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Blackbird17: need help with lexapro dose


Blackbird17

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Hello - I attempted a direct switch from a high dose of lexapro to Sertraline under doctor guidance - I now realise from reading this website that I may have kindled my nervous system.  I subsequently increased the lexapro dose and have reduced it again, probably making matters worse.  The biggest effect I have had is a noticeable cognitive impact, my brain literally can't solve complex problems the way it could only a few months ago and I have had to step back from a senior executive role.  I really don't know what to do - I stupidly halved my lexapro dose 4 days ago and think I should updose - but by how much? Have I done permanent brain damage because it feels like I have?  My memory is shaky and complex math that was easy to me is now beyond me, almost like i've had a stroke or something.  

2000-current 500mg Tegretrol for petit mal epilepsy

2008-2022 lexapro, was taking 30mg per day for at least last five years.
17th Dec 2022 attempted direct switch to 50mg Sertraline.   Used about 30mg per day Serepax at this time. Had major withdrawal symptoms and discontinued Sertraline and Serepax.
2nd January 2023 - went back on 20mg lexapro
5th January 2023 - increased to  to 30mg lexapro. Significant side effects and major impact on cognition followed.
16th Feb 2023 reduced to 20mg lexparo and started seroquel 50mg for sleep plus 4mg melatonin.
23rd Feb 2023 reduced to 10mg lexapro
1st March 2023 reduced to 5mg lexapro.
6th March 2023 updosed to 10mg lexparo to deal with withdrawal.
between 24 March and 5th April - increased lexapro to 15mg
Current medications unchanged since 5th April ie. 15mg lexapro, 500mg tegretol, 50mg seroquel and 4mg melatonin
16th April - trialed 15mg Serepax(oxazepam-a benzo) to deal with symptoms.
7th may onwards - 10mg lexapro, occasional serepax, doxylamine succinate for sleep
4-11 June 12 mg lexapro, then took town to 8mg till 18 June, intolerable migraine and vomiting
20 June onwards- stable lexapro dose at 11mg
 
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  • Frogie changed the title to Blackbird17: need help with lexapro dose
  • Moderator

@Blackbird17

 

Welcome to SA. We are a volunteer ran site helping people taper off psychiatric medications or have tapered off and are now healing. 

 

 

 

This is your introduction page where you will receive information, ask questions and meet other members. We ask that you only have one introduction page so we can keep all your information in one place.

 

 

I'm very sorry you are going through what you are. Unfortunately most dr's know very little about these drugs and the implications they cause by not tapering properly.

 

 

 

 

 

Here is some important information about how these drugs actually work.  This explains why we get symptoms from going off of these medications:

 

How Psychiatric Drugs Remodel Your Brain

 

 

This helps you understand what withdrawal syndrome is: 

 

Video on Recovery from Psych Drugs

 

 

Stability is really important when we are tapering off psych meds.  Please read the link about stability:

 

Keep It Simple, Slow, and Stable

 

 

Right now, you have a very fragile CNS (central nervous system) from all the changes. You need to hold on this dose of Lexapro for a good long time, 6 months or more before you begin to taper to allow your body to heal.

 

Why taper by 10% of my dosage?

 

The slowness of slow tapers

 

Brass Monkey Slide


Tips for tapering off escitalopram (Lexapro)

 

Post Withdrawal Nervous System Hypersensitivity and Kindling


Withdrawal Normal Description

 

 Waves and Windows in SSRI Withdrawal

 

 

We don't suggest a lot of supplements on here as they can be stimulating to the central nervous system (CNS), except 2. If you would like to try one, try a small amount and wait a few days before introducing the other.

 

Magnesium

Omega 3 Fish Oil

 

 

After you have read the links provided, please reach out with any questions you may have.

 

 

 

 

 

PREVIOUS medications and discontinuations: Have been on medications since 1996. 

 Valium, Gabapentin, Lamictal, Prilosec and Zantac from 2000 to 2015 with a fast taper by a psychiatrist.

 Liquid Lexapro Nov, 2016 to 31-March, 2019 Lexapro free!!! (total Lexapro taper was 4 years-started with pill form)

---CURRENT MEDICATIONS:Supplements:Milk Thistle, Metamucil, Magnesium Citrate, Vitamin D3, Levothyroxine 25mcg, Vitamin C, Krill oil.

Xanax 1mg 3x day June, 2000 to 19-September, 2020 Went from .150 grams (average weight of 1 Xanax) 3x day to .003 grams 3x day. April 1, 2021 went back on 1mg a day. Started tapering May 19, 2023. July 28, 2023-approximately .87mg. Dr. fast tapered me at the end and realized he messed up. Prescribe it again and I am doing "slower than a turtle" taper. Last dose June 24, 2024

19-September, 2020 Xanax free!!! (total Xanax taper was 15-1/2 months-1-June, 2019-19-September, 2020)

I am not a medical professional.

The suggestions I make are based on personal experience.

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Thank you so much for your response.  You can see that my dosing has been all over the place in a short period of time.  I changed it back to 10mg yesterday as per my signature - just to try to stabilise.  Do you think that is the right level to go forward with when you look at my history?  I was assuming that given I only dropped it a week ago, that this was a good place to start ie. 10mg.  But equally its only been three weeks since i was on 20mg - should i be going back to that level to stabilise? I am desperate to find a stable base from which to start this process properly as my nervous system is shot.  

 

2000-current 500mg Tegretrol for petit mal epilepsy

2008-2022 lexapro, was taking 30mg per day for at least last five years.
17th Dec 2022 attempted direct switch to 50mg Sertraline.   Used about 30mg per day Serepax at this time. Had major withdrawal symptoms and discontinued Sertraline and Serepax.
2nd January 2023 - went back on 20mg lexapro
5th January 2023 - increased to  to 30mg lexapro. Significant side effects and major impact on cognition followed.
16th Feb 2023 reduced to 20mg lexparo and started seroquel 50mg for sleep plus 4mg melatonin.
23rd Feb 2023 reduced to 10mg lexapro
1st March 2023 reduced to 5mg lexapro.
6th March 2023 updosed to 10mg lexparo to deal with withdrawal.
between 24 March and 5th April - increased lexapro to 15mg
Current medications unchanged since 5th April ie. 15mg lexapro, 500mg tegretol, 50mg seroquel and 4mg melatonin
16th April - trialed 15mg Serepax(oxazepam-a benzo) to deal with symptoms.
7th may onwards - 10mg lexapro, occasional serepax, doxylamine succinate for sleep
4-11 June 12 mg lexapro, then took town to 8mg till 18 June, intolerable migraine and vomiting
20 June onwards- stable lexapro dose at 11mg
 
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  • Moderator

@Blackbird17

 

You are very welcome. I'm glad I could provide the information to you. 

 

It takes 5-10 days for Lexapro to reach a steady level in your bloodstream, and a little longer to reach your brain.

 

I think if you stay at the 10mg for a good 6 months or so, your CNS will stabilize. You have just made too many changes over a short period of time and it just needs to calm down.

 

While you are healing, please read the information I provided and take a look around on the site. You will find members in your situation that you can speak with also.

 

If you have any other questions, please don't hesitate to reach out to me. You have come to the right place. I was once in your position, as everyone on here have been or are in right now.

Edited by Altostrata
deleted blank lines

PREVIOUS medications and discontinuations: Have been on medications since 1996. 

 Valium, Gabapentin, Lamictal, Prilosec and Zantac from 2000 to 2015 with a fast taper by a psychiatrist.

 Liquid Lexapro Nov, 2016 to 31-March, 2019 Lexapro free!!! (total Lexapro taper was 4 years-started with pill form)

---CURRENT MEDICATIONS:Supplements:Milk Thistle, Metamucil, Magnesium Citrate, Vitamin D3, Levothyroxine 25mcg, Vitamin C, Krill oil.

Xanax 1mg 3x day June, 2000 to 19-September, 2020 Went from .150 grams (average weight of 1 Xanax) 3x day to .003 grams 3x day. April 1, 2021 went back on 1mg a day. Started tapering May 19, 2023. July 28, 2023-approximately .87mg. Dr. fast tapered me at the end and realized he messed up. Prescribe it again and I am doing "slower than a turtle" taper. Last dose June 24, 2024

19-September, 2020 Xanax free!!! (total Xanax taper was 15-1/2 months-1-June, 2019-19-September, 2020)

I am not a medical professional.

The suggestions I make are based on personal experience.

Link to comment

@Blackbird17welcome to SA. Though I am on a different SSRI, I can relate to your issues with math calculations. It is all part of the withdrawal and instability. Good news is the body will heal, the bad news it takes time. I too am on at least a six month hold to stabilize. I am at 3 months and can see improvement. Just be patient and you will be good. The moderators know their stuff. 👍

 I am not a medical professional. My comments are based on my personal experience and information on this site. 

2016-twice weekly for a couple months-oxazepam 10 mg sleep/ 2020-22-once a week 3.75-7.5 mg Zopiclone for sleep/20 yr+ Paroxetine/ Dec2018-May 2022 20 mg/ May 2022 30mg/2022.07.28-2022.08.24 30mg to 0mg/ August 24-29 2022 10mg Prozac/2022.11.28-2022.12.04- 5mg Paroxetine/Dec 5&6/22 10mg Paroxetine/ Dec 8&9/22 10mg Prozac/ 2022.12.07 to 2023.07.01 5mg Paroxetine

TAPER 23.07.02-58mgpw/4.9mgai/ 23.07.21-4.8mg/23.07.28-4.73mg/23.08.04-4.65mg /21.09.23-4.58 mg/27.10.23-4.56 mg/5.12.23-4.54 mg/2.1.24-4.52 mg/9.1.24-4.51 mg/17.1.24-4.49 mg/26.1.24-4.47mg/6.2.24-4.46mg/ 19.2.24-4.44mg /4.4.24-4.43mg/28.4.24-4.4 mg/5.5.24-4.39 mg/19.5.24-4.36 mg/2.7.24-4.34 mg/9.7.24-4.32mg/31.7.24-4.3 mg/ 1.10.24 -4.29mg/

8am-probiotics/9am-paroxetine, 200mg mag bisglycinate/ 1000mg Vitamin D/5pm-75 mg DGL/200mg calcium citrate/0.25 mcg melatonin nightly

"... your strength will be in keeping calm..."-Isaiah 30:15

 

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Thanks for sharing your experience - its great to know there is hope.  Really good luck to you..

