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sandman79: Prozac and lexapro


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Hello, wanted to give a description of my current situation.  I am 45 year old male. Couple months back I decided to try prozac, only due to me having ibs and doctors told me it does help which it didn't at all. I took 10mg for approximately 6 weeks. Was terrible from the start. Made me depressed, anxious, nauseous, no appetite , brain fog flu like symptoms.  I finally said I had enough, and dr told me to stop cold turkey. I lasted a week and went back cause I was just anxious which I was never like this before taking this drug.. she wanted to try lexapro 5mg .. I said ok. And I had no clue about these drugs at all and what they do.. had terrible reactions on lexapro. Still nausea still headaches and brain fog no appetite I was advised by her to stop taking them cold turkey also due to it being low dose and not being on the that long. I lost 20 pounds.  Been 6 weeks and having withdrawls symptoms I guess it is but Dr's say I am not and wanted to push another drug to try which I said no. But I am having some anxiety which i take hydroxyzine 25mg when needed some days I take a couple some more. I still not much of an appetite but I am eating little more. I am still nauseous but it come and goes. Headaches are a pain but ibuprofen helps a little bit. I am cold all the time which is not normal I was always hot before these meds get periods of feeling down and anxiety kicks in. How long does this take to get better. And what should I take to help

Edited by Emonda
Name to title

April 7 2024 started Prozac 10 mg

May 11 2024 last day of prozac 10 mg. May 19 2024 start of lexapro 5 mg. June 10 last day of lexapro 5 mg

July 1 started hydroxyzine 25mg for anxiety.

July 22 stopped hydroxyzine 

No drugs as of July 22 just supplements ginger tea for nausea,also pepto bismol occasionally, tums occasionally

Fish oil 3 times a day 1200 

Magnesium glycinate 75 mg usually at night time help with sleep sometimes 2x a day. 

I have taken small amounts of melatonin a couple times for sleep.

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  • Emonda changed the title to sandman79: Prozac and lexapro

My history (visible to staff only)

45 year old male. I started Prozac 10mg was on for 6 weeks, terrible side effects. Stopped for a week, dr placed me on lexapro 5mg, also terrible side effects.. she advised me to stop cold turkey.i lost 20 pounds due to diarreha and no appetite brain fog anxiety. first week wasn't bad felt pretty good, then started feeling terrible. Been 6 weeks off and it's been troublesome. I have headaches,nause quite often. i have zofran but dont take it due to it acting on serotonin. I ha e alot.of brain fog comes and goes, along with headaches diarreha. No appetite. But I feel like 2 steps forward 3 back. But it does seem I am getting better a little. Still not much of an appetite but I do eat but not much. Still some diarreha also. Feel cold most of the time with some sweating spells and I was never cold before. never really had anxiety, every once in a great while, but on this stuff was terrible. Only reason I started taking was i have ibs c. Which I had control over wasn't terrible.. but these meds made it terrible. I But I read and doctors told me that these meds help with ibs. Which didn't help me I am now taking hydroxyzine 25mg when needed for anxiety from withdrawl. I take fish oil that I read about from this website I also take ibuprofen for headaches and vitamin e and I take magnesium glycinate 200 mg couple times a day

April 7 2024 started Prozac 10 mg

May 11 2024 last day of prozac 10 mg. May 19 2024 start of lexapro 5 mg. June 10 last day of lexapro 5 mg

July 1 started hydroxyzine 25mg for anxiety.

July 22 stopped hydroxyzine 

No drugs as of July 22 just supplements ginger tea for nausea,also pepto bismol occasionally, tums occasionally

Fish oil 3 times a day 1200 

Magnesium glycinate 75 mg usually at night time help with sleep sometimes 2x a day. 

I have taken small amounts of melatonin a couple times for sleep.

Link to comment
  • Moderator

Hi @sandman79, and welcome to SA!  We are a community of volunteers providing peer support in the tapering of psychiatric medications, and their associated withdrawal syndromes.  

 

Thank you so much for completing your drug signature.  I'm so sorry this happened to you.  I wish it was the case that when somebody gets started on these drugs, there was true, informed consent.  But sadly, doctors are victims, too.  They have been convinced by pharmaceutical companies that adverse reactions and rare, and withdrawal is 'mild and short-lived.'  Unfortunately, people like us know better. 

 

Everything you describe certainly sounds like withdrawal, and I have no doubt your IBS has been seriously aggravated by your brief encounter with antidepressants.  Unfortunately, this can, and often does happen when stopping these drugs abruptly, or tapering them too quickly.  It does not take long for our brain/body to start making adaptations to the presence of these drugs, and it takes time for the brain and body to reverse those changes when the drugs are stopped.  Read more here about what these medications do to our brain:

 

How Psychiatric Drugs Remodel Your Brain

 What is happening in your brain?

 

Unfortunately, by stopping your meds abruptly, and switching from one med to the other so quickly, you have likely destabilized yourself.  Here at SA, we recommend tapering by no more than 10% of your current dose, no more frequently than every four weeks.  Though in your case, since you took it for so little time, you likely could have accelerated that timeline, particularly with the prozac, as it has a long half life.  Read more about our recommended tapering method here: 

 

Why taper by 10% of my dosage?

 

What's done is done, however, and now the question is what to do about it.  In some cases, we would recommend reinstating a small dose of the drug that is causing the withdrawal symptoms to try to ease the severity of the symptoms, but I don't think this is a great option for you, as I'm not sure how much of what you are experiencing is withdrawal, and how much is related to an adverse reaction, since you describe intolerable start up effects.  Reinstating does have the potential to make things worse.  Read more about adverse reactions here:

 

Immediate Adverse Reactions to an Antidepressant Within a Few Doses

 

So in your case, I think you will need to ride this out.  The good news is that you will heal.  Everybody heals!  It just takes time, and a great deal of patience.  I am going to make a few recommendations for you that will help you along your path.

 

First of all, healing happens in windows and waves.  You can feel terrible one day or for a few days/weeks, then suddenly feel better.  Then it gets worse again.  This is known as the windows and waves pattern of stabilization.  Having windows is a great sign of healing, and helps to keep the hope alive.  It is a really good idea to keep a symptom journal so you can keep track of your windows and waves, and possibly discover things that can trigger a wave, or make it worse.  I, for one, have to keep my heart rate less that 125bpm, or I feel absolutely terrible.  These are the types of things that you can identify by keeping a journal.  Read more about windows and waves here:

 

Windows and Waves Pattern of Stabilization

 

There are things you can do to help facilitate healing.  Eat a healthy, whole foods diet.  Avoid the packaged stuff.  Ensure adequate hydration.  Get enough rest/sleep.  Gentle exercise.  Minimize stress.  Avoid caffeine, nicotine, recreational drugs- all of these things will just further destabilize you.  And this one will be hard, but I would avoid taking the hydroxyzine- this could further destabilize you as well, and prolong your recovery period.  Good for you for refusing another antidepressant though... that was a very smart move.  It likely just would have made things worse.

