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


Blondiee1915

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LexAnger - I feel your pain about work.  It is also a struggle for me to get through the work day.  I wonder how I can make it through the whole week, it is so difficult.  I am dizzy, lightheaded, fatigued, have troubles concentrating and finishing work tasks, I need more energy to finish a project and reread my work 10 times to make sure it makes sense.  I kind of told my boss about my struggle but I do not think she understands.  So I am taking it a day at the time.  I am scarred I will not improve.   Just like you I am battling constantly between what is WD vs side effect.  I really hope we can feel "normal" again one day.  I am sorry you had such a terrible reaction to the dose increase, your nervous system must be so sensitive now.  

 

Do you feel a sense of accomplishment when you are able to finish your work project?  Or is it just a relief that you got through this?  Sometimes I think that work makes me "normal" in a sense.  It is difficult and takes alot out of me to get through the day and function but I am also thankful that it is an outlet.  It is a mixed bag of emotions I guess. 

 

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)
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Hi!

 

I have a question.  It has been over a month since i reinstated and a little less than a month since i increased to 5 mg.  Is this time frame too short to know if the reinstatement worked and I stabilized?  I also switched to brand lexapro about a week ago.  Reinstatement def helped with intense DP/DR but I still have other symptoms plus now side effects which are not fun at all.  I do not know if it will get better and what I should do and how long I should hold on for.  Do I go up a dose or down a dose or bridge to another med?  I am considering bridging because even when I was on lexapro 10/15 mg I still did not feel good.  So thinking if I reintroduced it to my body it will not be too good.  And then I also think I was more functional at 20 mg so maybe the problem is "me", but I do not want to take drugs anymore and just be myself without them.  I am terrified I am damaged and that I am not healing now and getting worse.  How would you know if reinstatement of lexapro is not working?  Hoping for some insight here  :unsure:

 

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

Hi B,

 

Yes, work is nice to hang on when My brain works for a few emails and /or my physical allows me to show up in office. It gives me a distraction and structure for the day. But when my brain is totally fired and dead or in too much pain and too weak then it is stressful as you worries and can't perform.

 

You said the reinstate helped with DR/DP, for me, DR is the worst symptom from the drug reaction. I have to take the daily dose over 8-14 hours to minimize the immediate reaction from dosing, yet after just a tiny bit liquid ( 0.05mg), I was in a total hangover status, not seeing or hearing things as real.

 

So you got DR from stopping the meds? How did you feel when you were in DR?

 

I know why you think about something else. I thought many times to bridge but never did in extreme fear of further mess.

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,

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  • Mentor

Hi!

 

I have a question.  It has been over a month since i reinstated and a little less than a month since i increased to 5 mg.  Is this time frame too short to know if the reinstatement worked and I stabilized?  I also switched to brand lexapro about a week ago.  Reinstatement def helped with intense DP/DR but I still have other symptoms plus now side effects which are not fun at all.  I do not know if it will get better and what I should do and how long I should hold on for.  Do I go up a dose or down a dose or bridge to another med?  I am considering bridging because even when I was on lexapro 10/15 mg I still did not feel good.  So thinking if I reintroduced it to my body it will not be too good.  And then I also think I was more functional at 20 mg so maybe the problem is "me", but I do not want to take drugs anymore and just be myself without them.  I am terrified I am damaged and that I am not healing now and getting worse.  How would you know if reinstatement of lexapro is not working?  Hoping for some insight here  :unsure:

 

B.

 

 

hi B,

I'm sorry you are still feeling so ill.

have you been tracking your symptoms on paper?

I started doing that recently and it's been a big help.

 

I can't rely on my memory, because when things are bad, I tend to think that they have always been bad and that nothing has improved

when actually there's been considerable improvement, it's just not as *much* as I want.

 

maybe try doing that for at least a few days and see if you can see some progress in your healing before you think doing something else......?

 

thanks so much for stopping by my thread to cheer me on, it means so much to me, and even more so when I know that you are still struggling.

 

you're getting better, healing is happening for you too. it's frustrating that we have to wait so long to see it, but please believe that it is happening.

 

((((hugs)))))

 

  • 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 had some blood work done last week. For my thyroid stimulating hormone I got a result of 0.64 (normal range is 0.35 - 4.94). Since I am on a very low end of the range should I look into thyroid issue more ? Maybe see an endocrinologist ? Maybe it is related to my anxiety attacks not sure .

