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Blondiee1915: 3 months off lexapro - does it get better?


Blondiee1915

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  • Mentor

i'm doing ok, oh dear, I hope you reconsider going back up that high!

 

lexapro is such a strong drug, I really think if you can stick it up and maybe back off the xanax you'd be ok. But It's totally up to you of course.

 

I remember the balance problems and dizziness that I had and I believe that cutting sugar and coffee out of my diet helped a lot.

(I have gone on and off and cut doses and upped doses way too many times, and there was one time that I had the falling over feeling a lot) anyway It did not last very long, and there were things I could do that would help.

 

I worry for you because there's no guarantee that increasing your dose is going to help at all and It's got the potential to make things a lot worse

 

  • pysch med history: 1974 @ age 18 to Oct 2017 (approx 43 yrs total) 
  •  Drug list: stelazine, haldol, elavil, lithium, zoloft, celexa, lexapro(doses as high as 40mgs), klonopin, ambien, seroquel(high doses), depakote, zyprexa, lamictal- plus brief trials of dozens of other psych meds over the years
  • started lexapro 2002, dose varied from 20mgs to 40mgs. First attempt to get off it was 2007- WD symptoms were mistaken for "relapse". 
  •  2013 too fast taper down to 5mg but WD forced me back to 20mgs
  •  June of 2105, tapered again too rapidly to 2.5mgs by Dec 2015. Found SA, held at 2.5 mgs til May 2016 when I foolishly "jumped off". felt ok until  Sept, then acute WD hit!!  reinstated at 0.3mgs in Oct. 2106
  • Tapered off to zero by  Oct. 2017 Doing very well. 
  • Nov. 2018 feel 95% healed, age 63 
  • Jan. 2020 feel 100% healed, peaceful and content
  • Dec 2023 Loving life! ❤️ with all it's ups and downs ;) 
Link to comment

I took 5 mg tonight.  I just want to feel a bit better.  I am sorry I am not listening I am really between a wall and a hard rock 

04/10 Luvox 25 mg PM, Nortriptyline 1 mg PM

03/08/19: Buspar 2.5 mg AM, 5 mg PM

01/01/19: Xanax 0.125 AM 5 times a week. Occasionally, 0.125 twice a day AM & noon

12/18 Armour Thyroid 60 mg (for hypothyroidism) 

 

Supplements: B Complex, B12 (adeno), multi-vitamin, D, Adrenal Cortex, iron

  • Lexapro 20 mg 2007 - 2013 with various attempts to stop
  • 2013 found a new Dr and started trying other meds: Prozac, Notryptoline, Effexor, Buspar, Gabapentin, Paxil, Nardil
  • Lexapro 15 mg 2015 - 04/2016
  • Vibryiid 10 - 15mg 05/16-06/16 
  • NO MEDS 07/16 - 10/31/16
  • Reinstated 10/31/16 at 2.5 mg lexapro, increased to 5 mg   
  • 1/13/17 switched to Luvox 50 mg before bed
  • 1/20/17 Luvox 37.5 mg PM
  • 12/18 Luvox 10 mg PM, Nortriptyline 2 mg (started Nortriptyline 06/17 at 10 mg)
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  • Mentor

(((Blondie))) I hope and pray that this works out ok for you.

and I understand, I really do.

I cannot imagine trying to hold down a job while going thru all this

 

I will keep you in my thoughts

 

  • pysch med history: 1974 @ age 18 to Oct 2017 (approx 43 yrs total) 
  •  Drug list: stelazine, haldol, elavil, lithium, zoloft, celexa, lexapro(doses as high as 40mgs), klonopin, ambien, seroquel(high doses), depakote, zyprexa, lamictal- plus brief trials of dozens of other psych meds over the years
  • started lexapro 2002, dose varied from 20mgs to 40mgs. First attempt to get off it was 2007- WD symptoms were mistaken for "relapse". 
  •  2013 too fast taper down to 5mg but WD forced me back to 20mgs
  •  June of 2105, tapered again too rapidly to 2.5mgs by Dec 2015. Found SA, held at 2.5 mgs til May 2016 when I foolishly "jumped off". felt ok until  Sept, then acute WD hit!!  reinstated at 0.3mgs in Oct. 2106
  • Tapered off to zero by  Oct. 2017 Doing very well. 
  • Nov. 2018 feel 95% healed, age 63 
  • Jan. 2020 feel 100% healed, peaceful and content
  • Dec 2023 Loving life! ❤️ with all it's ups and downs ;) 
Link to comment

Me too. You are in my prayer!

I'm too stuck while still trying not to give up my job. I know how hard it is.

Drug free Sep. 23 2017

2009 Mar.: lexapro 10mg for headache for 2 weeks.

2009-2012: on and off 1/4 to 1/3 of 10mg

2012 June--2013 Jan,: 1/4-1/3 of 10mg generic, bad jaw pain

2013 Jan-Mar: 10 mg generic. severe jaw and head pain;

2013 Mar--Aug. started tapering (liquid ever since) from 10 to 5 (one step) then gradually down to 2.25 mg by July. first ever panic attack, severe head/jaw pain

2013 Aug.: back to 2.75 mg; Nov: back to Brand Lex. 2.75mg -- 3mg,

2014 June: stopped PPI, head pressure/numbness. up-dosed 4.5mg, severe reaction mental symptoms added on

2014 Aug--2015 Aug: Micro taper down to 3.2mg, .025mg (<1%) cut holding 2-3 weeks.

2015 Aug 15th, Accidental one dose of 4.2mg. worsening brain non-functional, swollen head, body, coma like, DR

2016 Feb., started dosing 10am through 11 pm everyday 2/13--3.2mg, 3/15-- 2.9mg, 4/19-- 2.6mg, 6/26--2.2mg, 7/22 --1.9mg, 8/16--1.8mg,8/31--1.7m g, 9/13--1.6mg, 9/27--1.5mg, 10/8--1.4mg, 10/14--1.3mg, 11/1--1.2mg, 11/29--1.1mg, 12/12--1mg, 12/22--0.9mg

2017: 1/7--0.8mg, 1/15--0.7mg, 1/17--0.6mg, 1/20--0.52, 1/21--0.4mg, 1/22--0.26, 1/23--0.2, 2/13--0.13mg, 2/20--0.06mg, 3/18--0.13mg, 6/1--0.12mg, 7/6--0.1mg, 7/14--0.08mg, 8/17--0.04mg, 8/20--0.03mg, 8/28--0.02mg, 9/6--0.0205mg, 9/8--0.02mg, 9/17--0.015mg, 9/20--0.01mg, 9/21--0.0048mg, 9/22--0.0001mg,

Link to comment

Thank you I am trying here.  I woke up with headache and intense nausea at 5 am, tried to go back to bed.  Woke up at 8 feeling better.  Some slight nausea but tolerable.  I am going to try to stick to 5 mg and see how I do.  I have high hopes for 5 mg if i can only function and stabilize on this for few months then i can start a VERY SLOW taper.  

 

LexAnger - how are you doing with work.  Do you have any coping techniques?  I have to stare at the computer all day and it gets tough.  I try to get up walk to the bathroom drink plenty of water and talk to co-workers working near by.  But it is so difficult concentrating and working 

04/10 Luvox 25 mg PM, Nortriptyline 1 mg PM

03/08/19: Buspar 2.5 mg AM, 5 mg PM

01/01/19: Xanax 0.125 AM 5 times a week. Occasionally, 0.125 twice a day AM & noon

12/18 Armour Thyroid 60 mg (for hypothyroidism) 

 

Supplements: B Complex, B12 (adeno), multi-vitamin, D, Adrenal Cortex, iron

  • Lexapro 20 mg 2007 - 2013 with various attempts to stop
  • 2013 found a new Dr and started trying other meds: Prozac, Notryptoline, Effexor, Buspar, Gabapentin, Paxil, Nardil
  • Lexapro 15 mg 2015 - 04/2016
  • Vibryiid 10 - 15mg 05/16-06/16 
  • NO MEDS 07/16 - 10/31/16
  • Reinstated 10/31/16 at 2.5 mg lexapro, increased to 5 mg   
  • 1/13/17 switched to Luvox 50 mg before bed
  • 1/20/17 Luvox 37.5 mg PM
  • 12/18 Luvox 10 mg PM, Nortriptyline 2 mg (started Nortriptyline 06/17 at 10 mg)
Link to comment

Hi Nancy I tried. After withdrawing completely for the next two months I steadily went to yoga and started running but when depersonalization detachments this intense fear and racing thoughts kicked in month 3 I could not anymore . I had to take days off work I was terrified to walk my dog . After reinstating at 2.5 I went to work a tiny bit better but it is still very tough to get they the day forget getting to the gym .

