Loulabloom: Starting a slow Lexapro taper

[Loulabloom]

I've been doing all of my research on here, reading as many stories as I can and gather information before embarking on my taper.  So I thought it might be time to actually join in.

 

I started on Lexapro in November last year, very reluctantly.  I was have a lot of muscle tension that would at times make me anxious because i could get no relief from it.  I've had GAD for years, but through years of psychologists I'd learnt a lot of coping mechanisms that have kept me well (enough).  20 years ago I was on Lexapro at the beginning of my GAD diagnosis and for depression.  It helped me back then, but have never needed/wanted any meds since.

 

When I started this time I started on 5mg (with the instruction to keep to that for 2 weeks then move to 10mg).  I had a rough start with a huge amount of anxiety, dizziness, fatigue, terrible sleep and brain fog.  I even had one horrible day that I had to get on a plane for work and got hot burning skin, got even dizzier, and fainted.  In the middle seat between two strangers!  Awful.  The next day I tried the 10mg, thinking it might help.  It didn't... surprise surprise!  Panic attack, DR, burning feeling on skin, the worst day.  I went back to 5mg the next day, and back to 'normal'.  I've never been able to shake the bad sleep (I can fall asleep, but wake up a few times and then really early), or the brain fog.  

 

I kept on because I was told that I need to give it a couple of weeks for full effect.  Then it was six weeks for full effect.  I knew by then it wasn't right for me, I didn't want to be on it, and I had zero intention of increasing it.  Came here, researched, learned how to make my own liquid from my 10mg tablets and picked a date.

 

The first (and only) drop was 10% on 24 Feb this year - down to 4.5mg.  I've got some odd feelings that I don't know if they are WD or the medication itself.  They don't seem to follow the same kind of windows/waves patterns I've seen others mention.  Mine are very 'routine' which is what I feel is odd.

 

I start out the day fine, even do Pilates in the morning.  Take my lexapro at 9.30am and by 10.30 or 11am the heavy brain fog/confusion/unable to keep a train of thought starts.  Then by 1.30 the dizziness kicks in along with chills/goosebumps.  The dizziness starts to lift around 6pm, but the goosebumps are pretty much non-stop until about 9pm.  This pattern has been happening every day for the last two and bit weeks. The middles of everyday are almost a write-off.  It's really hard to work and try to be me. I've had one day where it didn't happen, but I didn't change anything on that day. I wish I did, so I could have a reason why.  I quite like a routine, so pretty good at sticking to it!  

 

Does this seem 'normal' for a 10% reduction?  Should I have some of this stopping soon?  I was planning to hopefully reduce again after four weeks, but I don't know if this medication is causing me more grief or if I should simply be more patient and tolerate this longer.  I'd love any feedback or advice on my odd pattern of daily symptoms if anyone has made it through my super long intro (sorry about that).

[Emonda]

Welcome @Loulabloom

 

17 hours ago, Loulabloom said:

So I thought it might be time to actually join in.

 

Glad you have joined us.

 

17 hours ago, Loulabloom said:

I've never been able to shake the bad sleep

 

Yeah, many of us struggle with this Melatonin for sleep

 

17 hours ago, Loulabloom said:

I knew by then it wasn't right for me, I didn't want to be on it, and I had zero intention of increasing it.  Came here, researched, learned how to make my own liquid from my 10mg tablets and picked a date.

 

You're one of the fortunate ones....most of us learnt the hard way not to stop CT.

 

17 hours ago, Loulabloom said:

The first (and only) drop was 10% on 24 Feb this year - down to 4.5mg.  I've got some odd feelings that I don't know if they are WD or the medication itself. 

 

Have you read this link: Daily Checklist of Antidepressant Withdrawal Symptoms (PDF)  .

 

17 hours ago, Loulabloom said:

Does this seem 'normal' for a 10% reduction?

 

The things you describe sound pretty typical/normal.

 

17 hours ago, Loulabloom said:

but I don't know if this medication is causing me more grief or if I should simply be more patient and tolerate this longer.

 

Slow and steady is the way to go. If you go faster, the WD will become very unpleasant. Perhaps consider this: The Brassmonkey Slide Method of Micro-tapering it works well for me.