 

So what to do about your symptoms?  Stay hydrated with the bowel upset/diarrhea.  Serotonin is produced in the gut, and your gut will need time and stability to get back to normal functioning.  You may even find an improvement in IBS symptoms on the other side of this, if your diet is massively improved by this (there's always a silver lining lol).  Be very careful with supplements- many of us find we are ultra sensitive to supplements, medications, or even foods in withdrawal.  Always start with low doses to see how you react. Your gut WILL heal- it's going to take some time though.  Lots of patience. 

 

Mental symptoms are where we do have a bit more control.  We have many threads on things you can do to help with mental symptoms here at SA.  I'm going to link them below, but I want to say that learning things like mindfulness, meditation, progressive relaxation, etc takes a LOT of practice.  It doesn't come naturally to anyone these days, really- we are so accustomed to our minds being constantly busy or entertained.  Stillness takes practice, but I can promise you, it's a worthwhile skill to develop.  Eventually, our brains rewire themselves to experience calm, even when encountering distressing circumstances.  So check these out:

 

Non-drug techniques to cope with emotional symptoms

 Easing your way into meditation for a stressed-out nervous system

Music for self-care: calms hyperalertness, anxiety, aids relaxation and sleep

Ways to cope with daily anxiety

"Change the channel" - dealing with cognitive symptoms

Dealing With Emotional Spirals

 

I especially like the 'change the channel' thread- this is highly useful for me.   You may find some of your own ways of coping too.  For examlple- I have terrible joint and muscle pain, but it all goes away when I'm in water.  So needless to say, gentle swimming has become my preferred form of exercise!

 

Most of all, Please don't lose hope!  You are not alone, and everybody heals.  We can't make guarantees of a timeline, but you will heal, and the journey will be more bearable if you provide your body and brain with a good healing environment.  You can get through this, and we're here to support you, 100% of the way!

 

This is your introduction topic- each member gets one intro topic.  Please post updates and questions here, and we will help you out.  Do explore the rest of the forum though- there's huge amounts of good info here.  And don't hesitate to read others' intro threads and engage with other members- it's much less awful to be going through this when you have a village supporting you.  We can be your village! ❤️‍🩹

1995- 2007- On and off multiple antidepressants (Prozac, Paxil, Effexor, Wellbutrin, escitalopram). Memory poor- can’t remember dates. Always tapered fast or CT.  2007- tapered Wellbutrin, zopiclone and escitalopram over one month to get pregnant.  Withdrawal hell for many years.

2009- Daughter born 🥰 Post partum depression/psychosis- no meds taken.

2016- Back on escitalopram due to job change/anxiety

2022- Severe covid infection- Diagnosed with long covid 08/22.

2023- 01/23- Long term disability approved for long covid.  Started taper under MD advice from 20mg: 11/23- 15mg. 2024- March-10mg. Started low dose naltrexone for long covid-5mg- terrible reaction, reduced to 0.5mg.  April- 10mg escitalopram, 1.0mg LDN. May 1- 9.0mg escitalopram, 1.0mg LDN. May 15- 9.0mg escitalopram, 1.5mg LDN.  June 12- 8.5mg escitalopram, 1.5mg LDN.  July 8- Brassmonkey micro taper started.  8.4mg escitalopram, 1.5mg LDN.  July 15- 8.3mg esc, 1.5mg LDN.  July 18 8.3mg esc, 2.0mg LDN, July 22 8.2mg esc. 2.0mg LDN. July 29 8.1mg esc. 2.0mg LDN. Aug. 24- 8.0mg Esc. 2.0mg LDN.  Aug. 30 7.9mg esc.  Sept. 6 7.8mg esc.

 

Supplements/other meds: Vitamin D, B12, Claritin, HRT

 

I am not a doctor.  I don't even play one on TV.  This is not medical advice, but based on personal experience.  Please consult a medical professional.

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Thanks you so much for the reply. I am currently experiencing nausea for 2 days. If i could get that a little under control would be great. No appetite, the doctor prescribed me zofran 4mg for nausea. I have only taken one pill it did help but not sure if I should take anymore. Any recommendations on how to control nausea? I have been taking tums and pepto for the nausea only helps a little. Sometimes it helps more.  I have 2 or 3 good days and then 2 to 3 bad days. But that's part of it. 

April 7 2024 started Prozac 10 mg

May 11 2024 last day of prozac 10 mg. May 19 2024 start of lexapro 5 mg. June 10 last day of lexapro 5 mg

July 1 started hydroxyzine 25mg for anxiety.

July 22 stopped hydroxyzine 

No drugs as of July 22 just supplements ginger tea for nausea,also pepto bismol occasionally, tums occasionally

Fish oil 3 times a day 1200 

Magnesium glycinate 75 mg usually at night time help with sleep sometimes 2x a day. 

I have taken small amounts of melatonin a couple times for sleep.

Link to comment
  • Moderator

Hi @sandman79- nausea is very difficult, I know.  I'm so sorry you're going through this.  Typically here, we try to recommend more natural solutions, rather than adding more drugs into an already destabilized nervous system.  Have you looked into a low histamine diet?  Often in withdrawal, we become highly sensitized to histamine, and it can cause a myriad of symptoms, including nausea.  I have mild histamine sensitivity, and it seems to have abated since I got some really high histamine foods out of my diet- coffee in particular.  Ginger chews can be helpful for some as well.  

 

I know some here have taken zofran for nausea, but if you are still taking any hydroxyzine at all (which, as you know, we don't recommend), there is a dangerous interaction there- this combination can cause heart arrhythmia.  

 

It does sound like you are having some windows- with your 2-3 day breaks from the symptoms- this is an excellent sign of healing.  I think if you keep up this good work, you will continue to see improvements with time and patience.  So hang in there- you've got this!!!

1995- 2007- On and off multiple antidepressants (Prozac, Paxil, Effexor, Wellbutrin, escitalopram). Memory poor- can’t remember dates. Always tapered fast or CT.  2007- tapered Wellbutrin, zopiclone and escitalopram over one month to get pregnant.  Withdrawal hell for many years.

2009- Daughter born 🥰 Post partum depression/psychosis- no meds taken.

2016- Back on escitalopram due to job change/anxiety

2022- Severe covid infection- Diagnosed with long covid 08/22.

2023- 01/23- Long term disability approved for long covid.  Started taper under MD advice from 20mg: 11/23- 15mg. 2024- March-10mg. Started low dose naltrexone for long covid-5mg- terrible reaction, reduced to 0.5mg.  April- 10mg escitalopram, 1.0mg LDN. May 1- 9.0mg escitalopram, 1.0mg LDN. May 15- 9.0mg escitalopram, 1.5mg LDN.  June 12- 8.5mg escitalopram, 1.5mg LDN.  July 8- Brassmonkey micro taper started.  8.4mg escitalopram, 1.5mg LDN.  July 15- 8.3mg esc, 1.5mg LDN.  July 18 8.3mg esc, 2.0mg LDN, July 22 8.2mg esc. 2.0mg LDN. July 29 8.1mg esc. 2.0mg LDN. Aug. 24- 8.0mg Esc. 2.0mg LDN.  Aug. 30 7.9mg esc.  Sept. 6 7.8mg esc.