2000-current 500mg Tegretrol for petit mal epilepsy

2008-2022 lexapro, was taking 30mg per day for at least last five years.
17th Dec 2022 attempted direct switch to 50mg Sertraline.   Used about 30mg per day Serepax at this time. Had major withdrawal symptoms and discontinued Sertraline and Serepax.
2nd January 2023 - went back on 20mg lexapro
5th January 2023 - increased to  to 30mg lexapro. Significant side effects and major impact on cognition followed.
16th Feb 2023 reduced to 20mg lexparo and started seroquel 50mg for sleep plus 4mg melatonin.
23rd Feb 2023 reduced to 10mg lexapro
1st March 2023 reduced to 5mg lexapro.
6th March 2023 updosed to 10mg lexparo to deal with withdrawal.
between 24 March and 5th April - increased lexapro to 15mg
Current medications unchanged since 5th April ie. 15mg lexapro, 500mg tegretol, 50mg seroquel and 4mg melatonin
16th April - trialed 15mg Serepax(oxazepam-a benzo) to deal with symptoms.
7th may onwards - 10mg lexapro, occasional serepax, doxylamine succinate for sleep
4-11 June 12 mg lexapro, then took town to 8mg till 18 June, intolerable migraine and vomiting
20 June onwards- stable lexapro dose at 11mg
 
Link to comment
  • 2 weeks later...

Hi Frogie and others - so i am sticking with the 10mg lexapro since 6th March.  I continue to experience ongoing symptoms - is there any way of knowing if they are a result of re-instating too high, or not high enough?  I continue to deal with severe insomnia, tingling feeling, sense of dread/panic, confused thought processes and hearing problems.  I understand it is has only been 11 days at 10mg, but i'm still wondering if dose is too high, too low, or whether I just need to perservere at this level and hope?

 

2000-current 500mg Tegretrol for petit mal epilepsy

2008-2022 lexapro, was taking 30mg per day for at least last five years.
17th Dec 2022 attempted direct switch to 50mg Sertraline.   Used about 30mg per day Serepax at this time. Had major withdrawal symptoms and discontinued Sertraline and Serepax.
2nd January 2023 - went back on 20mg lexapro
5th January 2023 - increased to  to 30mg lexapro. Significant side effects and major impact on cognition followed.
16th Feb 2023 reduced to 20mg lexparo and started seroquel 50mg for sleep plus 4mg melatonin.
23rd Feb 2023 reduced to 10mg lexapro
1st March 2023 reduced to 5mg lexapro.
6th March 2023 updosed to 10mg lexparo to deal with withdrawal.
between 24 March and 5th April - increased lexapro to 15mg
Current medications unchanged since 5th April ie. 15mg lexapro, 500mg tegretol, 50mg seroquel and 4mg melatonin
16th April - trialed 15mg Serepax(oxazepam-a benzo) to deal with symptoms.
7th may onwards - 10mg lexapro, occasional serepax, doxylamine succinate for sleep
4-11 June 12 mg lexapro, then took town to 8mg till 18 June, intolerable migraine and vomiting
20 June onwards- stable lexapro dose at 11mg
 
Link to comment

Hi @Blackbird17 sorry to hear you are struggling. Once I reinstated, it took me weeks to see any improvements. Those improvements were small.  Has anything gotten better? Be patient. Just don't change anything till your moderator Frogie advises you. I know it's hard. I was feeling more stable and thought I should start tapering and thankfully I didn't because I am in a wave with shakes, gastro issues etc. My body is working hard and I have to wait on it and trust it without adding to the stress. 

 I am not a medical professional. My comments are based on my personal experience and information on this site. 

2016-twice weekly for a couple months-oxazepam 10 mg sleep/ 2020-22-once a week 3.75-7.5 mg Zopiclone for sleep/20 yr+ Paroxetine/ Dec2018-May 2022 20 mg/ May 2022 30mg/2022.07.28-2022.08.24 30mg to 0mg/ August 24-29 2022 10mg Prozac/2022.11.28-2022.12.04- 5mg Paroxetine/Dec 5&6/22 10mg Paroxetine/ Dec 8&9/22 10mg Prozac/ 2022.12.07 to 2023.07.01 5mg Paroxetine

TAPER 23.07.02-58mgpw/4.9mgai/ 23.07.21-4.8mg/23.07.28-4.73mg/23.08.04-4.65mg /21.09.23-4.58 mg/27.10.23-4.56 mg/5.12.23-4.54 mg/2.1.24-4.52 mg/9.1.24-4.51 mg/17.1.24-4.49 mg/26.1.24-4.47mg/6.2.24-4.46mg/ 19.2.24-4.44mg /4.4.24-4.43mg/28.4.24-4.4 mg/5.5.24-4.39 mg/19.5.24-4.36 mg/2.7.24-4.34 mg/9.7.24-4.32mg/31.7.24-4.3 mg/ 1.10.24 -4.29mg/

8am-probiotics/9am-paroxetine, 200mg mag bisglycinate/ 1000mg Vitamin D/5pm-75 mg DGL/200mg calcium citrate/0.25 mcg melatonin nightly

"... your strength will be in keeping calm..."-Isaiah 30:15

 

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  • Mentor

@Blackbird17

Hello and welcome to SA !

 

 I understand what you’re dealing with rt now, it is rough but you can do it. Like stated above “time” .  
Usually with me after a reinstatement or wave or nervous disturbance caused by tapering it has typically taken about 3-4 months to start seeing my old self and 6-9 months stable. 
 

11 hours ago, Blackbird17 said:

Hi Frogie and others - so i am sticking with the 10mg lexapro since 6th March.  I continue to experience ongoing symptoms - is there any way of knowing if they are a result of re-instating too high, or not high enough?  I continue to deal with severe insomnia, tingling feeling, sense of dread/panic, confused thought processes and hearing problems.  I understand it is has only been 11 days at 10mg, but i'm still wondering if dose is too high, too low, or whether I just need to perservere at this level and hope?

 


For me It is very hard to tell. It is going to take some time for your nerves to settle. Try to do everything you can normally routine etc. Keep telling yourself this is just wd symptoms and will go away. 
 

There are several posts on SA in self help about anxiety, fear , worry thoughts etc. I would read how tos for self help when you can. 
 

There is a book called Dare. It has a work book also. There is an app and it is on the podcasts. It is very helpful. 

Dare: The New Way to End Anxiety and Stop Panic Attacks https://a.co/d/eKETSS4

 

Distraction and anything to calm nerves are two best ways to get through in my opinion. 
 

for sleep read a book, play suduko or solitaire. Listen to rain sounds with ear buds from you tube. Etc. There are many more. 

 

please do not change your dose until you talk to Frogie or a mod . She will have better resources to answer your question on the correct dose. She will be checking in with you, meantime read and learn what you can do to self soothe and self help.

 

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. 

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  • 4 weeks later...

@Frogie I really need some help.  Two things - I have filled out my full drug signature which didn't include everything previously and I have increased my lexapro dose to see if that helped with anything.  Unfortunately, I continue to suffer major cognitive lapses - this is not just a bit of brain fog, but literally I am having trouble with very basic cognitive tasks on a daily basis.  I am terrified as I have had to stop work and I was previously a highly qualified professional (post-grad qualifications etc).  My epilepsy was previously well controlled and I haven't experienced a fit or anything in over twenty years.  I am wondering if I may have had some sort of kindling reaction or a fit while asleep while in withdrawal.  MRI is normal, however neuropsych. testing indicates significant memory issues which were never there before.  I can watch a game of sport with my kids and then forget most things about it within 24 hrs.  People around me don't understand what is happening, doctors are telling me I am depressed and prescribing more drugs, their approach is that the cognitive issues will go away if the depression is treated.  I am really so frightened right now and things are falling apart.  6mths ago I was a high functioning professional and family person with a strong social network.  I'm wondering if there has been some interplay between the epilepsy medication and ssri, that has caused an unusual reaction.  I don't know what to do.  It doesn't feel like it is improving.  

2000-current 500mg Tegretrol for petit mal epilepsy

2008-2022 lexapro, was taking 30mg per day for at least last five years.
17th Dec 2022 attempted direct switch to 50mg Sertraline.   Used about 30mg per day Serepax at this time. Had major withdrawal symptoms and discontinued Sertraline and Serepax.
2nd January 2023 - went back on 20mg lexapro
5th January 2023 - increased to  to 30mg lexapro. Significant side effects and major impact on cognition followed.
16th Feb 2023 reduced to 20mg lexparo and started seroquel 50mg for sleep plus 4mg melatonin.
23rd Feb 2023 reduced to 10mg lexapro
1st March 2023 reduced to 5mg lexapro.
6th March 2023 updosed to 10mg lexparo to deal with withdrawal.
between 24 March and 5th April - increased lexapro to 15mg
Current medications unchanged since 5th April ie. 15mg lexapro, 500mg tegretol, 50mg seroquel and 4mg melatonin
16th April - trialed 15mg Serepax(oxazepam-a benzo) to deal with symptoms.
7th may onwards - 10mg lexapro, occasional serepax, doxylamine succinate for sleep
4-11 June 12 mg lexapro, then took town to 8mg till 18 June, intolerable migraine and vomiting
20 June onwards- stable lexapro dose at 11mg
 
Link to comment

@Blackbird17the 3 drugs you are taking do not work well together. Check the interactions on drug.com. Please do not change anything till your moderator gets back to you.

 I am not a medical professional. My comments are based on my personal experience and information on this site. 

