Food. Stool (not loose) 3pm: temp 99.7. Don’t feel fever or fluish 3:30: tired, likely from magnesium 4pm: warm behind ears, dry mouth 4:45 pm: weird skin sensitivity along back, sort of like during a fear response, but not feeling anxious or afraid otherwise 6pm: food 6:30: mild tightness in mouth and tightness/tingle over chest and back, mildly upset stomach 8pm: shower. Front of mouth still on and off tight, mild internal tremor, PGAD 1/10. Upset stomach 8:30: meditation. Feel calm by the end 9pm: eating, no issues 11pm: mag foot bath, massage, valerian tincture 1/3 serving (10/30 drops) 12midnight: sleep 1am: brief awakening 6am: wake up for 30 mins, feel chilled 6:30-10:30am: sleep 10:30-11:30am: RLS, then gone on its own. Nose somewhat congested. Thigh muscles sore. Lexapro 5-20mg 2015-2018 for GAD. Lexapro 5-10 mg 2019-June 2022 for GAD June 30 2022 (approximate): last dose of lexapro 5 Jan 9 2023: lexapro 5 mg reinstatement —> Jan 15-17 (approximate)-Feb 5: lexapro 10 —> Feb 6-14: lexapro 5 —> Feb 16: lexapro 10 —> Feb 17: lexapro 5 —> Feb 18-23: lexapro 7.5 —> Feb 24: lexapro 5 —> March 5: lexapro 4.5 [During Jan-Feb 2023 had suspected kindling reaction with insomnia and multiple symptoms that were either withdrawal or side effects or both. Multiple sleep meds attempted including trazodone, gabapentin and valerian root.] March 2023: started slow taper at advice of the SA website. Things gradually improved. By 2024, most days were low symptom or symptom free, though manageable waves occasionally happen. 3/6/23 lexapro 4.5 —> 3/22/23 - 4.4 —> 4/8/23 - 4.3 —> 4/13/23 - 4.2 —> 4/17/23 - 4.1 —> 4/23/23 - 4.0 —> 5/4/23 - 3.9 —> 5/9/23 - 3.6 —> 5/14/23 - 3.7 —> 6/4/23- 3.6 —> 6/12/23 - 3.5 —> 7/8/23 - 3.4 —> 7/19/23 - 3.3 —> 8/13/23 - 3.2 —> 9/24/23 - 3.1 —> 10/12/23 - 3.0 (10/29/23 possible accidental updose to 6.0) —> 1/14/24 2.95 —>2/24/24 2.9 —> 5/4/24 2.85 —> 6/1/24 2.8 —> 9/8/24 2.75 Link to comment
poohstix Posted March 10, 2023 Author Share Posted March 10, 2023 21 hours ago, Altostrata said: Suddenly raised temperature would be unusual for withdrawal syndrome. Is there a way to tell the difference between withdrawal related flu like feelings and a viral illness? Ever since I started being back on lexapro I keep having viral illnesses, my premenstrual hormonal acne is back and my menses are heavier. I could all be “stress” but it seems there is stress in being on the med and coming off if it. Is it true that SSRIs can affect hormones and immune system? Lexapro 5-20mg 2015-2018 for GAD. Lexapro 5-10 mg 2019-June 2022 for GAD June 30 2022 (approximate): last dose of lexapro 5 Jan 9 2023: lexapro 5 mg reinstatement —> Jan 15-17 (approximate)-Feb 5: lexapro 10 —> Feb 6-14: lexapro 5 —> Feb 16: lexapro 10 —> Feb 17: lexapro 5 —> Feb 18-23: lexapro 7.5 —> Feb 24: lexapro 5 —> March 5: lexapro 4.5 [During Jan-Feb 2023 had suspected kindling reaction with insomnia and multiple symptoms that were either withdrawal or side effects or both. Multiple sleep meds attempted including trazodone, gabapentin and valerian root.] March 2023: started slow taper at advice of the SA website. Things gradually improved. By 2024, most days were low symptom or symptom free, though manageable waves occasionally happen. 3/6/23 lexapro 4.5 —> 3/22/23 - 4.4 —> 4/8/23 - 4.3 —> 4/13/23 - 4.2 —> 4/17/23 - 4.1 —> 4/23/23 - 4.0 —> 5/4/23 - 3.9 —> 5/9/23 - 3.6 —> 5/14/23 - 3.7 —> 6/4/23- 3.6 —> 6/12/23 - 3.5 —> 7/8/23 - 3.4 —> 7/19/23 - 3.3 —> 8/13/23 - 3.2 —> 9/24/23 - 3.1 —> 10/12/23 - 3.0 (10/29/23 possible accidental updose to 6.0) —> 1/14/24 2.95 —>2/24/24 2.9 —> 5/4/24 2.85 —> 6/1/24 2.8 —> 9/8/24 2.75 Link to comment
