WeCanHope: quit Lexapro

[WeCanHope]

Hello,

I'm a dad looking for hope and guidance.  I'm writing this with my son as he is very desperate at the moment.

Back in late 2020 my son (15 at the time) was prescribed 5mg of Lexapro (Escitalopram Oxalate) for anxiety.  He was increased to 10mg in the next few months, and then by fall 2021 he was increased to 20 mg. Then he did a fast taper (4-5 weeks) off of 20mg of Lexapro between December 2022 and January 2023.  We are now dealing with very severe symptoms.  He describes it as wanting to crawl out of his skin, suicidal thoughts (doesn't want to but thoughts coming into his mind), severe anger, major anxiety, deep depression that he can't explain, headaches, very disturbing thoughts, uncomfortable feeling in his brain, trouble focusing, mood swings, mild visual (almost like seeing something and then its gone), random bouts of energy, minor double vision off and on.  This is terrible.

When he was first prescribed, it was by a pediatrician.  We were told that it was a pretty easy medication to be on with some mild side affects.  I just took his word for it.  Why did I do that?  Why didn't I look into it more.  Even after he tapered off and was starting to get symptoms I thought it was just him.  Over the last month I have been slowly finding websites and Youtube sites that are talking about these terrible side affects.  My son also due to web research knows its the medication withdrawal causing these symptoms (he knew long before me).

Last week I had to take him to the hospital.  I was desperate.  The doctor didn't spend much time and he prescribed him 10mg Escitalopram, Lamotrigine 25mg, and Risperidone 0.5.  Sorry, a month before that he was to see his family doctor who gave him some 0.5mg Lorazepam (only 12).  So far my son doesn't want to start back on medications, but his symptoms are getting worse and we are getting desperate for some relief.

My reason for creating an account is that he is starting to consider reinstating in hopes of stabilizing and then doing a slow taper as recommended on this site.  Just looking for advise.  Should we reinstate right to 10mg or should we try 5mg.  I did a calculation and if he had of starting a monthly 10% reduction in December from 20mg he would be down to between 5 and 6mg by now.  Sorry to say so much.  

[Onmyway]

Hi @WeCanHope, 

welcome to SA. So sorry you are dealing with this. Please know that it is not your fault that your son was prescribed these drugs - we are told to trust doctors and when they assure us that the drugs are safe we believe them. 

 

What your son is feeling as wanting to crawl of his skin, seems like akathisia. It is a side effect of some psych drugs and also a withdrawal effect. 

 

If you do decide on reinstatement, we would recommend that you reinstate escitalopram only at a very low dose - 0.5mg (escitalopram is a very powerful drug) as that much can be enough to relieve symptoms without risking side effects - once we come off of drugs fast we tend to be sensitive to psychiatric drugs and a reinstatement of a small amount helps us to lower the risk of such adverse effects and quit quickly if such effects emerge. Here is more about the topic. 

 

https://www.survivingantidepressants.org/topic/7562-about-reinstating-and-stabilizing-to-reduce-withdrawal-symptoms/

 

You can read more about hypersensitivity here: 

https://www.survivingantidepressants.org/topic/27800-hypersensitivity-and-kindling/

 

Can you please create a drug signature following the link below

https://www.survivingantidepressants.org/topic/28240-how-to-summarize-your-drug-history-in-your-signature/

 

We would strongly advise not to start the other drugs especially risperidone which is known to cause akathisia. 

 

Many of us have tried some of these techniques and they can be quite helpful in managing difficult emotions such as anger/anxiety/sadness 

This may also help to know. 

https://www.survivingantidepressants.org/topic/14397-neuro-emotions/

 

Pls let us know if you have more questions. 

OMW

 

PS. Your son may try magnesium and Omega-3 to help w/ WD symptoms, especially magnesium can have a relaxing effect for the akathisia. 

https://www.survivingantidepressants.org/topic/27815-magnesium-natures-calcium-channel-blocker/

 

 

 

Edited May 10, 2023 by Karma
Name update

[LostInCanada]

@WeCanHope glad you found this site. Don't worry about the what ifs, we all were duped. The moderators and mentors have so much collective experience for you to benefit from. When reinstating, less is definitely more effective. These drugs in the smaller dosages are very powerful. Tapering is done, once stable, by 10% maximum of the current dose. This prevents the problems your son is experiencing now. So great you are advocating for him. Keep using this thread to comment and ask questions. 👍

Edited May 10, 2023 by Karma
Name update

[WeCanHope]

Thank you @Onmyway.  I will read through the links you provided.  To get 0.5mg I will need to make a liquid right?  I will find the link for how to do that.  I will get my signature added as well.  

[WeCanHope]

Thank you for your reply and your support @LostInCanada.  

[Onmyway]

Hi  @WeCanHope

check out this thread - it has info on how to obtain small doses

 

Edited May 10, 2023 by Karma
Name update

[WeCanHope]

Thank you @Onmyway for the links. I’m reading and learning. 

[WeCanHope]

@Onmyway we will try reinstating at the low dose and see how it goes.

