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ryan1982: my journey


ryan1982

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The pressure behind my eyes hurts so bad and working has become extremely difficult. I'm saying this with a clear head as I thankfully don't have cog fog- I don't know that I'm willing to do this much longer. I've kept it slow, consistent and stable and I haven't stabilized. Is this just what it will be while I'm on Lexapro? I didn't feel like this before my sample of low dose naltrexone 9 months ago but I also would have thought I would have stabilized well before now.

 

I'm so scared for my life and my family.

2005- 2008: Lorazepam (max dose- 1 MG daily)

2008- 2016: Lexapro (max dose-10 MG daily)

January 2017- March 2017- Pristiq (max dose- 100 MG daily)

April 2017- June 2017: Trintellix (max dose- 10 MG)

July 2017- October 2017:  Lexapro (max dose-10 MG daily)

November 2017- April 2018- Luvox (max dose- 100 MG)

May 2018- Zoloft (max dose- 18.75)

5/28/18- 3 MG Lexapro, 6/3/18- 3 MG Lexapro, 6/7/18- 3.5 MG Lexapro, 6/13/18- 4 MG Lexapro, 6/21/18- 4.5 MG Lexapro, 6/28/18- 3/29/21- 4 MG Lexapro, 3/30/21- Present- 3.8 MG Lexapro

**Bad Wave Caused by Trileptal 150 MG (one pill) in December '20 and Low Dose Naltrexone .12 MG (one pill) in April '21**

 

"The Journey is The Reward"

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  • 3 weeks later...

If you have a chemical setback by taking a med while your central nervous system is sensitive, is healing possible? I'm 9 months out from trying low dose naltrexone while tapering Lex and I still feel bad.

2005- 2008: Lorazepam (max dose- 1 MG daily)

2008- 2016: Lexapro (max dose-10 MG daily)

January 2017- March 2017- Pristiq (max dose- 100 MG daily)

April 2017- June 2017: Trintellix (max dose- 10 MG)

July 2017- October 2017:  Lexapro (max dose-10 MG daily)

November 2017- April 2018- Luvox (max dose- 100 MG)

May 2018- Zoloft (max dose- 18.75)

5/28/18- 3 MG Lexapro, 6/3/18- 3 MG Lexapro, 6/7/18- 3.5 MG Lexapro, 6/13/18- 4 MG Lexapro, 6/21/18- 4.5 MG Lexapro, 6/28/18- 3/29/21- 4 MG Lexapro, 3/30/21- Present- 3.8 MG Lexapro

**Bad Wave Caused by Trileptal 150 MG (one pill) in December '20 and Low Dose Naltrexone .12 MG (one pill) in April '21**

 

"The Journey is The Reward"

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  • Moderator Emeritus
23 hours ago, ryan1982 said:

If you have a chemical setback by taking a med while your central nervous system is sensitive, is healing possible? I'm 9 months out from trying low dose naltrexone while tapering Lex and I still feel bad.

Yes, healing is possible.  But I won't lie to you, it can take months or years.  Hang in there, and be super patient.  

Please do not private message me.  Only tag me for urgent questions about tapering and reinstating - thank you.  

 

***Please note this is not medical advice.  Discuss any decisions about your medical care with a doctor who understands psych meds and how to withdraw from them, if you can find one.

 

Lexapro   Started Apr 15 2010 - 10 mg;  started taper August 2017, recent taper info: Apr 2 '20  0.18 mg; Jul 16  0.17 mg, Aug 23  0.16 mg, Oct 7  0.15 mg, Nov 8 - 0.14, Jan 16 '21 - 0.13, Feb 7 - 0.12, Feb 22 - 0.11, Mar 26 - 0.10, May 21 - 0.09, June 15 - 0.08 Aug 16 - 0.07, Oct 6 - 0.06, Nov 21 0.05, Dec. 17 0.04, Jan 14 '22 0.03, Feb 19 0.02, Apr 18 0.01, May 15 0.005,  Jul 8, 0.00.  Psych Drug Free as of July 8, 2022!!  Woohoo!!!

other meds: Levothyroxine 75 mg

magnesium in small amounts at 4 AM, before bed

suppl AM: fish oil, flax oil, vit C, vit E, multivitamin, zinc

suppl 8 PM: magnesium 350 mg, extended release vitamin C, melatonin 2 mg

 

Paxil 2002 - 2010, switched to Lexapro 2010 

Trazodone 50 mg. 2002 - 2019, fast tapered in 2019 

Xanax 0.5 mg as needed 2002 - 2019, up to 3x weekly 

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  • 2 weeks later...

Have you found any relief lately?  Some days better than others?  

2010 - 2018 Zoloft 75 mg 2019 Zoloft 50mg 2019 Zoloft 25 mg

2020 Zoloft 12.5mg

2020 Switched July 6, 2020 to Lexapro 10 mg  Nov 10, 2020 5 mg 

2021 Feb 2, 2021 2.5 mg until July 24, 2021 (Date quit)

2021 Lexapro .5 mg Reinstatement Aug 18, 2021 

2021 Lexapro .42 mg Nov 16, 2021

2021 Lexapro .35 mg Dec 1, 2021

2021 Lexapro .5 mg updose Dec 11, 2021

2022 Lexapro 1.0 mg updose March 15, 2022

2022 Quit Lexapro March 19, 2022

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On 1/18/2022 at 5:55 PM, NeDaytoDayMJ said:

Have you found any relief lately?  Some days better than others?  