04/10 Luvox 25 mg PM, Nortriptyline 1 mg PM

03/08/19: Buspar 2.5 mg AM, 5 mg PM

01/01/19: Xanax 0.125 AM 5 times a week. Occasionally, 0.125 twice a day AM & noon

12/18 Armour Thyroid 60 mg (for hypothyroidism) 

 

Supplements: B Complex, B12 (adeno), multi-vitamin, D, Adrenal Cortex, iron

  • Lexapro 20 mg 2007 - 2013 with various attempts to stop
  • 2013 found a new Dr and started trying other meds: Prozac, Notryptoline, Effexor, Buspar, Gabapentin, Paxil, Nardil
  • Lexapro 15 mg 2015 - 04/2016
  • Vibryiid 10 - 15mg 05/16-06/16 
  • NO MEDS 07/16 - 10/31/16
  • Reinstated 10/31/16 at 2.5 mg lexapro, increased to 5 mg   
  • 1/13/17 switched to Luvox 50 mg before bed
  • 1/20/17 Luvox 37.5 mg PM
  • 12/18 Luvox 10 mg PM, Nortriptyline 2 mg (started Nortriptyline 06/17 at 10 mg)
Link to comment
  • Moderator Emeritus

You may find this discussion topic informative: After reinstating or updosing, how long to stabilize?

This is not medical advice. Discuss any decisions about your medical care with a knowledgeable medical practitioner.
1997-1999 Effexor; 2002-2005 Effexor XR 37.5 mg linear taper, dropping same #beads/week with bad results

Cymbalta 60 mg 2012 - 2015; 2016: 20 mg to 7 mg exact doses and dates in this post; 2017: 6.3 mg to  0.0 mg  Aug. 12; details here


scallywag's Introduction
Online spreadsheet for dose taper calculations and nz11's THE WORKS spreadsheet

Link to comment

I've been working from home for most of my WD years. I wouldn't keep the job otherwise. I used to have mainly physical symptoms so kind of Abel to manage the work, but since the mental disjunction started this year, it had been very difficult. I cath up work whenever I can, evenings, weekends as most of my mornings are brain dead or in too much pain and distress. One thing kind of interesting or strange, that even the brain is so dead and I can barely walk around or hold a thought, my subconscious seems still can get things done, super slowly.

 

In the past 10 days since I dropped under 1.2 mg, the confusion, total shut down, cloudiness got too severe, I'm not able to push anything anymore so if this won't improve soon, I have to go for disability.

Drug free Sep. 23 2017

2009 Mar.: lexapro 10mg for headache for 2 weeks.

2009-2012: on and off 1/4 to 1/3 of 10mg

2012 June--2013 Jan,: 1/4-1/3 of 10mg generic, bad jaw pain

2013 Jan-Mar: 10 mg generic. severe jaw and head pain;

2013 Mar--Aug. started tapering (liquid ever since) from 10 to 5 (one step) then gradually down to 2.25 mg by July. first ever panic attack, severe head/jaw pain

2013 Aug.: back to 2.75 mg; Nov: back to Brand Lex. 2.75mg -- 3mg,

2014 June: stopped PPI, head pressure/numbness. up-dosed 4.5mg, severe reaction mental symptoms added on

2014 Aug--2015 Aug: Micro taper down to 3.2mg, .025mg (<1%) cut holding 2-3 weeks.

2015 Aug 15th, Accidental one dose of 4.2mg. worsening brain non-functional, swollen head, body, coma like, DR

2016 Feb., started dosing 10am through 11 pm everyday 2/13--3.2mg, 3/15-- 2.9mg, 4/19-- 2.6mg, 6/26--2.2mg, 7/22 --1.9mg, 8/16--1.8mg,8/31--1.7m g, 9/13--1.6mg, 9/27--1.5mg, 10/8--1.4mg, 10/14--1.3mg, 11/1--1.2mg, 11/29--1.1mg, 12/12--1mg, 12/22--0.9mg

2017: 1/7--0.8mg, 1/15--0.7mg, 1/17--0.6mg, 1/20--0.52, 1/21--0.4mg, 1/22--0.26, 1/23--0.2, 2/13--0.13mg, 2/20--0.06mg, 3/18--0.13mg, 6/1--0.12mg, 7/6--0.1mg, 7/14--0.08mg, 8/17--0.04mg, 8/20--0.03mg, 8/28--0.02mg, 9/6--0.0205mg, 9/8--0.02mg, 9/17--0.015mg, 9/20--0.01mg, 9/21--0.0048mg, 9/22--0.0001mg,

Link to comment

LexAnger, wow that is alot to handle.  I really hope you will improve.  Are you taking any vitamins, exercising?  And I assume you had all the possible medical tests done to rule out anything else?  I also have brain fog, difficulty concentrating, cannot form some of the sentences and writing e-mails at work can be challenging.  I really hope with 5 mg of lexapro it will get better. 

04/10 Luvox 25 mg PM, Nortriptyline 1 mg PM

03/08/19: Buspar 2.5 mg AM, 5 mg PM

01/01/19: Xanax 0.125 AM 5 times a week. Occasionally, 0.125 twice a day AM & noon

12/18 Armour Thyroid 60 mg (for hypothyroidism) 

 

Supplements: B Complex, B12 (adeno), multi-vitamin, D, Adrenal Cortex, iron

  • Lexapro 20 mg 2007 - 2013 with various attempts to stop
  • 2013 found a new Dr and started trying other meds: Prozac, Notryptoline, Effexor, Buspar, Gabapentin, Paxil, Nardil
  • Lexapro 15 mg 2015 - 04/2016
  • Vibryiid 10 - 15mg 05/16-06/16 
  • NO MEDS 07/16 - 10/31/16
  • Reinstated 10/31/16 at 2.5 mg lexapro, increased to 5 mg   
  • 1/13/17 switched to Luvox 50 mg before bed
  • 1/20/17 Luvox 37.5 mg PM
  • 12/18 Luvox 10 mg PM, Nortriptyline 2 mg (started Nortriptyline 06/17 at 10 mg)
Link to comment

It is indeed. It took every bit of my strength both physically and mentally to maintain day by day and hour by hour.

I forgot to mention, that my work is on computers too meetings and emails are major work I do. I stopped getting tests as I learned for years that almost every single symptoms are caused by this drug. They comes and goes in minutes and when I'm in a window, all can be gone completely.

 

I really hope the reinstate works for you!

Drug free Sep. 23 2017

2009 Mar.: lexapro 10mg for headache for 2 weeks.

2009-2012: on and off 1/4 to 1/3 of 10mg

2012 June--2013 Jan,: 1/4-1/3 of 10mg generic, bad jaw pain

2013 Jan-Mar: 10 mg generic. severe jaw and head pain;

2013 Mar--Aug. started tapering (liquid ever since) from 10 to 5 (one step) then gradually down to 2.25 mg by July. first ever panic attack, severe head/jaw pain

2013 Aug.: back to 2.75 mg; Nov: back to Brand Lex. 2.75mg -- 3mg,

2014 June: stopped PPI, head pressure/numbness. up-dosed 4.5mg, severe reaction mental symptoms added on

2014 Aug--2015 Aug: Micro taper down to 3.2mg, .025mg (<1%) cut holding 2-3 weeks.

2015 Aug 15th, Accidental one dose of 4.2mg. worsening brain non-functional, swollen head, body, coma like, DR

2016 Feb., started dosing 10am through 11 pm everyday 2/13--3.2mg, 3/15-- 2.9mg, 4/19-- 2.6mg, 6/26--2.2mg, 7/22 --1.9mg, 8/16--1.8mg,8/31--1.7m g, 9/13--1.6mg, 9/27--1.5mg, 10/8--1.4mg, 10/14--1.3mg, 11/1--1.2mg, 11/29--1.1mg, 12/12--1mg, 12/22--0.9mg

2017: 1/7--0.8mg, 1/15--0.7mg, 1/17--0.6mg, 1/20--0.52, 1/21--0.4mg, 1/22--0.26, 1/23--0.2, 2/13--0.13mg, 2/20--0.06mg, 3/18--0.13mg, 6/1--0.12mg, 7/6--0.1mg, 7/14--0.08mg, 8/17--0.04mg, 8/20--0.03mg, 8/28--0.02mg, 9/6--0.0205mg, 9/8--0.02mg, 9/17--0.015mg, 9/20--0.01mg, 9/21--0.0048mg, 9/22--0.0001mg,

Link to comment

Oh, I had severe reaction to vitamin B and D and really everything artificial, so I stopped taking anything but this evil drug.