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

Based on the reference range it looks as if your TSH was assessed. TSH is thyroid stimulating hormone produced by your pituitary gland. A high level of TSH indicates that your thyroid levels need further investigation. If your report is about TSH, then your doctor probably won't investigate further.

 

Links to our discussion on thyroid:

Thyroid symptoms: hypothyroid, Hashimotos.

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

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Thanks scallywag, I am certain the doctor would probably say everything is okay .

 

Today I came to the conclusion that I have fatigue / adrenal gland exhaustion . I am so scarred I don't know what to do . I don't have a single hour in the day where I feel awake I go to bed at 8 and wake up at 6.30 and I am exhausted .

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 might find this worthwhile reading:  https://beyondmeds.com/2012/01/03/adrenalvswithdrawal/

 

Also, how's your iron?  I sorted my extreme fatigue by taking iron supplements.  Of course everybody is different, but it's worth considering. 

2010  Fluoxetine 20mg.  2011  Escitalopram 20mg.  2013 Tapered badly and destabilised CNS.  Effexor 150mg. 

2015 Begin using info at SurvivingAntidepressants.  Cut 10% - bad w/d 2 months, held 1 month. 

Micro-tapering: four weekly 0.4% cuts, hold 4 weeks (struggling with symptoms).

8 month hold.

2017 Micro-tapering: four weekly 1% cuts, hold 4 weeks (symptoms almost non-existent).

2020 Still micro-tapering. Just over 2/3 of the way off effexor. Minimal symptoms, - and sleeping well.
Supplements: Fish oil, vitamin C, iron, oat-straw tea, nettle tea.

2023 Now on 7 micro-beads of Effexor. Minimal symptoms but much more time needed between drops.

 'The possibility of renewal exists so long as life exists.'  Dr Gabor Mate.

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Thanks scallywag, I am certain the doctor would probably say everything is okay .

 

Today I came to the conclusion that I have fatigue / adrenal gland exhaustion . I am so scarred I don't know what to do . I don't have a single hour in the day where I feel awake I go to bed at 8 and wake up at 6.30 and I am exhausted .

 

You are NOT alone in this! I'm the exact same way although I have seen improvements if I look back at my notes or re-read my thread and see how bad I was a few months ago. Your adrenals might be exhausted and I bet mine are too. Being on these drugs and then coming off these drugs takes a heavy toll on your body. However, everyone that has been through this says the same thing, that your body eventually heals itself.  I still feel exhausted, but NOT through the whole day anymore. Before I literally felt like I was paralyzed and had led in my body. I literally could barely move from my bed to the couch, yet alone go anywhere. It was terrible! I had to ask my manager if I could work from home for a little because I was having health issues. She let me for a few weeks but then I had to go back. My body was tired but so was my mind. Again, I still have fatigue and brain fog(definitely in top 5 symptoms), but i have noticed it's not ALL DAY every part of the day. I could feel fine for 4 hours and then bam I'm exhausted and lethargic and then 3 hours later I'm okay again. I think it's just part of it...or at least that's what I'm hoping for.  :)

Took 10 mg of Lexapro for 15 years. Started to taper in October 2015. Took last 1mg dose in March 2016. Started having side effects end of March 2016. Symptoms include: anxiety, heart palpitations, shaky, chronic fatigue, body feels like lead(so heavy), brain fog and dizziness and really bad pain especially on right side of body. 

 

Symptoms as of 10/18/16- Burning skin, widespread body pain, some insomnia, some fatigue, some brain fog, anxiety upon waking up, numbing and tremor in pinky and ring finger on left hand, cracking/popping/stiff joints. 

 

Symptoms as of 4/19/17- A little burning skin, muscle pain, FATIGUE, some brain fog, tremor in pinky and ring finger on left hand, cracking/popping/stiff joints, blurry vision, eye floaters, sciatica.

 

Symptoms as of 10/3/17- Physical symptoms-- Very little burning skin that comes and goes, some muscle and nerve pain that comes and goes, tremor in pinky and ring finger, muscle twitches, cortisol spike in the morning(heart palpitations), cracking/popping joints all those this has gotten a little better lately, blurry vision and eye floaters that come and go, sciatica(less intense now), fatigue which is still very bad but better than a year ago. Mental symptoms-- Depression, anxiety, hopelessness, lack of motivation or interest, brain fog(trouble focusing and concentrating), ruminating thoughts. All these come and go. 