Administrator Altostrata Posted March 10, 2023 Administrator Share Posted March 10, 2023 8 hours ago, poohstix said: 10:30-11:30am: RLS, then gone on its own. Nose somewhat congested. Thigh muscles sore. Please describe the RLS. How long did this go on? Have you tried magnesium for this symptom? 1 hour ago, poohstix said: Is there a way to tell the difference between withdrawal related flu like feelings and a viral illness? Not really, except that withdrawal flu probably would not raise your temperature. That is caused by your body fighting a bug. Antidepressants and withdrawal syndrome can affect menses. Women often report worse symptoms at times in their cycle. 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
poohstix Posted March 10, 2023 Author Share Posted March 10, 2023 The RLS was in my feet and lower legs and was like a pulling and tense sensation made to feel better by movement. I just had it for about an hour as I was lying down in the morning, drifting in and out of light sleep. Then it went away. I had this symptom a few times when I was on lexapro 10, too. I do magnesium foot soaks at night, so I suspect that helps RLS not occur at night. I am going to try taking magnesium at night to see if it helps with RLS into the morning and sleep generally. I tried mag glycinate before and thought the glycinate was activating me, but I retrospect I dont think that was correct. I am grateful that sleep is improving but the early morning awakening is still there, no matter how relaxed or tired I am when I get to bed. It seems like lexapro is affecting everything in a way it has not done before. Although who knows, maybe it did cause my prior bout of adult acne, but it took years for it to get to that point, and now it’s doing it right away. Lexapro 5-20mg 2015-2018 for GAD. Lexapro 5-10 mg 2019-June 2022 for GAD June 30 2022 (approximate): last dose of lexapro 5 Jan 9 2023: lexapro 5 mg reinstatement —> Jan 15-17 (approximate)-Feb 5: lexapro 10 —> Feb 6-14: lexapro 5 —> Feb 16: lexapro 10 —> Feb 17: lexapro 5 —> Feb 18-23: lexapro 7.5 —> Feb 24: lexapro 5 —> March 5: lexapro 4.5 [During Jan-Feb 2023 had suspected kindling reaction with insomnia and multiple symptoms that were either withdrawal or side effects or both. Multiple sleep meds attempted including trazodone, gabapentin and valerian root.] March 2023: started slow taper at advice of the SA website. Things gradually improved. By 2024, most days were low symptom or symptom free, though manageable waves occasionally happen. 3/6/23 lexapro 4.5 —> 3/22/23 - 4.4 —> 4/8/23 - 4.3 —> 4/13/23 - 4.2 —> 4/17/23 - 4.1 —> 4/23/23 - 4.0 —> 5/4/23 - 3.9 —> 5/9/23 - 3.6 —> 5/14/23 - 3.7 —> 6/4/23- 3.6 —> 6/12/23 - 3.5 —> 7/8/23 - 3.4 —> 7/19/23 - 3.3 —> 8/13/23 - 3.2 —> 9/24/23 - 3.1 —> 10/12/23 - 3.0 (10/29/23 possible accidental updose to 6.0) —> 1/14/24 2.95 —>2/24/24 2.9 —> 5/4/24 2.85 —> 6/1/24 2.8 —> 9/8/24 2.75 Link to comment
Administrator Altostrata Posted March 10, 2023 Administrator Share Posted March 10, 2023 Magnesium and potassium are good for leg cramps. 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
