Juventus17 Some help with Lexapro.

[Juventus17]

Thank you guys for the replies. As of right now, I feel like I am having a mental breakdown. I have just about no appetite, I haven't showered or brushed my teeth (sorry to sound disgusting). My stomach is in shambles and my gums are swollen. I'm having suicidal thoughts although I can never act on them. The last time I took klonopin was 4 days ago after having a severe panic attack in Kmart shopping with my girlfriend. I cried and broke down outside of the store. The klonopin only had little relief so now I refuse to take it. I haven't been to work or the gym which is making me feel worse. My body feels like it's deteriorating.

[bubble]

Hello Juventus,

 

what helped me to survive the time my brain needed to stabilise after reinstating Lexapro was to focus on little periods of relief rather than my general,at times, very limited functioning.

 

Try to treat yourself with utmost care: it's ok not to go to the gym for a while, it's ok not to go to the mall for some time, it's not the end of the world if you can't find enough energy to brush... When you accept that this is just TEMPORARY as opposed to how things will be from now on, it will pass sooner and cause much less anguish.

 

Keep us posted.

 

bubble

[westcoast]

Klonapin made me cry too. Is that a common thing? Ativan and Xanax always helped. I never had a full prescription or relied on them, though.

[Juventus17]

So I'm finally starting to stabilize and just met with a psychiatrist. Total joke. He barely listened to me and just wanted to switch me to Cymbalta. He told me I NEED to be on medication. I told him I don't want to be on medication and that it makes me worse. He said there's no other way to taper down from 10, that I can only go down to 5 again which I tried explaining is what caused this terrible 3 1/2 week episode of horrible anxiety. These doctors have no idea what they're doing. Any advice?

[Juventus17]

Also is there a chance I could be having withdrawals from klonopin or developing a tolerance. This is my log of taking it in the past 2-3 weeks:

5/15 1 x .5 klonopin

 

5/17 1 x .5 klonopin

 

5/22 12:25 PM 1 x .5 klonopin

5:03 PM 1 x .5 klonopin

 

5/26 9:24 PM 1 x .5 klonopin

 

5/27 12:21 AM 1 x .5 klonopin

 

Told I will be fired if I miss more days of work. Very nervous to lose my job

 

5/30 5:00 PM 1 x .5 klonopin

9:30 PM 1 x .5 klonopin

 

5/31 9:43 AM 1 x .5 klonopin

 

6/4 9:45 AM 1 x .5 klonopin

[Dan998]

You could try making your own solution - http://survivingantidepressants.org/index.php?/topic/2693-how-to-make-a-liquid-from-tablets-or-capsules/

[mammaP]

Juventus can you post your question about K in the benzo forum? The benzo experts will be able to tell you if you are needing a steady dose to stay stable. It is called interdose withdrawal rather than tolerance withdrawal. I'm not an expert on benzos but I am guessing that may be what is happening here. 

 

Link to benzo forum. http://survivingantidepressants.org/index.php?/forum/29-members-only-benzo-forum/

 

Start a thread there for your questions, like you have done here, and post your questions specifically about the K there, and update your progress here.

[Juventus17]

You could try making your own solution - http://survivingantidepressants.org/index.php?/topic/2693-how-to-make-a-liquid-from-tablets-or-capsules/

Thank you but I don't plan on tapering again until I'm stable for a while. That 5mg drop messed my month up.

[Juventus17]

Juventus can you post your question about K in the benzo forum? The benzo experts will be able to tell you if you are needing a steady dose to stay stable. It is called interdose withdrawal rather than tolerance withdrawal. I'm not an expert on benzos but I am guessing that may be what is happening here. 

 

Link to benzo forum. http://survivingantidepressants.org/index.php?/forum/29-members-only-benzo-forum/

 

Start a thread there for your questions, like you have done here, and post your questions specifically about the K there, and update your progress here.

Thank you. I asked there.

[Juventus17]

Sorry about the quadruple post. Stupid phone.

[Petunia]

Hi Juventus,

 

In my opinion, you are still experiencing destabilization from your too fast taper from lexapro, its going to take a little while before you re-stabilze back on 10mg. Because your nervous system is sensitized from this, you may be experiencing some rebound effect after taking Klonopin, when the effects wear off, but I don't see this as tolerance.