 

Supplements/other meds: Vitamin D, B12, Claritin, HRT

 

I am not a doctor.  I don't even play one on TV.  This is not medical advice, but based on personal experience.  Please consult a medical professional.

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Hello again thanks for the info. I have taken hydroxyzine for the anxiety but not a lot. I was taking benadryl which also helped with anxiety.  Would that be a better way for helping anxiety? I have started taking ginger tea for nausea and it helps so much. Also noticed that my stomach rumbles a lot. Appetite is still not the best . But I am eating yogurt bananas and little food through the day just not a lot yet.

April 7 2024 started Prozac 10 mg

May 11 2024 last day of prozac 10 mg. May 19 2024 start of lexapro 5 mg. June 10 last day of lexapro 5 mg

July 1 started hydroxyzine 25mg for anxiety.

July 22 stopped hydroxyzine 

No drugs as of July 22 just supplements ginger tea for nausea,also pepto bismol occasionally, tums occasionally

Fish oil 3 times a day 1200 

Magnesium glycinate 75 mg usually at night time help with sleep sometimes 2x a day. 

I have taken small amounts of melatonin a couple times for sleep.

Link to comment

@sandman79 hello Sandman, doctor(s) have been giving you very bad advice several times in a row which i'm very sorry to hear. From now on please follow directions given to you on this website and do not add anything new.

 

Your CNS has become destabilised from introducing prozac (may take approximately 6-10 weeks to kick in), then suddenly stopping, then (re)introducing lexapro which is known to be a very powerful ssri, then suddenly stopping again. Then introducing hydroxizone. It can be quite risky. Thank god you were only om them for a short period but even then the consequences can be challenging.

 

Your CNS needs stability now.

 

Strongly advice not to take ibruprofen.

If really needed then take paracetamol, mix with water and gradually consume.

 

Any chemical med or supplement you take to cover up withdrawal symptoms may ramp up withdrawal even more. Also do not take alcohol, chocolate or caffein for the forseeable future.

 

You will have headaches, nausea and other symptoms as a result of (double) ssri introduction and (non-intended) cold turkey but they will disappear in time. Try not to cover them up but give your body time to stabilise. 

 

Keep us updated in the next days.

 

Bye Sebas

  • 46 years old male
  • job in spatial planning
  • into sports, animals and nature
  • Started using 20 mg Paroxetine (Paxil) in 2004 for stressrelated anxiety/depression
  • Attempted several times to stop, starting a few years after 2004
  • Found out in 2015 about paxil withdrawal symptoms and the 5-10% taper guideline
  • Started using liquid paxil in 2015/2016
  • 2018 --> 11.2 mg of paxil
  • 2019-2023 developed severe food- and other sensitivities (anti imflammatory, anti oxidant, food colourings, oils, herbs, chemicals etc.)
  • 12/2023 Had been building up for 4 years to Poop-out/tolerance, introducing brassmonkey slide method 0.1mg/week
  • 26/1/2024 10 mg (journey halfway).
  • 14/7/2024 8.4 mg
  • No supplements, strict diet
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Right now biggest thing is nausea and frequent anxiety. I am doing my best. But I don't have a lot of motivation comes in spurts. 

April 7 2024 started Prozac 10 mg

May 11 2024 last day of prozac 10 mg. May 19 2024 start of lexapro 5 mg. June 10 last day of lexapro 5 mg

July 1 started hydroxyzine 25mg for anxiety.

July 22 stopped hydroxyzine 

No drugs as of July 22 just supplements ginger tea for nausea,also pepto bismol occasionally, tums occasionally

Fish oil 3 times a day 1200 

Magnesium glycinate 75 mg usually at night time help with sleep sometimes 2x a day. 

I have taken small amounts of melatonin a couple times for sleep.

Link to comment

Anything you can take to help with anxiety

April 7 2024 started Prozac 10 mg

May 11 2024 last day of prozac 10 mg. May 19 2024 start of lexapro 5 mg. June 10 last day of lexapro 5 mg

July 1 started hydroxyzine 25mg for anxiety.

July 22 stopped hydroxyzine 

No drugs as of July 22 just supplements ginger tea for nausea,also pepto bismol occasionally, tums occasionally

Fish oil 3 times a day 1200 

Magnesium glycinate 75 mg usually at night time help with sleep sometimes 2x a day. 

I have taken small amounts of melatonin a couple times for sleep.

Link to comment

And also thinking if these symptoms can be coming from the stomach being messed up? Any probiotic or anything to help rebuild the sromach

April 7 2024 started Prozac 10 mg

May 11 2024 last day of prozac 10 mg. May 19 2024 start of lexapro 5 mg. June 10 last day of lexapro 5 mg

July 1 started hydroxyzine 25mg for anxiety.

July 22 stopped hydroxyzine 

No drugs as of July 22 just supplements ginger tea for nausea,also pepto bismol occasionally, tums occasionally

Fish oil 3 times a day 1200 

Magnesium glycinate 75 mg usually at night time help with sleep sometimes 2x a day. 

I have taken small amounts of melatonin a couple times for sleep.

Link to comment
2 hours ago, sandman79 said:

Anything you can take to help with anxiety

You can try magnesium (citrate or biglycinate).

 

Also be aware, this is more a mental coping approach, that whatever withdrawal symptom occurs, this is not really you but withdrawal. Your serotonine/dopamine levels (which are built up in stomach area) are temporarily volatile. 

 

Bye Sebas

  • 46 years old male
  • job in spatial planning
  • into sports, animals and nature
  • Started using 20 mg Paroxetine (Paxil) in 2004 for stressrelated anxiety/depression
  • Attempted several times to stop, starting a few years after 2004
  • Found out in 2015 about paxil withdrawal symptoms and the 5-10% taper guideline
  • Started using liquid paxil in 2015/2016
  • 2018 --> 11.2 mg of paxil
  • 2019-2023 developed severe food- and other sensitivities (anti imflammatory, anti oxidant, food colourings, oils, herbs, chemicals etc.)
  • 12/2023 Had been building up for 4 years to Poop-out/tolerance, introducing brassmonkey slide method 0.1mg/week
  • 26/1/2024 10 mg (journey halfway).
  • 14/7/2024 8.4 mg
  • No supplements, strict diet
Link to comment
2 hours ago, sandman79 said:

And also thinking if these symptoms can be coming from the stomach being messed up? Any probiotic or anything to help rebuild the sromach

That's really not necessary since you were on them for a short period of time.