2016-twice weekly for a couple months-oxazepam 10 mg sleep/ 2020-22-once a week 3.75-7.5 mg Zopiclone for sleep/20 yr+ Paroxetine/ Dec2018-May 2022 20 mg/ May 2022 30mg/2022.07.28-2022.08.24 30mg to 0mg/ August 24-29 2022 10mg Prozac/2022.11.28-2022.12.04- 5mg Paroxetine/Dec 5&6/22 10mg Paroxetine/ Dec 8&9/22 10mg Prozac/ 2022.12.07 to 2023.07.01 5mg Paroxetine

TAPER 23.07.02-58mgpw/4.9mgai/ 23.07.21-4.8mg/23.07.28-4.73mg/23.08.04-4.65mg /21.09.23-4.58 mg/27.10.23-4.56 mg/5.12.23-4.54 mg/2.1.24-4.52 mg/9.1.24-4.51 mg/17.1.24-4.49 mg/26.1.24-4.47mg/6.2.24-4.46mg/ 19.2.24-4.44mg /4.4.24-4.43mg/28.4.24-4.4 mg/5.5.24-4.39 mg/19.5.24-4.36 mg/2.7.24-4.34 mg/9.7.24-4.32mg/31.7.24-4.3 mg/ 1.10.24 -4.29mg/

8am-probiotics/9am-paroxetine, 200mg mag bisglycinate/ 1000mg Vitamin D/5pm-75 mg DGL/200mg calcium citrate/0.25 mcg melatonin nightly

"... your strength will be in keeping calm..."-Isaiah 30:15

 

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Thanks @LostInCanada.  yes you are right to point that out.  unfortunately the cognitive symptoms started prior to the seroquel, so I don't think that is related.  Thanks again, 

2000-current 500mg Tegretrol for petit mal epilepsy

2008-2022 lexapro, was taking 30mg per day for at least last five years.
17th Dec 2022 attempted direct switch to 50mg Sertraline.   Used about 30mg per day Serepax at this time. Had major withdrawal symptoms and discontinued Sertraline and Serepax.
2nd January 2023 - went back on 20mg lexapro
5th January 2023 - increased to  to 30mg lexapro. Significant side effects and major impact on cognition followed.
16th Feb 2023 reduced to 20mg lexparo and started seroquel 50mg for sleep plus 4mg melatonin.
23rd Feb 2023 reduced to 10mg lexapro
1st March 2023 reduced to 5mg lexapro.
6th March 2023 updosed to 10mg lexparo to deal with withdrawal.
between 24 March and 5th April - increased lexapro to 15mg
Current medications unchanged since 5th April ie. 15mg lexapro, 500mg tegretol, 50mg seroquel and 4mg melatonin
16th April - trialed 15mg Serepax(oxazepam-a benzo) to deal with symptoms.
7th may onwards - 10mg lexapro, occasional serepax, doxylamine succinate for sleep
4-11 June 12 mg lexapro, then took town to 8mg till 18 June, intolerable migraine and vomiting
20 June onwards- stable lexapro dose at 11mg
 
Link to comment
  • Moderator

@Blackbird17

 

I think you updosed too much Lexapro, just trying to get relief. I don't know anything about epilepsy, so I am going ask some other moderators about what we should do for you. Hang tight and I will get you an answer as soon as I can.

PREVIOUS medications and discontinuations: Have been on medications since 1996. 

 Valium, Gabapentin, Lamictal, Prilosec and Zantac from 2000 to 2015 with a fast taper by a psychiatrist.

 Liquid Lexapro Nov, 2016 to 31-March, 2019 Lexapro free!!! (total Lexapro taper was 4 years-started with pill form)

---CURRENT MEDICATIONS:Supplements:Milk Thistle, Metamucil, Magnesium Citrate, Vitamin D3, Levothyroxine 25mcg, Vitamin C, Krill oil.

Xanax 1mg 3x day June, 2000 to 19-September, 2020 Went from .150 grams (average weight of 1 Xanax) 3x day to .003 grams 3x day. April 1, 2021 went back on 1mg a day. Started tapering May 19, 2023. July 28, 2023-approximately .87mg. Dr. fast tapered me at the end and realized he messed up. Prescribe it again and I am doing "slower than a turtle" taper. Last dose June 24, 2024

19-September, 2020 Xanax free!!! (total Xanax taper was 15-1/2 months-1-June, 2019-19-September, 2020)

I am not a medical professional.

The suggestions I make are based on personal experience.

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Thanks @Frogie yes was trying to find a dose that helped with the symptoms.  Re. epilepsy, as mentioned, I have haven't had any issues with this in over twenty years - but i'm wondering if the medication I take for this (tegretrol) is impacting on things.  

2000-current 500mg Tegretrol for petit mal epilepsy

2008-2022 lexapro, was taking 30mg per day for at least last five years.
17th Dec 2022 attempted direct switch to 50mg Sertraline.   Used about 30mg per day Serepax at this time. Had major withdrawal symptoms and discontinued Sertraline and Serepax.
2nd January 2023 - went back on 20mg lexapro
5th January 2023 - increased to  to 30mg lexapro. Significant side effects and major impact on cognition followed.
16th Feb 2023 reduced to 20mg lexparo and started seroquel 50mg for sleep plus 4mg melatonin.
23rd Feb 2023 reduced to 10mg lexapro
1st March 2023 reduced to 5mg lexapro.
6th March 2023 updosed to 10mg lexparo to deal with withdrawal.
between 24 March and 5th April - increased lexapro to 15mg
Current medications unchanged since 5th April ie. 15mg lexapro, 500mg tegretol, 50mg seroquel and 4mg melatonin
16th April - trialed 15mg Serepax(oxazepam-a benzo) to deal with symptoms.
7th may onwards - 10mg lexapro, occasional serepax, doxylamine succinate for sleep
4-11 June 12 mg lexapro, then took town to 8mg till 18 June, intolerable migraine and vomiting
20 June onwards- stable lexapro dose at 11mg
 
Link to comment

@Frogie did you find any ideas from the other moderators? As i've been epilepsy-free for two decades, really the question I am wondering about is whether I would get any benefit from reducing the Tegretol ie. whether that could be contributing to my cognitive symptoms if I have somehow become hypersensitive to all drugs due to WD from lexapro.  To your point re. lexapro dose, is it possible that I am kindling with that high a dose and should be trying to get it back down again? I don't know how to tell.  Ultimately I think whats happened is that i'm case of 'failed reinstatement' - so I don't know what to do - keep trying to increase lexapro back to where it was (30mg), reduce it? or do nothing.  The problem is my cognition has been severely stuffed for three months now and i am starting to struggle on many fronts.     

2000-current 500mg Tegretrol for petit mal epilepsy

2008-2022 lexapro, was taking 30mg per day for at least last five years.
17th Dec 2022 attempted direct switch to 50mg Sertraline.   Used about 30mg per day Serepax at this time. Had major withdrawal symptoms and discontinued Sertraline and Serepax.
2nd January 2023 - went back on 20mg lexapro
5th January 2023 - increased to  to 30mg lexapro. Significant side effects and major impact on cognition followed.
16th Feb 2023 reduced to 20mg lexparo and started seroquel 50mg for sleep plus 4mg melatonin.
23rd Feb 2023 reduced to 10mg lexapro
1st March 2023 reduced to 5mg lexapro.
6th March 2023 updosed to 10mg lexparo to deal with withdrawal.
between 24 March and 5th April - increased lexapro to 15mg
Current medications unchanged since 5th April ie. 15mg lexapro, 500mg tegretol, 50mg seroquel and 4mg melatonin
16th April - trialed 15mg Serepax(oxazepam-a benzo) to deal with symptoms.
7th may onwards - 10mg lexapro, occasional serepax, doxylamine succinate for sleep
4-11 June 12 mg lexapro, then took town to 8mg till 18 June, intolerable migraine and vomiting
20 June onwards- stable lexapro dose at 11mg
 
Link to comment

@Frogie sorry for the multiple emails.  I took 15mg serepax today to see if it helped with the symptoms, and I think it had a major positive impact, including on cognition.  I'm wondering if I should read into this that my lexapro dose is just much too high and I need to bring it down more quickly than 10% a month from the 15mg.  My logic is that maybe i've developed a hypersensitivity to lex since c/t and this is what is causing the cognitive issues.  This might explain why adding a cns depressant (serepax), had a positive impact.  I realise the issues with serepax too, but i'm leaning towards using that to trial getting the lexapro down, at least back towards 10mg.  Of course, another perpsective might be that the cognitive issues are withdrawal.  Its so hard to know.  Is there any advice on here about using Benzodiazapines to manage withdrawal and reduce SSRI dose?

 

2000-current 500mg Tegretrol for petit mal epilepsy

2008-2022 lexapro, was taking 30mg per day for at least last five years.
17th Dec 2022 attempted direct switch to 50mg Sertraline.   Used about 30mg per day Serepax at this time. Had major withdrawal symptoms and discontinued Sertraline and Serepax.
2nd January 2023 - went back on 20mg lexapro
5th January 2023 - increased to  to 30mg lexapro. Significant side effects and major impact on cognition followed.
16th Feb 2023 reduced to 20mg lexparo and started seroquel 50mg for sleep plus 4mg melatonin.
23rd Feb 2023 reduced to 10mg lexapro
1st March 2023 reduced to 5mg lexapro.
6th March 2023 updosed to 10mg lexparo to deal with withdrawal.
between 24 March and 5th April - increased lexapro to 15mg
Current medications unchanged since 5th April ie. 15mg lexapro, 500mg tegretol, 50mg seroquel and 4mg melatonin
16th April - trialed 15mg Serepax(oxazepam-a benzo) to deal with symptoms.
7th may onwards - 10mg lexapro, occasional serepax, doxylamine succinate for sleep
4-11 June 12 mg lexapro, then took town to 8mg till 18 June, intolerable migraine and vomiting
20 June onwards- stable lexapro dose at 11mg
 
Link to comment
  • Moderator Emeritus

I'd wait Blackbird17, on adding serapax- oxazepam, and please refer to this one by it's generic name- oxazepam.

 

You can learn more about tegretol and it's sometimes dumbing down effects at Medscape or Drugs.com.  It's not unusual for the seizure drugs to make one feel a bit spacey and cognitively slowed.  However, it's been a long time since you've been on just Tegretol.  Looks like you might have gotten started on escitalopram to maybe overcome the usual effects of Tegretol.......I mean outside seizure control.  I don't know.

Also likely that you do have WD from your Lexapro/escitalopram too.

 

And then it's not unlikely that one off too high doses of escitalopram/Lexapro are going to be accelerating.  10 mg of Lexapro is going to be plenty accelerating or perk you up but unlikely it's going to be sustainable.  And.......with a seizure history.......please STOP with the dramatic ups and downs and additions to your regimen. 

Are you experiencing brain zaps?  Just asking on that as those have been shown to be a sort of pre-seizure  or preliminary to seizures type of phenomena.  This link tells more:

Brain zaps

I think I got you linked to a post in the first page there by Altostrata that talks a bit about their similarity to epilepsy, and of course the whole topic will be worth your while.

On 4/16/2023 at 2:37 AM, Blackbird17 said:

I took 15mg serepax today to see if it helped with the symptoms, and I think it had a major positive impact, including on cognition. 

 

Current medications unchanged since 5th April ie. 15mg lexapro, 500mg tegretol, 50mg seroquel and 4mg melatonin

I took this ^ from your signature, and it doesn't seem to be correct as your recent post suggests you are varying doses of Lexapro.

 

Please hold on starting oxazepam for now.  And in narrative tell us how often you use this and in what dose?  That would eventually be a dumbing down type of drug in addition to the Tegretol so best to avoid.  No, we don't as a rule, recommend starting it alongside tapers.  Sorry.

 

 Please put all your drugs into the interaction checker Drugs.com

Copy and paste here, or link us to the results.

If you cannot access Drugs.com try Medscape, and hmmm I'm only finding the U.S. version now, but again a possible good source for you getting familiar with your own meds AND possible interactions.  I know sometimes the Aussies have better luck using Medscape. 