I have one main symptom, sensory overload that leads to fatigue. It’s present all the time but gets worse when I’m out and about. Thank you fo asking! How are you, @NeDaytoDayMJ.

 

@Altostrata- I’m sorry to ask and I hope I’m not violating rules by doing so. I have been in my setback for 9.5 months and had many symptoms come and go. My only current symptom is based in head/face; I have pressure in my face and I get sort of dizzy/out of it with social interaction or seeing movement. It’s constant but gets worse at times. I’m bucketing it into “sensory overload”. 
 

I’ve been super stable on Lexapro, two doses per day spaced 12 hours apart. No alcohol, no caffeine, healthy food, etc. If I stay the course, should I be able to heal and return to normal? Id like to restart my taper at some point but I’ll be honest, I didn’t expect this wave to last 9+ months and still feel so bad. Don’t know what it will take to stabilize at this point but looking for some hope. 

2005- 2008: Lorazepam (max dose- 1 MG daily)

2008- 2016: Lexapro (max dose-10 MG daily)

January 2017- March 2017- Pristiq (max dose- 100 MG daily)

April 2017- June 2017: Trintellix (max dose- 10 MG)

July 2017- October 2017:  Lexapro (max dose-10 MG daily)

November 2017- April 2018- Luvox (max dose- 100 MG)

May 2018- Zoloft (max dose- 18.75)

5/28/18- 3 MG Lexapro, 6/3/18- 3 MG Lexapro, 6/7/18- 3.5 MG Lexapro, 6/13/18- 4 MG Lexapro, 6/21/18- 4.5 MG Lexapro, 6/28/18- 3/29/21- 4 MG Lexapro, 3/30/21- Present- 3.8 MG Lexapro

**Bad Wave Caused by Trileptal 150 MG (one pill) in December '20 and Low Dose Naltrexone .12 MG (one pill) in April '21**

 

"The Journey is The Reward"

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  • Administrator

This is your one main symptom?

 

1 hour ago, ryan1982 said:

I have one main symptom, sensory overload that leads to fatigue. It’s present all the time but gets worse when I’m out and about.

 

If you look back through your Intro topic, you will see this is an improvement. How have your symptoms changed in the last month? How's your sleep?

 

What insights have you gained about your tendency to health anxiety?

This is not medical advice. Discuss any decisions about your medical care with a knowledgeable medical practitioner.

"It has become appallingly obvious that our technology has surpassed our humanity." -- Albert Einstein

All postings © copyrighted.

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Hey Alto-

Thank you for taking the time. I'd say in the last month that my eye pressure is present all the time now but it hasn't been as bad as it was before. I also think my fatigue is a bit better. I'm also 100% over the mental symptoms, I'm able to live pretty free of artificial stress and anxiety. I get nervous when I'm supposed to, which is nice.

 

My sleep is OK- probably 5 hours/night. I have the strangest sensation when I try and sleep, as my face and body pulsate. I try to ignore it but it results in unbroken sleep.

 

I've gotten better in terms of health anxiety. For a while, I was worried about my eye pressure being a new symptom of my trigeminal nerve but I know it's not. I'm just in a wave, albeit a very long one. My battle is seeing the sand run through the hourglass and wanting to be back to normal and get back to the things I enjoy doing with my family. If I'm honest, I'm frustrated that it's taking so long to heal so I examine and reexamine all the things to make sure I'm doing everything right (dosing, diet, meditation, etc). I can drive myself a bit crazy there but my therapy has taught me to focus on the things that matter most.

 

I know you can't answer with 100% certainty, but provided I stay on track, there's not reason to believe I won't return to my pre-setback self while on Lexapro, correct? We always talk about the importance of stabilizing before we taper and I just want to get back to that stability phase- not somewhere I feel I am currently.

2005- 2008: Lorazepam (max dose- 1 MG daily)

2008- 2016: Lexapro (max dose-10 MG daily)

January 2017- March 2017- Pristiq (max dose- 100 MG daily)

April 2017- June 2017: Trintellix (max dose- 10 MG)

July 2017- October 2017:  Lexapro (max dose-10 MG daily)

November 2017- April 2018- Luvox (max dose- 100 MG)

May 2018- Zoloft (max dose- 18.75)

5/28/18- 3 MG Lexapro, 6/3/18- 3 MG Lexapro, 6/7/18- 3.5 MG Lexapro, 6/13/18- 4 MG Lexapro, 6/21/18- 4.5 MG Lexapro, 6/28/18- 3/29/21- 4 MG Lexapro, 3/30/21- Present- 3.8 MG Lexapro

**Bad Wave Caused by Trileptal 150 MG (one pill) in December '20 and Low Dose Naltrexone .12 MG (one pill) in April '21**

 

"The Journey is The Reward"

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5 hours ago, ryan1982 said:

I'm frustrated that it's taking so long to heal so I examine and reexamine all the things to make sure I'm doing everything right (dosing, diet, meditation, etc).

 

This is slowing it down for sure .. 

December 2014 - Lexapro 20 mg

August 2016 Med free (6 week taper)

December 22 2021  added Abilify 5mg / Ativan .5mg / Depakote ER 1000mg

Discontinued Abilify 5mg on 12-30-21---accidental dose on 1-13-22 (looks like Ativan)

Ativan PRN/Discontinued 1-14-22

Only drug is Depakote ER 1000mg ( looking to taper slow and safe for once )

3/24/22 Depakote 625mg 

Propranolol 20-40mg  PRN

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18 minutes ago, Alice1 said:

 

This is slowing it down for sure .. 

I know you’re right, @Alice1 .