 

 

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Hi Karen, thank you for the link.  I will check it out.  I am actually anemic and take iron.  The blood work I did showed serum iron high but ferritin low.  From what I understood is that my stored iron levels are high but my iron is low.  I also have hypoglycemia.  I do try to eat every few hours and keep healthy meals.  The exhaustion/dizziness is overwhelming thought.  I am missing out on life.  

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

You should definitely keep track of your symptoms. It starts to get harder to remember or see improvements if you don't keep a log.

Took 10 mg of Lexapro for 15 years. Started to taper in October 2015. Took last 1mg dose in March 2016. Started having side effects end of March 2016. Symptoms include: anxiety, heart palpitations, shaky, chronic fatigue, body feels like lead(so heavy), brain fog and dizziness and really bad pain especially on right side of body. 

 

Symptoms as of 10/18/16- Burning skin, widespread body pain, some insomnia, some fatigue, some brain fog, anxiety upon waking up, numbing and tremor in pinky and ring finger on left hand, cracking/popping/stiff joints. 

 

Symptoms as of 4/19/17- A little burning skin, muscle pain, FATIGUE, some brain fog, tremor in pinky and ring finger on left hand, cracking/popping/stiff joints, blurry vision, eye floaters, sciatica.

 

Symptoms as of 10/3/17- Physical symptoms-- Very little burning skin that comes and goes, some muscle and nerve pain that comes and goes, tremor in pinky and ring finger, muscle twitches, cortisol spike in the morning(heart palpitations), cracking/popping joints all those this has gotten a little better lately, blurry vision and eye floaters that come and go, sciatica(less intense now), fatigue which is still very bad but better than a year ago. Mental symptoms-- Depression, anxiety, hopelessness, lack of motivation or interest, brain fog(trouble focusing and concentrating), ruminating thoughts. All these come and go. 

 

 

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Hi Chicago77, thank you for your input.  That is very encouraging, I guess I just have to be patient and wait for my brain to heal.  I am just wondering if healing is possible being on 5 mg of lexapro.

 

 Also, I meant to ask you if you dont mind, why were you prescribed the meds in the first place?  I also started keeping notes of my symptoms.  I looked into chronic fatigue symptom and there is basically no cure, just life changes, so even if I have it not like I can take anything for it, so I guess it should not really matter. I got a bottle of supplements from my chiropractor adrenal support and I am going to take it see if it helps even a bit.  

 

As far as adrenals being shot, I actually had a saliva test and my adrenals were wiped out.  Before the meds I never ever had fatigue issues or tiredness for that matter.  I had full time school and was a waitress at night and I went out and slept 5 hours max.  So I do think anxiety and long term lexapro use had everything to do with it.  

 

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

Thank you Cat!  I always like reading your updates.  They are encouraging and give me hope :) 

 

Yes, I started keeping notes of my symptoms.  You are right, I am a critical person by nature and most likely overlook slight improvements and focus on what is wrong instead. 

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 LexAnger - 

 

Yes reinstatement helped with DR.  If it was not DR I would not have reinstated.  It is hard to describe.  But the feeling was that I was like not present in the moment,  everything looked big/distant and overwhelming.  Like the field was too big and it overwhelmed me.  I did not feel a part of the world and the thought of getting in the car and being somewhere petrified me. I had this fear of going anywhere.  My agoraphobia intensified.  The world did not feel real and like I did not belong.  And weird tunnel like vision.  Like I was high but I was not.  I also got hit with insomnia month 3 post lexapro, now I get knocked out and sleep through the night.  

 

I agree, work is a good distraction, but when the brain is not working properly or when I feel exhausted this is the last place I want to be at.  

 

I really hope all of us can recover from this and be free of meds

 

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

Hi Chicago77, thank you for your input.  That is very encouraging, I guess I just have to be patient and wait for my brain to heal.  I am just wondering if healing is possible being on 5 mg of lexapro.

 

 Also, I meant to ask you if you dont mind, why were you prescribed the meds in the first place?  I also started keeping notes of my symptoms.  I looked into chronic fatigue symptom and there is basically no cure, just life changes, so even if I have it not like I can take anything for it, so I guess it should not really matter. I got a bottle of supplements from my chiropractor adrenal support and I am going to take it see if it helps even a bit.  

 

As far as adrenals being shot, I actually had a saliva test and my adrenals were wiped out.  Before the meds I never ever had fatigue issues or tiredness for that matter.  I had full time school and was a waitress at night and I went out and slept 5 hours max.  So I do think anxiety and long term lexapro use had everything to do with it.  