  • 46 years old male
  • job in spatial planning
  • into sports, animals and nature
  • Started using 20 mg Paroxetine (Paxil) in 2004 for stressrelated anxiety/depression
  • Attempted several times to stop, starting a few years after 2004
  • Found out in 2015 about paxil withdrawal symptoms and the 5-10% taper guideline
  • Started using liquid paxil in 2015/2016
  • 2018 --> 11.2 mg of paxil
  • 2019-2023 developed severe food- and other sensitivities (anti imflammatory, anti oxidant, food colourings, oils, herbs, chemicals etc.)
  • 12/2023 Had been building up for 4 years to Poop-out/tolerance, introducing brassmonkey slide method 0.1mg/week
  • 26/1/2024 10 mg (journey halfway).
  • 14/7/2024 8.4 mg
  • No supplements, strict diet
Link to comment

I do notice when I am taking the hydroxyzine it helps with anxiety but I get brain fog feels bad. Then later in the day I get a headache. When I stopped taking lexapro I was using benadryl and it was actually better on me. Calmed me and wasn't as groggy. Is it a better option for the anxiety ? Magnesium helps also but makes me sleepy

April 7 2024 started Prozac 10 mg

May 11 2024 last day of prozac 10 mg. May 19 2024 start of lexapro 5 mg. June 10 last day of lexapro 5 mg

July 1 started hydroxyzine 25mg for anxiety.

July 22 stopped hydroxyzine 

No drugs as of July 22 just supplements ginger tea for nausea,also pepto bismol occasionally, tums occasionally

Fish oil 3 times a day 1200 

Magnesium glycinate 75 mg usually at night time help with sleep sometimes 2x a day. 

I have taken small amounts of melatonin a couple times for sleep.

Link to comment
  • Moderator

The best course of action for anxiety is to practice the non-drug coping mechanisms we recommend here (definitely check out the links I sent you in my first post).  We have seen many cases of people developing sensitivities and paradoxical reactions to medications, supplements, and even foods.  So it is best to be cautious with taking anything at this time.  And not being doctors, we cannot recommend medications in good faith.

 

I find it very helpful to remind myself over and over (and over) that anxiety has no power to hurt me.  It is uncomfortable, but it will pass.  The mental game is very important while in withdrawal.  When you think about it, we are all going to encounter anxiety provoking situations throughout our lives- I'm sure you have had more than your share- we all have!  It is always best to figure out how to cope with those feelings without the use of medications.  If you look deeper at many medications used for nausea, vomiting, even allergies, you will find that these medications have effects on your neurotransmitters.  Those of us withdrawing from psychiatric medications already have messed up neurotransmitters, so it's best not to add things like Benadryl to the mix. 

 

I love that magnesium helps you- maybe you could consider splitting your dose- half in the morning, half in the evening to see if you get a more consistent dampening of the anxiety, with less of a sedating effect.  Magnesium is one of the only supplements we do recommend here... unfortunately, I am a good example of the paradoxical reaction with magnesium- it sends me into frantic anxiety attacks, and I wake up every 15 minutes all night long when I take it lol!  I learned that lesson the hard way!

1995- 2007- On and off multiple antidepressants (Prozac, Paxil, Effexor, Wellbutrin, escitalopram). Memory poor- can’t remember dates. Always tapered fast or CT.  2007- tapered Wellbutrin, zopiclone and escitalopram over one month to get pregnant.  Withdrawal hell for many years.

2009- Daughter born 🥰 Post partum depression/psychosis- no meds taken.

2016- Back on escitalopram due to job change/anxiety

2022- Severe covid infection- Diagnosed with long covid 08/22.

2023- 01/23- Long term disability approved for long covid.  Started taper under MD advice from 20mg: 11/23- 15mg. 2024- March-10mg. Started low dose naltrexone for long covid-5mg- terrible reaction, reduced to 0.5mg.  April- 10mg escitalopram, 1.0mg LDN. May 1- 9.0mg escitalopram, 1.0mg LDN. May 15- 9.0mg escitalopram, 1.5mg LDN.  June 12- 8.5mg escitalopram, 1.5mg LDN.  July 8- Brassmonkey micro taper started.  8.4mg escitalopram, 1.5mg LDN.  July 15- 8.3mg esc, 1.5mg LDN.  July 18 8.3mg esc, 2.0mg LDN, July 22 8.2mg esc. 2.0mg LDN. July 29 8.1mg esc. 2.0mg LDN. Aug. 24- 8.0mg Esc. 2.0mg LDN.  Aug. 30 7.9mg esc.  Sept. 6 7.8mg esc.

 

Supplements/other meds: Vitamin D, B12, Claritin, HRT

 

I am not a doctor.  I don't even play one on TV.  This is not medical advice, but based on personal experience.  Please consult a medical professional.

Link to comment
10 hours ago, sandman79 said:

I do notice when I am taking the hydroxyzine it helps with anxiety but I get brain fog feels bad. Then later in the day I get a headache.

 

The brain fog and headaches are from hydroxyzine side effects and very likely hydroxyzine is also interacting with prozac and lexapro withdrawal. In my opinion it would be recommended to slowly phase out hydroxyzine over the course of next week, so it won't disturb stabilisation process. Your CNS is now processing 3 different sources alltogether.  Less is more when CNS has become sensitive from withdrawal. You could buy a pill cutter. It's also soluble in water but then will kick in faster so you would have to take small sips. By using a pill cutter you could taper down tot 3/4, then 1/2, then 1/4 over the course of next week so it will happen gradually and you can evaluate and adjust whenever necessary.

 

Like @Catwoman73 suggested above, you can devide magnesium througout the day. Add water and sip whenever you have an uptick in anxiety. 

 

Bye Sebas

 

  • 46 years old male
  • job in spatial planning
  • into sports, animals and nature
  • Started using 20 mg Paroxetine (Paxil) in 2004 for stressrelated anxiety/depression
  • Attempted several times to stop, starting a few years after 2004
  • Found out in 2015 about paxil withdrawal symptoms and the 5-10% taper guideline
  • Started using liquid paxil in 2015/2016
  • 2018 --> 11.2 mg of paxil
  • 2019-2023 developed severe food- and other sensitivities (anti imflammatory, anti oxidant, food colourings, oils, herbs, chemicals etc.)
  • 12/2023 Had been building up for 4 years to Poop-out/tolerance, introducing brassmonkey slide method 0.1mg/week
  • 26/1/2024 10 mg (journey halfway).
  • 14/7/2024 8.4 mg
  • No supplements, strict diet
Link to comment
10 hours ago, sandman79 said:

Magnesium helps also but makes me sleepy

 

Magnesium is generally considered safe, however, combining it with hydroxyzine may lead to increased sedation or drowsiness as they can both have this effect. Hydroxyzine is a sedating antihistamine, commonly prescribed for allergies as well as used as a sleep aid. Combining it with magnesium, may intensify these effects and potentially lead to excessive drowsiness or impaired cognitive function.

 

That's what causes the sleepiness. 

 

 

  • 46 years old male
  • job in spatial planning
  • into sports, animals and nature
  • Started using 20 mg Paroxetine (Paxil) in 2004 for stressrelated anxiety/depression
  • Attempted several times to stop, starting a few years after 2004
  • Found out in 2015 about paxil withdrawal symptoms and the 5-10% taper guideline
  • Started using liquid paxil in 2015/2016
  • 2018 --> 11.2 mg of paxil
  • 2019-2023 developed severe food- and other sensitivities (anti imflammatory, anti oxidant, food colourings, oils, herbs, chemicals etc.)
  • 12/2023 Had been building up for 4 years to Poop-out/tolerance, introducing brassmonkey slide method 0.1mg/week
  • 26/1/2024 10 mg (journey halfway).
  • 14/7/2024 8.4 mg
  • No supplements, strict diet
Link to comment

Thank you for all this information. It has helped so much.. I agree it is the hydroxyzine.  I only felt like the brain fog when I took it . And the ear ringing in my left ear comes and goes also. I had a little bit of tinnitus before but it gets louder from time to time. Its definitely weird. I will Def not be taking hydroxyzine anymore. 