 

How are you doing? Better I hope!

2005- 2008: Lorazepam (max dose- 1 MG daily)

2008- 2016: Lexapro (max dose-10 MG daily)

January 2017- March 2017- Pristiq (max dose- 100 MG daily)

April 2017- June 2017: Trintellix (max dose- 10 MG)

July 2017- October 2017:  Lexapro (max dose-10 MG daily)

November 2017- April 2018- Luvox (max dose- 100 MG)

May 2018- Zoloft (max dose- 18.75)

5/28/18- 3 MG Lexapro, 6/3/18- 3 MG Lexapro, 6/7/18- 3.5 MG Lexapro, 6/13/18- 4 MG Lexapro, 6/21/18- 4.5 MG Lexapro, 6/28/18- 3/29/21- 4 MG Lexapro, 3/30/21- Present- 3.8 MG Lexapro

**Bad Wave Caused by Trileptal 150 MG (one pill) in December '20 and Low Dose Naltrexone .12 MG (one pill) in April '21**

 

"The Journey is The Reward"

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@ryan1982 

Just trying to figure things out .  Once I got PGAD I totally freaked out . I'm not so panicked anymore but now I'm on Depakote which I'll have to taper once I find a Pdoc (which is impossible where I live) .  Thanks for asking . 

December 2014 - Lexapro 20 mg

August 2016 Med free (6 week taper)

December 22 2021  added Abilify 5mg / Ativan .5mg / Depakote ER 1000mg

Discontinued Abilify 5mg on 12-30-21---accidental dose on 1-13-22 (looks like Ativan)

Ativan PRN/Discontinued 1-14-22

Only drug is Depakote ER 1000mg ( looking to taper slow and safe for once )

3/24/22 Depakote 625mg 

Propranolol 20-40mg  PRN

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  • 2 weeks later...

Sorry, I forgot to tag you on my response to you above, @Altostrata . Definitely not looking for emotional support, just looking for some guidance on your experience around those that experience a (long) setback and whether achieving restabilization while still on psych meds is possible.  
 

I appreciate all you do for us. 

2005- 2008: Lorazepam (max dose- 1 MG daily)

2008- 2016: Lexapro (max dose-10 MG daily)

January 2017- March 2017- Pristiq (max dose- 100 MG daily)

April 2017- June 2017: Trintellix (max dose- 10 MG)

July 2017- October 2017:  Lexapro (max dose-10 MG daily)

November 2017- April 2018- Luvox (max dose- 100 MG)

May 2018- Zoloft (max dose- 18.75)

5/28/18- 3 MG Lexapro, 6/3/18- 3 MG Lexapro, 6/7/18- 3.5 MG Lexapro, 6/13/18- 4 MG Lexapro, 6/21/18- 4.5 MG Lexapro, 6/28/18- 3/29/21- 4 MG Lexapro, 3/30/21- Present- 3.8 MG Lexapro

**Bad Wave Caused by Trileptal 150 MG (one pill) in December '20 and Low Dose Naltrexone .12 MG (one pill) in April '21**

 

"The Journey is The Reward"

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Hey Ryan1982, I am pretty sure she will say it is possible otherwise she wouldn't recommend the resinstatements etc.  I'm in the same boat as you though as the reinstatement has provided me very little relief.  Its tough.  I think to myself and I'm sure you do as well, Why are we even taking the drug if we are experiencing these horrible symptoms still.  I ask myself that alot.  I tell myself that I will eventually stabilize and it will be easier to get off the drugs.  However, I'm thinking about setting a timeline in that if I am not stabilized by April 1, I will taper the final amount of doses.  

Have you though about tapering more?  What is holding you back?  

2010 - 2018 Zoloft 75 mg 2019 Zoloft 50mg 2019 Zoloft 25 mg

2020 Zoloft 12.5mg

2020 Switched July 6, 2020 to Lexapro 10 mg  Nov 10, 2020 5 mg 

2021 Feb 2, 2021 2.5 mg until July 24, 2021 (Date quit)

2021 Lexapro .5 mg Reinstatement Aug 18, 2021 

2021 Lexapro .42 mg Nov 16, 2021

2021 Lexapro .35 mg Dec 1, 2021

2021 Lexapro .5 mg updose Dec 11, 2021

2022 Lexapro 1.0 mg updose March 15, 2022

2022 Quit Lexapro March 19, 2022

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Thanks so much, @NeDaytoDayMJ. I understand where you're coming from. I actually haven't tapered more than .2 of Lexapro in the past 4 years while I tackled other health issues. I'm still on 3.8 MG of Lexapro. I haven't gone down further because I thought that the goal was to stabilize before you go down any further. I have head pressure 24/7, weak legs, abdominal pain and sensory overload. My concern is going down further would only further destabilize me.

2005- 2008: Lorazepam (max dose- 1 MG daily)

2008- 2016: Lexapro (max dose-10 MG daily)

January 2017- March 2017- Pristiq (max dose- 100 MG daily)

April 2017- June 2017: Trintellix (max dose- 10 MG)

July 2017- October 2017:  Lexapro (max dose-10 MG daily)

November 2017- April 2018- Luvox (max dose- 100 MG)

May 2018- Zoloft (max dose- 18.75)

5/28/18- 3 MG Lexapro, 6/3/18- 3 MG Lexapro, 6/7/18- 3.5 MG Lexapro, 6/13/18- 4 MG Lexapro, 6/21/18- 4.5 MG Lexapro, 6/28/18- 3/29/21- 4 MG Lexapro, 3/30/21- Present- 3.8 MG Lexapro

**Bad Wave Caused by Trileptal 150 MG (one pill) in December '20 and Low Dose Naltrexone .12 MG (one pill) in April '21**

 

"The Journey is The Reward"

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  • Administrator

You have seen some improvement, @ryan1982 This is the 13th page of your asking for reassurance because of your health anxiety.