 

If I were you, I wouldn't take Klonopin at all, its not helping long term and it sounds like its not helping much short term either. Each time you do take it, its another change your nervous system has to adjust to, and its already struggling to adjust to all the recent lexapro changes.

 

So I'm finally starting to stabilize and just met with a psychiatrist. .... He said there's no other way to taper down from 10, that I can only go down to 5 ..... Any advice?

 

This is good, you are starting to stabilize, keep hanging in there, it will get better.

 

When you are ready to taper again, there are several ways you can reduce your dose gradually so that you can follow the 10% per month method we recommend here.  Here is our lexapro tapering topic with lots of helpful tips:

 

Tips for tapering off Lexapro (escitalopram)

 

Please don't consider tapering again for at least a month, two would be better and not until all your symptoms have subsided.

 

Petunia.

[Juventus17]

Hi Juventus,

 

In my opinion, you are still experiencing destabilization from your too fast taper from lexapro, its going to take a little while before you re-stabilze back on 10mg. Because your nervous system is sensitized from this, you may be experiencing some rebound effect after taking Klonopin, when the effects wear off, but I don't see this as tolerance.

 

If I were you, I wouldn't take Klonopin at all, its not helping long term and it sounds like its not helping much short term either. Each time you do take it, its another change your nervous system has to adjust to, and its already struggling to adjust to all the recent lexapro changes.

 

 

So I'm finally starting to stabilize and just met with a psychiatrist. .... He said there's no other way to taper down from 10, that I can only go down to 5 ..... Any advice?

 

 

This is good, you are starting to stabilize, keep hanging in there, it will get better.

 

When you are ready to taper again, there are several ways you can reduce your dose gradually so that you can follow the 10% per month method we recommend here.  Here is our lexapro tapering topic with lots of helpful tips:

 

Tips for tapering off Lexapro (escitalopram)

 

Please don't consider tapering again for at least a month, two would be better and not until all your symptoms have subsided.

 

Petunia.

Thank you. I'm very concerned I have some kind of irreversible brain damage since I was put on meds at 14 years old. It's driving me crazy and giving me thoughts of just giving up on life since I believe my brain is permanently damaged and is whats causing my bouts of severe anxiety that i get every 6-12 months. Is there hope for me? Is there any tests for checking for brain damage? I'm very anxious about this. Also, should I get tested for nutritional deficiencies and hormone levels in my blood?

[Juventus17]

Bump

[Juventus17]

Why am I still doing horrible after 3 weeks of reinstating? I don't understand. My life is falling apart.

[Juventus17]

I believe I am starting to have a mental breakdown. I haven't showered, I don't have an appetite or desire to do anything, nothing feels right or normal, I'm so weak, etc. I really don't want to be admitted into a psych ward again but I don't know where else to turn to. Why is this happening? Please help.

[Juventus17]

I went to the hospital again. They barely listened to me and just told me to take 20mg now instead of 10mg. What do you guys think I should do?

[Altostrata]

You said you were starting to stabilize on June 2; what has changed?

 

You are not having a mental breakdown, you have withdrawal syndrome.

 

It can take a lot longer than a few weeks to stabilize. Please read

 

What is withdrawal syndrome?

 

The Windows and Waves Pattern of Recovery

 

About reinstating and stabilizing to reduce withdrawal symptoms

 

This site exists because there is no simple fix for withdrawal syndrome and very few doctors or hospitals know anything about it. That psychiatrist, for example, is unaware Lexapro comes in a liquid form for tapering.

 

If you think you'd do better on a higher dose of Lexapro, you might try 12mg or 15mg rather than jumping up to 20mg. You will have less to taper later.

[Juventus17]

You said you were starting to stabilize on June 2; what has changed?

 

You are not having a mental breakdown, you have withdrawal syndrome.

 

It can take a lot longer than a few weeks to stabilize. Please read

 

What is withdrawal syndrome?