April 7 2024 started Prozac 10 mg

May 11 2024 last day of prozac 10 mg. May 19 2024 start of lexapro 5 mg. June 10 last day of lexapro 5 mg

July 1 started hydroxyzine 25mg for anxiety.

July 22 stopped hydroxyzine 

No drugs as of July 22 just supplements ginger tea for nausea,also pepto bismol occasionally, tums occasionally

Fish oil 3 times a day 1200 

Magnesium glycinate 75 mg usually at night time help with sleep sometimes 2x a day. 

I have taken small amounts of melatonin a couple times for sleep.

Link to comment

Hello again. Was wondering if hydroxyzine can cause brain fog that comes and goes couple days after tou stop taking it. I was taking benadry couple weeks after I stopped the lexapro i was taking it couple times a day but not everyday. Then i started the hydroxyzine 25mg, which I didn't take it everyday. And some days I took 2 pills. I only took when needed. But anyways I haven't taken it in 2 days and brain fog comes and goes a lot better then when I was taking it. Headaches are not much at all come and go and not bad. And no anxiety.  But I get like a sedative feel feel off and on not as bad as when I took the hydroxyzine cause it would almost knock me out and feels like my eyes are slower.. but not dizzy or anything.. just wanted your opinion

April 7 2024 started Prozac 10 mg

May 11 2024 last day of prozac 10 mg. May 19 2024 start of lexapro 5 mg. June 10 last day of lexapro 5 mg

July 1 started hydroxyzine 25mg for anxiety.

July 22 stopped hydroxyzine 

No drugs as of July 22 just supplements ginger tea for nausea,also pepto bismol occasionally, tums occasionally

Fish oil 3 times a day 1200 

Magnesium glycinate 75 mg usually at night time help with sleep sometimes 2x a day. 

I have taken small amounts of melatonin a couple times for sleep.

Link to comment

And I have been taking ginger tea for nausea and it works amazing . I am only taking fish oil 2 to 3 times a day. and vitamin e c0q10. No tylenol or ibuprofen.  Drinking alot of water also.  Appetite is getting a little better.  I do notice that when the brain fog starts I get small headaches which aren't bad and go away .  

April 7 2024 started Prozac 10 mg

May 11 2024 last day of prozac 10 mg. May 19 2024 start of lexapro 5 mg. June 10 last day of lexapro 5 mg

July 1 started hydroxyzine 25mg for anxiety.

July 22 stopped hydroxyzine 

No drugs as of July 22 just supplements ginger tea for nausea,also pepto bismol occasionally, tums occasionally

Fish oil 3 times a day 1200 

Magnesium glycinate 75 mg usually at night time help with sleep sometimes 2x a day. 

I have taken small amounts of melatonin a couple times for sleep.

Link to comment
  • Moderator
13 hours ago, sandman79 said:

Hello again. Was wondering if hydroxyzine can cause brain fog that comes and goes couple days after tou stop taking it. I was taking benadry couple weeks after I stopped the lexapro i was taking it couple times a day but not everyday. Then i started the hydroxyzine 25mg, which I didn't take it everyday. And some days I took 2 pills. I only took when needed. But anyways I haven't taken it in 2 days and brain fog comes and goes a lot better then when I was taking it. Headaches are not much at all come and go and not bad. And no anxiety.  But I get like a sedative feel feel off and on not as bad as when I took the hydroxyzine cause it would almost knock me out and feels like my eyes are slower.. but not dizzy or anything.. just wanted your opinion

 

Brain fog is a pretty standard withdrawal symptom.  So it may or may not be connected to the hydroxyzine, but overall, I would say it is connected to your destabilized nervous system.  This should clear with time and patience.  Like everything else in withdrawal lol!

 

13 hours ago, sandman79 said:

And I have been taking ginger tea for nausea and it works amazing . I am only taking fish oil 2 to 3 times a day. and vitamin e c0q10. No tylenol or ibuprofen.  Drinking alot of water also.  Appetite is getting a little better.  I do notice that when the brain fog starts I get small headaches which aren't bad and go away .  

 

I'm so glad the ginger is working for you!  That's great news.  It sounds like you're doing quite well in general!  One day at a time- you'll get through this! :)

1995- 2007- On and off multiple antidepressants (Prozac, Paxil, Effexor, Wellbutrin, escitalopram). Memory poor- can’t remember dates. Always tapered fast or CT.  2007- tapered Wellbutrin, zopiclone and escitalopram over one month to get pregnant.  Withdrawal hell for many years.

2009- Daughter born 🥰 Post partum depression/psychosis- no meds taken.

2016- Back on escitalopram due to job change/anxiety

2022- Severe covid infection- Diagnosed with long covid 08/22.

2023- 01/23- Long term disability approved for long covid.  Started taper under MD advice from 20mg: 11/23- 15mg. 2024- March-10mg. Started low dose naltrexone for long covid-5mg- terrible reaction, reduced to 0.5mg.  April- 10mg escitalopram, 1.0mg LDN. May 1- 9.0mg escitalopram, 1.0mg LDN. May 15- 9.0mg escitalopram, 1.5mg LDN.  June 12- 8.5mg escitalopram, 1.5mg LDN.  July 8- Brassmonkey micro taper started.  8.4mg escitalopram, 1.5mg LDN.  July 15- 8.3mg esc, 1.5mg LDN.  July 18 8.3mg esc, 2.0mg LDN, July 22 8.2mg esc. 2.0mg LDN. July 29 8.1mg esc. 2.0mg LDN. Aug. 24- 8.0mg Esc. 2.0mg LDN.  Aug. 30 7.9mg esc.  Sept. 6 7.8mg esc.

 

Supplements/other meds: Vitamin D, B12, Claritin, HRT

 

I am not a doctor.  I don't even play one on TV.  This is not medical advice, but based on personal experience.  Please consult a medical professional.

Link to comment
On 7/24/2024 at 3:00 AM, sandman79 said:

Was wondering if hydroxyzine can cause brain fog that comes and goes couple days after tou stop taking it

 

On 7/24/2024 at 3:00 AM, sandman79 said:

But I get like a sedative feel feel off and on not as bad as when I took the hydroxyzine cause it would almost knock me out and feels like my eyes are slower..

Glad to hear its getting better. Good (midterm) strategy plays an important role in recovery.

 

Yes maybe, maybe general withdrawal since it was partly covering up the prozac and lexapro wd. May also be hydroxizine withdrawal. You didn't take regularly daily amounts so now your CNS is reprocessing. Give it more time.

 

You may experience new symptoms in the next weeks but this is the right path to midterm stabilisation.