 

Some other helpful links that you have probably seen:

 

Windows and waves pattern of stabilization

 

Emotional Spirals

 

Non-drug coping strategies

 

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

Magnesium

 

Omega-3 fatty acids (fish oil)

 

Avoid alcohol. 

 

This is your own Introduction topic.  Each member has only ONE Introduction topic.  Your own Introduction topic is the best place to ask questions and the place to journal your progress.  This keeps your history in one place and means you do not have to repeat your story. 

 

Once again, welcome to S.A.

 

Emonda

[BenD7123]

@Loulabloom welcome! I am currently tapering/stabilizing on Lexapro. You can see what has been happening on my timeline. I was fine and had virtually no symptoms until I got down to 7.5mg. I increased to 10mg and then 20mg per doctors orders and that made everything 10 times worse. I was way better at 10mg and should’ve stayed there. I think the first two weeks of withdrawal are the hardest for me mainly because I have to realize I will be living in this weird state for another week or maybe even another year! (Let’s hope it’s way less than a year lol) I will be praying for you and if you ever need anything, PM me or reach out! 
 

PS - learn to find the joy in the suffering. Everyday is a gift. 

[Loulabloom]

@Emonda  Thanks so much for the welcome.  Your reassurance that my symptoms and the pattern of them is invaluable to me.  It helped me 'relax' into in a bit and have some patience.

 

I think the brassmonkey slide might be the way to go for me when I get there in a couple of weeks.  I had to start somewhere, but at least I've survived a 10% drop anyway.  There's always a fear that you're going to be one of the unlucky ones.  I'll let you know how it goes when I get there.

 

I've had two days now (including today) without any goosebumps, and the brainfog/confusion has eased up a bit.  I'm so grateful for it! And to say that to anyone outside of this group would sound like I'm really easily pleased!  Fingers crossed it gets more stable over the next week.

 

Thanks again for the support.  It helps to not be alone in this.

[Emonda]

3 minutes ago, Loulabloom said:

Your reassurance that my symptoms and the pattern of them is invaluable to me.

 

I still remember when someone replied to my first post. It was such a boost. Glad it was helpful for you, too.

 

6 minutes ago, Loulabloom said:

There's always a fear that you're going to be one of the unlucky ones.

 

Just take it slow and listen to your body. If it is unpleasant, pause and then slow down.

 

8 minutes ago, Loulabloom said:

I've had two days now (including today) without any goosebumps, and the brainfog/confusion has eased up a bit. 

 

Great news.

[Loulabloom]

I guess I now understand the windows and waves. 
 

I did have three days in a row where everything except the dizziness eased up, and I thought that meant I’d ’stabilised’. I was so happy and grateful I could even make my dentist appointment. But it’s come back to get me today. Waves of heat, dizziness, confusion, headache and that horrible anxious feeling. I guess this is a wave!

 

I keep reminding myself it’ll go, but I’m so disappointed. It’s all still better than my original symptoms so that’s definitely a good sign. 
 

Slow and steady, onward I go. 

[Catwoman73]

Hi Loulabloom- welcome!  I'm new here too, and also tapering Lex while suffering from long covid.  So many overlapping symptoms- it can be very confusing at times lol!  

 

I'm glad you found this place before you had to learn about how awful it can be to taper too fast or cold turkey.  I think my rapid tapers and cold turkey stops over the last 30 years have done a LOT of damage to my nervous system, so it's wonderful that you're doing things the smart way so you don't have to experience that.  

 

Your symptoms all sound very normal to me.  The way I see it- our nervous system controls every single action our body takes, from running up the stairs to pooping lol, so it's no surprise that when we come off of these meds, many body systems can be affected.  And we're all different, so we all have different experiences.  Being here is very validating!  I like to look on the bright side of everything, and I'm trying to look at this as an adventure lol.  It doesn't change the fact that there will be bad days, but it does allow me to give myself the grace I need right now. 

 

Hang in there!  This too shall pass....

[Loulabloom]

Hi @Catwoman73... I'm very happy you're here.  I've had a read through your posts and I'm not sure about 'Catwoman', maybe 'Superwoman' is more appropriate!  I have no idea how you can take this on at the same time as long covid.  That's TWO sets of weird symptoms and I can't even imagine how confusing it must be.  