 

B. 

 

You sound exactly like me a couple of months ago with CFS and Fibromyalgia. I literally thought I was doomed and developed both of those. The thing is you have to ask yourself did you feel like you had CFS BEFORE the meds? If the answer is no then I would put money on it that you will get better. I know how scary it is and you can even read my thread. I thought the SAME thing about me. How did I go from working full-time, to going to spin classes at night and then out with friends on the weekends doing active things to all of a sudden feeling like I was 100 years old and needed a wheelchair. That isn't me! I drove myself crazy reading about CFS/FIBRO and even my doctor said "maybe you developed it." My gut kept telling me though that I didn't just "all of a sudden" develop this out of the blue. I do think being on the meds can have those same side effects, but for me it was when I got OFF that all hell broke out. I know it's scary when you feel that exhausted and like I said I'm the same way and get scared too sometimes. However, YOU KNOW YOURSELF BETTER THAN ANYONE and you have to trust that. I refused to listen to doctors telling me my pain was fibro and my fatigue was CFS a few months ago because they didn't know what was happening to me. They just wanted to label me with something like they did when this all started. You asked me why I got on Lex to begin with. I was in my early 20's and my grandma just passed away. It was the first person to me that I was close to that passed away. I was grieving and felt anxious, but I didn't know what anxiety was at the time. I went to the doctor because my heart was beating fast and I thought something was wrong with my heart. They told me I had anxiety and to take Lexapro. Without questioning it, I did as the doctor told me. Now I believe that was the worst mistake I've made. I just did what the doctor told me without asking any questions and without him telling be anything about this drug. I had NO idea that you could develop a dependency on it. I truly believe I could have gotten through that time without the drugs. At the time, I believed whatever doctors said to be the truth.

 

Anyway, I'm here to tell you I've seen major improvements so THEY(doctors) were wrong. I choose to trust my gut. I still struggle though. Mainly, I struggle with the "when" part. I haven't had a "window" yet where I don't have any symptoms. That's been hard, but I think the hardest part of all of this is we all want a quick fix; to recover now. I just keep trying to believe what everyone says that has recovered. It does eventually happen!!!  

Took 10 mg of Lexapro for 15 years. Started to taper in October 2015. Took last 1mg dose in March 2016. Started having side effects end of March 2016. Symptoms include: anxiety, heart palpitations, shaky, chronic fatigue, body feels like lead(so heavy), brain fog and dizziness and really bad pain especially on right side of body. 

 

Symptoms as of 10/18/16- Burning skin, widespread body pain, some insomnia, some fatigue, some brain fog, anxiety upon waking up, numbing and tremor in pinky and ring finger on left hand, cracking/popping/stiff joints. 

 

Symptoms as of 4/19/17- A little burning skin, muscle pain, FATIGUE, some brain fog, tremor in pinky and ring finger on left hand, cracking/popping/stiff joints, blurry vision, eye floaters, sciatica.

 

Symptoms as of 10/3/17- Physical symptoms-- Very little burning skin that comes and goes, some muscle and nerve pain that comes and goes, tremor in pinky and ring finger, muscle twitches, cortisol spike in the morning(heart palpitations), cracking/popping joints all those this has gotten a little better lately, blurry vision and eye floaters that come and go, sciatica(less intense now), fatigue which is still very bad but better than a year ago. Mental symptoms-- Depression, anxiety, hopelessness, lack of motivation or interest, brain fog(trouble focusing and concentrating), ruminating thoughts. All these come and go. 

 

 

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Thank you Cat!  I always like reading your updates.  They are encouraging and give me hope :)

 

Yes, I started keeping notes of my symptoms.  You are right, I am a critical person by nature and most likely overlook slight improvements and focus on what is wrong instead. 

Catnap encourages me and gives me hope too!!  :D

Took 10 mg of Lexapro for 15 years. Started to taper in October 2015. Took last 1mg dose in March 2016. Started having side effects end of March 2016. Symptoms include: anxiety, heart palpitations, shaky, chronic fatigue, body feels like lead(so heavy), brain fog and dizziness and really bad pain especially on right side of body. 

 

Symptoms as of 10/18/16- Burning skin, widespread body pain, some insomnia, some fatigue, some brain fog, anxiety upon waking up, numbing and tremor in pinky and ring finger on left hand, cracking/popping/stiff joints. 