I read the importance of schedule consistency and not missing a dose. I am somewhat worried about that but we will try.
Just wondering the best time if day to take the dose. If anyone has any suggestions from past experiences would love to hear. 

[LostInCanada]

@WeCanHope Keeping a routine and not missing doses is essential so is morning more conducive for that? Also refraining from taking any of these other drugs is important to avoid physical reliance on them. Having to taper more than one drug would not be ideal. Look up sleep hygiene on here, that may be helpful. 

Edited May 10, 2023 by Karma
Name update

[Onmyway]

Hi @WeCanHope

The best time is when you can follow it consistently - I.e. if your son is up at 9 am every day then that is best. But if he is up at 7:30 weekdays and 10 am on weekends that's not the best time

 

Some of these drugs are Activating for some people but sedating for others. In general escitalopram is activating but it may not have the same effect for everyone. If it was that way for your son then earlier in the day is better. Bear in mind however that how it impacted him before may not be the same as how it impacts him now.

 

When you reinstate, the effect will be evident in about a week and the full effect may take  few weeks. However, if there is an immediate bad reaction you need to stop. SSRIs impact youung adults differently and increase suicidal thoughts especially when changing doses and when starting treatment, that is why they should never be prescribed for kids and young ppl in my opinion (there is an FDA black box warning). Be sure to communicate with your son during this time. We haven't seen such a case with reinstatement here but good to be on the lookout.

 

I am optimistic that this will provide some relief.

 

My sympathy for having to go through all of this. It's not an easy position for anyone but can't imagine how hard it is for parents and loved ones watching this.

 

Pls remember to take care of yourself as well. Self compassion is important to get through this nightmare and you will get through it.

 

OMW

 

 

Edited May 10, 2023 by Karma
Name update

[WeCanHope]

@Onmyway @LostInCanada thank you for your replies. And for everyone on here. Very grateful that there are people who have been through this willingly offering help and guidance. I personally haven’t been through it but I can see the affects in my son. Thank you. 

[WeCanHope]

@Onmyway @LostInCanada 

Hope everyone is doing well today.
Just an update. My son is holding off reinstating so far. He would rather fight through it as long as he can. Each day seems to have its bad times and okay times. Some days the bad times are more desperate and other times you can just tell he’s not feeling well.  He hasn’t been able to attend school and I know that’s bothering him (even though he wasn’t fond of school to put it nicely). I think he did great to get as far as he did while being on medication (not feeling great on it) plus withdrawing for his last few months. There will be lots of time to finish when he’s feeling stronger.
Hoping for a change for the better but realize it will take time and battles. He is talking with a therapist (as I write this). He seems to like them and they seem to agree that what he is suffering from could be caused by the ssri withdrawal. 
His restlessness might be better the last few days he told me. 
Take care everyone. 

[Emonda]

Hi WeCanHope,

Thanks for the update. I had been wondering how your son was going.

 

He is very fortunate to have you by his side. It’s great that he can talk with you and the therapist.

 

There are some very knowledgeable people on this site, so you are in the right place for guidance.

 

Wishing you and your son well.

Edited May 10, 2023 by Karma
Name update

[WeCanHope]

Thank you @Emonda .  Wishing you well also. 

[WeCanHope]

Hello to all. My son is still fighting through without reinstating. He was “okay” (I say that only because we can tell when he’s really struggling and he will talk to us about it) for a few days this past week, but the last few days he has been struggling. I too think he would do better if he reinstated a small amount like @Onmyway said. It’s very hard to convince him to start back after he’s been affected so bad by it. He feels like he’ll never recover and that he’s done permanent damage.  I just want to support him and help him. I’ve spent hours and hours searching and reading and I’m glad that I have. I’m glad that I can understand a little more about what he is telling me. I’ve read and heard countless times that the brain will heal but it takes time years. It might be harder for someone so young to accept this.  Life is ahead. All your friends are moving on, finishing school, etc. I tell him there’ll be time for that but it’s hard for him to understand. I wish I knew what to tell him but just try to tell him he will get better. And maybe reinstating will help him get to the other side a little easier with a slow taper. 
Thank you all for reading this and hope you are all doing well.  I know some have fought the fight and some are fighting the fight. Thinking of you all. 

[LostInCanada]

His feelings are so normal. I am 62 and on this drug over 20 years and can't help but feel that way at times too. Praying for us all. Healing will come.

[WeCanHope]

@LostInCanada thank you. 

 

 

[Emonda]

On 5/8/2023 at 10:54 AM, WeCanHope said:

I wish I knew what to tell him but just try to tell him he will get better.

Just being with him, listening to him and being a source of constant encouragement is a wonderful support to your son. 

 

You're doing great, WeCanHope. Keep reading this site to encourage and reassure yourself.

Edited May 10, 2023 by Karma
Name update

[WeCanHope]

@Emonda thank you. 