 

I have actually stopped taking Lexapro once before, back in 2006, but I have no real memory of it.  All I know is that my friends and family have told me it wasn't a great time.  I do have a slight memory of brain zaps (something that's not easy to forget!).  But I do feel like I might've dodged a bullet by finding this place before jumping and starting my taper.  

 

I know you're going to do well too.  Your previous experience and your amazingly positive attitude will get you through it.  And us!  We're here and we'll remind you that you're still Super-Catwoman whenever you need it.  I do agree that it's a bit of an adventure lol. It's all quite surprising, yet interesting.  What will it be next?!

 

So far so good-ish for me.  I hope the same for you

[Catwoman73]

8 hours ago, Loulabloom said:

 I've had a read through your posts and I'm not sure about 'Catwoman', maybe 'Superwoman' is more appropriate!  

Haha thank you!  Long covid has been both a blessing and a curse.  It's horrible to not be able to get off my couch many days, but at the same time, going on disability has allowed me to do some soul searching, and make decisions about what I want and who I want to be.  Getting off of the drugs is all part of that.  Yes, it's a bit tough to tease out what's causing what, but that just means I have to take this slow. 

 

So far so good for me as well.  I feel very lucky- I dropped from 20mg to 10mg in a fairly short time period with very few side effects.  I was only able to do that though because I've taken escitalopram previously, and didn't have problems until under 5mg.  That being said, my last taper was rapid, so it's quite possible that I would have experienced symptoms at higher doses, but I dropped too quickly to notice.  So I made the conscious decision to come down to 10 quickly, and then slow way down.  Moving to 9mg soon, as long as the LC symptoms stay stable.  Fingers crossed....

[Catzbestfriend]

On 3/11/2024 at 11:55 PM, Loulabloom said:

When I started this time I started on 5mg (with the instruction to keep to that for 2 weeks then move to 10mg).  I had a rough start with a huge amount of anxiety, dizziness, fatigue, terrible sleep and brain fog.  I even had one horrible day that I had to get on a plane for work and got hot burning skin, got even dizzier, and fainted.  In the middle seat between two strangers!  Awful.  The next day I tried the 10mg, thinking it might help.  It didn't... surprise surprise!  Panic attack, DR, burning feeling on skin, the worst day.  I went back to 5mg the next day, and back to 'normal'.  I've never been able to shake the bad sleep (I can fall asleep, but wake up a few times and then really early), or the brain fog.  

 

I kept on because I was told that I need to give it a couple of weeks for full effect.  Then it was six weeks for full effect.  I knew by then it wasn't right for me, I didn't want to be on it, and I had zero intention of increasing it.  Came here, researched, learned how to make my own liquid from my 10mg tablets and picked a date.

 

The first (and only) drop was 10% on 24 Feb this year - down to 4.5mg.  I've got some odd feelings that I don't know if they are WD or the medication itself.  They don't seem to follow the same kind of windows/waves patterns I've seen others mention.  Mine are very 'routine' which is what I feel is odd.

 

I start out the day fine, even do Pilates in the morning.  Take my lexapro at 9.30am and by 10.30 or 11am the heavy brain fog/confusion/unable to keep a train of thought starts.  Then by 1.30 the dizziness kicks in along with chills/goosebumps.  The dizziness starts to lift around 6pm, but the goosebumps are pretty much non-stop until about 9pm.  This pattern has been happening every day for the last two and bit weeks. The middles of everyday are almost a write-off.  It's really hard to work and try to be me. I've had one day where it didn't happen, but I didn't change anything on that day. I wish I did, so I could have a reason why.  I quite like a routine, so pretty good at sticking to it!  

I had almost the exact same experience with Escitalopram/Lexapro! 10 days in I had the dizziness, burning skin and almost fainted! I wish I had realized then it was not meant for me and just come off before my brain had adapted. I also waited until 6 weeks and then did a fast taper. I noticed with each taper I felt much better the first few days and then things would get worse (the closest theory I got from a naturopath was that maybe the med took a few days to build up in my body of which I couldn't tolerate or distribute properly). I chose not to 10% taper only because I realized my body was having such an adverse reaction to it. I haven't yet met many who have had the same issues as me with the med, so I am super happy to see your post! Obviously, I have no idea if the fast taper did me any good considering the reaction I had on the med itself, but either way I think Escitalopram just did not agree with me and destabilized my nervous system.