 

If you don't want to decrease 3.8mg Lexapro, you don't have to.

This is not medical advice. Discuss any decisions about your medical care with a knowledgeable medical practitioner.

"It has become appallingly obvious that our technology has surpassed our humanity." -- Albert Einstein

All postings © copyrighted.

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@Altostrata- I don’t understand. I’ve had an extremely tough 12 years with over 15 surgeries and withdrawal as the cherry on top. Respectfully, I feel like I’m doing pretty well all things considered.
 

All I wanted to know was whether I should wait until I stabilize to taper or just start tapering. 
 

No need to respond, I’ll just keep on trucking. 

2005- 2008: Lorazepam (max dose- 1 MG daily)

2008- 2016: Lexapro (max dose-10 MG daily)

January 2017- March 2017- Pristiq (max dose- 100 MG daily)

April 2017- June 2017: Trintellix (max dose- 10 MG)

July 2017- October 2017:  Lexapro (max dose-10 MG daily)

November 2017- April 2018- Luvox (max dose- 100 MG)

May 2018- Zoloft (max dose- 18.75)

5/28/18- 3 MG Lexapro, 6/3/18- 3 MG Lexapro, 6/7/18- 3.5 MG Lexapro, 6/13/18- 4 MG Lexapro, 6/21/18- 4.5 MG Lexapro, 6/28/18- 3/29/21- 4 MG Lexapro, 3/30/21- Present- 3.8 MG Lexapro

**Bad Wave Caused by Trileptal 150 MG (one pill) in December '20 and Low Dose Naltrexone .12 MG (one pill) in April '21**

 

"The Journey is The Reward"

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  • Moderator Emeritus

Generally my thought about making the next reduction was if in doubt, hold.

 

Stability

 

WDnormal

 

And Brassmonkey talks more about it here:

 

tao-of-the-brassmonkey

* NO LONGER ACTIVE on SA *

MISSION ACCOMPLISHED:  (6 year taper)      0mg Pristiq  on 13th November 2021

ADs since ~1992:  25+ years - 1 unknown, Prozac (muscle weakness), Zoloft; citalopram (pooped out) CTed (very sick for 2.5 wks a few months after); Pristiq:  50mg 2012, 100mg beg 2013 (Serotonin Toxicity)  Tapering from Oct 2015 - 13 Nov 2021   LAST DOSE 0.0025mg

Post 0 updates start here    My tapering program     My Intro (goes to tapering graph)

 VIDEO:   Antidepressant Withdrawal Syndrome and its Management

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Thanks, @ChessieCat. I appreciate your insight and kindness. I hope you’re doing well. 

2005- 2008: Lorazepam (max dose- 1 MG daily)

2008- 2016: Lexapro (max dose-10 MG daily)

January 2017- March 2017- Pristiq (max dose- 100 MG daily)

April 2017- June 2017: Trintellix (max dose- 10 MG)

July 2017- October 2017:  Lexapro (max dose-10 MG daily)

November 2017- April 2018- Luvox (max dose- 100 MG)

May 2018- Zoloft (max dose- 18.75)

5/28/18- 3 MG Lexapro, 6/3/18- 3 MG Lexapro, 6/7/18- 3.5 MG Lexapro, 6/13/18- 4 MG Lexapro, 6/21/18- 4.5 MG Lexapro, 6/28/18- 3/29/21- 4 MG Lexapro, 3/30/21- Present- 3.8 MG Lexapro

**Bad Wave Caused by Trileptal 150 MG (one pill) in December '20 and Low Dose Naltrexone .12 MG (one pill) in April '21**

 

"The Journey is The Reward"

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  • Administrator
On 9/23/2021 at 7:43 PM, Altostrata said:

We can't tell anything about what may be causing a pattern of symptoms without those daily notes. If you think your symptom pattern may be caused by the escitalopram, you'll need to keep and post daily notes, as explained here.

 

This is not medical advice. Discuss any decisions about your medical care with a knowledgeable medical practitioner.

"It has become appallingly obvious that our technology has surpassed our humanity." -- Albert Einstein

All postings © copyrighted.

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On 2/6/2022 at 10:06 PM, Altostrata said:

 


6:15 AM- Wake up to head pressure

7 AM- Take kids to school, go back to bed for an hour to try and relieve head pressure. 
8 AM- Start work. Eat oatmeal, drink hot lemon water to help my stomach. Go to doctor and head pressure gets worse in the car. 
8:30 AM- Take 1.9 MG Lexapro dose. 
9:30- 12 PM- Work on the computer and talk on the phone, manage my head pressure as best as I can

12 PM- 1 PM- Light lunch of avocado toast. Meditate and walk. 
1-6 PM- Work at my desk, meetings abound. Try and focus on the task at hand but am physically exhausted by the end. Stress tolerance is low and causes head pain to be worse. 
6-8 PM- Help with bed time for kids. Typically need a cold/warm towel on my face by this point. 
8:30- Dose of 1.9 MG of Lexapro

8:30- 10 PM- Manage head pain, talk to my wife about health issues, read and go to bed. 