I have been spending hours in gym every evening ( always feel better in evening when I can get out of the house) for years even I feel very ill and off, as that always helps.

 

Recently I had to skip gym as I just couldn't lift myself up to get out.

Drug free Sep. 23 2017

2009 Mar.: lexapro 10mg for headache for 2 weeks.

2009-2012: on and off 1/4 to 1/3 of 10mg

2012 June--2013 Jan,: 1/4-1/3 of 10mg generic, bad jaw pain

2013 Jan-Mar: 10 mg generic. severe jaw and head pain;

2013 Mar--Aug. started tapering (liquid ever since) from 10 to 5 (one step) then gradually down to 2.25 mg by July. first ever panic attack, severe head/jaw pain

2013 Aug.: back to 2.75 mg; Nov: back to Brand Lex. 2.75mg -- 3mg,

2014 June: stopped PPI, head pressure/numbness. up-dosed 4.5mg, severe reaction mental symptoms added on

2014 Aug--2015 Aug: Micro taper down to 3.2mg, .025mg (<1%) cut holding 2-3 weeks.

2015 Aug 15th, Accidental one dose of 4.2mg. worsening brain non-functional, swollen head, body, coma like, DR

2016 Feb., started dosing 10am through 11 pm everyday 2/13--3.2mg, 3/15-- 2.9mg, 4/19-- 2.6mg, 6/26--2.2mg, 7/22 --1.9mg, 8/16--1.8mg,8/31--1.7m g, 9/13--1.6mg, 9/27--1.5mg, 10/8--1.4mg, 10/14--1.3mg, 11/1--1.2mg, 11/29--1.1mg, 12/12--1mg, 12/22--0.9mg

2017: 1/7--0.8mg, 1/15--0.7mg, 1/17--0.6mg, 1/20--0.52, 1/21--0.4mg, 1/22--0.26, 1/23--0.2, 2/13--0.13mg, 2/20--0.06mg, 3/18--0.13mg, 6/1--0.12mg, 7/6--0.1mg, 7/14--0.08mg, 8/17--0.04mg, 8/20--0.03mg, 8/28--0.02mg, 9/6--0.0205mg, 9/8--0.02mg, 9/17--0.015mg, 9/20--0.01mg, 9/21--0.0048mg, 9/22--0.0001mg,

Link to comment

LexAnger - your nervous system must be so sensitive then.  I really hope you start feeling better.  I also feel better in the evenings in the am and afternoons my anxiety is the highest.  I am so surprised you were prescribed SSRI for a  headache, that is terrible.  In my case I was prescribed lexapro due to few panic attacks in college.  Before that I was very outgoing, happy, chipper person.  Now I barely get out.  I honestly think that lexapro caused me apathy and sadness.  

04/10 Luvox 25 mg PM, Nortriptyline 1 mg PM

03/08/19: Buspar 2.5 mg AM, 5 mg PM

01/01/19: Xanax 0.125 AM 5 times a week. Occasionally, 0.125 twice a day AM & noon

12/18 Armour Thyroid 60 mg (for hypothyroidism) 

 

Supplements: B Complex, B12 (adeno), multi-vitamin, D, Adrenal Cortex, iron

  • Lexapro 20 mg 2007 - 2013 with various attempts to stop
  • 2013 found a new Dr and started trying other meds: Prozac, Notryptoline, Effexor, Buspar, Gabapentin, Paxil, Nardil
  • Lexapro 15 mg 2015 - 04/2016
  • Vibryiid 10 - 15mg 05/16-06/16 
  • NO MEDS 07/16 - 10/31/16
  • Reinstated 10/31/16 at 2.5 mg lexapro, increased to 5 mg   
  • 1/13/17 switched to Luvox 50 mg before bed
  • 1/20/17 Luvox 37.5 mg PM
  • 12/18 Luvox 10 mg PM, Nortriptyline 2 mg (started Nortriptyline 06/17 at 10 mg)
Link to comment

Day 2 on 5 mg reinstatement: anxiety in am, loopy, woke up in the middle of the night and could not fall asleep for about an hour, dizzy, off balance, DP/DR seems better. Some mild nausea and loss of appetite, not too bad, slight headache.  Body aches much better also.  Feeling optimistic hoping this will work for now.  

04/10 Luvox 25 mg PM, Nortriptyline 1 mg PM

03/08/19: Buspar 2.5 mg AM, 5 mg PM

01/01/19: Xanax 0.125 AM 5 times a week. Occasionally, 0.125 twice a day AM & noon

12/18 Armour Thyroid 60 mg (for hypothyroidism) 

 

Supplements: B Complex, B12 (adeno), multi-vitamin, D, Adrenal Cortex, iron

  • Lexapro 20 mg 2007 - 2013 with various attempts to stop
  • 2013 found a new Dr and started trying other meds: Prozac, Notryptoline, Effexor, Buspar, Gabapentin, Paxil, Nardil
  • Lexapro 15 mg 2015 - 04/2016
  • Vibryiid 10 - 15mg 05/16-06/16 
  • NO MEDS 07/16 - 10/31/16
  • Reinstated 10/31/16 at 2.5 mg lexapro, increased to 5 mg   
  • 1/13/17 switched to Luvox 50 mg before bed
  • 1/20/17 Luvox 37.5 mg PM
  • 12/18 Luvox 10 mg PM, Nortriptyline 2 mg (started Nortriptyline 06/17 at 10 mg)
Link to comment
  • Mentor

so far, so good, eh? I am praying this works out for you!!

 

  • pysch med history: 1974 @ age 18 to Oct 2017 (approx 43 yrs total) 
  •  Drug list: stelazine, haldol, elavil, lithium, zoloft, celexa, lexapro(doses as high as 40mgs), klonopin, ambien, seroquel(high doses), depakote, zyprexa, lamictal- plus brief trials of dozens of other psych meds over the years
  • started lexapro 2002, dose varied from 20mgs to 40mgs. First attempt to get off it was 2007- WD symptoms were mistaken for "relapse". 
  •  2013 too fast taper down to 5mg but WD forced me back to 20mgs
  •  June of 2105, tapered again too rapidly to 2.5mgs by Dec 2015. Found SA, held at 2.5 mgs til May 2016 when I foolishly "jumped off". felt ok until  Sept, then acute WD hit!!  reinstated at 0.3mgs in Oct. 2106
  • Tapered off to zero by  Oct. 2017 Doing very well. 
  • Nov. 2018 feel 95% healed, age 63 
  • Jan. 2020 feel 100% healed, peaceful and content
  • Dec 2023 Loving life! ❤️ with all it's ups and downs ;) 
Link to comment

Hi Cat! so far ok, hoping I will improve  :)

04/10 Luvox 25 mg PM, Nortriptyline 1 mg PM

03/08/19: Buspar 2.5 mg AM, 5 mg PM

01/01/19: Xanax 0.125 AM 5 times a week. Occasionally, 0.125 twice a day AM & noon

12/18 Armour Thyroid 60 mg (for hypothyroidism) 

 

Supplements: B Complex, B12 (adeno), multi-vitamin, D, Adrenal Cortex, iron

  • Lexapro 20 mg 2007 - 2013 with various attempts to stop
  • 2013 found a new Dr and started trying other meds: Prozac, Notryptoline, Effexor, Buspar, Gabapentin, Paxil, Nardil
  • Lexapro 15 mg 2015 - 04/2016
  • Vibryiid 10 - 15mg 05/16-06/16 
  • NO MEDS 07/16 - 10/31/16
  • Reinstated 10/31/16 at 2.5 mg lexapro, increased to 5 mg   
  • 1/13/17 switched to Luvox 50 mg before bed
  • 1/20/17 Luvox 37.5 mg PM
  • 12/18 Luvox 10 mg PM, Nortriptyline 2 mg (started Nortriptyline 06/17 at 10 mg)
Link to comment

Hey, Blondiee,

 

That's a good sign you are feeling ok. Still fingers crossed for you to make a peace with this evil.