I am almost 10 months off it, and overall doing better with the typical waves and windows. The biggest issue I am still dealing with is a split second super unwell feeling (similar to what you described as the fainting event) that comes over me where I feel fluey, nauseous, lightheaded sometimes with a prickling/burning sensation sometimes with brain zaps/sometimes no. Either way it honestly feels like I'm having a split second seizure and it comes in clusters randomly, also when I fall asleep and wake up. It's almost like Escitalopram introduced my nervous system to a different level of anxiety/destabilization and it can't seem to find its way back to normal. But like all things, it's time and patience. 

I am happy to have met you and that you are taking your time and I am wishing you all good things.    

 

[Loulabloom]

@Catzbestfriend Oh how happy I am to meet you and grateful for you making contact. 
 

I read through your story last night and I was almost stunned, but relieved, that I’m not the only one with these symptoms and reactions. There’s something quite comforting to know you’re not the only one. I’m so sorry that you’ve been through this. 
 

I’m really impressed that you’ve managed to get off it as quickly as you could. I kind of wish that I did the same, but I got scared from some of the withdrawal stories I’d read, so I just had to make a choice. There is no ideal in this situation but it does seem like you are definitely on your way back to your normal. Your brain is healing the best it can and I hope that it keeps adjusting in a nice speedy manner! It will find its way back. You are doing so well. 

 

I also get that weird brain thing where it feel almost like a jolt or like a pause button has been pressed momentarily. I wouldn’t really describe like a ‘zap’ though, more like my brain is buffering. And the heat/prickles comes along for the ride sometimes (although they prefer to make themselves known more on a daily basis!). 
 

I hope you’re currently well and you continue to improve quickly. I’m wishing all those good things right back at you. 

[Catzbestfriend]

4 hours ago, Loulabloom said:

@Catzbestfriend Oh how happy I am to meet you and grateful for you making contact. 
 

I read through your story last night and I was almost stunned, but relieved, that I’m not the only one with these symptoms and reactions. There’s something quite comforting to know you’re not the only one. I’m so sorry that you’ve been through this. 
 

I’m really impressed that you’ve managed to get off it as quickly as you could. I kind of wish that I did the same, but I got scared from some of the withdrawal stories I’d read, so I just had to make a choice. There is no ideal in this situation but it does seem like you are definitely on your way back to your normal. Your brain is healing the best it can and I hope that it keeps adjusting in a nice speedy manner! It will find its way back. You are doing so well. 

 

I also get that weird brain thing where it feel almost like a jolt or like a pause button has been pressed momentarily. I wouldn’t really describe like a ‘zap’ though, more like my brain is buffering. And the heat/prickles comes along for the ride sometimes (although they prefer to make themselves known more on a daily basis!). 
 

I hope you’re currently well and you continue to improve quickly. I’m wishing all those good things right back at you. 

Thank you for your reply! There is comfort in knowing you are not the only one with certain symptoms. 
I agree there is no ideal in these cases and it’s smart to be cautious. 
It’s so interesting that you get the weird Brian sensation too! I called mine a zap only because I didn’t know another way to describe it that people would relate to. Mine are exactly similar to yours in that your brain is buffering for a moment or pausing or it can be a jolt as well accompanied by the other sensations. Can I ask how often you get these? Do you get them in waves or clusters?

Are they related to your goosebumps? 

I must admit my improvement seem to be quite linear, but for some reason the last 2 to 3 months I have regressed back, unfortunately. Oh well, all we can do is go forward and not give up hope that this too shall pass. 

[Loulabloom]

On 5/19/2024 at 5:35 AM, Catzbestfriend said:

Thank you for your reply! There is comfort in knowing you are not the only one with certain symptoms. 
I agree there is no ideal in these cases and it’s smart to be cautious. 
It’s so interesting that you get the weird Brian sensation too! I called mine a zap only because I didn’t know another way to describe it that people would relate to. Mine are exactly similar to yours in that your brain is buffering for a moment or pausing or it can be a jolt as well accompanied by the other sensations. Can I ask how often you get these? Do you get them in waves or clusters?

Are they related to your goosebumps? 