poohstix Posted March 10, 2023 Author Share Posted March 10, 2023 3/9 12:30pm: tight mouth, 1/10 PGAD, a bit restless, mild sore throat and painful thigh muscles 12:30-1pm: meditation 1pm: lexapro 4.5 2pm: food. Temp 99.9, mild sore throat. Mag glycinate 50mg 3pm: tight mouth, 1/10 PGAD. Gut does not want to accept food. Mild chest discomfort at bottom of chest and upset stomach, milder than it has been in a while 4pm: feel ok. Soft stool. Temp 99.7 5pm: mild tightness in tongue, hands and feet, and chest and stomach 6pm: feel ok except for sore throat. Temp 100. 7pm: massage 8pm: dinner, feel ok 10pm: mag foot bath 11pm: valerian 75mg, magnesium glycinate 50 11:30: bedtime. Tired but have had time falling asleep so very light sleep until 12:45am 12:45-2am: tired and frustrated. A little hungry so ate piece of bread. Feel warm so got ice pack 2am: fell asleep 9am: brief awakening 9-11:30am: some light, some deep sleep with dreaming 11:30 am: tight throat, hands, and backs of feet. Foot discomfort relieved by moving. Less bad than yesterday. Neuroemotion of sadness I’m not sure if the magnesium glycinate interfered with falling asleep at all… when I take it during the day it does make me calm and a little tired. But one prior night when I took magnesium glycinate in the late evening I had a really bad night. Lexapro 5-20mg 2015-2018 for GAD. Lexapro 5-10 mg 2019-June 2022 for GAD June 30 2022 (approximate): last dose of lexapro 5 Jan 9 2023: lexapro 5 mg reinstatement —> Jan 15-17 (approximate)-Feb 5: lexapro 10 —> Feb 6-14: lexapro 5 —> Feb 16: lexapro 10 —> Feb 17: lexapro 5 —> Feb 18-23: lexapro 7.5 —> Feb 24: lexapro 5 —> March 5: lexapro 4.5 [During Jan-Feb 2023 had suspected kindling reaction with insomnia and multiple symptoms that were either withdrawal or side effects or both. Multiple sleep meds attempted including trazodone, gabapentin and valerian root.] March 2023: started slow taper at advice of the SA website. Things gradually improved. By 2024, most days were low symptom or symptom free, though manageable waves occasionally happen. 3/6/23 lexapro 4.5 —> 3/22/23 - 4.4 —> 4/8/23 - 4.3 —> 4/13/23 - 4.2 —> 4/17/23 - 4.1 —> 4/23/23 - 4.0 —> 5/4/23 - 3.9 —> 5/9/23 - 3.6 —> 5/14/23 - 3.7 —> 6/4/23- 3.6 —> 6/12/23 - 3.5 —> 7/8/23 - 3.4 —> 7/19/23 - 3.3 —> 8/13/23 - 3.2 —> 9/24/23 - 3.1 —> 10/12/23 - 3.0 (10/29/23 possible accidental updose to 6.0) —> 1/14/24 2.95 —>2/24/24 2.9 —> 5/4/24 2.85 —> 6/1/24 2.8 —> 9/8/24 2.75 Link to comment
Administrator Altostrata Posted March 10, 2023 Administrator Share Posted March 10, 2023 I doubt 50mg magnesium glycinate caused your bad night. Magnesium is best taken in small doses throughout the day. I do not see any signs of "RLS" in your daily notes. 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
poohstix Posted March 11, 2023 Author Share Posted March 11, 2023 1 hour ago, Altostrata said: I doubt 50mg magnesium glycinate caused your bad night. Magnesium is best taken in small doses throughout the day. I do not see any signs of "RLS" in your daily notes. The last time I had restless legs was a few weeks ago, when I was on lexapro 10, which was before I started doing daily notes. I had it for a few days on lexapro 10, only in the morning for an hour or so, and then it went away. Now I had it again the last couple mornings. Lexapro 5-20mg 2015-2018 for GAD. Lexapro 5-10 mg 2019-June 2022 for GAD June 30 2022 (approximate): last