My starting of the lex was a heartbreaking story, I did myself per a recommendation by a friend. I wanted to kill myself all these years for that fatal mistake.

 

Can you update your signature to reflect the 5mg increase?

 

Take care and feel better.

Lex

Drug free Sep. 23 2017

2009 Mar.: lexapro 10mg for headache for 2 weeks.

2009-2012: on and off 1/4 to 1/3 of 10mg

2012 June--2013 Jan,: 1/4-1/3 of 10mg generic, bad jaw pain

2013 Jan-Mar: 10 mg generic. severe jaw and head pain;

2013 Mar--Aug. started tapering (liquid ever since) from 10 to 5 (one step) then gradually down to 2.25 mg by July. first ever panic attack, severe head/jaw pain

2013 Aug.: back to 2.75 mg; Nov: back to Brand Lex. 2.75mg -- 3mg,

2014 June: stopped PPI, head pressure/numbness. up-dosed 4.5mg, severe reaction mental symptoms added on

2014 Aug--2015 Aug: Micro taper down to 3.2mg, .025mg (<1%) cut holding 2-3 weeks.

2015 Aug 15th, Accidental one dose of 4.2mg. worsening brain non-functional, swollen head, body, coma like, DR

2016 Feb., started dosing 10am through 11 pm everyday 2/13--3.2mg, 3/15-- 2.9mg, 4/19-- 2.6mg, 6/26--2.2mg, 7/22 --1.9mg, 8/16--1.8mg,8/31--1.7m g, 9/13--1.6mg, 9/27--1.5mg, 10/8--1.4mg, 10/14--1.3mg, 11/1--1.2mg, 11/29--1.1mg, 12/12--1mg, 12/22--0.9mg

2017: 1/7--0.8mg, 1/15--0.7mg, 1/17--0.6mg, 1/20--0.52, 1/21--0.4mg, 1/22--0.26, 1/23--0.2, 2/13--0.13mg, 2/20--0.06mg, 3/18--0.13mg, 6/1--0.12mg, 7/6--0.1mg, 7/14--0.08mg, 8/17--0.04mg, 8/20--0.03mg, 8/28--0.02mg, 9/6--0.0205mg, 9/8--0.02mg, 9/17--0.015mg, 9/20--0.01mg, 9/21--0.0048mg, 9/22--0.0001mg,

Link to comment

Day 3 on 5 mg reinstatement:  dizziness, off balance, tiredness, some anxiety, more tiredness, slept ok, some muscle spasms.  On the positive - no intense fear, no panic, no burning eyes, no body ache, and was able to get through the work day. 

 

I believe using lexapro for such a long time caused me fatigue.  So now reinstating it I know I will continue experiencing it.  

 

My body and my central nervous system are very sensitive.  I get hyped up over a sudden movement, I still feel that detached feeling and depersonalizion, I get overwhelemed by big open spaces and feel like in a tunnel.  Could this medicine really cause this?  I do not think anxiety can make you feel all that, can it?  

 

I really hope I can heal with time.  Is it possible for my body to start healing on 5 mg?  Or will it only start healing when I am off medication completely? 

 

Any input much appreciated 

 

B.

04/10 Luvox 25 mg PM, Nortriptyline 1 mg PM

03/08/19: Buspar 2.5 mg AM, 5 mg PM

01/01/19: Xanax 0.125 AM 5 times a week. Occasionally, 0.125 twice a day AM & noon

12/18 Armour Thyroid 60 mg (for hypothyroidism) 

 

Supplements: B Complex, B12 (adeno), multi-vitamin, D, Adrenal Cortex, iron

  • Lexapro 20 mg 2007 - 2013 with various attempts to stop
  • 2013 found a new Dr and started trying other meds: Prozac, Notryptoline, Effexor, Buspar, Gabapentin, Paxil, Nardil
  • Lexapro 15 mg 2015 - 04/2016
  • Vibryiid 10 - 15mg 05/16-06/16 
  • NO MEDS 07/16 - 10/31/16
  • Reinstated 10/31/16 at 2.5 mg lexapro, increased to 5 mg   
  • 1/13/17 switched to Luvox 50 mg before bed
  • 1/20/17 Luvox 37.5 mg PM
  • 12/18 Luvox 10 mg PM, Nortriptyline 2 mg (started Nortriptyline 06/17 at 10 mg)
Link to comment
  • Mentor

 

My body and my central nervous system are very sensitive.  I get hyped up over a sudden movement, I still feel that detached feeling and depersonalizion, I get overwhelemed by big open spaces and feel like in a tunnel.  Could this medicine really cause this?  I do not think anxiety can make you feel all that, can it?

 

 

I just reinstated a small amnt of lexapro too and while I do not have the tiredness, dizziness etc I do have the that detached feeling, nothing seems real, I feel very badly when I leave the house, and often can't even tolerate looking in the direction of the windows. Little things raise my anxiety level quickly. I feel on edge a lot.

 

all of these are WD symptoms. They are bizarre and uncomfortable but they are normal for WD.

I have been doing a LOT of reading on this forum in the past couple of weeks, and what we are going thru is sadly, very common.

 

it's so amazing all the different symptoms we can have. I am trying hard to just think of them that way, as signs that my brain is healing, and that while it's healing, it's kind of "off line" and things are not going to work as well as they normally do.

 

 

 

Whatever can get me thru from one moment to the next, really.

I just got another idea, while writing this to you, as odd as this may sound, I am thinking that I will try to look at some of these  weirder symptoms as some sort of adventure, like, er, an amusement park ride or something. Just some way to look at it to make it seem more tolerable and less creepy, you know what I mean?

I don't know if trying something like this might help you too....?

 

I think that now that i am starting to stabilize on the reinstatement somewhat, I am having smaller waves but more of them, with tiny windows once in a while that don't feel as good as the ones I had when the waves were really super bad.

I bet that the first windows only felt better because it was coming off a super bad wave, I don't know

 

 

but anyway, I hope that things start to level off for you.

 

I can't answer your other questions but as far as the medicine causing these odd symptoms, YES it's withdrawal. :/

 

we are going to get better though. I know we will.

 

  • pysch med history: 1974 @ age 18 to Oct 2017 (approx 43 yrs total) 
  •  Drug list: stelazine, haldol, elavil, lithium, zoloft, celexa, lexapro(doses as high as 40mgs), klonopin, ambien, seroquel(high doses), depakote, zyprexa, lamictal- plus brief trials of dozens of other psych meds over the years
  • started lexapro 2002, dose varied from 20mgs to 40mgs. First attempt to get off it was 2007- WD symptoms were mistaken for "relapse". 
  •  2013 too fast taper down to 5mg but WD forced me back to 20mgs
  •  June of 2105, tapered again too rapidly to 2.5mgs by Dec 2015. Found SA, held at 2.5 mgs til May 2016 when I foolishly "jumped off". felt ok until  Sept, then acute WD hit!!  reinstated at 0.3mgs in Oct. 2106
  • Tapered off to zero by  Oct. 2017 Doing very well. 
  • Nov. 2018 feel 95% healed, age 63 
  • Jan. 2020 feel 100% healed, peaceful and content
  • Dec 2023 Loving life! ❤️ with all it's ups and downs ;) 
Link to comment
  • Moderator Emeritus

Blondie, it takes time to stabilize. For most people, the process occurs over weeks not days.

 

The Windows and Waves pattern of stabilization

How long to stabilize after reinstating or updosing

 

Some people find magnesium and Omega 3 fish oil helpful during stabilization, tapering and withdrawal.

Omega-3 fatty acids (fish oil)

Magnesium, nature's calcium channel blocker

 

If you want to try mag or omega-3, pick ONE. Then "start low and go slow."

This is not medical advice. Discuss any decisions about your medical care with a knowledgeable medical practitioner.
1997-1999 Effexor; 2002-2005 Effexor XR 37.5 mg linear taper, dropping same #beads/week with bad results

Cymbalta 60 mg 2012 - 2015; 2016: 20 mg to 7 mg exact doses and dates in this post; 2017: 6.3 mg to  0.0 mg  Aug. 12; details here


scallywag's Introduction
Online spreadsheet for dose taper calculations and nz11's THE WORKS spreadsheet

Link to comment

 

 

My body and my central nervous system are very sensitive.  I get hyped up over a sudden movement, I still feel that detached feeling and depersonalizion, I get overwhelemed by big open spaces and feel like in a tunnel.  Could this medicine really cause this?  I do not think anxiety can make you feel all that, can it?