Share your current drug interactions here.  Learn more about them.

 

If no brain zaps, I'd encourage you to HOLD at the 10 mg of escitalopram/Lexapro until we further sort out your information.

And oops Blackbird17, as on a reread am seeing it's the oxazepam that you did a one off dose at 15 mg.  So........I agree with Frogie that 15 on the escitalopram is high and if it hasn't been at that for 2 weeks, you might be able to keep it at 10 mg for now.  Certainly updose if any zaps occur though.

 

Good on the no seizures for a long, long time and best to avoid the WD symptom of brain zaps for you is all I can add on that.  Getting familiar with how it feels on just Tegretol via learning more about that drug is certainly in your favor too.......as that you will no doubt have to continue.  And be more cautious with your drug trials so you don't precipitate any new onset seizures.  Again.....never mind that as oxazepam is a benzo and unlikely to have any seizure precipitating qualities.....in fact the opposite, as benzo's have been used for seizures for a long, long time.  Still though......may not be the thing to add to your present cocktail if your desire is to taper off escitalopram.

 

Welcome aboard.

Try and get drug interactions done for us.  Spend a little time looking up each of your drugs singularly too or I sure would want to know the ins and outs of them.

 

Love, peace, healing, and growth,

mmt

 

And so sorry.....I initially confused the serepax(oxazepam) with escitalopram, also having a minimal bit of computer malfunction at this time too.  You are already on 3 drugs though now.......I just don't see adding an additional benzo at all.   I'll check back around when I'm here and see where you are at.

Edited by manymoretodays
mixed up serepax or whatever with escitalopram

Late 2023- gone to emeritus status, inactive, don't @ me, I can check who I've posted on, and I'm not really here like I used to be......thanks.

Started with psycho meds/psychiatric care circa 1988.  In retrospect, and on contemplation, situational overwhelm.

Rounding up to 30 years of medications(30 medication trials, poly-pharmacy maximum was 3 at one time).

5/28/2015-off Adderal salts 2.5mg. (I had been on that since hospital 10/2014)

12/2015---just holding, holding, holding, with trileptal/oxcarb at 75 mg. 1/2 tab at hs.  My last psycho med ever!  Tapered @ 10% every 4 weeks, sometimes 2 weeks to

2016 Dec 16 medication free!!

Longer signature post here, with current supplements.

Herb and alcohol free since 5/15/2016.  And.....I quit smoking 11/2021. Lapsed.  Redo of quit smoking 9/28/2022, and again finally 5/25/24.  Can you say Hallelujah?(took me long enough)💜

None of my posts are intended as medical advice.  Please discuss any decisions about your medical care with a knowledgeable medical provider.  My success story:  Blue skies ahead, clear sailing

 

Link to comment

Thankyou very much for taking the time to respond.  I'm not experiencing brain zaps and I am seizure free for twenty years.  The main symptom I am suffering from is really disabling brain fog.  It is intolerable, preventing me from working and the only thing that seems to have any positive impact is by taking oxazepam, which makes me think my lexapro dose is too high.  But its an impossible dilemma, because it also could be too low given I was on 30mg Lexapro for over 10 years.  Perhaps I should try to lower the lexapro again given I am not having brain zaps.  

2000-current 500mg Tegretrol for petit mal epilepsy

2008-2022 lexapro, was taking 30mg per day for at least last five years.
17th Dec 2022 attempted direct switch to 50mg Sertraline.   Used about 30mg per day Serepax at this time. Had major withdrawal symptoms and discontinued Sertraline and Serepax.
2nd January 2023 - went back on 20mg lexapro
5th January 2023 - increased to  to 30mg lexapro. Significant side effects and major impact on cognition followed.
16th Feb 2023 reduced to 20mg lexparo and started seroquel 50mg for sleep plus 4mg melatonin.
23rd Feb 2023 reduced to 10mg lexapro
1st March 2023 reduced to 5mg lexapro.
6th March 2023 updosed to 10mg lexparo to deal with withdrawal.
between 24 March and 5th April - increased lexapro to 15mg
Current medications unchanged since 5th April ie. 15mg lexapro, 500mg tegretol, 50mg seroquel and 4mg melatonin
16th April - trialed 15mg Serepax(oxazepam-a benzo) to deal with symptoms.
7th may onwards - 10mg lexapro, occasional serepax, doxylamine succinate for sleep
4-11 June 12 mg lexapro, then took town to 8mg till 18 June, intolerable migraine and vomiting
20 June onwards- stable lexapro dose at 11mg
 
Link to comment
  • Moderator Emeritus

Hi Blackbird7,

If it's only been 15 days on the 15 of Lexapro/escitalopram that's what I would do.

I'd back down to 10 mg of escitalopram.

There's not any huge increase in effect from 10 mg to 15 mg of escitalopram........and oh my gosh those doses of 20 mg and 30 mg are pretty ridiculous in my opinion.

 

And that's great on no brain zaps!  Yay.

 

You are going to have to deal with the dysregulation created from the previous ups and downs. 

And if you don't wish to become dependent on oxazepam........try not to use it.

You are already on Seroquel and Lexapro plus the Tegretol too......I mean enough is enough.

 

Try some non-drug coping, developing new skills that don't involve a pill.

And go very sparingly with oxazepam........otherwise you'll have a 4th drug in your current cocktail and more brakes than needed.

It will also most definitely add to your brain fog or dumbing/numbing down.

 

See: Non drug techniques to cope  and you'll see a nice indexed list at the bottom of the first post of things to try

 

Brain fog is very common with the dysregulation caused by too frequent ups and downs with a drug.

Best thing you can do for yourself now is just stay put with your present 3 psychoactives(tegretol included) and try to avoid another dependency in the way of oxazepam.

And then when you are feeling a bit better, tackle a nice slow reduction of the escitalopram.

 

Did you get a chance to go to Medscape or Drugs.com?  To check interactions as well as learn more about what you put into your body in the way of these drugs.  Likely you were getting too much escitalopram and over activated leading to the Seroquel for sleep.  And then just reduced too fast leading to your present symptom or symptoms of WD.  Give it a month or two now of just staying put on your usual 3 drugs.

 

Why was the escitalopram started?  Did something happen? 

 

If all you've got in the way of symptoms now is brain fog.......that's awesome.  It'll dissipate.  Oxazepam will not help with that at all.  My best guess is that you might feel a few bumps going down to 10 mg escitalopram and in the next couple of weeks you could use a dose or two of oxazepam, but then after that hopefully you'll begin to adjust.  If worries about seizures or pre-seizures check with your neurologist and you could share that information in the link I gave you too.

Just a heads up or caution too that it may be a couple of weeks or a month or more to stabilize with 10 mg of escitalopram.  Yet I think if no new symptoms of WD/nervous system dysregulation occur in the meantime it will be well worth it.

 

And best.  Keep us updated.  Let us know what you feel nervous or anxious about and we can hook you up to more information.  And definitely, let us know when you might want more on a harm reduction taper of escitalopram, as well as the Seroquel too.  Right now let's work just for getting you feeling more stable or WD stable.

Take a look at the Stability portion in this topic to get an idea of what to expect:

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

much patience required.

 

💜

 

L, P, H, and G,

mmt

 

You may wish to lower your melatonin soon too.  4 mg is large dose.  I'll give you that link to topic and most do okay with much less than that.

Melatonin for sleep

Edited by manymoretodays
melatonin added, and stability

Late 2023- gone to emeritus status, inactive, don't @ me, I can check who I've posted on, and I'm not really here like I used to be......thanks.

Started with psycho meds/psychiatric care circa 1988.  In retrospect, and on contemplation, situational overwhelm.

Rounding up to 30 years of medications(30 medication trials, poly-pharmacy maximum was 3 at one time).

5/28/2015-off Adderal salts 2.5mg. (I had been on that since hospital 10/2014)

12/2015---just holding, holding, holding, with trileptal/oxcarb at 75 mg. 1/2 tab at hs.  My last psycho med ever!  Tapered @ 10% every 4 weeks, sometimes 2 weeks to

2016 Dec 16 medication free!!

Longer signature post here, with current supplements.

Herb and alcohol free since 5/15/2016.  And.....I quit smoking 11/2021. Lapsed.  Redo of quit smoking 9/28/2022, and again finally 5/25/24.  Can you say Hallelujah?(took me long enough)💜

None of my posts are intended as medical advice.  Please discuss any decisions about your medical care with a knowledgeable medical provider.  My success story:  Blue skies ahead, clear sailing

 

Link to comment
  • 1 month later...

@manymoretodays@FrogieHi team i'm wondering if there is any more advice.  I'm only taking 10mg lexapro for some time now and i'm largely avoiding oxazepam,  i need an antihistamine to get a few hours sleep at night.  But overall, i'm terrible, i'm unable to work with severe cognitive decline that has been verified by neuropsych. testing, severe depression/anxiety/anhedonia and emotional blunting is taking its toll on my family. My stomach is constantly churning as thought it is being ripped open and i'm increasingly housebound.   In short, my whole life is falling apart before my eyes in the space of six months. Before this I was a happy, outgoing successful person.  I don't know whether to updose/down dose or do nothing.  The scariest thing is that i'm not sure my cognition has improved at all in the last six months and I keep reading stories of people whose cognition has been damaged for far longer periods.  Thanks for any advice you can offer.

2000-current 500mg Tegretrol for petit mal epilepsy

2008-2022 lexapro, was taking 30mg per day for at least last five years.
17th Dec 2022 attempted direct switch to 50mg Sertraline.   Used about 30mg per day Serepax at this time. Had major withdrawal symptoms and discontinued Sertraline and Serepax.
2nd January 2023 - went back on 20mg lexapro
5th January 2023 - increased to  to 30mg lexapro. Significant side effects and major impact on cognition followed.
16th Feb 2023 reduced to 20mg lexparo and started seroquel 50mg for sleep plus 4mg melatonin.
23rd Feb 2023 reduced to 10mg lexapro
1st March 2023 reduced to 5mg lexapro.
6th March 2023 updosed to 10mg lexparo to deal with withdrawal.
between 24 March and 5th April - increased lexapro to 15mg
Current medications unchanged since 5th April ie. 15mg lexapro, 500mg tegretol, 50mg seroquel and 4mg melatonin
16th April - trialed 15mg Serepax(oxazepam-a benzo) to deal with symptoms.
7th may onwards - 10mg lexapro, occasional serepax, doxylamine succinate for sleep
4-11 June 12 mg lexapro, then took town to 8mg till 18 June, intolerable migraine and vomiting
20 June onwards- stable lexapro dose at 11mg
 
Link to comment
  • 2 weeks later...

