Willpower: went off Lexapro

[Willpower]

Hi All,

I thought I would get your opinion on something if thats ok..

I have recently tapered off Cipralex/Lexapro 15mg and was off for about 4 weeks, however withdrawal symptoms became to much for me to handle. I had severe anxiety, insomnia, depression, loss of appetite, not able to concentrate, depersonalisation. It was horrible. My last dose was 5mg and I then decided to go back on 5mg and it has been 7 days and I am experiencing starting up effects again. How long do you think this will last? Will it be as though I am starting from scratch and need to give it 2 -4 weeks?

I have done so much research on this now and know that each person reacts differently, I do realise that I tapered too fast though and my Doctor realised too although I did it with his guidance/approval but as we all know who are going through this, Doctors do not have a clue about Withdrawal. My Doctor advised me to go back on 5mg which I did. I would love to hear your thoughts as to how long I should expect for the side effects to start to get better.  

I was also taking Wellbutrin XL 150mg which I successfully stopped 4 months ago and I am currently also taking Diazepam 2.5mg.  

I also take Magnesium, fish oil, Vitamin D.

Thanks a lot!

Edited May 27, 2017 by scallywag
tags

[Frogie]

Hi Willpower:

Welcome to SA. The moderators here are very knowledgeable and please do what they ask of you. You won't regret it at all.

I was already in W/D and I didn't listen to them, and I'm having horrible problems. I'm now waiting for my body to heal.

I will try and begin my taper again after the 1st of the year.

You will do just fine. They can answer the questions you may have.

Hang in there and welcome! Keep in touch and let me know how you are doing.

I truly hope your symptoms will not last. Have a great weekend

[scallywag]

Willpower -- Welcome to Surviving Antidepressants (SA)
 
Thank you for posting an introduction. I hope you'll find the information in the SA forums helpful for your situation. I'm sorry that you are in the position that you need the information, but am glad that you found us.

 

Please read this topic: Working with us on a Do-It-Yourself taper -- what you need to know

A request: Would you summarize your history in a signature -- drugs, doses, dates, and discontinuations & reinstatements, in the last 12-18 months particularly?

• Any drugs prior to that can just be listed with start and stop years.
• Dates are more helpful than relative timeframes such as "last week". If you can't remember the date please use an approximation such as "mid-July."
• You don't need to include symptoms or diagnoses other than the initial condition that led to prescribing the first drug.
• We ask for this information in your signature so that we can see it at a glance. A list is easier to understand than one or multiple paragraphs.
• You can find instructions in this topic: Please put your withdrawal history in signature
• If you are using a phone, please look at these posts in the signature thread: Post #8 and Post #9

It is helpful for you to understand your symptom pattern. Please keep notes on paper about your symptoms. The post linked here details a useful format for a daily log:
Take notes of doses and symptoms
 
You can learn more about symptoms of withdrawal and tracking them at these two links:
What is withdrawal syndrome
Glenmullen’s withdrawal symptom list
 
It can take weeks before you notice your symptoms easing. Only a lucky few experience improvement within days.
The Windows and Waves pattern of stabilization
 

 

After you stabilize on 5 mg -- maybe 6-8 weeks -- it may be time to consider a slow, gradual taper down to 0 mg. We suggest that people reduce dosage no more often than once per month and that the next dose should be no more than 10% less of current dose each time.

Why taper by 10% of my dosage?

Tips for tapering off Lexapro (escitalopram)

 

Please have a look at the topics I've linked and feel free to post questions about your situation back here in your introduction topic.

[LexAnger]

Hi willpower,

 

So sorry you are going through this also!

My fingers crossed for the reinstate to provide some relief to your WD symptoms without causing other problems. What are the starting up symptoms you are experiencing?

[Willpower]

Hi Everyone,

 

Thank you for all your support and the warm welcome.

 

Frogie - I completely agree with you to follow the moderator's advice and intend to do so.

 

LexAnger - I am currently experiencing loss of appetite, fatigue, inability to concentrate, low mood, anxiety.  I am also experiencing loss of Libido which I am surprised about as coming of the meds should increase libido.  Do you have any thoughts on this?

 

Scallywag - Thank you for all the information and links that you have provided me.  I will go through them and will also summarise my drug history in my signature shortly.

 

Thanks again to all you, I really appreciate it

 

Willpower!

[LexAnger]

Hi willpower,

 

Are those symptoms new since reinstate or combined from both? The effect of dose change can take quite long especially the core functions like libdo, unfortunately.

 

What are the changes you feel since the reinstate?

 

I really hope it works for you!

 

Lex

[Willpower]

Hi Lex,

 

These symptoms are since I reinstated.  When I had stopped completely, I was feeling better for a short time until the withdrawal started.  Also, I was not feeling depressed before only anxiety and no libido or loss of appetite problems so I am quite sure it is from reinstatement.