 

 

I just reinstated a small amnt of lexapro too and while I do not have the tiredness, dizziness etc I do have the that detached feeling, nothing seems real, I feel very badly when I leave the house, and often can't even tolerate looking in the direction of the windows. Little things raise my anxiety level quickly. I feel on edge a lot.

 

all of these are WD symptoms. They are bizarre and uncomfortable but they are normal for WD.

I have been doing a LOT of reading on this forum in the past couple of weeks, and what we are going thru is sadly, very common.

 

it's so amazing all the different symptoms we can have. I am trying hard to just think of them that way, as signs that my brain is healing, and that while it's healing, it's kind of "off line" and things are not going to work as well as they normally do.

 

 

 

Whatever can get me thru from one moment to the next, really.

I just got another idea, while writing this to you, as odd as this may sound, I am thinking that I will try to look at some of these  weirder symptoms as some sort of adventure, like, er, an amusement park ride or something. Just some way to look at it to make it seem more tolerable and less creepy, you know what I mean?

I don't know if trying something like this might help you too....?

 

I think that now that i am starting to stabilize on the reinstatement somewhat, I am having smaller waves but more of them, with tiny windows once in a while that don't feel as good as the ones I had when the waves were really super bad.

I bet that the first windows only felt better because it was coming off a super bad wave, I don't know

 

 

but anyway, I hope that things start to level off for you.

 

I can't answer your other questions but as far as the medicine causing these odd symptoms, YES it's withdrawal. :/

 

we are going to get better though. I know we will.

 

Hi Cat, 

 

Thank you for your support and suggestions.  I really appreciate any words of wisdom and courage.  

 

My biggest concern is that I still have this terrible feeling and I do not know if I can feel this way for another few months.  When did you start feeling the windows?  

 

Hope to get some relief soon  :mellow:

04/10 Luvox 25 mg PM, Nortriptyline 1 mg PM

03/08/19: Buspar 2.5 mg AM, 5 mg PM

01/01/19: Xanax 0.125 AM 5 times a week. Occasionally, 0.125 twice a day AM & noon

12/18 Armour Thyroid 60 mg (for hypothyroidism) 

 

Supplements: B Complex, B12 (adeno), multi-vitamin, D, Adrenal Cortex, iron

  • Lexapro 20 mg 2007 - 2013 with various attempts to stop
  • 2013 found a new Dr and started trying other meds: Prozac, Notryptoline, Effexor, Buspar, Gabapentin, Paxil, Nardil
  • Lexapro 15 mg 2015 - 04/2016
  • Vibryiid 10 - 15mg 05/16-06/16 
  • NO MEDS 07/16 - 10/31/16
  • Reinstated 10/31/16 at 2.5 mg lexapro, increased to 5 mg   
  • 1/13/17 switched to Luvox 50 mg before bed
  • 1/20/17 Luvox 37.5 mg PM
  • 12/18 Luvox 10 mg PM, Nortriptyline 2 mg (started Nortriptyline 06/17 at 10 mg)
Link to comment

Blondie, it takes time to stabilize. For most people, the process occurs over weeks not days.

 

The Windows and Waves pattern of stabilization

How long to stabilize after reinstating or updosing

 

Some people find magnesium and Omega 3 fish oil helpful during stabilization, tapering and withdrawal.

Omega-3 fatty acids (fish oil)

Magnesium, nature's calcium channel blocker

 

If you want to try mag or omega-3, pick ONE. Then "start low and go slow."

 

Hi Scallywag, 

 

I actually take some supplements (which I should add to my signature). I take folic acid (I have that gene mutation and I cannot absorb folic acid normally), iron occasionally (I am anemic), fish oil EPA/DHA 750, active magnesium, D3 5000. 

 

I know each individual is different and it is dependent on various factors but is it likely that in few weeks I would experience some sort of relief?  Now being on 5 mg of lexapro my intense anxiety is gone, but I still have DP/DR, fatigue, brain fog, difficulty concentrating and forgetfulness.  My concern is that lexapro pooped out on me.  I recall last year being on 15 mg I felt dizzy, down, ears ringing, indifferent even depressed.  So now going back on it, does this mean all this is coming back?  I am not sure how I can start withdrawing if I do not stabilize on lexapro and/or will feel this crapped out feeling.  I know you do not recommend medications, but did anyone attempted to switch to another SSRI and withdraw from that medicine instead.  I am so scarred of trying other things, I honestly do not know what to do. 

 

Thank you again,

B.

04/10 Luvox 25 mg PM, Nortriptyline 1 mg PM

03/08/19: Buspar 2.5 mg AM, 5 mg PM

01/01/19: Xanax 0.125 AM 5 times a week. Occasionally, 0.125 twice a day AM & noon

12/18 Armour Thyroid 60 mg (for hypothyroidism) 

 

Supplements: B Complex, B12 (adeno), multi-vitamin, D, Adrenal Cortex, iron

  • Lexapro 20 mg 2007 - 2013 with various attempts to stop
  • 2013 found a new Dr and started trying other meds: Prozac, Notryptoline, Effexor, Buspar, Gabapentin, Paxil, Nardil
  • Lexapro 15 mg 2015 - 04/2016
  • Vibryiid 10 - 15mg 05/16-06/16 
  • NO MEDS 07/16 - 10/31/16
  • Reinstated 10/31/16 at 2.5 mg lexapro, increased to 5 mg   
  • 1/13/17 switched to Luvox 50 mg before bed
  • 1/20/17 Luvox 37.5 mg PM
  • 12/18 Luvox 10 mg PM, Nortriptyline 2 mg (started Nortriptyline 06/17 at 10 mg)
Link to comment

my doctor recommended switching to Luvox, I am terrified. 

04/10 Luvox 25 mg PM, Nortriptyline 1 mg PM

03/08/19: Buspar 2.5 mg AM, 5 mg PM

01/01/19: Xanax 0.125 AM 5 times a week. Occasionally, 0.125 twice a day AM & noon

12/18 Armour Thyroid 60 mg (for hypothyroidism) 

 

Supplements: B Complex, B12 (adeno), multi-vitamin, D, Adrenal Cortex, iron

  • Lexapro 20 mg 2007 - 2013 with various attempts to stop
  • 2013 found a new Dr and started trying other meds: Prozac, Notryptoline, Effexor, Buspar, Gabapentin, Paxil, Nardil
  • Lexapro 15 mg 2015 - 04/2016
  • Vibryiid 10 - 15mg 05/16-06/16 
  • NO MEDS 07/16 - 10/31/16
  • Reinstated 10/31/16 at 2.5 mg lexapro, increased to 5 mg   
  • 1/13/17 switched to Luvox 50 mg before bed
  • 1/20/17 Luvox 37.5 mg PM
  • 12/18 Luvox 10 mg PM, Nortriptyline 2 mg (started Nortriptyline 06/17 at 10 mg)
Link to comment
  • Mentor

 

My biggest concern is that I still have this terrible feeling and I do not know if I can feel this way for another few months.  When did you start feeling the windows?

 

I know each individual is different and it is dependent on various factors but is it likely that in few weeks I would experience some sort of relief?  Now being on 5 mg of lexapro my intense anxiety is gone, but I still have DP/DR, fatigue, brain fog, difficulty concentrating and forgetfulness.

 

 

 

It is very hard to recognize the little improvements when we are still feeling so awful.

 

You've only just increased the lexapro 4 days ago. I know, it probably feels like 4 YEARS when you are feeling bad, but it's not been very long at all.

 

the good news is, the intense anxiety is gone! that is awesome and gives me hope, as I plan to increase a tiny bit tonight myself to try to reduce my anxiety to a more tolerable level.

 

we both got started back on this drug at roughly the same time, I reinstated on the 26th, you did so on the 31st, a few days later.

 

You increased 4 days ago, I am about to increase. hmm, It almost seems like we're copying each other, alternately LOL

 

I honestly do not think you will feel as bad as you do for months, I would really think that in a few days, or as each day passes, you will feel better. I think it's probably only going to be a matter of a few weeks, if that, before you are at least feeling well enough to not feel desperate to try something else

 

I know, It is very VERY hard to resist going to another drug, or continuing to increase the one you are on. but please don't make any more changes, not yet ok?