@manymoretodays@Frogie@LostInCanada @ChessieCatHi - further to previous I have now been admitted to hospital because of the severe memory, hearing, cognitive issues.  The MRI shows mild inflammation of the hippocampus and the neurologist has raised the option to inject high dose steriods to reduce inflammation, as he thinks I may have an autoimmune disease.  Can anyone provide any advice? I have experienced such severe cognitive decline since the lexapro CT six months ago - however  I also had covid at the same time so the picture is very unclear.  Reinstating lexapro hasn't helped with the cognitive symptoms.

 

2000-current 500mg Tegretrol for petit mal epilepsy

2008-2022 lexapro, was taking 30mg per day for at least last five years.
17th Dec 2022 attempted direct switch to 50mg Sertraline.   Used about 30mg per day Serepax at this time. Had major withdrawal symptoms and discontinued Sertraline and Serepax.
2nd January 2023 - went back on 20mg lexapro
5th January 2023 - increased to  to 30mg lexapro. Significant side effects and major impact on cognition followed.
16th Feb 2023 reduced to 20mg lexparo and started seroquel 50mg for sleep plus 4mg melatonin.
23rd Feb 2023 reduced to 10mg lexapro
1st March 2023 reduced to 5mg lexapro.
6th March 2023 updosed to 10mg lexparo to deal with withdrawal.
between 24 March and 5th April - increased lexapro to 15mg
Current medications unchanged since 5th April ie. 15mg lexapro, 500mg tegretol, 50mg seroquel and 4mg melatonin
16th April - trialed 15mg Serepax(oxazepam-a benzo) to deal with symptoms.
7th may onwards - 10mg lexapro, occasional serepax, doxylamine succinate for sleep
4-11 June 12 mg lexapro, then took town to 8mg till 18 June, intolerable migraine and vomiting
20 June onwards- stable lexapro dose at 11mg
 
Link to comment

@Blackbird17can you ask specifically what steroid and put it in the drug checker with other meds you are on. Steroids can be risky. Is there an alternative? I know it is hard to keep hearing you will heal when there is no time line. I am just over 6 months of reinstatement and what a difference from even a month ago. Everyone's timeline is so different but the symptoms of WD are all the same. These drugs affect everything in our bodies... Adding any other meds bring risks in WD, something the doctors don't recognize or know how to treat. Unfortunately there is no quick fix. So sorry you are dealing with this.

 I am not a medical professional. My comments are based on my personal experience and information on this site. 

2016-twice weekly for a couple months-oxazepam 10 mg sleep/ 2020-22-once a week 3.75-7.5 mg Zopiclone for sleep/20 yr+ Paroxetine/ Dec2018-May 2022 20 mg/ May 2022 30mg/2022.07.28-2022.08.24 30mg to 0mg/ August 24-29 2022 10mg Prozac/2022.11.28-2022.12.04- 5mg Paroxetine/Dec 5&6/22 10mg Paroxetine/ Dec 8&9/22 10mg Prozac/ 2022.12.07 to 2023.07.01 5mg Paroxetine

TAPER 23.07.02-58mgpw/4.9mgai/ 23.07.21-4.8mg/23.07.28-4.73mg/23.08.04-4.65mg /21.09.23-4.58 mg/27.10.23-4.56 mg/5.12.23-4.54 mg/2.1.24-4.52 mg/9.1.24-4.51 mg/17.1.24-4.49 mg/26.1.24-4.47mg/6.2.24-4.46mg/ 19.2.24-4.44mg /4.4.24-4.43mg/28.4.24-4.4 mg/5.5.24-4.39 mg/19.5.24-4.36 mg/2.7.24-4.34 mg/9.7.24-4.32mg/31.7.24-4.3 mg/ 1.10.24 -4.29mg/

8am-probiotics/9am-paroxetine, 200mg mag bisglycinate/ 1000mg Vitamin D/5pm-75 mg DGL/200mg calcium citrate/0.25 mcg melatonin nightly

"... your strength will be in keeping calm..."-Isaiah 30:15

 

Link to comment

@LostInCanada @manymoretodays @Frogie @ChessieCatJust reaching out again - I am struggling to stablise on 10mg lexapro - I said no to the steriods.  Can any mods  tell me if it is ever the case that a switch to fluoxetine helps once withdrawal has already set in? or is it too late at that point? It is as though my body wants me to get rid of lexapro, but needs it at the same time.  I don't know if i'll ever be able to stablise on it...  its been six months, my career has fallen apart and now my family is starting to fall apart.

2000-current 500mg Tegretrol for petit mal epilepsy

2008-2022 lexapro, was taking 30mg per day for at least last five years.
17th Dec 2022 attempted direct switch to 50mg Sertraline.   Used about 30mg per day Serepax at this time. Had major withdrawal symptoms and discontinued Sertraline and Serepax.
2nd January 2023 - went back on 20mg lexapro
5th January 2023 - increased to  to 30mg lexapro. Significant side effects and major impact on cognition followed.
16th Feb 2023 reduced to 20mg lexparo and started seroquel 50mg for sleep plus 4mg melatonin.
23rd Feb 2023 reduced to 10mg lexapro
1st March 2023 reduced to 5mg lexapro.
6th March 2023 updosed to 10mg lexparo to deal with withdrawal.
between 24 March and 5th April - increased lexapro to 15mg
Current medications unchanged since 5th April ie. 15mg lexapro, 500mg tegretol, 50mg seroquel and 4mg melatonin
16th April - trialed 15mg Serepax(oxazepam-a benzo) to deal with symptoms.
7th may onwards - 10mg lexapro, occasional serepax, doxylamine succinate for sleep
4-11 June 12 mg lexapro, then took town to 8mg till 18 June, intolerable migraine and vomiting
20 June onwards- stable lexapro dose at 11mg
 
Link to comment

@Blackbird17 many have tried the prozac bridge and regretted doing it. One of the moderators Go2zero who did it says it was a bad decision. Even though you reinstated lexapro you haven't been stable with it. It has only been 6 weeks on the same dose. And adding serepax doesn't help. When did you add Seroquel?  Each drug and each change in dosage is destabizing. All these things factor in. The closer your can keep a solid routine, no med changes, same sleep schedule etc the better. @manymoretodaysany suggestions? @Frogie

 I am not a medical professional. My comments are based on my personal experience and information on this site. 

2016-twice weekly for a couple months-oxazepam 10 mg sleep/ 2020-22-once a week 3.75-7.5 mg Zopiclone for sleep/20 yr+ Paroxetine/ Dec2018-May 2022 20 mg/ May 2022 30mg/2022.07.28-2022.08.24 30mg to 0mg/ August 24-29 2022 10mg Prozac/2022.11.28-2022.12.04- 5mg Paroxetine/Dec 5&6/22 10mg Paroxetine/ Dec 8&9/22 10mg Prozac/ 2022.12.07 to 2023.07.01 5mg Paroxetine

TAPER 23.07.02-58mgpw/4.9mgai/ 23.07.21-4.8mg/23.07.28-4.73mg/23.08.04-4.65mg /21.09.23-4.58 mg/27.10.23-4.56 mg/5.12.23-4.54 mg/2.1.24-4.52 mg/9.1.24-4.51 mg/17.1.24-4.49 mg/26.1.24-4.47mg/6.2.24-4.46mg/ 19.2.24-4.44mg /4.4.24-4.43mg/28.4.24-4.4 mg/5.5.24-4.39 mg/19.5.24-4.36 mg/2.7.24-4.34 mg/9.7.24-4.32mg/31.7.24-4.3 mg/ 1.10.24 -4.29mg/

8am-probiotics/9am-paroxetine, 200mg mag bisglycinate/ 1000mg Vitamin D/5pm-75 mg DGL/200mg calcium citrate/0.25 mcg melatonin nightly

"... your strength will be in keeping calm..."-Isaiah 30:15

 

Link to comment

@Blackbird17 I see in your signature when you started Seroquel. Definitely covid has played a huge role in this as well. My daughter had 2 months of cognitive issues after covid and she is not in any meds and not dealing with WD and is healthy.

 I am not a medical professional. My comments are based on my personal experience and information on this site. 

2016-twice weekly for a couple months-oxazepam 10 mg sleep/ 2020-22-once a week 3.75-7.5 mg Zopiclone for sleep/20 yr+ Paroxetine/ Dec2018-May 2022 20 mg/ May 2022 30mg/2022.07.28-2022.08.24 30mg to 0mg/ August 24-29 2022 10mg Prozac/2022.11.28-2022.12.04- 5mg Paroxetine/Dec 5&6/22 10mg Paroxetine/ Dec 8&9/22 10mg Prozac/ 2022.12.07 to 2023.07.01 5mg Paroxetine

TAPER 23.07.02-58mgpw/4.9mgai/ 23.07.21-4.8mg/23.07.28-4.73mg/23.08.04-4.65mg /21.09.23-4.58 mg/27.10.23-4.56 mg/5.12.23-4.54 mg/2.1.24-4.52 mg/9.1.24-4.51 mg/17.1.24-4.49 mg/26.1.24-4.47mg/6.2.24-4.46mg/ 19.2.24-4.44mg /4.4.24-4.43mg/28.4.24-4.4 mg/5.5.24-4.39 mg/19.5.24-4.36 mg/2.7.24-4.34 mg/9.7.24-4.32mg/31.7.24-4.3 mg/ 1.10.24 -4.29mg/

8am-probiotics/9am-paroxetine, 200mg mag bisglycinate/ 1000mg Vitamin D/5pm-75 mg DGL/200mg calcium citrate/0.25 mcg melatonin nightly

"... your strength will be in keeping calm..."-Isaiah 30:15

 

Link to comment

thanks @LostInCanada I'm also now in a situation where I can't sleep for more than 20 mins a night.  Even the doxylamine doesn't help.  I feel like I need to take something to sleep, but I don't know what is the least worst option? ie. serepax or seroquel or something else? i've been trying to avoid using them, but i'm literally getting no sleep for multiple days on end.  melatonin doesn't help either.  @Frogie @manymoretodays ?? 