 

Bye Sebas

  • 46 years old male
  • job in spatial planning
  • into sports, animals and nature
  • Started using 20 mg Paroxetine (Paxil) in 2004 for stressrelated anxiety/depression
  • Attempted several times to stop, starting a few years after 2004
  • Found out in 2015 about paxil withdrawal symptoms and the 5-10% taper guideline
  • Started using liquid paxil in 2015/2016
  • 2018 --> 11.2 mg of paxil
  • 2019-2023 developed severe food- and other sensitivities (anti imflammatory, anti oxidant, food colourings, oils, herbs, chemicals etc.)
  • 12/2023 Had been building up for 4 years to Poop-out/tolerance, introducing brassmonkey slide method 0.1mg/week
  • 26/1/2024 10 mg (journey halfway).
  • 14/7/2024 8.4 mg
  • No supplements, strict diet
Link to comment

Had 2 good days. Had some nausea in the mornings followed by headaches that went away. but i took some ginger and ithelped a lot was able to eat and felt good exercised also.. day 3 nausea all day got a little better toward end of day . Feels like waves and windows process..  man I can't wait to be at the end of this .  Any better options for nausea that helped others 

April 7 2024 started Prozac 10 mg

May 11 2024 last day of prozac 10 mg. May 19 2024 start of lexapro 5 mg. June 10 last day of lexapro 5 mg

July 1 started hydroxyzine 25mg for anxiety.

July 22 stopped hydroxyzine 

No drugs as of July 22 just supplements ginger tea for nausea,also pepto bismol occasionally, tums occasionally

Fish oil 3 times a day 1200 

Magnesium glycinate 75 mg usually at night time help with sleep sometimes 2x a day. 

I have taken small amounts of melatonin a couple times for sleep.

Link to comment

I have zofran, but I do not want to try that .. scared to try anything

April 7 2024 started Prozac 10 mg

May 11 2024 last day of prozac 10 mg. May 19 2024 start of lexapro 5 mg. June 10 last day of lexapro 5 mg

July 1 started hydroxyzine 25mg for anxiety.

July 22 stopped hydroxyzine 

No drugs as of July 22 just supplements ginger tea for nausea,also pepto bismol occasionally, tums occasionally

Fish oil 3 times a day 1200 

Magnesium glycinate 75 mg usually at night time help with sleep sometimes 2x a day. 

I have taken small amounts of melatonin a couple times for sleep.

Link to comment
14 hours ago, sandman79 said:

I have zofran, but I do not want to try that .. scared to try anything

It would be very wise not to take zofran

 

14 hours ago, sandman79 said:

Any better options for nausea that helped others 

Covering up wd symptoms with whatever supplement is not wise. You had two good days so keep following this track for recovery. When CNS is destabilized any new source can further destabilize CNS.

 

Strongly suggest proceeding without Ecoq10. Coq10 is a natural antidepressant thus disturbing serotonine stabilisation process (which may occur as nausea).

 

Bye Sebas

  • 46 years old male
  • job in spatial planning
  • into sports, animals and nature
  • Started using 20 mg Paroxetine (Paxil) in 2004 for stressrelated anxiety/depression
  • Attempted several times to stop, starting a few years after 2004
  • Found out in 2015 about paxil withdrawal symptoms and the 5-10% taper guideline
  • Started using liquid paxil in 2015/2016
  • 2018 --> 11.2 mg of paxil
  • 2019-2023 developed severe food- and other sensitivities (anti imflammatory, anti oxidant, food colourings, oils, herbs, chemicals etc.)
  • 12/2023 Had been building up for 4 years to Poop-out/tolerance, introducing brassmonkey slide method 0.1mg/week
  • 26/1/2024 10 mg (journey halfway).
  • 14/7/2024 8.4 mg
  • No supplements, strict diet
Link to comment

I wanted to thank you once again. I talked to my fr yesterday . She told me that she has never seen anyone on low dose like I was on and for basically 2.5 months have symptoms like this last this long. Been off everything around 7 to 8 weeks.. she told me a psychiatrist would know about the long term effects.

April 7 2024 started Prozac 10 mg

May 11 2024 last day of prozac 10 mg. May 19 2024 start of lexapro 5 mg. June 10 last day of lexapro 5 mg

July 1 started hydroxyzine 25mg for anxiety.

July 22 stopped hydroxyzine 

No drugs as of July 22 just supplements ginger tea for nausea,also pepto bismol occasionally, tums occasionally

Fish oil 3 times a day 1200 

Magnesium glycinate 75 mg usually at night time help with sleep sometimes 2x a day. 

I have taken small amounts of melatonin a couple times for sleep.

Link to comment

And wanted to ask you is it normal to lose weight from starting the prozac and then the lexapro till now. I have lost 25 pounds 230 to 205. 

April 7 2024 started Prozac 10 mg

May 11 2024 last day of prozac 10 mg. May 19 2024 start of lexapro 5 mg. June 10 last day of lexapro 5 mg

July 1 started hydroxyzine 25mg for anxiety.

July 22 stopped hydroxyzine 

No drugs as of July 22 just supplements ginger tea for nausea,also pepto bismol occasionally, tums occasionally

Fish oil 3 times a day 1200 

Magnesium glycinate 75 mg usually at night time help with sleep sometimes 2x a day. 

I have taken small amounts of melatonin a couple times for sleep.

Link to comment
15 minutes ago, sandman79 said:

I talked to my fr yesterday . She told me that she has never seen anyone on low dose like I was on and for basically 2.5 months have symptoms like this last this long. Been off everything around 7 to 8 weeks.. she told me a psychiatrist would know about the long term effects.

 

Its not just being off for 7 or 8 weeks, it's the sudden ssri changes (which they adviced you) that have upset your CNS. Like i said they don't have a single clue about withdrawal. You have come in the right place here.

 

5 minutes ago, sandman79 said:

And wanted to ask you is it normal to lose weight from starting the prozac and then the lexapro till now. I have lost 25 pounds 230 to 205. 

 

Well guess that's a good thing. Could be stress related but also weight changes are possible side ssri effects. I think your normal metabolism is a bit upset too. Will stabilise though.

  • 46 years old male
  • job in spatial planning
  • into sports, animals and nature
  • Started using 20 mg Paroxetine (Paxil) in 2004 for stressrelated anxiety/depression
  • Attempted several times to stop, starting a few years after 2004
  • Found out in 2015 about paxil withdrawal symptoms and the 5-10% taper guideline
  • Started using liquid paxil in 2015/2016
  • 2018 --> 11.2 mg of paxil
  • 2019-2023 developed severe food- and other sensitivities (anti imflammatory, anti oxidant, food colourings, oils, herbs, chemicals etc.)
  • 12/2023 Had been building up for 4 years to Poop-out/tolerance, introducing brassmonkey slide method 0.1mg/week
  • 26/1/2024 10 mg (journey halfway).
  • 14/7/2024 8.4 mg
  • No supplements, strict diet
Link to comment

Hello. I was curious as to the hydroxyzine 25mg I was taking as needed.. I was taking benadryl 2.5 times a day 2 weeks prior to starting hydroxyzine 25mg and was taking as needed 2 pills for a day sometimes buy usually 1 cause I read it helped with withdrawl . I was on them on them for around 22 days. Cause i had read it helped with withdrawl symptoms from lexapro and prozac.  Now that I haven't taken hydroxyzine for 3 to 4 days I have more nausea then usual and not much appetite and harder to fall asleep  could that be part of the problem also. 