 

You are stronger than you think, you can make it thru this. what are you doing for self care?

let me see, you said your symptoms are fatigue (If i were you, I'd sleep when you can, does that help?) I have no clue what helps with DP/DR to be honest, I think it's one of those things were you just keep up a dialogue with yourself, reminding yourself that while things feel and seem unreal, it's just the mixed up chemicals in your brain making it seem that way. Things are still as real as they ever were, and soon you will be able to experience that again.

 

hmm forgetfulness, I guess making notes to yourself and what have you...

honestly, since you work, when you are home, I would spend as much time being super kind to yourself, rest when you can, listen to something soothing, take an epsom salt bath if that helps, rest some more.

your brain fog will clear and you will get your memory back.

 

try not to stress about it, I know that is very hard to do but it makes things worse to worry about them.

 

I would not take another drug, you are just asking for trouble. But that's my humble opinion, what you do is totally up to you.

 

you are getting thru this, you have already made it over 2 weeks. You are going to get better, it's just gonna take a wee bit more time is all.

 

but don't think about that, just think about tonight. what are you going to do for yourself tonight, to help you feel better?

got a tv show you look forward to watching? having a relaxing meal? going to bed early?

 

I am going to do a little sewing and then watch some sit coms I think.

hang in there, hon, you're doing good, it just doens't feel like it yet.

 

  • pysch med history: 1974 @ age 18 to Oct 2017 (approx 43 yrs total) 
  •  Drug list: stelazine, haldol, elavil, lithium, zoloft, celexa, lexapro(doses as high as 40mgs), klonopin, ambien, seroquel(high doses), depakote, zyprexa, lamictal- plus brief trials of dozens of other psych meds over the years
  • started lexapro 2002, dose varied from 20mgs to 40mgs. First attempt to get off it was 2007- WD symptoms were mistaken for "relapse". 
  •  2013 too fast taper down to 5mg but WD forced me back to 20mgs
  •  June of 2105, tapered again too rapidly to 2.5mgs by Dec 2015. Found SA, held at 2.5 mgs til May 2016 when I foolishly "jumped off". felt ok until  Sept, then acute WD hit!!  reinstated at 0.3mgs in Oct. 2106
  • Tapered off to zero by  Oct. 2017 Doing very well. 
  • Nov. 2018 feel 95% healed, age 63 
  • Jan. 2020 feel 100% healed, peaceful and content
  • Dec 2023 Loving life! ❤️ with all it's ups and downs ;) 
Link to comment
  • Moderator Emeritus

In all probability your symptoms are continued withdrawal symptoms not Lexapro "poop-out."  You have only been at a steady dose for 5 days.
 
Your withdrawal-induced anxiety/agoraphobia has diminished significantly, the other symptoms will likely diminish too. You need to give your CNS (central nervous system) time to stabilize.

Please remember:

  • You reinstated 2.5 mg on Oct. 31 and updosed to 5 mg on Nov. 11.
  • You have only been at a steady dose for 5 days. Stabilization can take many weeks.
  • Changing dose or changing drug is unlikely to reduce your symptoms especially after a period of instability due to withdrawal.

Read the topic I linked about how long it takes to stabilize after reinstating or updosing. The quick answer is many weeks. You have only been at a steady dose for 5 days. (
 
Have you read/viewed these links:
How your brain responds to psychiatric drugs - aka "Brain remodeling"
Youtube video, 4 minutes: Healing from antidepressants

Please use your withdrawal-limited energy and attention on developing skills and practices that help you cope with the symptoms:
Depersonalization/derealization
Brain fog and other cognitive symptoms
Non-drug techniques to cope with emotional symptoms work for cognitive and physical symptoms as well

This is not medical advice. Discuss any decisions about your medical care with a knowledgeable medical practitioner.
1997-1999 Effexor; 2002-2005 Effexor XR 37.5 mg linear taper, dropping same #beads/week with bad results

Cymbalta 60 mg 2012 - 2015; 2016: 20 mg to 7 mg exact doses and dates in this post; 2017: 6.3 mg to  0.0 mg  Aug. 12; details here


scallywag's Introduction
Online spreadsheet for dose taper calculations and nz11's THE WORKS spreadsheet

Link to comment

Catnapt - very true, so many similarities.  Thank you again for kind words it truly means a lot.  You are correct about not giving credit when there is even the slightest improvement.  I had a better day today overall.  Some am anxiety DP/DR, and dizziness, but at work I was able to function and not freak out and get through the day ok.  I think accepting that this is withdrawal and my brain is simply adjusting, it is not dangerous really helps.  The more I accept the current state and not jump this is all anxiety there is something wrong with me the better this whole process will be. I am also studying for an upcoming exam and I think that also triggers my anxiety levels.  As you pointed out we need to do things that makes us feel better and take care of ourselves.  I go to bed early and try to eat as healthy as I can.  I bought an adult coloring book so I am planning on starting on that once I take the exam.  Morning walks with my dog give me some light exercise even though I do feel anxious, but I have to push myself.  

04/10 Luvox 25 mg PM, Nortriptyline 1 mg PM

03/08/19: Buspar 2.5 mg AM, 5 mg PM

01/01/19: Xanax 0.125 AM 5 times a week. Occasionally, 0.125 twice a day AM & noon

12/18 Armour Thyroid 60 mg (for hypothyroidism) 

 

Supplements: B Complex, B12 (adeno), multi-vitamin, D, Adrenal Cortex, iron

  • Lexapro 20 mg 2007 - 2013 with various attempts to stop
  • 2013 found a new Dr and started trying other meds: Prozac, Notryptoline, Effexor, Buspar, Gabapentin, Paxil, Nardil
  • Lexapro 15 mg 2015 - 04/2016
  • Vibryiid 10 - 15mg 05/16-06/16 
  • NO MEDS 07/16 - 10/31/16
  • Reinstated 10/31/16 at 2.5 mg lexapro, increased to 5 mg   
  • 1/13/17 switched to Luvox 50 mg before bed
  • 1/20/17 Luvox 37.5 mg PM
  • 12/18 Luvox 10 mg PM, Nortriptyline 2 mg (started Nortriptyline 06/17 at 10 mg)
Link to comment

Hi Scallywag, 

 

Thank you for your continuing input.  It was helpful reading threads on DP/DR and other cognitive symptoms.  I did not realize that concentration and memory loss, forgetfulness can be attributed to withdrawal as well.  As I am studying I have to reread some sentences and when I review them I realize that I do not remember reading that, freaky, my memory was always good.  I had a better day today.  And after thinking this over I realized that none of the drugs I was on made me feel normal or anxiety free (and I tried many!).  So jumping on another new drug when my CNS is super sensitive is not a good idea.  I am able to function and get through the work day, so I will stick to 5 mg and stabilize.  I do need to add some activities for dealing with anxiety, practice acceptance, meditate, etc. As of now I am not able to during the week as studying is taking over my schedule and the fatigue puts me to bed by 8.30/9 pm. I do early morning walks with my dog that is about it.  I have to be gentle on myself but I do need to put effort into doing things for me and developing some techniques for dealing with anxiety. 

04/10 Luvox 25 mg PM, Nortriptyline 1 mg PM

03/08/19: Buspar 2.5 mg AM, 5 mg PM

01/01/19: Xanax 0.125 AM 5 times a week. Occasionally, 0.125 twice a day AM & noon

12/18 Armour Thyroid 60 mg (for hypothyroidism) 

 

Supplements: B Complex, B12 (adeno), multi-vitamin, D, Adrenal Cortex, iron

  • Lexapro 20 mg 2007 - 2013 with various attempts to stop
  • 2013 found a new Dr and started trying other meds: Prozac, Notryptoline, Effexor, Buspar, Gabapentin, Paxil, Nardil
  • Lexapro 15 mg 2015 - 04/2016
  • Vibryiid 10 - 15mg 05/16-06/16 
  • NO MEDS 07/16 - 10/31/16
  • Reinstated 10/31/16 at 2.5 mg lexapro, increased to 5 mg   
  • 1/13/17 switched to Luvox 50 mg before bed
  • 1/20/17 Luvox 37.5 mg PM
  • 12/18 Luvox 10 mg PM, Nortriptyline 2 mg (started Nortriptyline 06/17 at 10 mg)
Link to comment
  • Mentor

Blondie, so glad to hear that you are doing better! in time you will find ways to deal with the anxiety, even if it's just to accept that it will come and go and not panic. it's hard work but you are strong and capable, you are already doing it! so even when it doesn't feel like it, you will be ok.

that is great you are spending that time with your dog, I'm sure your dog enjoys it.  animals are a good role model for us, they only live in the moment.

we are always racing ahead in our minds or looking back, and that is rarely helpful. the more we can be in the moment, the better we will feel.

it takes a LOT of practice and work to do this. It is what I am working on now, but I'm starting to see some progress. Any time my mind tries to race ahead and worry about "what if" this and that, I gently remind it to come back to the present.