2000-current 500mg Tegretrol for petit mal epilepsy

2008-2022 lexapro, was taking 30mg per day for at least last five years.
17th Dec 2022 attempted direct switch to 50mg Sertraline.   Used about 30mg per day Serepax at this time. Had major withdrawal symptoms and discontinued Sertraline and Serepax.
2nd January 2023 - went back on 20mg lexapro
5th January 2023 - increased to  to 30mg lexapro. Significant side effects and major impact on cognition followed.
16th Feb 2023 reduced to 20mg lexparo and started seroquel 50mg for sleep plus 4mg melatonin.
23rd Feb 2023 reduced to 10mg lexapro
1st March 2023 reduced to 5mg lexapro.
6th March 2023 updosed to 10mg lexparo to deal with withdrawal.
between 24 March and 5th April - increased lexapro to 15mg
Current medications unchanged since 5th April ie. 15mg lexapro, 500mg tegretol, 50mg seroquel and 4mg melatonin
16th April - trialed 15mg Serepax(oxazepam-a benzo) to deal with symptoms.
7th may onwards - 10mg lexapro, occasional serepax, doxylamine succinate for sleep
4-11 June 12 mg lexapro, then took town to 8mg till 18 June, intolerable migraine and vomiting
20 June onwards- stable lexapro dose at 11mg
 
Link to comment

@Blackbird17seroquel is an antipsychotic so if you haven't been taking that regularly stay clear of it. Antihistamines lose potency. Melatonin can be stimulating at that high if a dose. You might want to try .5 mg for a bit. Vitamin B and D can be stimulating if you take those. Stay away from the benzo as well. Are you practicing good sleep hygiene? No TV or devices at least 2 hours before bed. Black out curtains, Epsom salt bath before bed, magnesium (start with low doses-not above 200 mg to start), don't eat at least an hour before bed. No caffeine, no decaf coffee, no green tea, no alcohol. Under symptoms and self care there are some threads on this. Deep breathing and relaxation techniques. This journey definitely takes some trial and error. I struggle with sleep as well, not fun.

 I am not a medical professional. My comments are based on my personal experience and information on this site. 

2016-twice weekly for a couple months-oxazepam 10 mg sleep/ 2020-22-once a week 3.75-7.5 mg Zopiclone for sleep/20 yr+ Paroxetine/ Dec2018-May 2022 20 mg/ May 2022 30mg/2022.07.28-2022.08.24 30mg to 0mg/ August 24-29 2022 10mg Prozac/2022.11.28-2022.12.04- 5mg Paroxetine/Dec 5&6/22 10mg Paroxetine/ Dec 8&9/22 10mg Prozac/ 2022.12.07 to 2023.07.01 5mg Paroxetine

TAPER 23.07.02-58mgpw/4.9mgai/ 23.07.21-4.8mg/23.07.28-4.73mg/23.08.04-4.65mg /21.09.23-4.58 mg/27.10.23-4.56 mg/5.12.23-4.54 mg/2.1.24-4.52 mg/9.1.24-4.51 mg/17.1.24-4.49 mg/26.1.24-4.47mg/6.2.24-4.46mg/ 19.2.24-4.44mg /4.4.24-4.43mg/28.4.24-4.4 mg/5.5.24-4.39 mg/19.5.24-4.36 mg/2.7.24-4.34 mg/9.7.24-4.32mg/31.7.24-4.3 mg/ 1.10.24 -4.29mg/

8am-probiotics/9am-paroxetine, 200mg mag bisglycinate/ 1000mg Vitamin D/5pm-75 mg DGL/200mg calcium citrate/0.25 mcg melatonin nightly

"... your strength will be in keeping calm..."-Isaiah 30:15

 

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  • Moderator Emeritus

Hi Blackbird17,

Yes, LostinCanada is right.....in that at this point, dosage wise.......50 mg of Seroquel is more like an antihistamine in action. 

Have you taken that with any regularitly, the Seroquel?  In the last few months?  If you had been regular with it and then tried to use it sporadically after, that could have thrown your sleep too.  If you had gotten physiologically dependent on the Seroquel.  Likely a ? month of regular usage might do that with Seroquel, maybe less.  And/or it might have turned paradoxical.....meaning that instead of sedating it's become activating.

 

And yes, you don't likely need 4 mg of melatonin.  I'd adressed that earlier and given you a link to that topic as well.

 

When did the sleep situation become prominent?  Or lack of.   Do look at the coping topics already given and know that is a common symptom, when so dysregulated with the nervous system.  I just mean sometimes it helps to know that many others struggle with the same symptoms off and on.

Oh, and so sorry......here is the topic on: Tips to help sleep: so many of us have that awful withdrawal insomnia

Looks like we had not routed you to that topic, as yet.  You'll find many helpful things to do I think, there.......while you are in this symptom.

 

You may need to revise your expectations of any real rapid return to your own personal best of functioning at this point.  I think the real difficulty began way back........in December 2022, when your nervous system got so disrupted by a trial shift in AD's, and then switching back with those high doses of Lexapro........ sure did not help, and may have added to the problem.  The problem being that CNS dysregulation set in.......and harshly.  There is however, plenty of hope to be had for your eventual healing.  Unfortunately it's not always in the time frame many of us  initially hope to see.

 

Can you give us a couple of days of drug and symptom notes/diaries.  Try and do just like the example shows in the link I'll give you, but with your present drugs and symptoms.  That might shed some further light on what is happening with your current drugs and symptoms, and will give us a better idea of how to help advise and support.

Keep notes on paper about your daily symptom pattern and drug dosing

Do some on paper first, and then when you have a full 24 hours, share them in a reply.  You can note sleep problems, or lack of sleep in the am, to the right of your first time entry of the day if you'd like.  So a full 2 days of notes would be very helpful to see.  Real time, not just a summary.

 

Very unlikely that we are going to say oh yes, try a new medication......ever.  That's not what we do here.  Just so you know.  We're mored geared and prioritize tapering safely(in your case the cat was out of the bag so to speak before you even got here), and also support around WD and adverse reactions to drugs as well.  So you ARE in the right place to gear up on knowledge and knowing what has happened to you.  And I'd hope rather than adding more drugs/medications that we can guide you safely into recovery/healing over time.

 

And oh Blackbird17.  So sorry it's harsh still......insomnia is so tough.  Hoping you are getting some little respites of a couple hours of decent sleep here and there, as even that will help.  It won't always feel this difficult.

 

L, P, H, and G,

mmt

(I also just took out that "visible to staff only" section in your signature, as the signature below all your posts now is visible to all)

Also, no, I would not do a cross over to Prozac at this point, or recommend that.  I mean it looks to me like your problems started when you got trialed on a switch from Lexapro to sertraline.  Do try some notes please, as I think those might help us evaluate if the Lexapro dosage now is just too much.  It's hard to interpret it all with just occasional narrative reports.  And hang on Snoopy.....you didn't ask for any of this, yet here you are.  Sending healing............

Edited by manymoretodays
sleep topic link added

Late 2023- gone to emeritus status, inactive, don't @ me, I can check who I've posted on, and I'm not really here like I used to be......thanks.

Started with psycho meds/psychiatric care circa 1988.  In retrospect, and on contemplation, situational overwhelm.

Rounding up to 30 years of medications(30 medication trials, poly-pharmacy maximum was 3 at one time).

5/28/2015-off Adderal salts 2.5mg. (I had been on that since hospital 10/2014)

12/2015---just holding, holding, holding, with trileptal/oxcarb at 75 mg. 1/2 tab at hs.  My last psycho med ever!  Tapered @ 10% every 4 weeks, sometimes 2 weeks to

2016 Dec 16 medication free!!

Longer signature post here, with current supplements.

Herb and alcohol free since 5/15/2016.  And.....I quit smoking 11/2021. Lapsed.  Redo of quit smoking 9/28/2022, and again finally 5/25/24.  Can you say Hallelujah?(took me long enough)💜

None of my posts are intended as medical advice.  Please discuss any decisions about your medical care with a knowledgeable medical provider.  My success story:  Blue skies ahead, clear sailing

 

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  • 2 weeks later...

Thanks for your kind and thoughtful response.@manymoretodays

I haven't taken seroquel since 2nd May and I haven't used oxazepam much at all either.

The sleep issues started in early Jan about two weeks after I CTed lexapro.

i'm comfortable not to add another medication.

I'm wondering if there is ever a case to rapid taper or switch if your symptoms are so debilitating that you are losing hope.

I did try to taper a bit more lexapro at one point, and experienced migraines and vomiting, so stopped.

But i'm desperate - my cognition is so bad I can't remember beyond a few days at a time, and struggle even to pack a suitcase or prepare a meal or communicate or read. I spend three quarters of each day in bed, but wake with a huge cortisol spike after 20mins if I drift off to sleep at all that then jolts me awake and prevents any further sleep.  And there is the constant akathisia burning sensation in my stomach, arms, legs, brain.

My wife is caring for me, but I have an 11 year and 13 year old who need her.  I am so incapacitated I have suggested to my wife I may need to move into some sort of disability care situation.

I take the lexapro in the morning with the carbamezapine for epilepsy.  Then i've been taking 2mg melatonin at night.

My nervous system feels like it simply can't stabilize and I don't what know to do - I would say my symptoms are essentially unchanged over six months.

I'm at the point where I will try anything because I am not living like a human currently, yet any change in my lexapro dose seems to make things worse (if that were possible).  But I have to do something, because its unbearable.

 

 

2000-current 500mg Tegretrol for petit mal epilepsy

2008-2022 lexapro, was taking 30mg per day for at least last five years.
17th Dec 2022 attempted direct switch to 50mg Sertraline.   Used about 30mg per day Serepax at this time. Had major withdrawal symptoms and discontinued Sertraline and Serepax.
2nd January 2023 - went back on 20mg lexapro
5th January 2023 - increased to  to 30mg lexapro. Significant side effects and major impact on cognition followed.
16th Feb 2023 reduced to 20mg lexparo and started seroquel 50mg for sleep plus 4mg melatonin.
23rd Feb 2023 reduced to 10mg lexapro
1st March 2023 reduced to 5mg lexapro.
6th March 2023 updosed to 10mg lexparo to deal with withdrawal.
between 24 March and 5th April - increased lexapro to 15mg
Current medications unchanged since 5th April ie. 15mg lexapro, 500mg tegretol, 50mg seroquel and 4mg melatonin
16th April - trialed 15mg Serepax(oxazepam-a benzo) to deal with symptoms.
7th may onwards - 10mg lexapro, occasional serepax, doxylamine succinate for sleep
4-11 June 12 mg lexapro, then took town to 8mg till 18 June, intolerable migraine and vomiting
20 June onwards- stable lexapro dose at 11mg
 
Link to comment

@Blackbird17 please read this link thoroughly. It gives advice if someone wants to taper faster. It mentions why some may choose to do so and the risks.

I am genuinely so sorry you are going through so much. I had to go on disability and my husband had to quit his job to stay home with me to help me. Fortunately I don't have children at home anymore. It is so hard. Hopefully reading over the link can help you get some clarity on the best option for you.

 

 I am not a medical professional. My comments are based on my personal experience and information on this site. 