 

Symptoms as of 4/19/17- A little burning skin, muscle pain, FATIGUE, some brain fog, tremor in pinky and ring finger on left hand, cracking/popping/stiff joints, blurry vision, eye floaters, sciatica.

 

Symptoms as of 10/3/17- Physical symptoms-- Very little burning skin that comes and goes, some muscle and nerve pain that comes and goes, tremor in pinky and ring finger, muscle twitches, cortisol spike in the morning(heart palpitations), cracking/popping joints all those this has gotten a little better lately, blurry vision and eye floaters that come and go, sciatica(less intense now), fatigue which is still very bad but better than a year ago. Mental symptoms-- Depression, anxiety, hopelessness, lack of motivation or interest, brain fog(trouble focusing and concentrating), ruminating thoughts. All these come and go. 

 

 

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This was my post in June 2016 in my thread. I was the same as you!! Hope this helps you know that you are not alone.  :)

 

However, what I'm left with is chronic fatigue(including very sore muscles and body heaviness-I feel paralyzed when I wake up) and bad brain fog. My liver enzymes are elevated and I've read that anti-depressents can cause a fatty liver(not a big drinker). I'm taking milk thistle to try and help me liver. Did anyone else develop chronic fatigue with withdrawal? 

Took 10 mg of Lexapro for 15 years. Started to taper in October 2015. Took last 1mg dose in March 2016. Started having side effects end of March 2016. Symptoms include: anxiety, heart palpitations, shaky, chronic fatigue, body feels like lead(so heavy), brain fog and dizziness and really bad pain especially on right side of body. 

 

Symptoms as of 10/18/16- Burning skin, widespread body pain, some insomnia, some fatigue, some brain fog, anxiety upon waking up, numbing and tremor in pinky and ring finger on left hand, cracking/popping/stiff joints. 

 

Symptoms as of 4/19/17- A little burning skin, muscle pain, FATIGUE, some brain fog, tremor in pinky and ring finger on left hand, cracking/popping/stiff joints, blurry vision, eye floaters, sciatica.

 

Symptoms as of 10/3/17- Physical symptoms-- Very little burning skin that comes and goes, some muscle and nerve pain that comes and goes, tremor in pinky and ring finger, muscle twitches, cortisol spike in the morning(heart palpitations), cracking/popping joints all those this has gotten a little better lately, blurry vision and eye floaters that come and go, sciatica(less intense now), fatigue which is still very bad but better than a year ago. Mental symptoms-- Depression, anxiety, hopelessness, lack of motivation or interest, brain fog(trouble focusing and concentrating), ruminating thoughts. All these come and go. 

 

 

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Hi Chicago77, just read your thread . It sounds just like me with the fatigue . I was actually debating to go see a naturopath. I never had fatigue until I started taking lexapro the more time passed the more fatigued I felt, so I do think in my case being on lexapro caused me fatigue . But now it is on another level . I read what you stated about your fatigue and that is exactly how I feel. I am so exhausted I am nervous to drive home after work. I really hope the fatigue will lift in the near future . It looks like for you it lifted around month 6/7 if I am not mistaken. I also reinstated and I am hoping I am still healing at 5 mg (I was taken 15 mg in April) . I think my fatigue is mostly withdrawal plus some from side effects . I am glad you are doing better, good work for keeping a job not reinstating and getting better truly encouraging . Hopefully I will be there one day .

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

Also wanted to mention that when I had my blood work done my liver was noted not to be working properly.

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

Yes I definitely felt tired on the Lexapro. I was always taking npas, needed coffee to get me through the day, etc. After getting off, I was beyond tired. I was lethargic and could barely move. Heavy everywhere, My body felt like there was cement in it. I still am fatigue but it's definitely lifted a little and somedays are better than others. I have seem some improvements for sure. You will get there too! Hang in there! :)  

Took 10 mg of Lexapro for 15 years. Started to taper in October 2015. Took last 1mg dose in March 2016. Started having side effects end of March 2016. Symptoms include: anxiety, heart palpitations, shaky, chronic fatigue, body feels like lead(so heavy), brain fog and dizziness and really bad pain especially on right side of body. 

 

Symptoms as of 10/18/16- Burning skin, widespread body pain, some insomnia, some fatigue, some brain fog, anxiety upon waking up, numbing and tremor in pinky and ring finger on left hand, cracking/popping/stiff joints. 