I don’t feel like my pressure or symptoms is worse or better after taking Lexapro…it’s always just kind of there, much like my stress intolerance. Sensory overload and head pressure seem to get worse with stress 

2005- 2008: Lorazepam (max dose- 1 MG daily)

2008- 2016: Lexapro (max dose-10 MG daily)

January 2017- March 2017- Pristiq (max dose- 100 MG daily)

April 2017- June 2017: Trintellix (max dose- 10 MG)

July 2017- October 2017:  Lexapro (max dose-10 MG daily)

November 2017- April 2018- Luvox (max dose- 100 MG)

May 2018- Zoloft (max dose- 18.75)

5/28/18- 3 MG Lexapro, 6/3/18- 3 MG Lexapro, 6/7/18- 3.5 MG Lexapro, 6/13/18- 4 MG Lexapro, 6/21/18- 4.5 MG Lexapro, 6/28/18- 3/29/21- 4 MG Lexapro, 3/30/21- Present- 3.8 MG Lexapro

**Bad Wave Caused by Trileptal 150 MG (one pill) in December '20 and Low Dose Naltrexone .12 MG (one pill) in April '21**

 

"The Journey is The Reward"

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On 2/5/2022 at 7:36 PM, ChessieCat said:

Generally my thought about making the next reduction was if in doubt, hold.

 

Stability

 

WDnormal

 

And Brassmonkey talks more about it here:

 

tao-of-the-brassmonkey

@ChessieCat- thanks again. I spoke with a moderator on a very popular FB withdrawal site and she had this to say about my splitting my doses in half. Do you see any issue? We originally split the doses when I was taking Luvox in 2018 but have since been on Lexapro for the past 3.5 years.  

"Ryan this advice that was given to you about splitting doses from SA concerns me a lot. Who told you to do this? Was it Alto herself? I can see how this approach might work with a very short acting drug such as a benzo, but not Lexapro. The half life of this drug is at shortest 26 hours. So you’ve essentially done a big reduction and are double dosing, so the drug won’t have metabolized from the first dose, before you’ve added in the next. How long have you been doing this? It’s like the opposite of taking the drug every other day which we see here too. Do you see where I’m coming from?

 

Let’s look at this. What are the facts?..

You’re not stable.

You’re double dosing so you’re not ever going to be stable.

What can we do at this point having explored every other avenue?

Take ONE single dose at the same time every day. Your body will not like this either, but it’s the only thing that makes any sense. I also think that making the liquid with your pill would be a better way to ensure the dose you’re taking is always accurate.

Let me know your thoughts."

 

2005- 2008: Lorazepam (max dose- 1 MG daily)

2008- 2016: Lexapro (max dose-10 MG daily)

January 2017- March 2017- Pristiq (max dose- 100 MG daily)

April 2017- June 2017: Trintellix (max dose- 10 MG)

July 2017- October 2017:  Lexapro (max dose-10 MG daily)

November 2017- April 2018- Luvox (max dose- 100 MG)

May 2018- Zoloft (max dose- 18.75)

5/28/18- 3 MG Lexapro, 6/3/18- 3 MG Lexapro, 6/7/18- 3.5 MG Lexapro, 6/13/18- 4 MG Lexapro, 6/21/18- 4.5 MG Lexapro, 6/28/18- 3/29/21- 4 MG Lexapro, 3/30/21- Present- 3.8 MG Lexapro

**Bad Wave Caused by Trileptal 150 MG (one pill) in December '20 and Low Dose Naltrexone .12 MG (one pill) in April '21**

 

"The Journey is The Reward"

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  • Administrator

Personally, I would not ordinarily suggest splitting a Lexapro dose, but I don't think that's the source of your problems.

 

How do you feel before and after each dose of Lexapro, better or worse? What is your sleep pattern? Please include this in your daily notes.

 

 

This is not medical advice. Discuss any decisions about your medical care with a knowledgeable medical practitioner.

"It has become appallingly obvious that our technology has surpassed our humanity." -- Albert Einstein

All postings © copyrighted.

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Thanks, @Altostrata. I feel about the same before/after my dose in the AM and PM. That is to say, I feel consistently pretty bad, ha. I'm in bed a lot but my sleep is consistently pretty poor, mostly due to the wave but my bladder disease doesn't help. I'll put in my daily notes tomorrow morning.

 

The FB withdrawal page also suggested that I grind 5 pills down and make my doses that way instead of cutting one pill and using the shards. I don't totally understand the reasoning but I'm willing to try.

 

Appreciate your ongoing support.

2005- 2008: Lorazepam (max dose- 1 MG daily)

2008- 2016: Lexapro (max dose-10 MG daily)

January 2017- March 2017- Pristiq (max dose- 100 MG daily)

April 2017- June 2017: Trintellix (max dose- 10 MG)

July 2017- October 2017:  Lexapro (max dose-10 MG daily)

November 2017- April 2018- Luvox (max dose- 100 MG)

May 2018- Zoloft (max dose- 18.75)

5/28/18- 3 MG Lexapro, 6/3/18- 3 MG Lexapro, 6/7/18- 3.5 MG Lexapro, 6/13/18- 4 MG Lexapro, 6/21/18- 4.5 MG Lexapro, 6/28/18- 3/29/21- 4 MG Lexapro, 3/30/21- Present- 3.8 MG Lexapro

**Bad Wave Caused by Trileptal 150 MG (one pill) in December '20 and Low Dose Naltrexone .12 MG (one pill) in April '21**

 

"The Journey is The Reward"

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Last thing I'll say- I'm happy to take my dose once per day if you think that would be helpful. I'm good to do it either way.