 

The Windows and Waves Pattern of Recovery

 

About reinstating and stabilizing to reduce withdrawal symptoms

 

This site exists because there is no simple fix for withdrawal syndrome and very few doctors or hospitals know anything about it. That psychiatrist, for example, is unaware Lexapro comes in a liquid form for tapering.

 

If you think you'd do better on a higher dose of Lexapro, you might try 12mg or 15mg rather than jumping up to 20mg. You will have less to taper later.

Yes I was starting to feel like myself again Sunday afternoon up until Tuesday night. I had Vietnamese food and ate way too much. I started feeling a bit of anxiety but then I had a really stressful day at work on Wednesday and the anxiety was back stronger. It just got worse from there and took me over. Started getting a really bad discomfort in my chest. Horrible, negative, depressive thoughts. Such a strong feeling of anxiety and hopelessness. Just haven't been myself whatsoever. Also have been missing work because I'm just not able to function. I feel weak with no desire. I also lost 10 lbs in the past month. Is there vitamins I can take while on Lexapro that can help? I'm really worried about interactions.

[Altostrata]

Please read the links I gave you above.

 

There is no quick or easy fix for withdrawal syndrome. You are fortunate that updosing has worked somewhat.

 

Many people do better with fish oil and magnesium supplements, see
http://survivingantidepressants.org/index.php?/topic/36-king-of-supplements-omega-3-fatty-acids-fish-oil/
http://survivingantidepressants.org/index.php?/topic/1300-magnesium-natures-calcium-channel-blocker/
 

[Juventus17]

I've been doing horrible lately. I didn't sleep last night and 2 nights ago as well. I saw a psychiatrist today and she wrote me a prescription for Seroquel (an antipsychotic) so I can sleep. Does that make any sense? 2 nights that I couldn't sleep and now I need to be on an antipsychotic? Are these psychiatrists serious? These people along with the pharmaceutical companies and the FDA need to all be arrested and put in jail for crimes against humanity. I don't know what to do. Where do I turn to?

[Juventus17]

I don't see people fully recovering from these disastrous drugs. I firmly believe my brain has been damaged from being put on antidepressants at such a young age. I can't deal with this anxiety. I already lost my job because I can't work. I am now thinking heavily about suicide. What's the point of living if I'll never get through this?

[Altostrata]

People do recover but you can convince yourself you will not recover -- and you can convince yourself you still feel bad.

 

Doctors think Seroquel is good for sleep. It is quite a serious antipsychotic that will require tapering.

 

If you go to a psychiatrist and beg for help, 99 times out of 100, you will get a prescription.

 

Please update your signature with the information about your reinstating 10mg Lexapro in May.

 

Your brain and nervous system have accommodated themselves to the drugs, but they are not damaged. They can adjust to life without them, but your tapering will have to be very gradual to allow your nervous system to adjust.

 

You are having typical withdrawal symptoms. See Important topics about symptoms, including sleep problems

 

 

I took your advice and went back up to 10mg Lexapro either 3 or 4 days ago. I felt like I was starting to make some progress with my anxiety. Today, I just woke up feeling horrible though. Super anxious with a tight chest, racing thoughts,etc. I'm so dissapointed as I thought I was starting to stabilize. I feel completely helpless and I don't know what to do. How do you feel about my response about the benzo?

 

 

 

You said you were starting to stabilize on June 2; what has changed?

 

You are not having a mental breakdown, you have withdrawal syndrome.

 

It can take a lot longer than a few weeks to stabilize. Please read

 

What is withdrawal syndrome?

 

The Windows and Waves Pattern of Recovery

 

About reinstating and stabilizing to reduce withdrawal symptoms

 

This site exists because there is no simple fix for withdrawal syndrome and very few doctors or hospitals know anything about it. That psychiatrist, for example, is unaware Lexapro comes in a liquid form for tapering.

 

If you think you'd do better on a higher dose of Lexapro, you might try 12mg or 15mg rather than jumping up to 20mg. You will have less to taper later.

 

 

Please read the links I gave you above.

 

There is no quick or easy fix for withdrawal syndrome. You are fortunate that updosing has worked somewhat.