 

So from reinstatement I am experiencing low mood, anxiety, not able to concentrate, loss of appetite, fatigue and low libido.

 

Willpower

[Willpower]

Hi All,

 

I was put on these meds primarily for anxiety not depression.  My doctor said that the anxiety caused some depression but my main issue is anxiety.  When I tapered the Cipralex, I was not stable and had some anxiety, however my therapist and Doctor thought I would feel better without the cipralex.  I am not sure if that is true or not, but I am glad that I have come this far as these medicines are bad news!  But I want to ask if 5mg is too low a dose for me and I should be taking a higher dose to stabilise first since I tapered very quickly it seems??  I would appreciate everyones feedback.

 

Thanks,

Willpower

[LexAnger]

Hi Willipower,

Great update in signature. Thank you!

 

I'm not a mod, only a long term lex victim but I can try my wild guess based on my own experience.

 

15mg to 5mg end July to end August ( one month, feeling ok?)

5mg to 1mg end August to end sep. (hold for 1 month, feeling depressed)

5mg to 0 next 3 days

Reinstate 5mg 5 days later.

 

I would guess you can stabilize after holding for a while if assumption above that you were feeling ok at the initial 5mg mark. Even you up and down quite a bit during the last two month, and been 2.5 months since the last 5mg, it's still in the good range for a successful reinstate. And 5 mg can be a good dose too for your case. So in conclusion I'm in agreement with Scallywags advice.

 

Again, I'm not the expert, and really no one can be sure about this most unpredictable and individualized situation.

 

As for future tapering, I would like to recommend you to read the article in beyond meds ( link below in the next post) first.

So what is the original reason you started tapering?

 

I wish you peace and hope you stabilize soon. It will be rough but more change can be more harm, and you will stabilize giving time and patience.

 

Lex

[LexAnger]

Here is the link

https://beyondmeds.com/2011/12/13/stopmedications/

[Frogie]

Hi Willpower:

 

Just wondered how you were doing?

Hopefully having a good weekend

Take care,

Frogie

[Willpower]

Hi Frogie,

 

I'm feeling a lot better today actually.  It is also comforting to have the support of this forum and have questions answered by people who understand they way I am feeling since they have gone through or are currently going through similar situations.

 

I hope you are having a nice weekend as well!

 

Willpower.

[Willpower]

Hi Lex,

 

Thanks for the link, it was very interesting.

 

I think you are right and I should stick on 5mg. on the first 5mg I was feeling much better, not 100% but I think if I had sticked there for another month, I would have been fine.  Its all a vicious cycle and increasing the dose will initially make me feel worse again and it may not even get better so I'm better off sticking with 5mg and eventually get rid of these meds once and for all.

 

My original reason for tapering was that my therapist said that the cipralex could be causing me anxiety and I would do better without it.  I also did EMDR which was very helpful and as I got better, between my Doctor and Therapist they said It would be better to get off of it.  I actually did feel better for a short while when I started tapering thats why I feel it is withdrawal and nothing else.

 

I've learnt my lesson on tapering though...slow slow slow is the only way to go!!

 

Thank you for all your support, I really do appreciate it.

 

Willpower.

[Frogie]

Hi Willpower:

 

We are all going through this terrible WD.

If the Drs knew what it actually did to us, I doubt we would be on it. But they only hear how well it works from the pharmaceutical reps.

I was only supposed to be on it for a few months back in 1997, going through a divorce. And 20 years later here I still am.

I have been really sick because of my liver, so I'm not touching any of my meds until the 1st of the year so my body can heal.

I am having a good weekend. Football and nascar!

Take care. Thanks for thinking of me.

Frogie

[LexAnger]

Great to hear you are already feeling lot better! Such a relief!

[scallywag]

I'm glad you've been feeling a bit better each day. Thank you for taking the time to create a signature.

 

You've made a lot of changes this year, including a cold turkey off Wellbutrin in July.  It will take time for your symptoms to stabilize and nobody can predict how long that will take for YOU. That means that you will have moments or days where symptoms arise between moments or days with few or light symptoms. Someone coined the term "waves and windows" to describe these variations.
The Windows and Waves pattern of stabilization
How long to stabilize after reinstating or updosing?

[Willpower]

Thank you for all your responses.  

 

I just do hope it starts to get better very soon.  The feeling fatigued is quite difficult with work, all I want to do is sleep!! Going to the gym does help though, feel a lot more relaxed after.

 

Hope everyone is having a good day!

[Frogie]

Thank you for all your responses.  

 

I just do hope it starts to get better very soon.  The feeling fatigued is quite difficult with work, all I want to do is sleep!! Going to the gym does help though, feel a lot more relaxed after.

 

Hope everyone is having a good day!

I'm so happy you are feeling better

[Willpower]

Hi Everyone,

 

Hope you are all doing well!