 

Symptoms as of 4/19/17- A little burning skin, muscle pain, FATIGUE, some brain fog, tremor in pinky and ring finger on left hand, cracking/popping/stiff joints, blurry vision, eye floaters, sciatica.

 

Symptoms as of 10/3/17- Physical symptoms-- Very little burning skin that comes and goes, some muscle and nerve pain that comes and goes, tremor in pinky and ring finger, muscle twitches, cortisol spike in the morning(heart palpitations), cracking/popping joints all those this has gotten a little better lately, blurry vision and eye floaters that come and go, sciatica(less intense now), fatigue which is still very bad but better than a year ago. Mental symptoms-- Depression, anxiety, hopelessness, lack of motivation or interest, brain fog(trouble focusing and concentrating), ruminating thoughts. All these come and go. 

 

 

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Update - a month since increasing to 5 mg.  Very slight progress if any.  Still exhausted and fatigued.  And very very dizzy and disbalanced.  I was reading how for many people after reinstating feeling better within a week or two, I am nervous that my dizziness will not diminish.  I was even dizzy when I was on lexapro so not sure is this is related to anxiety or not. Can I do anything for this dizziness?  I am trying to figure out how to proceed. 

 

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

Update - a month since increasing to 5 mg.  Very slight progress if any.  Still exhausted and fatigued.  And very very dizzy and disbalanced.  I was reading how for many people after reinstating feeling better within a week or two, I am nervous that my dizziness will not diminish.  I was even dizzy when I was on lexapro so not sure is this is related to anxiety or not. Can I do anything for this dizziness?  I am trying to figure out how to proceed. 

 

B.

 

 

hi

of the things on this list, which ones are better, and which ones are the same?

extreme exhaustion, off balance feeling, dizzy spinning spells, no emotions, annoyed and irritable, impatient. some panic attacks, anxiety, intense fear, DP/DR, racing thoughts

 

if you mainly have the fatigue and dizziness, and the other symptoms have lessened at least some what, I'd hold out a wee bit longer and see if the dizziness starts to fade as well.

 

When I reinstated, it took a full month plus a few days before most of the worst symptoms were reduced enough to be manageable

 

I know this sounds silly, but for now, maybe try saying this out loud: " unconscious mind, I now allow you to do whatever you think is necessary in order for me to feel better"

 

also try "Every day in every way, I am getting better and better"

 

do you do any meditations or relaxation exercises? those help a lot with any lingering anxiety.

 

really for this to work out, you're going to need to learn ways to handle the anxiety that doesn't involve drugs.

breathing slowly helps a lot, and quiet time, and anything you can think of to help yourself relax and think about positive things.

 

think about the things that bring you joy, even if you don't feel any joy right now. For me, it's my pet rats and my cat. Even when I am not able to feel anything for her, because of the lexapro "stealing" my emotions, I think about what it felt like when I first got her and how happy I was when she twitched the tip of her tail, or came to lay down with me

 

focus as often as you can on  those kinds of memories and they will help you heal. they'll also give you something pleasant to think about while you are healing.

 

you might be able to do a maneuver for dizzy spells that my girl friend told me about, I am going to call her now and ask her to remind me how it's done.

It helps to re set your equalibrium some how

 

I'll post again after I talk to her, but it may not be tonight as she might not be home plus I'm going into my cool down period to get ready for bed.

 

you're almost there, I can feel it. I know it's so very hard to wait, esp when it's already been so long but I am sure that  you are healing and will feel better very soon

 

{{{{hugs}}}}

 

  • 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
  • Mentor

OK here's a link to the thing you can try to see if it will help with your dizziness

 

it's not for WD caused dizziness but it's surely worth a shot, got nothing to lose, right?
;-)

 

https://youtu.be/CTZfIv165sY

 

I did this when I had WD dizziness and it helped.

 

It took doing it a few times though

 

  • 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, 

 

Thank you so much for all the information.  I will check out the youtube video in a bit.  

 

The most intense symptoms right now are dizziness 24/7 and extreme fatigue.  They are not getting better.  I sleep so much 12 hours a day and there is not even a window in a day where I dont feel tired.  The few symptoms that improved would be intense fear and racing thoughts.  I am trying so hard to hold on to this and stay positive but it is so hard.  I dream about my bed and taking naps all day and as soon as I get home I collapse on the sofa I make myself stay awake until 8 and then I fall asleep.  How crazy that using these medications can create such intense fatigue.  