I must admit my improvement seem to be quite linear, but for some reason the last 2 to 3 months I have regressed back, unfortunately. Oh well, all we can do is go forward and not give up hope that this too shall pass. 

Sorry for taking so long to reply. 
 

Firstly, I’m so happy to hear that your improvements are mostly linear. I guess the last couple of months your brain has found something that it needs to sort out to keep you healing. Hopefully it passes very soon. 
 

I’d say that my brain buffering (you know what I’m talking about!) does come in clusters. I can have a day where it happens a few times, but then none the next. They’re probably happening 3 out of 7 days a week. 
 

I don’t think my goosebumps are directly related to them though. Those seem to happen most days. They’re like chills that you get before the onset of a cold/flu. But the wave of heat/nausea always comes with the brain thing. 
 

I’m not a fan of either of these things, but I try to keep remembering that they’ll pass someday. They’re fairly tolerable if I don’t focus on them too much. I’m scared that being scared of them feeds them, if that doesn’t sound too weird. But that’s hard. 

[Catzbestfriend]

On 5/20/2024 at 6:53 AM, Loulabloom said:

Sorry for taking so long to reply. 
 

Firstly, I’m so happy to hear that your improvements are mostly linear. I guess the last couple of months your brain has found something that it needs to sort out to keep you healing. Hopefully it passes very soon. 
 

I’d say that my brain buffering (you know what I’m talking about!) does come in clusters. I can have a day where it happens a few times, but then none the next. They’re probably happening 3 out of 7 days a week. 
 

I don’t think my goosebumps are directly related to them though. Those seem to happen most days. They’re like chills that you get before the onset of a cold/flu. But the wave of heat/nausea always comes with the brain thing. 
 

I’m not a fan of either of these things, but I try to keep remembering that they’ll pass someday. They’re fairly tolerable if I don’t focus on them too much. I’m scared that being scared of them feeds them, if that doesn’t sound too weird. But that’s hard. 

Thanks for sharing this, I'm so sorry you are experiencing similar issues. I have had some of what you describe with goosebumps, but it's something I've always been prone to all my life just randomly comes and goes, particularly if I'm thinking of anything emotional, and oddly enough it didn't change with the SSRI - just the whole paresthesia thing came on. It does help me greatly to know this is exactly what I experience with the brain sensation, I seem to get them as often as your goosebumps (daily sometimes several times a day), when it's really bad (which I'm beginning to think is my version of a wave) I can barely function. Ugh. But for the most part, it's manageable, I completely relate to your remark of 'I'm scared that being scared of them feeds them'. I think that view (along with time) is so essential to the key to recovery! I often wonder if my 'regression' is in part to becoming to anxious that I'm having a setback. I am reading 'Hope and help for your nerves' by Dr. Claire Weekes and have found it so helpful and very, very relevant. I heartily recommend it for anyone suffering with many symptoms and any type of anxiety, it has definitely already helped me to stop fixating or being fearful of my symptoms (though this is a work in progress). Thank you again for your responses and any time you wish to reach out, please feel free. 

[Loulabloom]

I’ve had my first day of feeling pretty terrible this morning. I woke up with what felt like nerve pain all over, like fireworks constantly firing everywhere. Also felt like aching joints like you would get when you’re getting the flu. And of course my good old goosebumps.  I did have a moment of panic, but I managed to bypass the full blown panic by trying to remind myself that it’s withdrawal, it’s expected, and it’ll hopefully pass. Four hours later it seems to be easing up now. 
 

Also it made me feel like crying. Except I haven’t been able to cry at all while I’ve been on lexapro so I’m happy in a way that that part of my brain has decided to heal a little. I could do with a little bit of a cry. But not too much!
 

Up til now I’ve been pretty lucky with withdrawals. Mostly dizziness, brain fog, sinus issues and my weird goosebumps. Things I’ve kind of accepted but mainly because I know they pass at some stage. I am terrified of hitting the really bad withdrawals as I’ve seen so many people suffer with.  I know it will get harder but I’ll keep going slowly and take it as it comes. I guess this one took me by surprise and scared me that this was the point where it doesn’t end for me. 
 

 

[Catzbestfriend]

Hi Loulabloom, just checking in. How have you been feeling?