 

The last two days have been very difficult.  Have been experiencing Flu-like symptoms, extremely tired (getting difficult to even go to work now), no motivation, headaches, no appetite at all, extremely weak, depressed mood, digestive problems, racing heart beat in the morning. Its been a real nightmare!!

 

I'm going to see my Doctor tomorrow to check in.

 

I am considering going back on Wellbutrin XL 150MG as it did help me a lot and I believe it is not a very strong anti-depressant.  I was also able to come off of it quite easily without tapering.  But at the same time, I would rather not take more pills but there is also a limit to the amount of suffering I feel I can endure.  Not being able to work and function is a serious problem.  I just want to lie in bed and do nothing....

 

I am a little concerned that starting Wellbutrin will cause more anxiety but if the longer term effects are beneficial then it may be worth considering.  

 

Its all really confusing what to do and I'm getting quite desperate feeling like this...really can't endure much more of this.

 

If anyone has any advice or comments, look forward to hearing them.

 

Best,

Willpower

[Frogie]

Hi Everyone,

 

Hope you are all doing well!

 

The last two days have been very difficult.  Have been experiencing Flu-like symptoms, extremely tired (getting difficult to even go to work now), no motivation, headaches, no appetite at all, extremely weak, depressed mood, digestive problems, racing heart beat in the morning. Its been a real nightmare!!

 

I'm going to see my Doctor tomorrow to check in.

 

I am considering going back on Wellbutrin XL 150MG as it did help me a lot and I believe it is not a very strong anti-depressant.  I was also able to come off of it quite easily without tapering.  But at the same time, I would rather not take more pills but there is also a limit to the amount of suffering I feel I can endure.  Not being able to work and function is a serious problem.  I just want to lie in bed and do nothing....

 

I am a little concerned that starting Wellbutrin will cause more anxiety but if the longer term effects are beneficial then it may be worth considering.  

 

Its all really confusing what to do and I'm getting quite desperate feeling like this...really can't endure much more of this.

 

If anyone has any advice or comments, look forward to hearing them.

 

Best,

Willpower

Willpower,

I'm so sorry you aren't feeling well. I was hoping you would feel better by now.

I don't know anything about meds, just mine, Lexapro. It's mean.

I hope your dr can help you so you can enjoy the holidays.

Keep us informed and take care.

Frogie xx

[Willpower]

Thanks Frogie.  I'm hoping my doc can help too.  All I am certain of is that I have to take some proactive action to make myself get better rather than suffering in silence.

 

Thanks for your support.

[Frogie]

Thanks Frogie.  I'm hoping my doc can help too.  All I am certain of is that I have to take some proactive action to make myself get better rather than suffering in silence.

 

Thanks for your support.

Good luck! Let me know how it goes!

Take care,

Frogie xx

[Willpower]

Hi Frogie,

 

I went to see my Doctor today and he put me back on Wellbutrin XL 150 MG.  It is a low dose and I am hoping I will not have to increase the cipralex and can stabilise on 5mg cipralex and 150MG Wellbutrin soon.  I will be speaking with my Doctor by end of the weekend to keep him posted on my progress.

 

Hope everyone is well!!

 

Willpower

[AliG]

I hope that you can stabilize very soon. Keep us posted as well.

Best wishes,

Ali

[Frogie]

Hi Frogie,

 

I went to see my Doctor today and he put me back on Wellbutrin XL 150 MG.  It is a low dose and I am hoping I will not have to increase the cipralex and can stabilise on 5mg cipralex and 150MG Wellbutrin soon.  I will be speaking with my Doctor by end of the weekend to keep him posted on my progress.

 

Hope everyone is well!!

 

Willpower

I hope it all works out for you and you will feel better soon

Take care,

Frogie xx

[Willpower]

Hi Everyone,

 

Since starting Wellbutrin XL 150 MG, I have been feeling extremely agitated, anxious, nauseous, no appetite, fast heartbeat and insomnia but it is beginning to get better and my mood has improved slightly.  Two days ago, I was so nauseous and tired for some reason (which surprised me as Wellbutrin XL 150 MG) is supposed to be a slight stimulant.  I have temporarily upped my dose of diazepam at night to help me sleep, although it doesn't work so well and I don't want to take it for too long so I intend to stop by the end of the weekend.  I've also had to take between 1-2 mg of Diazepam during the day over the last 2 days due to the anxiety but it has now settled down quite a bit.  I hope the symptoms settle down soon and I can stabilise on this as I really do not want increase the cipralex having gotten so far and I am determined to eventually get off these meds.  They are terrible...you can't live with them or without them for a while until they are cleared from your CNS.

 

Thought I would post a quick update.  If anyone has any experience and comments on Wellbutrin, would love to hear it.