[lunabear]

On 5/8/2023 at 10:54 AM, WeCanHope said:

Hello to all. My son is still fighting through without reinstating. He was “okay” (I say that only because we can tell when he’s really struggling and he will talk to us about it) for a few days this past week, but the last few days he has been struggling. I too think he would do better if he reinstated a small amount like @Onmyway said. It’s very hard to convince him to start back after he’s been affected so bad by it. He feels like he’ll never recover and that he’s done permanent damage.  I just want to support him and help him. I’ve spent hours and hours searching and reading and I’m glad that I have. I’m glad that I can understand a little more about what he is telling me. I’ve read and heard countless times that the brain will heal but it takes time years. It might be harder for someone so young to accept this.  Life is ahead. All your friends are moving on, finishing school, etc. I tell him there’ll be time for that but it’s hard for him to understand. I wish I knew what to tell him but just try to tell him he will get better. And maybe reinstating will help him get to the other side a little easier with a slow taper. 
Thank you all for reading this and hope you are all doing well.  I know some have fought the fight and some are fighting the fight. Thinking of you all. 

 Hi there, 

 

I'm 27 & was put on cipralex SSRI at 25, told about the minimal side effects but nothing about one day having to come off of it and how awful it would be. I am crying reading your posts, and the love you have for your son. He is so lucky to have you by his side, researching, and doing everything you can to understand what he is going through. 

 

Wishing you and your son nothing but peace. He will get through this. 

Edited May 10, 2023 by Karma
Name update

[TryingToLive]

I am so happy to see the support you have for your son. It makes my heart swell up and feel the best it has in a long time. Please know that all of us that are dealing with similar issues are with you and your family in spirit and hope every minute of everyday that improvements come sooner than later. As a parent myself and knowing that I too would do anything for my kids, please know we are here in spirit and words to offer support to your son as well as you as this affects everyone involved. My family is watching what I am going through as you are watching your son. He is so lucky to have a GREAT Father advocating for him and in turn advocating for us all. Thank you and please keep fighting and tell your son to never give up the fight! We will come out better on the other side!

 

 

 

[LostInCanada]

@WeCanHope thinking of you and yours👍

[Emonda]

How are things progressing with your son, @WeCanHope?

[WeCanHope]

Hi @Emonda. Thank you for asking. Things are going about the same. Some days worse than others. However, every day is one day closer. Hoping as he gets further along the symptoms will get a little lighter. He keeps worrying that he has permanent damage. 
I hope you and anyone reading this are getting along okay. I’m sorry you’ve been going through this as well. 

[Emonda]

12 hours ago, WeCanHope said:

every day is one day closer

 

100%!

 

12 hours ago, WeCanHope said:

He keeps worrying that he has permanent damage

 

I think many of us worry about that, me included, after 26 years on ADs. Take great comfort in reading the success stories of long-term AD users.

 

There are people on this forum that have taken ADs for 30 years, and they have recovered. Have a read of Shep's story. From memory, he started on ADs at the same age as your boy and has recovered.

 

You're doing great, @WeCanHope. Keep supporting and encouraging your son.

[WeCanHope]

Thanks @Emonda!

[Emonda]

Just touching base @WeCanHope 

 

How's the young lad progressing? How are you doing?

[WeCanHope]

Hi @Emonda thank you for asking. I think slowly he his showing signs that his waves aren’t quite as severe. Cautiously optimistic. He’s still worried about permanent damage and I think I’ve read many others that worried about the same thing. He mentions having a hard time to focus his eyes (almost like seeing double).  And cognitive problems to more than before or in the beginning of medication.  Im doing okay. Thanks for reaching out and I hope you are doing okay.  

[Emonda]

40 minutes ago, WeCanHope said:

showing signs that his waves aren’t quite as severe. Cautiously optimistic.

 

A positive step in the right direction, @WeCanHope

 

It's a slow process, but good to see some positives. Windows and waves will be the norm. It took me sometime to see a window. I thought they were mythical!

 

44 minutes ago, WeCanHope said:

He’s still worried about permanent damage

 

A normal worry based on my experience. He was on them for a relatively short period of time. It's been 26 years for me, and I can see great improvement over the past 18 months of tapering. He will recover...he just needs more time.

 

Take care.

[WeCanHope]

Thanks @Emonda  glad you’re seeing improvements. That’s a long time. It sounds like you’re doing it right with the taper. Take care. 

[Emonda]

Just reaching out to say hi, @WeCanHope

 

I hope there's some stability/improvement with your son and that you are taking care of yourself, too.

[WeCanHope]

Hello @Emonda  thank you for reaching out. Yes he is continuing to make progress. Not all good days but seems to able to cope and does a good job getting through the waves.  He still has some cognitive and double vision inconveniences but I’m hopeful these will improve on their own with time. I see him gaining some confidence to interact with others again. I hope you are doing okay and anyone else reading this, as you work to be free and feeling good. Take care. 

[Emonda]

12 hours ago, WeCanHope said:

Yes he is continuing to make progress. Not all good days but seems to able to cope and does a good job getting through the waves

 

This is great news @WeCanHope. 👍

[Emonda]

How's the young fella doing, @WeCanHope

[WeCanHope]

He is doing good. How are you?

[Emonda]

Just now, WeCanHope said:

He is doing good

 

I'm thrilled to read this 🎉

 

1 minute ago, WeCanHope said:

How are you?

 

Making good progress 👍