April 7 2024 started Prozac 10 mg

May 11 2024 last day of prozac 10 mg. May 19 2024 start of lexapro 5 mg. June 10 last day of lexapro 5 mg

July 1 started hydroxyzine 25mg for anxiety.

July 22 stopped hydroxyzine 

No drugs as of July 22 just supplements ginger tea for nausea,also pepto bismol occasionally, tums occasionally

Fish oil 3 times a day 1200 

Magnesium glycinate 75 mg usually at night time help with sleep sometimes 2x a day. 

I have taken small amounts of melatonin a couple times for sleep.

Link to comment
  • Moderator
2 hours ago, sandman79 said:

Hello. I was curious as to the hydroxyzine 25mg I was taking as needed.. I was taking benadryl 2.5 times a day 2 weeks prior to starting hydroxyzine 25mg and was taking as needed 2 pills for a day sometimes buy usually 1 cause I read it helped with withdrawl . I was on them on them for around 22 days. Cause i had read it helped with withdrawl symptoms from lexapro and prozac.  Now that I haven't taken hydroxyzine for 3 to 4 days I have more nausea then usual and not much appetite and harder to fall asleep  could that be part of the problem also. 

 

These help with withdrawal symptoms because they have effects on your serotonin and dopamine receptors, just like SSRIs do.  The problem is, by taking them to mask withdrawal symptoms, you are continuing to contribute to the dysregulation of your nervous system.  It's almost like pushing the reset button on your withdrawal- there is a good chance that you are prolonging your healing time, and ultimately, your suffering.  So they may help in the short term, but they are not helping you heal- they are quite possibly prolonging your healing!  

 

It's always up to you what you take, and what you do- it's your body!  We are just here to provide you with the information to be able to make informed choices.  Getting through withdrawal is brutal, and sadly, for those of us damaged by these drugs, the only way out is through.  We have to work hard to find non-drug ways to cope in order to facilitate healing, and of course, support each other along the way.

 

7 hours ago, sandman79 said:

 she told me a psychiatrist would know about the long term effects.

 

Oh, how I wish this were true!  Psychiatrists are victims, just like we are.  They have been completely convinced by the pharmaceutical companies that withdrawal effects are 'mild and short lived.'  If that were the case, forums like this wouldn't exist.  I can count on one hand the number of psychiatrists on this planet who are truly withdrawal-informed.  Look up Dr. Mark Horowitz on YouTube if you want to see one of those withdrawal informed doctors speak.  He's going through the tapering process himself, and having plenty of struggles along the way. 

1995- 2007- On and off multiple antidepressants (Prozac, Paxil, Effexor, Wellbutrin, escitalopram). Memory poor- can’t remember dates. Always tapered fast or CT.  2007- tapered Wellbutrin, zopiclone and escitalopram over one month to get pregnant.  Withdrawal hell for many years.

2009- Daughter born 🥰 Post partum depression/psychosis- no meds taken.

2016- Back on escitalopram due to job change/anxiety

2022- Severe covid infection- Diagnosed with long covid 08/22.

2023- 01/23- Long term disability approved for long covid.  Started taper under MD advice from 20mg: 11/23- 15mg. 2024- March-10mg. Started low dose naltrexone for long covid-5mg- terrible reaction, reduced to 0.5mg.  April- 10mg escitalopram, 1.0mg LDN. May 1- 9.0mg escitalopram, 1.0mg LDN. May 15- 9.0mg escitalopram, 1.5mg LDN.  June 12- 8.5mg escitalopram, 1.5mg LDN.  July 8- Brassmonkey micro taper started.  8.4mg escitalopram, 1.5mg LDN.  July 15- 8.3mg esc, 1.5mg LDN.  July 18 8.3mg esc, 2.0mg LDN, July 22 8.2mg esc. 2.0mg LDN. July 29 8.1mg esc. 2.0mg LDN. Aug. 24- 8.0mg Esc. 2.0mg LDN.  Aug. 30 7.9mg esc.  Sept. 6 7.8mg esc.

 

Supplements/other meds: Vitamin D, B12, Claritin, HRT

 

I am not a doctor.  I don't even play one on TV.  This is not medical advice, but based on personal experience.  Please consult a medical professional.

Link to comment

I guess I should have been told to taper maybe this wouldn't have been as bad for me. I was just curious if other were still getting nauseous after being on them for a short period of time like me .. 

April 7 2024 started Prozac 10 mg

May 11 2024 last day of prozac 10 mg. May 19 2024 start of lexapro 5 mg. June 10 last day of lexapro 5 mg

July 1 started hydroxyzine 25mg for anxiety.

July 22 stopped hydroxyzine 

No drugs as of July 22 just supplements ginger tea for nausea,also pepto bismol occasionally, tums occasionally

Fish oil 3 times a day 1200 

Magnesium glycinate 75 mg usually at night time help with sleep sometimes 2x a day. 

I have taken small amounts of melatonin a couple times for sleep.

Link to comment

Would it help me out if I were to reinstate and slowly taper off of of one of them 

April 7 2024 started Prozac 10 mg

May 11 2024 last day of prozac 10 mg. May 19 2024 start of lexapro 5 mg. June 10 last day of lexapro 5 mg

July 1 started hydroxyzine 25mg for anxiety.

July 22 stopped hydroxyzine 

No drugs as of July 22 just supplements ginger tea for nausea,also pepto bismol occasionally, tums occasionally

Fish oil 3 times a day 1200 

Magnesium glycinate 75 mg usually at night time help with sleep sometimes 2x a day. 

I have taken small amounts of melatonin a couple times for sleep.

Link to comment
58 minutes ago, sandman79 said:

Would it help me out if I were to reinstate and slowly taper off of of one of them 

No just continue the way you are going.

Reinsating in current situation is dangerous.

 

The nausea will most likely disappear within days to weeks. That is as long as you rule out the supplements.

  • 46 years old male
  • job in spatial planning
  • into sports, animals and nature
  • Started using 20 mg Paroxetine (Paxil) in 2004 for stressrelated anxiety/depression
  • Attempted several times to stop, starting a few years after 2004
  • Found out in 2015 about paxil withdrawal symptoms and the 5-10% taper guideline
  • Started using liquid paxil in 2015/2016
  • 2018 --> 11.2 mg of paxil
  • 2019-2023 developed severe food- and other sensitivities (anti imflammatory, anti oxidant, food colourings, oils, herbs, chemicals etc.)
  • 12/2023 Had been building up for 4 years to Poop-out/tolerance, introducing brassmonkey slide method 0.1mg/week
  • 26/1/2024 10 mg (journey halfway).
  • 14/7/2024 8.4 mg
  • No supplements, strict diet
Link to comment

What do you recommend for sleep.. seems last couple days having trouble getting to sleep and only getting 3 to 4 hours . 