 

I agree about doing things that make you happy and help to heal.  For me that would be my dog :) I take her for a walk each am and even though I feel half awake/half anxious I am glad I am getting fresh air.  I also try to play with her for a bit in the am.  

 

As far as meditating and exercising I have not done any and I am myself to blame for that.  During the week it is impossible really.  

 

I am thinking about prozac bridging.  I am going to wait for a bit more to see if there is any improvement and if not I will most likely do a siwtch 

 

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

oh wow, this really shows how these drugs affect different people in very different ways.

When I was taking lexapro, I had the fatigue and could sleep for up to 20 hrs a day, or pretty much any time I sat still long enough!
It's the reason I finally decided to stop taking it.

 

I now have a great deal of trouble getting more than 2hrs sleep at time, four hrs if I'm very lucky and have not slept thru the night in so long, I can't remember the last time I didn't wake up at 4 am (or 4:30)

 

of course you don't have time to meditate, etc and if anxiety is not a big issue for you (as it has been for me) it's probably not something you need to be doing any way, at least not now.

 

I am sorry you are having this trouble still, I wonder if starting to taper would help but I leave that for the experts to weigh in on.

 

I hope that you get your energy back soon!!

it's great that you can spend time with your dog and enjoy that.


I know my cat and my pet rats bring me a lot of joy!

 

  • 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 started getting insomnia after 3 month of being off the med . I spoke with my doctor and she thinks that I tried all of the meds already and doing Prozac again will be like taking the steps back . I was on so many meds at least 10 and nothing helped . The only one in SSRI class I didn't try is Luvox but I don't think I want to try that med I am super nervous and I do want to be medicine free. I am not sure what to do about this dizziness and fatigue though why it is so intense and when will it lift . I am not sure I can start tapering bc I am barely getting through the day and I am terrified things will get worse .

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

Moderators / admins - do you think I should hold on at 5 mg or find a doctor to do a bridge ? My biggest symptoms are dizziness/ lightheaded/ off balance and extreme fatigue. My doctor told me my symptoms are are 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
  • Moderator Emeritus

It seems as if your symptoms have improved somewhat in the 4-5 weeks since you increased to 5 mg. Is that correct?

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

Hi Scallywag, the only symptoms that improved would be intense fear is gone and intense dp/dr it got replaced with extreme fatigue. I had fatigue before reinstating but now it is even worse . I think the fatigue is not improving based on my notes . The dizziness and disbalance also intensified with being on 5 mg lexapro . I am not sure why I am feeling sooo exhausted unrefreshed my eyes burning and itching .

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

For me fatigue isn't actually such a concerning symptom. It is troublesome and impairs functionality but I frame it in a different way: my brain has been through so much, it has burnt so much energy and is now recharging. I will let it rest as much as I can. It needs all the energy it can get to repair itself and heal.

 

It is so much better than insomnia. I stopped valuing functioning at the expense of my wellbeing. I don't care whether I give my best at work. My primary responsibility is towards myself. That's the biggest lesson WD taught me: to put myself first.

 

Expectations play a big role in how we put up with this very challenging situation. It seems your expectations from yourself and your recovery and it's speed are quite high. For some reason I was just greatful that things weren't getting worse. While you are not quite satisfied with improvements, if you hadn't reinstated things might have been worse than they were. So even if had stayed equally bad that would be a plus. I thinkthat seeing things like that made it easier for me to live through stabilisation period.

 

The other possibility is that 5 mg is too much for you now. Hard to tell. I personally wouldn't do a crossover because I've seen too many bad stories: the other drug doesn't cover WD from the first, people end up on both drugs and still feel worse.

 

These are just my experiences. You know yourself best.

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. 

Link to comment

Hi bubble, thank you for your input. I have to agree I do have high expectations I want to feel better and be able to function as soon as I can. I am a critical person by nature and during this process I feel like I sit and watch my life slowly go by . There are so many things I wish I can do and I just can't right now. I am frustrated I am overthinking this and trying to determine what is going on . I was on medications for so long that I do not know what is a real me anymore. I am also struggling on the daily basis and I do agree with you about putting yourself first. It is hard when I have a mortgage and bills and family dependent on me.

I was reading the other day that fatigue could be caused by long term SSRI use and depletion of the adrenals. The thing is my doctor thinks it could be anxiety which is my original symptom . I am not sure if the 5 mg is too high and it adds to my fatigue or my body is just wiped out from such long term SSRI use or it is my anxiety . I am not ready to reduce yet I am terrified of how I was feeling end of October and I think 5 mg should be okay and not make me this tired . I recall in your earlier post about how it took you 4 months to get to the baseline so perhaps I have to be patient and hope for the best and give it more time .