2005- 2008: Lorazepam (max dose- 1 MG daily)

2008- 2016: Lexapro (max dose-10 MG daily)

January 2017- March 2017- Pristiq (max dose- 100 MG daily)

April 2017- June 2017: Trintellix (max dose- 10 MG)

July 2017- October 2017:  Lexapro (max dose-10 MG daily)

November 2017- April 2018- Luvox (max dose- 100 MG)

May 2018- Zoloft (max dose- 18.75)

5/28/18- 3 MG Lexapro, 6/3/18- 3 MG Lexapro, 6/7/18- 3.5 MG Lexapro, 6/13/18- 4 MG Lexapro, 6/21/18- 4.5 MG Lexapro, 6/28/18- 3/29/21- 4 MG Lexapro, 3/30/21- Present- 3.8 MG Lexapro

**Bad Wave Caused by Trileptal 150 MG (one pill) in December '20 and Low Dose Naltrexone .12 MG (one pill) in April '21**

 

"The Journey is The Reward"

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7 hours ago, ryan1982 said:

I spoke with a moderator on a very popular FB withdrawal site and she had this to say about my splitting my doses in half. Do you see any issue? We originally split the doses when I was taking Luvox in 2018 but have since been on Lexapro for the past 3.5 years.  

"Ryan this advice that was given to you about splitting doses from SA concerns me a lot.

 

From what I can see by a quick search of your topic, split dosing was suggested for Luvox because of the short half life - 12-13 hours.

 

I cannot see anywhere that split dosing was suggested for Lexapro.

 

If this is correct, please clarify this with the FB group that SA did not suggest dose splitting the Lexapro, only the Luvox.

* NO LONGER ACTIVE on SA *

MISSION ACCOMPLISHED:  (6 year taper)      0mg Pristiq  on 13th November 2021

ADs since ~1992:  25+ years - 1 unknown, Prozac (muscle weakness), Zoloft; citalopram (pooped out) CTed (very sick for 2.5 wks a few months after); Pristiq:  50mg 2012, 100mg beg 2013 (Serotonin Toxicity)  Tapering from Oct 2015 - 13 Nov 2021   LAST DOSE 0.0025mg

Post 0 updates start here    My tapering program     My Intro (goes to tapering graph)

 VIDEO:   Antidepressant Withdrawal Syndrome and its Management

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On 7/24/2018 at 2:50 PM, Altostrata said:

I still think it's very possible you are a fast metabolizer and the 4mg Lexapro at night isn't enough to give you coverage during the day, which is when you get breakthough withdrawal symptoms.

 

If I were you, I'd try dividing the dose by moving part earlier in the day by an hour or two at a time. If it makes you drowsy, I'd try moving 1mg earlier until you are taking it in the morning, and keep 3mg at 9 p.m. as usual. Be sure to keep notes every day about your symptoms, time of doses, and amount of doses.

 

Let us know how you're doing, particularly if there are any significant changes.

@ChessieCat- this was the original suggestion. 
 

As I mentioned, I’m happy to do whatever helps me get stable. 

2005- 2008: Lorazepam (max dose- 1 MG daily)

2008- 2016: Lexapro (max dose-10 MG daily)

January 2017- March 2017- Pristiq (max dose- 100 MG daily)

April 2017- June 2017: Trintellix (max dose- 10 MG)

July 2017- October 2017:  Lexapro (max dose-10 MG daily)

November 2017- April 2018- Luvox (max dose- 100 MG)

May 2018- Zoloft (max dose- 18.75)

5/28/18- 3 MG Lexapro, 6/3/18- 3 MG Lexapro, 6/7/18- 3.5 MG Lexapro, 6/13/18- 4 MG Lexapro, 6/21/18- 4.5 MG Lexapro, 6/28/18- 3/29/21- 4 MG Lexapro, 3/30/21- Present- 3.8 MG Lexapro

**Bad Wave Caused by Trileptal 150 MG (one pill) in December '20 and Low Dose Naltrexone .12 MG (one pill) in April '21**

 

"The Journey is The Reward"

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Thanks Ryan.  I feel sure that Alto would not have suggested this if the following theory was correct.

 

8 hours ago, ryan1982 said:

The half life of this drug is at shortest 26 hours. So you’ve essentially done a big reduction and are double dosing, so the drug won’t have metabolized from the first dose, before you’ve added in the next. How long have you been doing this? It’s like the opposite of taking the drug every other day which we see here too. Do you see where I’m coming from?

 

 

* NO LONGER ACTIVE on SA *

MISSION ACCOMPLISHED:  (6 year taper)      0mg Pristiq  on 13th November 2021

ADs since ~1992:  25+ years - 1 unknown, Prozac (muscle weakness), Zoloft; citalopram (pooped out) CTed (very sick for 2.5 wks a few months after); Pristiq:  50mg 2012, 100mg beg 2013 (Serotonin Toxicity)  Tapering from Oct 2015 - 13 Nov 2021   LAST DOSE 0.0025mg

Post 0 updates start here    My tapering program     My Intro (goes to tapering graph)

 VIDEO:   Antidepressant Withdrawal Syndrome and its Management

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  • Administrator
3 hours ago, ryan1982 said:

but my bladder disease doesn't help

 

What are the typical symptoms from this? 

 

3 hours ago, ryan1982 said:

The FB withdrawal page also suggested that I grind 5 pills down and make my doses that way instead of cutting one pill and using the shards. I don't totally understand the reasoning but I'm willing to try.

 

I cannot see how this would be an improvement.