dose of lexapro 5 Jan 9 2023: lexapro 5 mg reinstatement —> Jan 15-17 (approximate)-Feb 5: lexapro 10 —> Feb 6-14: lexapro 5 —> Feb 16: lexapro 10 —> Feb 17: lexapro 5 —> Feb 18-23: lexapro 7.5 —> Feb 24: lexapro 5 —> March 5: lexapro 4.5 [During Jan-Feb 2023 had suspected kindling reaction with insomnia and multiple symptoms that were either withdrawal or side effects or both. Multiple sleep meds attempted including trazodone, gabapentin and valerian root.] March 2023: started slow taper at advice of the SA website. Things gradually improved. By 2024, most days were low symptom or symptom free, though manageable waves occasionally happen. 3/6/23 lexapro 4.5 —> 3/22/23 - 4.4 —> 4/8/23 - 4.3 —> 4/13/23 - 4.2 —> 4/17/23 - 4.1 —> 4/23/23 - 4.0 —> 5/4/23 - 3.9 —> 5/9/23 - 3.6 —> 5/14/23 - 3.7 —> 6/4/23- 3.6 —> 6/12/23 - 3.5 —> 7/8/23 - 3.4 —> 7/19/23 - 3.3 —> 8/13/23 - 3.2 —> 9/24/23 - 3.1 —> 10/12/23 - 3.0 (10/29/23 possible accidental updose to 6.0) —> 1/14/24 2.95 —>2/24/24 2.9 —> 5/4/24 2.85 —> 6/1/24 2.8 —> 9/8/24 2.75 Link to comment
poohstix Posted March 11, 2023 Author Share Posted March 11, 2023 3/9 12:30pm: tight mouth, 1/10 PGAD, a bit restless, mild sore throat and painful thigh muscles 12:30-1pm: meditation 1pm: lexapro 4.5 2pm: food. Temp 99.9, mild sore throat. Mag glycinate 50mg 3pm: tight mouth, 1/10 PGAD. Gut does not want to accept food. Mild chest discomfort at bottom of chest and upset stomach, milder than it has been in a while 4pm: feel ok. Soft stool. Temp 99.7 5pm: mild tightness in tongue, hands and feet, and chest and stomach 6pm: feel ok except for sore throat. Temp 100. 7pm: massage 8pm: dinner, feel ok 10pm: mag foot bath 11pm: valerian 75-100mg, magnesium glycinate 50 11:30: bedtime. Tired but have had time falling asleep so dozing until 12:45am 12:45-2am: tired and frustrated. A little hungry so ate piece of bread. Feel warm so got ice pack 2am: fell asleep 9am: brief awakening 9-11:30am: some light, some deep sleep with dreaming 11:30 am: tight throat, hands, and backs of feet. Foot discomfort relieved by moving. Neuroemotion of sadness 1pm: lexapro 4.5. 3pm: food. Mild sore throat and phlegm in throat. Temp 99.7 but don’t feel warm or fluish, a bit fluish, 3:30: 1/10 PGAD, very mild chest discomfort, food 4:pm: stool, not loose! Took 2 pills tcm 5pm: warm arms and behind ears, a bit sedated, dry mouth, temp 99.3 6pm: sweats 7pm: mostly better. Dinner 8pm: 1/10 PGAD 9pm: 2/10 PGAD (more like swelling in genital area). Dry mouth 9:30: mag foot bath, feel good 10pm: massage, valerian tincture 8 drops (working to cut down) 11:30pm: sleep 6:30am: woke for 30 mins, hungry, ate piece of bread 7:00am-11:30am: slept deeply. Lexapro 5-20mg 2015-2018 for GAD. Lexapro 5-10 mg 2019-June 2022 for GAD June 30 2022 (approximate): last dose of lexapro 5 Jan 9 2023: lexapro 5 mg reinstatement —> Jan 15-17 (approximate)-Feb 5: lexapro 10 —> Feb 6-14: lexapro 5 —> Feb 16: lexapro 10 —> Feb 17: lexapro 5 —> Feb 18-23: lexapro 7.5 —> Feb 24: lexapro 5 —> March 5: lexapro 4.5 [During Jan-Feb 2023 had suspected kindling reaction with insomnia and multiple symptoms that were either withdrawal or side effects or both. Multiple sleep meds attempted including trazodone, gabapentin and valerian root.] March 2023: started slow taper at advice of the SA website. Things gradually improved. By 2024, most days were low symptom or symptom free, though manageable waves occasionally happen. 3/6/23 lexapro 4.5 —> 3/22/23 - 4.4 —> 4/8/23 - 4.3 —> 4/13/23 - 4.2 —> 4/17/23 - 4.1 —> 4/23/23 - 4.0 —> 5/4/23 - 3.9 —> 5/9/23 - 3.6 —> 5/14/23 - 3.7 —> 6/4/23- 3.6 —> 6/12/23 - 3.5 —> 7/8/23 - 3.4 —> 7/19/23 - 3.3 —> 8/13/23 - 3.2 —> 9/24/23 - 3.1 —> 10/12/23 - 3.0 (10/29/23 possible accidental updose to 6.0) —> 1/14/24 2.95 —>2/24/24 2.9 —> 5/4/24 2.85 —> 6/1/24 2.8 —> 9/8/24 2.75 Link to comment