 

Many people do better with fish oil and magnesium supplements, see
http://survivingantidepressants.org/index.php?/topic/36-king-of-supplements-omega-3-fatty-acids-fish-oil/
http://survivingantidepressants.org/index.php?/topic/1300-magnesium-natures-calcium-channel-blocker/
 

 

How much do you sleep at night? What is your daily symptom pattern? When do you take Lexapro?

[Juventus17]

People do recover but you can convince yourself you will not recover -- and you can convince yourself you still feel bad.

 

Doctors think Seroquel is good for sleep. It is quite a serious antipsychotic that will require tapering.

 

If you go to a psychiatrist and beg for help, 99 times out of 100, you will get a prescription.

 

Please update your signature with the information about your reinstating 10mg Lexapro in May.

 

 

Your brain and nervous system have accommodated themselves to the drugs, but they are not damaged. They can adjust to life without them, but your tapering will have to be very gradual to allow your nervous system to adjust.

 

You are having typical withdrawal symptoms. See Important topics about symptoms, including sleep problems

 

 

 

I took your advice and went back up to 10mg Lexapro either 3 or 4 days ago. I felt like I was starting to make some progress with my anxiety. Today, I just woke up feeling horrible though. Super anxious with a tight chest, racing thoughts,etc. I'm so dissapointed as I thought I was starting to stabilize. I feel completely helpless and I don't know what to do. How do you feel about my response about the benzo?

 

 

 

You said you were starting to stabilize on June 2; what has changed?

 

You are not having a mental breakdown, you have withdrawal syndrome.

 

It can take a lot longer than a few weeks to stabilize. Please read

 

What is withdrawal syndrome?

 

The Windows and Waves Pattern of Recovery

 

About reinstating and stabilizing to reduce withdrawal symptoms

 

This site exists because there is no simple fix for withdrawal syndrome and very few doctors or hospitals know anything about it. That psychiatrist, for example, is unaware Lexapro comes in a liquid form for tapering.

 

If you think you'd do better on a higher dose of Lexapro, you might try 12mg or 15mg rather than jumping up to 20mg. You will have less to taper later.

 

 

 

Please read the links I gave you above.

 

There is no quick or easy fix for withdrawal syndrome. You are fortunate that updosing has worked somewhat.

 

Many people do better with fish oil and magnesium supplements, seehttp://survivingantidepressants.org/index.php?/topic/36-king-of-supplements-omega-3-fatty-acids-fish-oil/http://survivingantidepressants.org/index.php?/topic/1300-magnesium-natures-calcium-channel-blocker/

 

 

How much do you sleep at night? What is your daily symptom pattern? When do you take Lexapro?

I usually sleep anywhere from 6-8 hours. I've been waking up with bad anxiety and dread almost every morning since my withdrawal. It eventually subsides a little bit but returns again throughout the day. That includes anxiety, sadness, crying spells, very depressing, morbid thoughts, hopelessness, lack of appetite. I've been too anxious and depressed to go to work or the gym. I take it around 12pm daily.

[Petunia]

Six to eight hours of sleep a night is good, you can be happy about that, it will be helping your recovery. Symptoms are often worse in the mornings, its related to the daily cortisol cycle, you will find more details in this discussion:

Waking with panic or anxiety -- managing cortisol spikes ...

I'm thinking that the reason you are having increased symptoms is that you have been jumping around with your dose and haven't given your NS chance to stabilize. It looks like you were ok at 10mg until you did a 50% cut in May, then went back up to 10mg and up again to 15mg.

 

We recommend making changes of no more than 10% of the current dose, this reduces the risk of symptoms arising, each large change further destabilizes the nervous system. Please read through:

 

The rule of 3KIS: Keep it simple. Keep it slow. Keep it stable.

 

It may take a while before you stabilize again, possibly several months.  Keep notes of your symptoms to see if you are improving, staying the same or getting worse.  Once you have stabilized you can begin a proper, slow taper using the 10% method. See:

 

 Why Taper By 10% of My Dosage?

 

Tips for tapering off Lexapro (escitalopram)

 

If I were you I would give it a couple of weeks and then evaluate if you think you are starting to stabilize, it may be that 15mg is now too much for you.

 

Are you still taking Klonopin?

Are you taking the seroquel your doctor gave you?