 

9 hours ago, ryan1982 said:

The half life of this drug is at shortest 26 hours. So you’ve essentially done a big reduction and are double dosing, so the drug won’t have metabolized from the first dose, before you’ve added in the next. How long have you been doing this? It’s like the opposite of taking the drug every other day which we see here too. Do you see where I’m coming from?

 

This reasoning is not correct. Divided doses would keep drug plasma level more stable than a single dose. If one is very sensitive to the drug, you might feel a bump in adverse effects after each half-dose -- but you do not.

 

We don't usually suggest divided doses for escitalopram because the half-life is sufficiently long for the drug to provide adequate coverage for 24 hours. The exception would be a fast metabolizer, which I noted on 7/24/2018 at 11:50 AM.

 

However, you may not be a fast metabolizer, we may have been mistaking symptoms from your bladder problem for drug-related symptoms. What are the symptoms of your "instability"?

 

If you'd prefer to get guidance from this FB group, by all means, do so. 

This is not medical advice. Discuss any decisions about your medical care with a knowledgeable medical practitioner.

"It has become appallingly obvious that our technology has surpassed our humanity." -- Albert Einstein

All postings © copyrighted.

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@Altostrata- thank you.

 

As for the Facebook group, like most other folks on this site, I've been in bad shape for a long time. The Facebook group is just another place to read each other's stories, provide/get support, etc. There's a lot of very compassionate people in those groups and we help each other during this scary period in our lives.

 

I'd certainly like to stay here due to the treasure trove of knowledge but as I mentioned above, I will not look for emotional support at all going forward. I will use this site for tapering support exclusively. If I've broken any rules here in any way, please let me know.

 

As for the question on what my symptoms of my bladder disease, interstitial cystitis, it's mainly just urinary frequency. Before I had a stimulator implanted, I was up in the middle of the night 6+ times. I now am down to 2-3 times a night but even still, I never feel rested.

 

As for the symptoms of my instability, currently I'm down to four major ones that I can't seem to shake...sensory overload, head pressure, poor sleep and stress intolerance. I knocked myself off course in October by trying an Epsom salt bath- there is a clear before and after in terms of symptoms. I've noticed that the head pressure ramps up when I have stress or too much stimulation, so they're all related. The head pressure is 24/7 for about the past 3.5 months. My body pulsates when I try to sleep so that makes it difficult. I occasionally wake early in the morning with work stress.

 

Here are my symptoms from yesterday:

 

6 AM - Wake. Sleep wasn't great, got up 2 times to go to the restroom.

7 AM- Take kids to school, try and go back to bed. Head pressure and body pulsating is so bad that I can't sleep.

8:30 AM - Take my 1st Lexapro dose. Don't notice any differences in symptoms, worse or better.

9 AM- Eat oatmeal, start work. Spend the next 4 hours in meetings. The head pressure is bad but try not to focus on it.

1 PM- Eat light lunch of egg whites and avocado, walk and meditate

2 PM- Work for 4 hours. As before, head pressure is present but manage

6 PM- 8:30 PM- Help kids with homework, eat light dinner

8:30 PM- Take 2nd dose of Lexapro. No noticeable difference or better/worse after taking the dose.

10 PM- Bed time after reading. Sleep well enough but have some body pulsating when trying to fall asleep. Get up once during the night.

 

Thanks again for your help.

-Ryan

2005- 2008: Lorazepam (max dose- 1 MG daily)

2008- 2016: Lexapro (max dose-10 MG daily)

January 2017- March 2017- Pristiq (max dose- 100 MG daily)

April 2017- June 2017: Trintellix (max dose- 10 MG)

July 2017- October 2017:  Lexapro (max dose-10 MG daily)

November 2017- April 2018- Luvox (max dose- 100 MG)

May 2018- Zoloft (max dose- 18.75)

5/28/18- 3 MG Lexapro, 6/3/18- 3 MG Lexapro, 6/7/18- 3.5 MG Lexapro, 6/13/18- 4 MG Lexapro, 6/21/18- 4.5 MG Lexapro, 6/28/18- 3/29/21- 4 MG Lexapro, 3/30/21- Present- 3.8 MG Lexapro

**Bad Wave Caused by Trileptal 150 MG (one pill) in December '20 and Low Dose Naltrexone .12 MG (one pill) in April '21**

 

"The Journey is The Reward"

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  • Administrator

It sounds like the waking from your bladder condition affects the quality of your sleep. 

 

On 7/9/2018 at 4:59 PM, ryan1982 said:

Hi everyone,

It's been a long time since I've posted on my intro topic; what a wild ride it's been.  As you can tell by my drug signature, I've made some mistakes and haven't given my body much time to stabilize.  I know looking back that I was crazy to think I'd be able to get better.  I absolutely had to get off Luvox as I was in a tailspin that almost cost me my job.  Zoloft never agreed with me and I'm making some headway with Lexapro, it seems.  

 

I am currently on 4 MG, having to take it at night to combat the nausea I feel when I take it in the morning.  I'm not sleeping all that great but I have Interstitial Cystitis so I never sleep all that great anyways!  I'm doing *OK* at the moment.  It's been about 12 days since I went down to 4 MG from 4.5 MG...how long until I stabilize?  Will I ever feel like myself during withdrawals or will I simply struggle for multiple years through this process?  My anxiety is manageable...I just feel physically pretty terrible.  

 

I plan on staying on 4 MG for a long time and I'm really, really hoping things will get better as time passes.  