Administrator Altostrata Posted March 11, 2023 Administrator Share Posted March 11, 2023 Do you ordinarily sleep until noon? What is your sleep schedule? What is your temperature at 1 p.m., before you take Lexapro? If the magnesium foot bath is relaxing, you might rub a little magnesium oil on where it hurts at intervals throughout the day. 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
poohstix Posted March 11, 2023 Author Share Posted March 11, 2023 25 minutes ago, Altostrata said: Do you ordinarily sleep until noon? What is your sleep schedule? What is your temperature at 1 p.m., before you take Lexapro? If the magnesium foot bath is relaxing, you might rub a little magnesium oil on where it hurts at intervals throughout the day. Ordinarily when I work I sleep midnight to 7 am and by the weekend I have serious sleep debt and sleep 12+ hours, often until noon on later. This was the case before all the business with lexapro induced insomnia (though at the time we didn’t realize it was lexapro induced). I think 9 hours of sleep is what I really need. Lately I’ve been on medical leave due to all these issues, and until the last week or so I’d sleep midnight to 8-10am, though usually not straight through. There’s often a 4-6 am awakening in there, so I’d truly get only 5-7 hours. Then the last few days my body is letting me sleep longer into the day, my watch is telling me 9-10 hours, and I’m letting it happen because I figure that’s what it needs. The early morning awakening is still happening. Maybe the answer is to go to bed earlier, and to do that I have to break years of night owl tendencies, so it’s definitely a work in progress! I have not checked temp before taking lexapro in morning, but I will do and report back. Lexapro 5-20mg 2015-2018 for GAD. Lexapro 5-10 mg 2019-June 2022 for GAD June 30 2022 (approximate): last dose of lexapro 5 Jan 9 2023: lexapro 5 mg reinstatement —> Jan 15-17 (approximate)-Feb 5: lexapro 10 —> Feb 6-14: lexapro 5 —> Feb 16: lexapro 10 —> Feb 17: lexapro 5 —> Feb 18-23: lexapro 7.5 —> Feb 24: lexapro 5 —> March 5: lexapro 4.5 [During Jan-Feb 2023 had suspected kindling reaction with insomnia and multiple symptoms that were either withdrawal or side effects or both. Multiple sleep meds attempted including trazodone, gabapentin and valerian root.] March 2023: started slow taper at advice of the SA website. Things gradually improved. By 2024, most days were low symptom or symptom free, though manageable waves occasionally happen. 3/6/23 lexapro 4.5 —> 3/22/23 - 4.4 —> 4/8/23 - 4.3 —> 4/13/23 - 4.2 —> 4/17/23 - 4.1 —> 4/23/23 - 4.0 —> 5/4/23 - 3.9 —> 5/9/23 - 3.6 —> 5/14/23 - 3.7 —> 6/4/23- 3.6 —> 6/12/23 - 3.5 —> 7/8/23 - 3.4 —> 7/19/23 - 3.3 —> 8/13/23 - 3.2 —> 9/24/23 - 3.1 —> 10/12/23 - 3.0 (10/29/23 possible accidental updose to 6.0) —> 1/14/24 2.95 —>2/24/24 2.9 —> 5/4/24 2.85 —> 6/1/24 2.8 —> 9/8/24 2.75 Link to comment