 

Please carefully read through the links we have posted for you, it will help you understand what's going on and how to manage tapering and withdrawal.

 

You need to slow down and stop making large changes

[Juventus17]

Six to eight hours of sleep a night is good, you can be happy about that, it will be helping your recovery. Symptoms are often worse in the mornings, its related to the daily cortisol cycle, you will find more details in this discussion: Waking with panic or anxiety -- managing cortisol spikes ...

I'm thinking that the reason you are having increased symptoms is that you have been jumping around with your dose and haven't given your NS chance to stabilize. It looks like you were ok at 10mg until you did a 50% cut in May, then went back up to 10mg and up again to 15mg.

 

We recommend making changes of no more than 10% of the current dose, this reduces the risk of symptoms arising, each large change further destabilizes the nervous system. Please read through:

The rule of 3KIS: Keep it simple. Keep it slow. Keep it stable.

 

It may take a while before you stabilize again, possibly several months. Keep notes of your symptoms to see if you are improving, staying the same or getting worse. Once you have stabilized you can begin a proper, slow taper using the 10% method. See:

 

Why Taper By 10% of My Dosage?

 

Tips for tapering off Lexapro (escitalopram)

 

If I were you I would give it a couple of weeks and then evaluate if you think you are starting to stabilize, it may be that 15mg is now too much for you.

 

Are you still taking Klonopin?

Are you taking the seroquel your doctor gave you?

 

Please carefully read through the links we have posted for you, it will help you understand what's going on and how to manage tapering and withdrawal.

 

You need to slow down and stop making large changes

Thank you for all the information but it may take MONTHS before I'm stabilized? I don't know how much more of this anxiety and dread I can take. I've never felt so horrible in my life. I'm losing weight like crazy too. I've lost 12lbs in a month and already lost my job and can't see myself working feeling like this. I stopped taking klonopin and I see no reason to start taking another dangerous drug like Seroquel. I'm not bipolar or schizophrenic. The more days that go by, the more I feel that I don't want to live anymore. My thoughts are getting more and more negative and dark. It's so unlike me. I was never like this which scares me even more.

[Petunia]

I know how difficult it can be, I've been through it myself and I'm still not completely well. Recovery can take quite a long time for some people. We don't recommend starting new drugs, to treat withdrawal syndrome, it rarely works and often makes a bad situation worse. Time, minimizing stress and doing the best you can to take care of yourself is what works, the symptoms start to settle down eventually.

 

I'm sorry I don't have an easy solution, but if you follow the advice in the links we have posted, you will start to recover. Please re-read the topic on reinstatement, it will help you to decide if 15mg is too high a dose for you to be taking now. Once your nervous system becomes sensitized by withdrawal, any drug can have a paradoxical reaction.

 

I tried reinstating a very small amount of lexapro after being off for over 2 years and it made me much worse. I also tried starting a new drug and that too made me worse and caused suicidal feelings, which I had never experienced before.

 

Unfortunately, there are no quick fixes for withdrawal syndrome.

[Juventus17]

Hi everyone. I had a window that lasted about 8 or 9 days. I was feeling better but nowhere near 100%. My symptoms have returned and I'm starting to lose hope. I can't keep going through this. I've already lost my job and I feel so weak and tired all the time. I have no energy to do anything and this anxiety is driving me insane. I don't see a point to continue living as the symptoms will return again anyways. I have been robbed of a normal life without even having the choice to take antidepressants. Nobody understands me. My family wants to take me to the psychiatric hospital because they think it will fix me. That's the mistake they made which resulted in me being medicated at 14 years old. I was never suicidal in my life and now I'm suicidal (although I could never actually go through with it). I'm weeping like a little boy and having horrible dread and anxiety. If my brain and CNS are damaged, which I believe they are, then tell me what is the point to go on anymore? Can it be possible that I'm still going through withdrawal after 2 months of reinstating? I don't understand. I'm trapped because nobody understands me including psychiatrist who just want to keep trying more and new drugs. Most of you guys here on this forum weren't put on medication as a child or adolescent so it's even harder for me to know if I'm permanently damaged or not. Please help because I don't know how much more I can take until I do something stupid.