April 7 2024 started Prozac 10 mg

May 11 2024 last day of prozac 10 mg. May 19 2024 start of lexapro 5 mg. June 10 last day of lexapro 5 mg

July 1 started hydroxyzine 25mg for anxiety.

July 22 stopped hydroxyzine 

No drugs as of July 22 just supplements ginger tea for nausea,also pepto bismol occasionally, tums occasionally

Fish oil 3 times a day 1200 

Magnesium glycinate 75 mg usually at night time help with sleep sometimes 2x a day. 

I have taken small amounts of melatonin a couple times for sleep.

Link to comment
  • Moderator
3 hours ago, sandman79 said:

I guess I should have been told to taper maybe this wouldn't have been as bad for me. I was just curious if other were still getting nauseous after being on them for a short period of time like me .. 

 

We ALL should have been told all of this before ever even starting these medications!  But if the Pharma companies and doctors aren't even willing to admit that there's major problems with stopping these drugs, then the information has little chance of being passed to us as consumers through the channels we would expect.  I'm glad you're here, and we've been able to advise you before you went down the rabbit hole of being polydrugged, constantly on a drug merry-go-round of treating withdrawal symptoms with other medications that are equally problematic.  Your exposure to these meds has been short, which bodes well for you to get through this in a relatively short period of time.  That's not a guarantee, but the odds are in your favour.  

 

1 minute ago, sandman79 said:

What do you recommend for sleep.. seems last couple days having trouble getting to sleep and only getting 3 to 4 hours . 

 

I will link you to some of our recommended techniques for dealing with insomnia.  This is probably one of the most common symptoms we see around here.  Like with nausea, medications are best avoided.  Very low dose melatonin can be helpful, as can magnesium.  If you want to try either of these, start with a very low dose to ensure you don't have an adverse reaction (I have a paradoxical reaction to magnesium now while in withdrawal- when I take it, I wake up every 15 minutes all night long).  Start low and go slow!!!

 

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

 Path to Better Sleep FREE online for everyone from the US Veterans Administration

 Magnesium, nature's calcium channel blocker 

 Melatonin for sleep

 Music for self-care: calms hyperalertness, anxiety, aids relaxation and sleep

 

I also find mantras very helpful.  Repeating to myself over and over (and over) that lack of sleep will not harm me long term, and that my body will fall asleep when it's ready is helpful.  Be careful not to fall into catastrophic thinking with insomnia.  Insomnia is very unpleasant, but it ALWAYS passes eventually. 

1995- 2007- On and off multiple antidepressants (Prozac, Paxil, Effexor, Wellbutrin, escitalopram). Memory poor- can’t remember dates. Always tapered fast or CT.  2007- tapered Wellbutrin, zopiclone and escitalopram over one month to get pregnant.  Withdrawal hell for many years.

2009- Daughter born 🥰 Post partum depression/psychosis- no meds taken.

2016- Back on escitalopram due to job change/anxiety

2022- Severe covid infection- Diagnosed with long covid 08/22.

2023- 01/23- Long term disability approved for long covid.  Started taper under MD advice from 20mg: 11/23- 15mg. 2024- March-10mg. Started low dose naltrexone for long covid-5mg- terrible reaction, reduced to 0.5mg.  April- 10mg escitalopram, 1.0mg LDN. May 1- 9.0mg escitalopram, 1.0mg LDN. May 15- 9.0mg escitalopram, 1.5mg LDN.  June 12- 8.5mg escitalopram, 1.5mg LDN.  July 8- Brassmonkey micro taper started.  8.4mg escitalopram, 1.5mg LDN.  July 15- 8.3mg esc, 1.5mg LDN.  July 18 8.3mg esc, 2.0mg LDN, July 22 8.2mg esc. 2.0mg LDN. July 29 8.1mg esc. 2.0mg LDN. Aug. 24- 8.0mg Esc. 2.0mg LDN.  Aug. 30 7.9mg esc.  Sept. 6 7.8mg esc.

 

Supplements/other meds: Vitamin D, B12, Claritin, HRT

 

I am not a doctor.  I don't even play one on TV.  This is not medical advice, but based on personal experience.  Please consult a medical professional.

Link to comment

I want to thank you and Sebas for all this info.. I know I have asked alot of questions and sorry if I am bothersome but,  I just want you to know that I appreciate everything and all of your time answering everything

April 7 2024 started Prozac 10 mg

May 11 2024 last day of prozac 10 mg. May 19 2024 start of lexapro 5 mg. June 10 last day of lexapro 5 mg

July 1 started hydroxyzine 25mg for anxiety.

July 22 stopped hydroxyzine 

No drugs as of July 22 just supplements ginger tea for nausea,also pepto bismol occasionally, tums occasionally

Fish oil 3 times a day 1200 

Magnesium glycinate 75 mg usually at night time help with sleep sometimes 2x a day. 

I have taken small amounts of melatonin a couple times for sleep.

Link to comment
  • Moderator
Just now, sandman79 said:

I want to thank you and Sebas for all this info.. I know I have asked alot of questions and sorry if I am bothersome but,  I just want you to know that I appreciate everything and all of your time answering everything

 

It's no trouble at all!  We're here to help.  As people who know the hell that withdrawal can put you through, we really feel it's important to ensure you have all the information you need to make good decisions, and keep yourself healthy going forward!  I think you're going to do great- do keep us posted, and don't hesitate to ask questions! :)

1995- 2007- On and off multiple antidepressants (Prozac, Paxil, Effexor, Wellbutrin, escitalopram). Memory poor- can’t remember dates. Always tapered fast or CT.  2007- tapered Wellbutrin, zopiclone and escitalopram over one month to get pregnant.  Withdrawal hell for many years.

2009- Daughter born 🥰 Post partum depression/psychosis- no meds taken.

2016- Back on escitalopram due to job change/anxiety

2022- Severe covid infection- Diagnosed with long covid 08/22.

2023- 01/23- Long term disability approved for long covid.  Started taper under MD advice from 20mg: 11/23- 15mg. 2024- March-10mg. Started low dose naltrexone for long covid-5mg- terrible reaction, reduced to 0.5mg.  April- 10mg escitalopram, 1.0mg LDN. May 1- 9.0mg escitalopram, 1.0mg LDN. May 15- 9.0mg escitalopram, 1.5mg LDN.  June 12- 8.5mg escitalopram, 1.5mg LDN.  July 8- Brassmonkey micro taper started.  8.4mg escitalopram, 1.5mg LDN.  July 15- 8.3mg esc, 1.5mg LDN.  July 18 8.3mg esc, 2.0mg LDN, July 22 8.2mg esc. 2.0mg LDN. July 29 8.1mg esc. 2.0mg LDN. Aug. 24- 8.0mg Esc. 2.0mg LDN.  Aug. 30 7.9mg esc.  Sept. 6 7.8mg esc.

 

Supplements/other meds: Vitamin D, B12, Claritin, HRT

 

I am not a doctor.  I don't even play one on TV.  This is not medical advice, but based on personal experience.  Please consult a medical professional.

Link to comment

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