Administrator Altostrata Posted March 11, 2023 Administrator Share Posted March 11, 2023 34 minutes ago, poohstix said: Then the last few days my body is letting me sleep longer into the day, my watch is telling me 9-10 hours, and I’m letting it happen because I figure that’s what it needs. This is a good sign. Suggest you get your sleep schedule regularized, go to sleep and wake up at the same times each day. This will assist your normal circadian rhythm to get back on track. 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
poohstix Posted March 11, 2023 Author Share Posted March 11, 2023 14 minutes ago, Altostrata said: This is a good sign. Suggest you get your sleep schedule regularized, go to sleep and wake up at the same times each day. This will assist your normal circadian rhythm to get back on track. Looks like I also just got diagnosed with an ear infection. That might explain the some of the fevers recently. But now I have to take antibiotics and I’m not excited for that now that my system is sensitized. Lexapro 5-20mg 2015-2018 for GAD. Lexapro 5-10 mg 2019-June 2022 for GAD June 30 2022 (approximate): last dose of lexapro 5 Jan 9 2023: lexapro 5 mg reinstatement —> Jan 15-17 (approximate)-Feb 5: lexapro 10 —> Feb 6-14: lexapro 5 —> Feb 16: lexapro 10 —> Feb 17: lexapro 5 —> Feb 18-23: lexapro 7.5 —> Feb 24: lexapro 5 —> March 5: lexapro 4.5 [During Jan-Feb 2023 had suspected kindling reaction with insomnia and multiple symptoms that were either withdrawal or side effects or both. Multiple sleep meds attempted including trazodone, gabapentin and valerian root.] March 2023: started slow taper at advice of the SA website. Things gradually improved. By 2024, most days were low symptom or symptom free, though manageable waves occasionally happen. 3/6/23 lexapro 4.5 —> 3/22/23 - 4.4 —> 4/8/23 - 4.3 —> 4/13/23 - 4.2 —> 4/17/23 - 4.1 —> 4/23/23 - 4.0 —> 5/4/23 - 3.9 —> 5/9/23 - 3.6 —> 5/14/23 - 3.7 —> 6/4/23- 3.6 —> 6/12/23 - 3.5 —> 7/8/23 - 3.4 —> 7/19/23 - 3.3 —> 8/13/23 - 3.2 —> 9/24/23 - 3.1 —> 10/12/23 - 3.0 (10/29/23 possible accidental updose to 6.0) —> 1/14/24 2.95 —>2/24/24 2.9 —> 5/4/24 2.85 —> 6/1/24 2.8 —> 9/8/24 2.75 Link to comment
Moderator Emeritus getofflex Posted March 11, 2023 Moderator Emeritus Share Posted March 11, 2023 Some antibiotics are better than others. Please try to avoid the fluoroquinolone antibiotics, which mess with the nervous system. Antibiotics 1 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 Link to comment
Mentor littlebird Posted March 11, 2023 Mentor Share Posted March 11, 2023 Just now, getofflex said: try to avoid the fluoroquinolone antibiotics, which mess with the nervous system. I had no idea antibiotics could mess with the nervous system! Woah, good to know. Pronouns: they/them/theirs Started on Prozac in early 2000s to treat cPTSD, been on various cocktails ever since. 2002-2004, 2017-2022: Buspar, tapered down to 0 2016-present: 100mg Seroquel for sleep -> May 2023: 90mg -> June 2023: 81mg -> September 2023: 72mg -> switched to brand name, much too strong, down to 60mg -> October 2023: 54mg -> November 2023: 50mg -> January 2024: 45mg -> April 2024: 40.5mg -> May 2024: 41mg -> June 2024: 35mg -> July 2024: 31mg -> August 2024: 28mg -> September 2024: 25mg 2016-Present: 100mg Wellbutrin SR -> January 2023: 75mg IR (37.5mg 2x a day, a mistake, don't replicate) -> February 2023 (33.75mg 2x a day) -> July 2023 (30.37mg 2x a