2016-twice weekly for a couple months-oxazepam 10 mg sleep/ 2020-22-once a week 3.75-7.5 mg Zopiclone for sleep/20 yr+ Paroxetine/ Dec2018-May 2022 20 mg/ May 2022 30mg/2022.07.28-2022.08.24 30mg to 0mg/ August 24-29 2022 10mg Prozac/2022.11.28-2022.12.04- 5mg Paroxetine/Dec 5&6/22 10mg Paroxetine/ Dec 8&9/22 10mg Prozac/ 2022.12.07 to 2023.07.01 5mg Paroxetine

TAPER 23.07.02-58mgpw/4.9mgai/ 23.07.21-4.8mg/23.07.28-4.73mg/23.08.04-4.65mg /21.09.23-4.58 mg/27.10.23-4.56 mg/5.12.23-4.54 mg/2.1.24-4.52 mg/9.1.24-4.51 mg/17.1.24-4.49 mg/26.1.24-4.47mg/6.2.24-4.46mg/ 19.2.24-4.44mg /4.4.24-4.43mg/28.4.24-4.4 mg/5.5.24-4.39 mg/19.5.24-4.36 mg/2.7.24-4.34 mg/9.7.24-4.32mg/31.7.24-4.3 mg/ 1.10.24 -4.29mg/

8am-probiotics/9am-paroxetine, 200mg mag bisglycinate/ 1000mg Vitamin D/5pm-75 mg DGL/200mg calcium citrate/0.25 mcg melatonin nightly

"... your strength will be in keeping calm..."-Isaiah 30:15

 

Link to comment

Thanks @LostInCanada.  That all makes sense, and yet, I don't seem to be able to stabilize with the hold.  re list of symptoms for @manymoretodays eg yesterday/today

took lexapro/carbamezapine at 8am

9am - attended doctors appt - significant issues with memory just trying to explain situation.

11am - met with parents - basically I was mute - ever present tingling/burning sensation in arms, body feels freezing despite warm outside temperature.

12pm - back to bed, slept for 15 mins, before cortisol spike, feels like a brain is boiling

12-3pm -bed ridden

4pm - walked dog, continued tingling/burning sensation in limbs and stomach

5pm - returned to bed

6.30pm - managed to cook a simple dinner, barely able to talk to family

8pm - 1030pm - lay on couch, mental fog and stomach churning

took melatonin before bed, 2mg.

1030pm-12am - lay in bed awake

12am-1230am -light sleep

1230am - massive coritsol spike, felt in brain and stomach, ringing in ears, brain burning

1230am - 2.30am - lay awake

2.30-300am - light, delirious, half sleep

3.00am extreme cortisol spike, whole body and brain burningg
take lexparo and carbamezpine in morning

get up 930am, have breakfast

11am walk around the streets with wife and daugher, have lunch

1pm - unexplained rapid loose bowel movement

2pm - back to bed, 10mins sleep before massive cortisol spike, burning brain

3pm - more loose bowel movement

330pm-530pm - acucpunture - burning crawling feeling in stomach whole time, random tinnitus in one ear.

There doesn't seem to be a consistent pattern - just a random cortisol spikes at night or at the slightest stress which are agonising and make me feel as though my whole nervous system is tearing itself apart chemically.   And background akathisia, constant feeling of boiling blood.   And more than brain fog - I have totally lost all sense of direction since six months ie cant' find my way places.  Can't follow simple instructions.  No ability to visualise concepts.  This was all objectively verified by a neurospcyh. cognitive test I undertook.  I think I would be diagnosed with dementia except i'm only 48.  The neurologist only explanation is that I have an autoimmune inflammation in brain - and continues to suggest high dose steroids via IV, which I haven't agreed to as yet as i'm so frightened of medication (particularly powerful activating steroids) and I'm aware that all this happened right after I CTed lexapro.  But my symptoms are so severe i'm wondering whether I need to try that.  Or as per previous message, should I be experimenting with a more rapid taper, even with all the risks.  I have tried increasing lexapro as well, and that didn't work. As you can tell, I'm desperate for any ideas, as i'm losing hope.  I feel as though I can't get stable with what i'm on, so maybe i have to take a risk?

 

 

 

 

 

2000-current 500mg Tegretrol for petit mal epilepsy

2008-2022 lexapro, was taking 30mg per day for at least last five years.
17th Dec 2022 attempted direct switch to 50mg Sertraline.   Used about 30mg per day Serepax at this time. Had major withdrawal symptoms and discontinued Sertraline and Serepax.
2nd January 2023 - went back on 20mg lexapro
5th January 2023 - increased to  to 30mg lexapro. Significant side effects and major impact on cognition followed.
16th Feb 2023 reduced to 20mg lexparo and started seroquel 50mg for sleep plus 4mg melatonin.
23rd Feb 2023 reduced to 10mg lexapro
1st March 2023 reduced to 5mg lexapro.
6th March 2023 updosed to 10mg lexparo to deal with withdrawal.
between 24 March and 5th April - increased lexapro to 15mg
Current medications unchanged since 5th April ie. 15mg lexapro, 500mg tegretol, 50mg seroquel and 4mg melatonin
16th April - trialed 15mg Serepax(oxazepam-a benzo) to deal with symptoms.
7th may onwards - 10mg lexapro, occasional serepax, doxylamine succinate for sleep
4-11 June 12 mg lexapro, then took town to 8mg till 18 June, intolerable migraine and vomiting
20 June onwards- stable lexapro dose at 11mg
 
Link to comment

@Blackbird17it's so hard to know what to do. Could be worse, could be better. I know one guy on here that CT lexapro, he didn't reinstate but was really in bad shape for months and just like that he was in a glorious window and on his way to recovery. I just know the body is trying desperately to heal and changes generally impede the recovery. I wish I had a solution.

 I am not a medical professional. My comments are based on my personal experience and information on this site. 

2016-twice weekly for a couple months-oxazepam 10 mg sleep/ 2020-22-once a week 3.75-7.5 mg Zopiclone for sleep/20 yr+ Paroxetine/ Dec2018-May 2022 20 mg/ May 2022 30mg/2022.07.28-2022.08.24 30mg to 0mg/ August 24-29 2022 10mg Prozac/2022.11.28-2022.12.04- 5mg Paroxetine/Dec 5&6/22 10mg Paroxetine/ Dec 8&9/22 10mg Prozac/ 2022.12.07 to 2023.07.01 5mg Paroxetine

TAPER 23.07.02-58mgpw/4.9mgai/ 23.07.21-4.8mg/23.07.28-4.73mg/23.08.04-4.65mg /21.09.23-4.58 mg/27.10.23-4.56 mg/5.12.23-4.54 mg/2.1.24-4.52 mg/9.1.24-4.51 mg/17.1.24-4.49 mg/26.1.24-4.47mg/6.2.24-4.46mg/ 19.2.24-4.44mg /4.4.24-4.43mg/28.4.24-4.4 mg/5.5.24-4.39 mg/19.5.24-4.36 mg/2.7.24-4.34 mg/9.7.24-4.32mg/31.7.24-4.3 mg/ 1.10.24 -4.29mg/

8am-probiotics/9am-paroxetine, 200mg mag bisglycinate/ 1000mg Vitamin D/5pm-75 mg DGL/200mg calcium citrate/0.25 mcg melatonin nightly

"... your strength will be in keeping calm..."-Isaiah 30:15

 

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  • Moderator Emeritus
13 hours ago, Blackbird17 said:

took lexapro/carbamezapine at 8am

 

13 hours ago, Blackbird17 said:

There doesn't seem to be a consistent pattern - just a random cortisol spikes at night or at the slightest stress which are agonising and make me feel as though my whole nervous system is tearing itself apart chemically.   And background akathisia, constant feeling of boiling blood.   And more than brain fog - I have totally lost all sense of direction since six months ie cant' find my way places.  Can't follow simple instructions.  No ability to visualise concepts.  This was all objectively verified by a neurospcyh. cognitive test I undertook.  I think I would be diagnosed with dementia except i'm only 48.  The neurologist only explanation is that I have an autoimmune inflammation in brain - and continues to suggest high dose steroids via IV, which I haven't agreed to as yet as i'm so frightened of medication (particularly powerful activating steroids) and I'm aware that all this happened right after I CTed lexapro.  But my symptoms are so severe i'm wondering

 

Hi there Blackbird17,

 

Thank you for the nice try on Notes/drug and symptoms diary.  Do some more!  Get the date at the top, and then definitely get both the name of your drug(s)- you did that, AND the dose taken to the right of the time.  We're going to want to really see what is happening, both before and after your drug(s) with symptoms.

 

Is your Tegretal/carbamezapine an XR version or long acting form?

 

Drug Interactions-Drugs.com for Lexapro and Tegretol

 

It does sound miserable.  I certainly found myself without much sense of direction after an almost CT(cold turkey) from Lexapro and that cognitive demise, as well.  It has all improved........took some time though.  And I know it's tough- as you've had to step on out of an executive position I believe.......you are doing admirably. 

 

Yes, I wouldn't get into despair about dementia now.  Interesting on the neuropsych doctors take.

For right now, more notes with attention to detail, dated, times on the left, and everything else over to the right of those times.  You've got some good descriptions of symptoms going, keep that up.

 

I'd like to confer, get another's eye on you and input, so will do so.  Keep on keeping on.  Making dinner deserves a medal considering Blackbird7.  These may unfortunately be early days of healing.......but I do firmly believe you will make progress soon.  Any improvements in anything at all, like say over the past 6 months?

 

Okay.  Good to see you posting and updating.

 

L, P, H, and G,

mmt

 

More non-drug coping to help manage symptoms and cope:

Tips to help sleep: so many of us have that awful withdrawal insomnia

Early morning waking-managing the morning cortisol spike

Edited by manymoretodays
links at end, grammar correction too

Late 2023- gone to emeritus status, inactive, don't @ me, I can check who I've posted on, and I'm not really here like I used to be......thanks.

Started with psycho meds/psychiatric care circa 1988.  In retrospect, and on contemplation, situational overwhelm.

Rounding up to 30 years of medications(30 medication trials, poly-pharmacy maximum was 3 at one time).

5/28/2015-off Adderal salts 2.5mg. (I had been on that since hospital 10/2014)

12/2015---just holding, holding, holding, with trileptal/oxcarb at 75 mg. 1/2 tab at hs.  My last psycho med ever!  Tapered @ 10% every 4 weeks, sometimes 2 weeks to

2016 Dec 16 medication free!!

Longer signature post here, with current supplements.

Herb and alcohol free since 5/15/2016.  And.....I quit smoking 11/2021. Lapsed.  Redo of quit smoking 9/28/2022, and again finally 5/25/24.  Can you say Hallelujah?(took me long enough)💜

None of my posts are intended as medical advice.  Please discuss any decisions about your medical care with a knowledgeable medical provider.  My success story:  Blue skies ahead, clear sailing

 

Link to comment

Thanks @manymoretodays

I've updated my signature to include the period where i tried some slightly higher and lower doses of lexapro, to know avail.