 

Let me know how you like your adult coloring book. that sounds like fun.

 

you are doing great and you've got a terrific attitude. you deserve a lot of credit for how far along you've come! please do continue to be gentle with yourself

I am doing the same and it helps.

;-)

 

  • pysch med history: 1974 @ age 18 to Oct 2017 (approx 43 yrs total) 
  •  Drug list: stelazine, haldol, elavil, lithium, zoloft, celexa, lexapro(doses as high as 40mgs), klonopin, ambien, seroquel(high doses), depakote, zyprexa, lamictal- plus brief trials of dozens of other psych meds over the years
  • started lexapro 2002, dose varied from 20mgs to 40mgs. First attempt to get off it was 2007- WD symptoms were mistaken for "relapse". 
  •  2013 too fast taper down to 5mg but WD forced me back to 20mgs
  •  June of 2105, tapered again too rapidly to 2.5mgs by Dec 2015. Found SA, held at 2.5 mgs til May 2016 when I foolishly "jumped off". felt ok until  Sept, then acute WD hit!!  reinstated at 0.3mgs in Oct. 2106
  • Tapered off to zero by  Oct. 2017 Doing very well. 
  • Nov. 2018 feel 95% healed, age 63 
  • Jan. 2020 feel 100% healed, peaceful and content
  • Dec 2023 Loving life! ❤️ with all it's ups and downs ;) 
Link to comment

Hi Cat!

Sorry for delay.  

Thank you for the encouragement, it helps :) 

Today and yesterday were okay.  I felt flu like symptoms yesterday during work, and felt restless as well.  I guess the flu like symptoms can be attributed to the withdrawal as well, but I am not sure.  After I relaxed for a bit I started studying and I did feel pretty alert and not as tired, so that is progress. Today I had some intense am anxiety and in the moment of weakness took .17 mg of xanax, it did help and relaxed me and I got thru the day okay.  I did get hit with a wave of exhaustion around 2 pm and I am still tired.  But I am taking it easy, having a hot tea and just reading notes.  

I am sticking to not making any changes yet.  As you said we are stronger than this!

B.

04/10 Luvox 25 mg PM, Nortriptyline 1 mg PM

03/08/19: Buspar 2.5 mg AM, 5 mg PM

01/01/19: Xanax 0.125 AM 5 times a week. Occasionally, 0.125 twice a day AM & noon

12/18 Armour Thyroid 60 mg (for hypothyroidism) 

 

Supplements: B Complex, B12 (adeno), multi-vitamin, D, Adrenal Cortex, iron

  • Lexapro 20 mg 2007 - 2013 with various attempts to stop
  • 2013 found a new Dr and started trying other meds: Prozac, Notryptoline, Effexor, Buspar, Gabapentin, Paxil, Nardil
  • Lexapro 15 mg 2015 - 04/2016
  • Vibryiid 10 - 15mg 05/16-06/16 
  • NO MEDS 07/16 - 10/31/16
  • Reinstated 10/31/16 at 2.5 mg lexapro, increased to 5 mg   
  • 1/13/17 switched to Luvox 50 mg before bed
  • 1/20/17 Luvox 37.5 mg PM
  • 12/18 Luvox 10 mg PM, Nortriptyline 2 mg (started Nortriptyline 06/17 at 10 mg)
Link to comment
  • Mentor

I am relieved to hear that you are having some windows...? or at least, not doing as bad as before. I hope that things continue to improve for you!

 

we are a lot stronger than I ever would have imagined... I guess it takes a truly tough time to show us just how strong we are.

 

yes flu like symptoms can come for WD. I still will get stuffed up and sneezy  in the late afternoons sometimes, and there is NO other explanation other than WD (no allergy triggers or anything like that) it's so weird.

 

have a good night

:)

 

  • pysch med history: 1974 @ age 18 to Oct 2017 (approx 43 yrs total) 
  •  Drug list: stelazine, haldol, elavil, lithium, zoloft, celexa, lexapro(doses as high as 40mgs), klonopin, ambien, seroquel(high doses), depakote, zyprexa, lamictal- plus brief trials of dozens of other psych meds over the years
  • started lexapro 2002, dose varied from 20mgs to 40mgs. First attempt to get off it was 2007- WD symptoms were mistaken for "relapse". 
  •  2013 too fast taper down to 5mg but WD forced me back to 20mgs
  •  June of 2105, tapered again too rapidly to 2.5mgs by Dec 2015. Found SA, held at 2.5 mgs til May 2016 when I foolishly "jumped off". felt ok until  Sept, then acute WD hit!!  reinstated at 0.3mgs in Oct. 2106
  • Tapered off to zero by  Oct. 2017 Doing very well. 
  • Nov. 2018 feel 95% healed, age 63 
  • Jan. 2020 feel 100% healed, peaceful and content
  • Dec 2023 Loving life! ❤️ with all it's ups and downs ;) 
Link to comment

I am doing slightly better, much better where I was 2 weeks ago.  So that s progress.  The flu like symptoms subsided, I do have intense am anxiety which with the day gets better.  I also have this ringing in the ears, does anyone else experience that?  And fatigue as usual.  

04/10 Luvox 25 mg PM, Nortriptyline 1 mg PM

03/08/19: Buspar 2.5 mg AM, 5 mg PM

01/01/19: Xanax 0.125 AM 5 times a week. Occasionally, 0.125 twice a day AM & noon

12/18 Armour Thyroid 60 mg (for hypothyroidism) 

 

Supplements: B Complex, B12 (adeno), multi-vitamin, D, Adrenal Cortex, iron

  • Lexapro 20 mg 2007 - 2013 with various attempts to stop
  • 2013 found a new Dr and started trying other meds: Prozac, Notryptoline, Effexor, Buspar, Gabapentin, Paxil, Nardil
  • Lexapro 15 mg 2015 - 04/2016
  • Vibryiid 10 - 15mg 05/16-06/16 
  • NO MEDS 07/16 - 10/31/16
  • Reinstated 10/31/16 at 2.5 mg lexapro, increased to 5 mg   
  • 1/13/17 switched to Luvox 50 mg before bed
  • 1/20/17 Luvox 37.5 mg PM
  • 12/18 Luvox 10 mg PM, Nortriptyline 2 mg (started Nortriptyline 06/17 at 10 mg)
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  • Mentor

I am doing slightly better, much better where I was 2 weeks ago.  So that s progress.  The flu like symptoms subsided, I do have intense am anxiety which with the day gets better.  I also have this ringing in the ears, does anyone else experience that?  And fatigue as usual.  

hi Blondie

glad that you are getting  a bit better with time.  Yeh mornings are the hardest part of the day for most of us it seems. It sucks but it's good that it gets better as the day goes on.

 

Oh yes the ringing in the ears! I've had that off and on ever since starting the too fast taper back in june 2015.

With this last terrible wave, it was really bad. It got so loud! it happens mostly at night but sometimes earlier in the day too, or at random times but not as loud.

 

it's very mild for me now, so hopefully yours will get better too.