I am sorry if I am writing too much and asking all these questions changing my mind etc . I appreciate all the feedback I receive . I am so greatful I found this site and I feel like I have support system and advisors that know and can relate to what is going on

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

Feeling very dizzy lightheaded and spinning sensations , dp/dr nervous and anxious to go anywhere . Sounds like 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
  • Moderator Emeritus

Has anything changed?

 

Maybe some food, medication for some other condition (antibiotics or even less harmless meds), supplements, stress, accummulated exhaustion, a conflict, approaching period...?

 

Can you maybe describe how your symptoms play out throughout day especially in relation to when you take the drug? Is there a pattern? Can you look at this as a wave that is throwing you against the rocks but will ebb?

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. 

Link to comment

Yes I got my period yesterday so I guess that could be that . I also did not eat too clean this weekend. The gloomy weather fog and rain and thoughts about tomorrow going to work and making it through the day also add to that .

 

My day starts around 6 am I wake up and take my dog for a walk I typically feel unrefreshed dizzy disbalanced and anxious I go for a walk about 20 mins make sure I have my phone and Xanax just in case . I can have an anxiety attack during my walk feel son fear and urge to run away and hide . Then I come home take a shower get dressed and go to work. At work it is hard to function. I can barely concentrate, dizziness, weakness , lightheaded , sometimes I am too nervous to get up and go to the bathroom by myself . I eat lunch take my vitamins and just try to get through the day . I feel fatigue but the most intense fatigue comes around 1 pm until 3 pm . I am so exhausted it is crazy . I leave work around 5.30 and get home by 6.30 I feel dizzy driving and take back roads to avoid highway I am scarred to be stuck in traffic and have a panic attack. I eat dinner at home watch tv and go to bed around 8.30 pm .

 

I take my medication around 7-7.30 . I actually remember to take my medication because I start feeling muscle spasms like jerky movements it is a weird sensation . I fall asleep no problem and sleep thru the night most of the time .

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

It makes it easier to me to ride out a wave when I know the contributing factors. It seems you have identified yours. Before the start of period levels of progresterone drop causing anxiety.

 

I don't remember you mentioning Xanax before. Do you take it? How often and at what doses? Irregular use of benzos also causes rebound anxiety...

 

The way you describe your day sounds very similar to my stabilisation period. I had such intense brain fog at work that sometimes I wouldn't know where I was. I just lived for short periods when my brain would switch on and I would be able to do some work.

 

Getting intense fatigue and feeling like I could fall asleep between 1 and 3 pm is also very familiar. I still have that as a matter of fact. But my situation is very complicated due to Xanax. I'm too scared to drive most of the time so I use public transport. I also have to provide for myself and have mortgage so not working is just not an option. Despite all that and even more so learning to put myself first was key. Increased anxiety tells me that my brain doesn't like that I push it too much. Even if we are talking about very 'normal' activities such as hanginh out with friends. My brain needs all the rest it can get even when that means isolating and not being able to function at work. Accepting that and focusing on providing myself a guiltfree downtime whenever I can made an enormous difference. Even lowering my expectations from myself and my performance. There are good times even with a complicated benzo/ad taper when I can do more...

 

It's wonderful that you can sleep so well. That's very healing.

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. 

Link to comment

Hi bubble, 

 

Hope you had an okay day. 

 

Wow, your brain fog sounds scarier than mine.  I too, at times get confused at where I am for a few seconds.  Like driving, and I am thinking wow how did I end up on this street.  But it is very short and sudden.  I remember stopping lexapro few years back too suddenly and I honestly would black out.  Like watching tv and for a minute not realizing what I am watching.  It was super scary. 

 

I agree, I am glad I can sleep.  I cannot imagine having insomnia for days.  I had a few days of insomnia when I was off lexapro completely month 2.5/3 and it was not fun to say the least.  Reinstatement def helped with that. Within few days I can sleep like a baby.  

 

I do not take xanax regularly.  I would say maybe once a week or one in two weeks.  I always have it with me, it is like a safety net for me, that little pill....   

 

You are a real fighter.  I am hoping to be as accepting and easy on myself as you are.  

 

I am trying to learn to listen to my body and just go with it instead of criticizing and dwelling on why I am not a certain way.  

 

It will be okay 

 

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)
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