Carbamazepine is the xr version

no I don't think anything has improved in 6 months, two weeks after CT lexapro, I started getting lost with directions and struggled to add up simple numbers, that is still the case.

6/7/23 (notes continued)

6-10pm watched television

10pm-3am, in bed but no sleep

3am, took 6mg doxylamine succinate, slept for two hours

7/7/23

845am-9am - slept for fifteen minutes

10am  - took 11mg lexapro and 400mg carbamezapine

10am-1pm, mostly bed ridden

1pm-3pm walking with friend, no memory of when I last saw them, hard to talk

4pm-5pm bedridden

Basically the main thing I am noticing today is difficulty forming new memories, or holding on to memories after a day or two, or looking forward at all

It is as though, everything is dark in my brain, apart from right now.

And there are no feelings/empathy and all my senses are impaired, difficult to gauge temperature, taste, hear etc.

The only thing I can think to is to try and reduce the medication again, but I have no confidence that will improve things, given the degree of cognitive impairment I seem to have suffered.  

None of the specialists seem able to help in any way, basically though, they are starting to think I have some sort of brain problem.

2000-current 500mg Tegretrol for petit mal epilepsy

2008-2022 lexapro, was taking 30mg per day for at least last five years.
17th Dec 2022 attempted direct switch to 50mg Sertraline.   Used about 30mg per day Serepax at this time. Had major withdrawal symptoms and discontinued Sertraline and Serepax.
2nd January 2023 - went back on 20mg lexapro
5th January 2023 - increased to  to 30mg lexapro. Significant side effects and major impact on cognition followed.
16th Feb 2023 reduced to 20mg lexparo and started seroquel 50mg for sleep plus 4mg melatonin.
23rd Feb 2023 reduced to 10mg lexapro
1st March 2023 reduced to 5mg lexapro.
6th March 2023 updosed to 10mg lexparo to deal with withdrawal.
between 24 March and 5th April - increased lexapro to 15mg
Current medications unchanged since 5th April ie. 15mg lexapro, 500mg tegretol, 50mg seroquel and 4mg melatonin
16th April - trialed 15mg Serepax(oxazepam-a benzo) to deal with symptoms.
7th may onwards - 10mg lexapro, occasional serepax, doxylamine succinate for sleep
4-11 June 12 mg lexapro, then took town to 8mg till 18 June, intolerable migraine and vomiting
20 June onwards- stable lexapro dose at 11mg
 
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  • Administrator

Hello, @Blackbird17 Please review adverse effects of each drug you take. Is it possible that you are having a reaction to Tegretol?

 

Since December 17, 2022, you have been making drug changes almost every week until June 20, less than 3 weeks ago. It can take a lot longer than 17 days to stabilize on anything.

 

On 7/6/2023 at 2:24 AM, Blackbird17 said:

The sleep issues started in early Jan about two weeks after I CTed lexapro.

 

Sleep problems are a very, very common withdrawal symptom, as is "foggy brain". How has your sleep pattern changed in the last 2 weeks?

 

What times o'clock do you take each of these drugs, with their dosages? Do you take them at a consistent time each day?

 

Please be sure to put each dose in your daily notes. We want to see how you feel before and after taking each dose, as well as significant symptoms in between.

 

Please put ALL your current drugs in the Drug Interactions Checker https://www.drugs.com/drug_interactions.php

and copy and paste the results or a link to them in this topic.

 

On 6/15/2023 at 11:21 AM, Blackbird17 said:

@manymoretodays@Frogie@LostInCanada @ChessieCatHi - further to previous I have now been admitted to hospital because of the severe memory, hearing, cognitive issues.  The MRI shows mild inflammation of the hippocampus and the neurologist has raised the option to inject high dose steriods to reduce inflammation, as he thinks I may have an autoimmune disease.  Can anyone provide any advice? I have experienced such severe cognitive decline since the lexapro CT six months ago - however  I also had covid at the same time so the picture is very unclear.  Reinstating lexapro hasn't helped with the cognitive symptoms.

 

 

You were hospitalized in June? How did they ascertain mild inflammation of the hippocampus? Is this a definite finding or an "I guess you could have...."?

 

What tests are appropriate to whatever autoimmune disease that might be affecting you? Have you had those tests? Is your neurologist just spitballing (as we say in the US)?
 

Quote

 

I also had covid at the same time so the picture is very unclear. 


 

 

Major major major confounder. Nobody knows much about long-term effects of covid. If coincidental with changes in Lexapro, you could be experiencing long covid with some adverse effects or withdrawal from Lexapro.

 

Despite fervent belief by the medical establishment, antidepressants are probably not a miracle cure for neuro effects of covid.

 

With the confounders, it may be all we can do is differentiate between adverse drug events and background symptoms from covid.

 

Please continue to post daily notes including when you take each dose, dosage amount, how you feel after each dose, and your sleep pattern. Thank you.

This is not medical advice. Discuss any decisions about your medical care with a knowledgeable medical practitioner.

"It has become appallingly obvious that our technology has surpassed our humanity." -- Albert Einstein

All postings © copyrighted.

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Thanks @Altostrata.   I have taken tegretol for over twenty years for minor epilepsy (controlled with no fits) with no adverse impacts (and no problems taking lexapro concurrently for about 15 of those years).  But I guess its possible that the sudden CT of lexapro has changed things, I have no way of knowing at the moment.  In terms of sleep pattern, after two nights of no sleep, I sometimes get a night where i get some sleep.  This happened last night, where I was able to sleep 4-5hours (the most in months), using 2mg melatonin and 1000mg paracetamol.  Re time's of medication, I'm taking the tegretol and lexapro together in the morning, usually between 9am and 10am, but not exactly same time every day.

The brain inflammation, was based on an MRI, but it wasn't 100% certain, and they haven't found other inflammatory markets in my spinal fluid and blood so far (so yes they are the other tests for autoimmune diseases - don't have all the results, but so far nothing concrete.  However it is also the case that auto immune conditions don't always show up on tests, makes it very hard).

The scariest thing of all this is that I am not just experiencing a foggy brain, but I am having severe difficulties forming new memories eg each evening I watch some sport on tv with my son and try to remember who played, what score etc.  and 24 hrs later its gone.  I have trouble operating the TV remote control etc. etc. I am postgraduate educated and never experienced anything like this in my life pre six months ago.  I have seen rare reports of this on the surviving antidepressants website.  This is why I can no longer work and am struggling to relate to people.  It is much more disabling than the lack of sleep.  And the first sign of it was about 1 week after CT and before reinstating, so I don't think it was kindling - its my intuition that its the CT, not long COVID or autoimmune condition..  It has not improved six months later.  I have put the drug interactions below, but they don't shed any light on this for me.  When I have moved the dose around (up or down), there was no change in my severe cognition/memory symptoms.  I am desperate and don't know what to do, and don't feel as though there is much to lose from here, hence open to anything that has a chance of helping.  I have tried to continue diary below, but even that is fading in memory now.  I have also made an appointment with Rob Purssey, who I can see you have mentioned on the website before. 

Diary

7/7/23 cont.

1030pm - 2mg melatonin and 1000mg paracetomol

slept till 2am.

2am- 5am - some more sleep, not sure how much.  no major cortisol spikes.

9am got out of bed

10am took medications

10am-11am, felt a bit overactivated, walked dog.

1130am - picked up lunch items at shop, but forgot some of them.

130pm-3pm - tried to rest, maybe slept 15mins, slight cortisol spike

4pm - returned to shop, I had left items on counter mistakenly (I am doing these things all the time now)

6pm (now)  - burning feeling in arms and stomach, panicking that I'm struggling to remember yesterday's activities.

 

 

Interactions between your drugs

Moderate

carBAMazepine  doxylamine

Applies to: Tegretol XR (carbamazepine), doxylamine

Using carBAMazepine together with doxylamine may increase side effects such as dizziness, drowsiness, confusion, and difficulty concentrating. Some people, especially the elderly, may also experience impairment in thinking, judgment, and motor coordination. You should avoid or limit the use of alcohol while being treated with these medications. Also avoid activities requiring mental alertness such as driving or operating hazardous machinery until you know how the medications affect you. Talk to your doctor if you have any questions or concerns. It is important to tell your doctor about all other medications you use, including vitamins and herbs. Do not stop using any medications without first talking to your doctor.

 

Moderate

doxylamine  escitalopram

Applies to: doxylamine, Lexapro (escitalopram)

Using doxylamine together with escitalopram may increase side effects such as dizziness, drowsiness, confusion, and difficulty concentrating. Some people, especially the elderly, may also experience impairment in thinking, judgment, and motor coordination. You should avoid or limit the use of alcohol while being treated with these medications. Also avoid activities requiring mental alertness such as driving or operating hazardous machinery until you know how the medications affect you. Talk to your doctor if you have any questions or concerns. It is important to tell your doctor about all other medications you use, including vitamins and herbs. Do not stop using any medications without first talking to your doctor.

 

Minor

carBAMazepine  escitalopram

Applies to: Tegretol XR (carbamazepine), Lexapro (escitalopram)

Information for this minor interaction is available on the professional version.

No other interactions were found between your selected drugs. However, this does not necessarily mean no other interactions exist. Always consult your healthcare provider.

 

2000-current 500mg Tegretrol for petit mal epilepsy

2008-2022 lexapro, was taking 30mg per day for at least last five years.
17th Dec 2022 attempted direct switch to 50mg Sertraline.   Used about 30mg per day Serepax at this time. Had major withdrawal symptoms and discontinued Sertraline and Serepax.
2nd January 2023 - went back on 20mg lexapro
5th January 2023 - increased to  to 30mg lexapro. Significant side effects and major impact on cognition followed.
16th Feb 2023 reduced to 20mg lexparo and started seroquel 50mg for sleep plus 4mg melatonin.
23rd Feb 2023 reduced to 10mg lexapro
1st March 2023 reduced to 5mg lexapro.
6th March 2023 updosed to 10mg lexparo to deal with withdrawal.
between 24 March and 5th April - increased lexapro to 15mg
Current medications unchanged since 5th April ie. 15mg lexapro, 500mg tegretol, 50mg seroquel and 4mg melatonin
16th April - trialed 15mg Serepax(oxazepam-a benzo) to deal with symptoms.
7th may onwards - 10mg lexapro, occasional serepax, doxylamine succinate for sleep
4-11 June 12 mg lexapro, then took town to 8mg till 18 June, intolerable migraine and vomiting
20 June onwards- stable lexapro dose at 11mg
 
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