 

so this is the first time you've noticed the ringing in your ears? You can have it and be so stressed or busy that you don't notice it.  I think I may have it during the day sometimes but it's more obvious at night when things are quiet and not much else is going on

 

  • pysch med history: 1974 @ age 18 to Oct 2017 (approx 43 yrs total) 
  •  Drug list: stelazine, haldol, elavil, lithium, zoloft, celexa, lexapro(doses as high as 40mgs), klonopin, ambien, seroquel(high doses), depakote, zyprexa, lamictal- plus brief trials of dozens of other psych meds over the years
  • started lexapro 2002, dose varied from 20mgs to 40mgs. First attempt to get off it was 2007- WD symptoms were mistaken for "relapse". 
  •  2013 too fast taper down to 5mg but WD forced me back to 20mgs
  •  June of 2105, tapered again too rapidly to 2.5mgs by Dec 2015. Found SA, held at 2.5 mgs til May 2016 when I foolishly "jumped off". felt ok until  Sept, then acute WD hit!!  reinstated at 0.3mgs in Oct. 2106
  • Tapered off to zero by  Oct. 2017 Doing very well. 
  • Nov. 2018 feel 95% healed, age 63 
  • Jan. 2020 feel 100% healed, peaceful and content
  • Dec 2023 Loving life! ❤️ with all it's ups and downs ;) 
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I think I started to notice it when it gets quite.  I probably always had it but just started to notice it.  I also have this popping in my ears noise occasionally, or like my ears are clogged.  Could be either anxiety or WD

04/10 Luvox 25 mg PM, Nortriptyline 1 mg PM

03/08/19: Buspar 2.5 mg AM, 5 mg PM

01/01/19: Xanax 0.125 AM 5 times a week. Occasionally, 0.125 twice a day AM & noon

12/18 Armour Thyroid 60 mg (for hypothyroidism) 

 

Supplements: B Complex, B12 (adeno), multi-vitamin, D, Adrenal Cortex, iron

  • Lexapro 20 mg 2007 - 2013 with various attempts to stop
  • 2013 found a new Dr and started trying other meds: Prozac, Notryptoline, Effexor, Buspar, Gabapentin, Paxil, Nardil
  • Lexapro 15 mg 2015 - 04/2016
  • Vibryiid 10 - 15mg 05/16-06/16 
  • NO MEDS 07/16 - 10/31/16
  • Reinstated 10/31/16 at 2.5 mg lexapro, increased to 5 mg   
  • 1/13/17 switched to Luvox 50 mg before bed
  • 1/20/17 Luvox 37.5 mg PM
  • 12/18 Luvox 10 mg PM, Nortriptyline 2 mg (started Nortriptyline 06/17 at 10 mg)
Link to comment
  • Mentor

I think I started to notice it when it gets quite.  I probably always had it but just started to notice it.  I also have this popping in my ears noise occasionally, or like my ears are clogged.  Could be either anxiety or WD

I've read a bunch of other people's WD stories and ringing in the ears is a common WD symptom but I notice it does seem worse when I'm anxious.

 

fun stuff, eh? :P

 

  • pysch med history: 1974 @ age 18 to Oct 2017 (approx 43 yrs total) 
  •  Drug list: stelazine, haldol, elavil, lithium, zoloft, celexa, lexapro(doses as high as 40mgs), klonopin, ambien, seroquel(high doses), depakote, zyprexa, lamictal- plus brief trials of dozens of other psych meds over the years
  • started lexapro 2002, dose varied from 20mgs to 40mgs. First attempt to get off it was 2007- WD symptoms were mistaken for "relapse". 
  •  2013 too fast taper down to 5mg but WD forced me back to 20mgs
  •  June of 2105, tapered again too rapidly to 2.5mgs by Dec 2015. Found SA, held at 2.5 mgs til May 2016 when I foolishly "jumped off". felt ok until  Sept, then acute WD hit!!  reinstated at 0.3mgs in Oct. 2106
  • Tapered off to zero by  Oct. 2017 Doing very well. 
  • Nov. 2018 feel 95% healed, age 63 
  • Jan. 2020 feel 100% healed, peaceful and content
  • Dec 2023 Loving life! ❤️ with all it's ups and downs ;) 
Link to comment

Update: a little over a week since updosing from 2.5 to 5 mg.  

 

Bad news: tiredness, some mild body aches, occasional headaches, some mild ear ringing, dizziness, disbalance as usual.  Some DP/DR uncomfortable and discouraging.  Some difficulty with concentration.  Anxiety/nervousness.  When I stare at the computer at work I feel like everything is swimming/moving, hard to work.  Also, at night I am noticing that my vision can get a bit blurry/fuzzy.  Could that be related to WD or lexapro or fatigue or anxiety? or maybe some other hidden unheard disorder blahhh! 

 

Good news:  sleep through the night, fatigue slightly better, no intense fear or panic. 

 

Continue to hold at 5 mg and hope to feel better  :unsure:

 

PS.  Is it possible to feel this way for a year?  It is so uncomfortable and unpleasant.  I am starting to dwell over what is caused by lexapro/withdrawal and what is cause by my condition which is anxiety. 

 

B. 

04/10 Luvox 25 mg PM, Nortriptyline 1 mg PM

03/08/19: Buspar 2.5 mg AM, 5 mg PM

01/01/19: Xanax 0.125 AM 5 times a week. Occasionally, 0.125 twice a day AM & noon

12/18 Armour Thyroid 60 mg (for hypothyroidism) 

 

Supplements: B Complex, B12 (adeno), multi-vitamin, D, Adrenal Cortex, iron

  • Lexapro 20 mg 2007 - 2013 with various attempts to stop
  • 2013 found a new Dr and started trying other meds: Prozac, Notryptoline, Effexor, Buspar, Gabapentin, Paxil, Nardil
  • Lexapro 15 mg 2015 - 04/2016
  • Vibryiid 10 - 15mg 05/16-06/16 
  • NO MEDS 07/16 - 10/31/16
  • Reinstated 10/31/16 at 2.5 mg lexapro, increased to 5 mg   
  • 1/13/17 switched to Luvox 50 mg before bed
  • 1/20/17 Luvox 37.5 mg PM
  • 12/18 Luvox 10 mg PM, Nortriptyline 2 mg (started Nortriptyline 06/17 at 10 mg)
Link to comment
  • Moderator Emeritus

I'm quite busy right now so can't go into much detail but I wanted to let you know that what you are going through is a very typical withdrawal.

 

It takes time for the CNS to stabilise after it got injured through CTs. When I had no idea about how these drugs work I had a number of CTs and every time it took me months to recover. Literally months. This doesn't work like you take a pill and things are fixed. It works more like healing a broken bone and pills work more like a plaster cast. But it is time that heals. Broken connections on cellular and DNA level have to be built up again.

 

You are actually doing very well for early stages of reinstatement and updosing. You will gradually start feeling better. It won't happen over night. Last time it took me 4 months to notice noticeable improvement and even more to return to my pre CT baseline.

 

But after reinstatement I felt more functional but by but. It's a very gradual process of windows and waves. It takes lots of endurance but it does get better. Do whatever you can to make things easier for yourself while you are healing. Treat yourself gently.

Current: 9/2022 Xanax 0.08, Lexapro 2

2020 Xanax 0.26 (down from 2 mg in 2013), Lexapro 2.85 mg (down from 5 mg 2013)

Amitriptyline (tricyclic AD) and clonazepam for 3 months to treat headache in 1996 
1999. - present Xanax prn up to 3 mg.
2000-2005 Prozac CT twice, 2005-2010 Zoloft CT 3 times, 2010-2013 Escitalopram 10 mg
went from 2.5 to zero on 7 Aug 2013, bad crash 40 days after
reinstated to 5 mg Escitalopram 4Oct 2013 and holding liquid Xanax every 5 hours
28 Jan 2014 Xanax 1.9, 18 Apr  2015 1 mg,  25 June 2015 Lex 4.8, 6 Aug Lexapro 4.6, 1 Jan 2016 0.64  Xanax     9 month hold

24 Sept 2016 4.5 Lex, 17 Oct 4.4 Lex (Nov 0.63 Xanax, Dec 0.625 Xanax), 1 Jan 2017 4.3 Lex, 24 Jan 4.2, 5 Feb 4.1, 24 Mar 4 mg, 10 Apr 3.9 mg, May 3.85, June 3.8, July 3.75, 22 July 3.7, 15 Aug 3.65, 17 Sept 3.6, 1 Jan 2018 3.55, 19 Jan 3.5, 16 Mar 3.4, 14 Apr 3.3, 23 May 3.2, 16 June 3.15, 15 Jul 3.1, 31 Jul 3, 21 Aug 2.9 26 Sept 2.85, 14 Nov Xan 0.61, 1 Dec 0.59, 19 Dec 0.58, 4 Jan 0.565, 6 Feb 0.55, 20 Feb 0.535, 1 Mar 0.505, 10 Mar 0.475, 14 Mar 0.45, 4 Apr 0.415, 13 Apr 0.37, 21 Apr 0.33, 29 Apr 0.29, 10 May 0.27, 17 May 0.25, 28 May 0.22, 19 June 0.22, 21 Jun updose to 0.24, 24 Jun updose to 0.26

Supplements: Omega 3 + Vit E, Vit C, D, magnesium, Taurine, probiotic 

I'm not a medical professional. Any advice I give is based on my own experience and reading. 

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