[Altostrata]

Very sorry to hear that. Yes, withdrawal syndrome can be very, very difficult.

 

Since June, have your symptoms gotten better or worse? Did they improve after your increase to 15mg? How long have you been on 15mg?

 

Yes, it can take some time for your nervous system to settle down after reinstatement. See The Windows and Waves Pattern of Recovery

 

Please do your best to stay calm. This condition not only causes people to despair, it exaggerates the blackness of despair. If you talk about suicide to your parents, doctors, or other authorities, you may find yourself in the hospital, where it's likely they will not recognize you have withdrawal syndrome and will put you on a drug cocktail.

 

Are you older than 18? Do you live with your parents?

[LoveandLight]

So sorry Juventus. I was put on when 17 and now 32 I have no idea what I'm like normal without WD and without the meds. I understand. I'm sorry I can't be much help.

[Juventus17]

Very sorry to hear that. Yes, withdrawal syndrome can be very, very difficult.

 

Since June, have your symptoms gotten better or worse? Did they improve after your increase to 15mg? How long have you been on 15mg?

 

Yes, it can take some time for your nervous system to settle down after reinstatement. See The Windows and Waves Pattern of Recovery

 

Please do your best to stay calm. This condition not only causes people to despair, it exaggerates the blackness of despair. If you talk about suicide to your parents, doctors, or other authorities, you may find yourself in the hospital, where it's likely they will not recognize you have withdrawal syndrome and will put you on a drug cocktail.

 

Are you older than 18? Do you live with your parents?

I've been on 15mg for a month or so. I have not gotten better. A week in a half to 2 weeks ago I had the most disturbing thoughts, and those thoughts are starting to come back. I am 22 and I live with my parents and younger sister. They're a great support but they don't understand besides my sister who's only 17. They think I could just keep trying different drugs until I find the "right one". I kept trying to explain that these drugs never worked for me and that they ruin peoples lives. I try explaining the disgusting pharmaceutical industry responsible for the madness in this country. They don't listen. They see these psychiatrists who only know how to use a prescription pad as real, trustworthy doctors. I don't know where to turn to.

[Altostrata]

Do not argue with your family, it will make the situation more stressful for you.

 

I am sorry you're in this difficult position where you cannot rely on your family for help, but that is what a lot of us find out.

 

You are old enough to make your own decisions, including not seeing a psychiatrist. You can do this.

 

Do you have any other symptoms? Do they have a daily pattern? What time of day do you take Lexapro? How are you sleeping?

[Juventus17]

Do not argue with your family, it will make the situation more stressful for you.

 

I am sorry you're in this difficult position where you cannot rely on your family for help, but that is what a lot of us find out.

 

You are old enough to make your own decisions, including not seeing a psychiatrist. You can do this.

 

Do you have any other symptoms? Do they have a daily pattern? What time of day do you take Lexapro? How are you sleeping?

I know it's just so frustrating when nobody around you understands or listens. My symptoms are extreme anxiety, morbid thoughts, always feeling fatigued, headaches (this could be from my bad LASIK surgery which made my light sensitivity and night vision horrible), feeling like crying, and lack of appetite. I take it anywhere from 12pm to 2pm. When it's really bad like it has been, it's hard for me to fall asleep. 2 nights ago, I slept probably a half hour at most.

[Altostrata]

Very few of us have been fortunate enough to have family members who are understanding and supportive.
 
Please take the Lexapro at the same time each day. This helps figure out the symptoms.
 
See

TV or computer use in evening can disrupt sleep

Light-sensitive? Try blocking out blue light

Sleep problems - that awful withdrawal insomnia

Non-drug techniques to cope with emotional symptoms

 

and other topics in the Symptoms and Self-Care forum.

[nz11]

Sorry Juventus that you are in this most difficult place.

 

You will have to just let comments from family be water off a ducks back because no non-drugged brain could ever understand this and that goes for doctors as well they havent got a clue what this is like.

 

It can take several months to stabilise.

Wishing you strength and patience

[direstraits]

I'd like to know why a 14 year old was given paxil?!

 

what the hell is going on in this country?

 

so sorry you're going through this.