day) -> August 2023: 25mg 2x a day 2018-present: 25mg Pristiq 2015-present: 600mg Gabapentin (200mg 3x a day) -> December 2022: 300mg Gabapentin (100mg 3x a day) per GP's recommendation after side effects -> March 2023: 90mg 3x a day (switched to liquid suspension) -> April 2023: 81mg 3x a day -> September 2023: bad generic, switched back to homemade liquid; too strong after bad generic, down to 70mg 3x a day, still bad. Adjusted slowly till at 60mg 3x a day, much better. Long hold till -> December 2023: 54mg, still feels too high after November Seroquel switch from brand name to generic, doc recommended 50mg which feels better -> January 2024: When Wellbutrin went down, Gabapentin started putting me to sleep, went down to 45mg, then 41mg to stay awake, so far so good -> February 2024: 36mg, still too high, 34mg -> March 2024: 31mg, STILL too high, 30mg down to 25mg Supplements: Multivitamin w/magnesium, probiotics, digestive enzymes, anti-viral nitric oxide nose spray as needed Link to comment
poohstix Posted March 11, 2023 Author Share Posted March 11, 2023 6 minutes ago, getofflex said: Some antibiotics are better than others. Please try to avoid the fluoroquinolone antibiotics, which mess with the nervous system. Antibiotics Good to know. I was given ampicillin . Lexapro 5-20mg 2015-2018 for GAD. Lexapro 5-10 mg 2019-June 2022 for GAD June 30 2022 (approximate): last dose of lexapro 5 Jan 9 2023: lexapro 5 mg reinstatement —> Jan 15-17 (approximate)-Feb 5: lexapro 10 —> Feb 6-14: lexapro 5 —> Feb 16: lexapro 10 —> Feb 17: lexapro 5 —> Feb 18-23: lexapro 7.5 —> Feb 24: lexapro 5 —> March 5: lexapro 4.5 [During Jan-Feb 2023 had suspected kindling reaction with insomnia and multiple symptoms that were either withdrawal or side effects or both. Multiple sleep meds attempted including trazodone, gabapentin and valerian root.] March 2023: started slow taper at advice of the SA website. Things gradually improved. By 2024, most days were low symptom or symptom free, though manageable waves occasionally happen. 3/6/23 lexapro 4.5 —> 3/22/23 - 4.4 —> 4/8/23 - 4.3 —> 4/13/23 - 4.2 —> 4/17/23 - 4.1 —> 4/23/23 - 4.0 —> 5/4/23 - 3.9 —> 5/9/23 - 3.6 —> 5/14/23 - 3.7 —> 6/4/23- 3.6 —> 6/12/23 - 3.5 —> 7/8/23 - 3.4 —> 7/19/23 - 3.3 —> 8/13/23 - 3.2 —> 9/24/23 - 3.1 —> 10/12/23 - 3.0 (10/29/23 possible accidental updose to 6.0) —> 1/14/24 2.95 —>2/24/24 2.9 —> 5/4/24 2.85 —> 6/1/24 2.8 —> 9/8/24 2.75 Link to comment
Soup Posted March 12, 2023 Share Posted March 12, 2023 Also decline one called Suprax that gave me a big setback . But of course you must take them if you need them . Just sharing my experience On Prozac 20 mg from 1996 to 2012 started for post partum depression ? Pooped out 2012 - Switched to 1.25 mg Klonopin ( tapered off last dose march 6 th / 2017 ( 14 month taper) 2012-15 mg lexapro came off nov.4 th /17 2012- 150 mg Wellbutrin xl ( still on ) 2019- Stabilized to be functional after coming off lex and klon waiting to get healthy to taper Wellbutrin 2021 Dec - Suprax and macrobid for UTI 2022 Jan - withdrawal symptoms came back with a vengeance ( antibiotics and uti only change ) 2022 June - still in full withdrawal Link to comment