 

Thanks,

Willpower

[AliG]

WP.  Wellbutrin is stimulating which could be ramping you up with the result being agitation, anxiety, fast heartbeat and insomnia. The Diazepam is probably having a hard time counteracting that.

 

Why did your doctor add the Wellbutrin on top of the Cipralex?  

 

How often are you taking the Diazepam?  It only takes a few weeks to become dependent physically.  If you could let us know the times and dosage of your Diazepam it would help. 

How long have you been taking it ?   Would you mind adding that to your signature?

[Willpower]

Hi AliG,

 

Thanks for your response.

 

My Doctor added Wellbutrin because I became extremely depressed with low energy etc. and it worked well before.  He thought it best to add that instead of increasing cipralex as it worked well for depression specifically.  It also helped with low libido caused by the Cipralex which was one of the reasons why I was put on it years ago in addition to depression.

 

I have been taking diazepam  2.5mg at night since 2008.  However, recently for the last 3 nights I have added 2mg at night so a total of 4.5mg and 1mg during the day as needed.  I have only taken the 1mg in the day for 2 days.  I know that you can become physically dependant very quickly and I am determined not to fall into that trap and therefore will try to stop it completely over the next day or so.

 

I believe the initial start up effects of the Wellbutrin disappear after a while, is this correct?  

[scallywag]

Start-up effects do disappear for most people. If they continue, they're considered "side" effects, or more appropriately adverse effects. If they do continue, you face a choice keep taking the drug, taper & stop the drug, or crossover to a new drug.

[AliG]

WP.  Doctors ? 

 

Do you use the Diazepam to sleep ?

 

I would keep the night dose but perhaps cease the daytime dose. It's only been 2 days.

 

The start up effects of Wellbutrin could possibly disappear or seem to as the body/ brain adapts to the presence of the drug.

[Willpower]

Thank you AliG, you have been very helpful and I greatly appreciate it.

 

I have been using the nightly Diazepam 2.5mg to sleep but was also using Zopiclone 3.75mg sometime back in 2008 but stopped in 2009.  I guess for the 2.5mg I would have to keep it as it is since I have been taking it for so long and taper it at some stage.

 

The day time dose I will definitely cease but I am also keep to stop the extra 2mg at night...I am quite scared to take these drugs and just want to take as little as possible.  Also, is it better to take Zopiclone for sleeping for a few days rather than the additional diazepam 2mg at night?

 

Do you think it was bad to start the wellbutrin as opposed to increasing the cipralex? I've read on this site that SSRI's are harder to taper than Wellbutrin and Wellbutrin is a weaker antidepressant, I know regardless they are all bad but having the lesser of two evils would be some relief?

[AliG]

If it were me I would go back to the 2.5mg at night and keep as is for now.  Taper later if you want , which I would.

 

Are you already on Zoplicone or thinking of adding extra to the regimen?  Or just stopped in 2009.

 

I shouldn't be amazed that he added the Wellbutrin. It's what they do. How long have you been on it ?

[Willpower]

I am still taking 2.5mg and have been since 2008 November so that I do not intend to stop just now and eventually I will taper this as well as you have suggested.

 

However, I am wondering if I should switch the additional 2mg diazepam I have been taking at night for the last few nights since starting wellbutrin to zopiclone? So I would basically substitute the Zopiclone for the 2mg Diazepam temporarily for a few days and not more.

 

I have been on Wellbutrin for 8 days (today is day 8).  I am feeling better and I hope I can stabilise this way and from here on taper the wellbutrin and Cipralex 5mg very slowly.

 

I stopped the Wellbutrin XL 150MG cold turkey on July 28th 2016 as I felt it was causing some anxiety and my Doctor said it is the lowest dose and I can stop it cold turkey, not sure if after 3.5 months withdrawal from wellbutrin could have occurred...I guess anything is possible but we cannot pin point the exact cause??

[Willpower]

Sorry, I meant to say I would substitute the Diazepam for the Zopiclone temporarily for a few days??

[Frogie]

Hi Willpower:

 

I never read your signature until now. It looks like you went off Cipralex as fast as I went off 1/2 of my Lexapro.

My cut in Lexapro was 6 months ago, and I'm still nauseous every morning. I don't have a sleep problem thank goodness.

I'm sure the mods know exactly what you are going through and are going to help every way they can.

I didn't listen to them, and regretted it. They really do know what they are doing.

I hope you start to feel better really fast

 

Take care,

Frogie xx

[AliG]

Yes, you could switch for a few nights. It's less addictive.  Perhaps then, stabilize fully and eventually gently taper off the Wellbutrin and Cipralex very slowly as you said. 

 

Please check in here first though before you do anything, when that time comes.

 

This link explains what it means to stabilize :

http://survivingantidepressants.org/index.php?/topic/3949-stabilizing-after-a-reduction-what-does-that-mean/

 

Ali