poohstix Posted March 12, 2023 Author Share Posted March 12, 2023 3/11 11:30: wake up, mild anxiety, tired (good news, this may mean I need less valerian) 1pm: Lexapro 4.5, food 1:30: acupuncture 3:30pm: warmth and pins and needles down arms, dry mouth, a bit sad and headachy. Drinking plenty of water. 4:15pm: feel mildly feverish but temp 99.3 5pm: sore throat 6pm: anxious, a bit of tearfulness burgeoning, pulling sensation in hands, still feeling fluish. Sore throat more on right side which is where I was told I have ear infection, mild upset stomach with dinner 7pm: feel better. Still a bit fluish and sore throat. Tight front of mouth 8pm: tight in back of hands and feet and front of mouth, neuroemotion that feels like wanting to cry. Sore throat. 99.5 temp 9pm: mild tightness in upper chest. 10pm: don’t feel feverish anymore, just a bit of sore throat and tight hands and feet 11:30pm: bedtime. Took valerian 5 drops of tincture (30 drops is standard dose) 1am: wake up briefly, feel warm and feverish 6:30am: wake up for 30-45 mins, eat and drink water, then fall asleep. Feel warm and feverish, have to be under thinner blanket 12noon: wake up I think right now feeling on and off fluish is my biggest concern. I have a sore throat on and off and was told I have an ear infection, but I feel barely any ear discomfort: the ear infection was discovered incidentally when I had an earwax plug. I have antibiotics (amoxicillin) but am afraid to take it — this withdrawal/drug reaction changed everything, and taking something that used to be a basic medication now feel scary and fraught. With sleep, I just recently started being able to sleep a lot, but still have a tendency to wake around 1am and 5-6am, no matter how much I sleep overall. So I lose 1-2 hours of sleep that way. Sleeping through the night has always been an issue throughout this journey. I still am working on anxiety around sleep: that I won’t be able to fall asleep or won’t be able to fall back asleep, which is a barrier to moving bedtime earlier. Lexapro 5-20mg 2015-2018 for GAD. Lexapro 5-10 mg 2019-June 2022 for GAD June 30 2022 (approximate): last dose of lexapro 5 Jan 9 2023: lexapro 5 mg reinstatement —> Jan 15-17 (approximate)-Feb 5: lexapro 10 —> Feb 6-14: lexapro 5 —> Feb 16: lexapro 10 —> Feb 17: lexapro 5 —> Feb 18-23: lexapro 7.5 —> Feb 24: lexapro 5 —> March 5: lexapro 4.5 [During Jan-Feb 2023 had suspected kindling reaction with insomnia and multiple symptoms that were either withdrawal or side effects or both. Multiple sleep meds attempted including trazodone, gabapentin and valerian root.] March 2023: started slow taper at advice of the SA website. Things gradually improved. By 2024, most days were low symptom or symptom free, though manageable waves occasionally happen. 3/6/23 lexapro 4.5 —> 3/22/23 - 4.4 —> 4/8/23 - 4.3 —> 4/13/23 - 4.2 —> 4/17/23 - 4.1 —> 4/23/23 - 4.0 —> 5/4/23 - 3.9 —> 5/9/23 - 3.6 —> 5/14/23 - 3.7 —> 6/4/23- 3.6 —> 6/12/23 - 3.5 —> 7/8/23 - 3.4 —> 7/19/23 - 3.3 —> 8/13/23 - 3.2 —> 9/24/23 - 3.1 —> 10/12/23 - 3.0 (10/29/23 possible accidental updose to 6.0) —> 1/14/24 2.95 —>2/24/24 2.9 —> 5/4/24 2.85 —> 6/1/24 2.8 —> 9/8/24 2.75 Link to comment
Administrator Altostrata Posted March 12, 2023 Administrator Share Posted March 12, 2023 We won't be able to interpret your symptom pattern while you're ill and taking antibiotics, your symptoms could be from something else other than withdrawal. Please post your daily symptom pattern after your ear infection is gone. 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
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