 

How did taking Lexapro affect your withdrawal symptom pattern when you started taking it in May 2018? You did not post during that period.

 

This is a supportive community but we sometimes have to answer criticisms from Facebook groups that have different policies.

This is not medical advice. Discuss any decisions about your medical care with a knowledgeable medical practitioner.

"It has become appallingly obvious that our technology has surpassed our humanity." -- Albert Einstein

All postings © copyrighted.

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On 2/11/2022 at 2:02 AM, Altostrata said:

It sounds like the waking from your bladder condition affects the quality of your sleep. 

 

 

How did taking Lexapro affect your withdrawal symptom pattern when you started taking it in May 2018? You did not post during that period.

 

This is a supportive community but we sometimes have to answer criticisms from Facebook groups that have different policies.

 

Thanks, @Altostrata. When I switched from Luvox to Lexapro in May 2018, it took me about 3 months to stabilize. After that, I was in much, much better shape. Beyond some waves that were exacerbated by antibiotics, I was doing great! I was tackling other health issues at the time so I didn't taper but I was in a good place.

2005- 2008: Lorazepam (max dose- 1 MG daily)

2008- 2016: Lexapro (max dose-10 MG daily)

January 2017- March 2017- Pristiq (max dose- 100 MG daily)

April 2017- June 2017: Trintellix (max dose- 10 MG)

July 2017- October 2017:  Lexapro (max dose-10 MG daily)

November 2017- April 2018- Luvox (max dose- 100 MG)

May 2018- Zoloft (max dose- 18.75)

5/28/18- 3 MG Lexapro, 6/3/18- 3 MG Lexapro, 6/7/18- 3.5 MG Lexapro, 6/13/18- 4 MG Lexapro, 6/21/18- 4.5 MG Lexapro, 6/28/18- 3/29/21- 4 MG Lexapro, 3/30/21- Present- 3.8 MG Lexapro

**Bad Wave Caused by Trileptal 150 MG (one pill) in December '20 and Low Dose Naltrexone .12 MG (one pill) in April '21**

 

"The Journey is The Reward"

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I am not seeing a connection between Lexapro and the head pressure in your symptom pattern. If it was caused by Lexapro, it would increase after each dose. If it was Lexapro withdrawal, it would decrease after each dose.

 

Your Lexapro dosage hasn't varied much since you reported stabilizing in summer 2018.

 

Lexapro appears not to be doing anything one way or the other for your symptoms. Is it possible they are from your other health conditions?

This is not medical advice. Discuss any decisions about your medical care with a knowledgeable medical practitioner.

"It has become appallingly obvious that our technology has surpassed our humanity." -- Albert Einstein

All postings © copyrighted.

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Thanks, @Altostrata . That makes sense. I’m assuming that the head pressure, sensory overload and stress intolerance is caused by the setback I had last April after trying low dose naltrexone. It’s been 10 months but there was a definite before/after of trying that med. I’ll stay away from anything new from here on out. Hopefully I’ll be able to stabilize and start my very slow taper. The way you’ve explained it makes sense and I’ll just keep everything steady and wait to stabilize while taking my Lexapro. 
 

I’ve been checked out by a handful of doctors but haven’t had anything show up on tests, labs, etc. I’m assuming “if it’s weird, it’s wave”. 
 

 

2005- 2008: Lorazepam (max dose- 1 MG daily)

2008- 2016: Lexapro (max dose-10 MG daily)

January 2017- March 2017- Pristiq (max dose- 100 MG daily)

April 2017- June 2017: Trintellix (max dose- 10 MG)

July 2017- October 2017:  Lexapro (max dose-10 MG daily)

November 2017- April 2018- Luvox (max dose- 100 MG)

May 2018- Zoloft (max dose- 18.75)

5/28/18- 3 MG Lexapro, 6/3/18- 3 MG Lexapro, 6/7/18- 3.5 MG Lexapro, 6/13/18- 4 MG Lexapro, 6/21/18- 4.5 MG Lexapro, 6/28/18- 3/29/21- 4 MG Lexapro, 3/30/21- Present- 3.8 MG Lexapro

**Bad Wave Caused by Trileptal 150 MG (one pill) in December '20 and Low Dose Naltrexone .12 MG (one pill) in April '21**

 

"The Journey is The Reward"

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  • Administrator

Did you play sports, maybe soccer, where you had head injuries?

This is not medical advice. Discuss any decisions about your medical care with a knowledgeable medical practitioner.

"It has become appallingly obvious that our technology has surpassed our humanity." -- Albert Einstein

All postings © copyrighted.

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Hey @Altostrata- I had a head injury 23 years ago playing rugby. I played basketball and baseball as well but avoided head injuries. 

2005- 2008: Lorazepam (max dose- 1 MG daily)

2008- 2016: Lexapro (max dose-10 MG daily)

January 2017- March 2017- Pristiq (max dose- 100 MG daily)

April 2017- June 2017: Trintellix (max dose- 10 MG)

July 2017- October 2017:  Lexapro (max dose-10 MG daily)

November 2017- April 2018- Luvox (max dose- 100 MG)

May 2018- Zoloft (max dose- 18.75)

5/28/18- 3 MG Lexapro, 6/3/18- 3 MG Lexapro, 6/7/18- 3.5 MG Lexapro, 6/13/18- 4 MG Lexapro, 6/21/18- 4.5 MG Lexapro, 6/28/18- 3/29/21- 4 MG Lexapro, 3/30/21- Present- 3.8 MG Lexapro

**Bad Wave Caused by Trileptal 150 MG (one pill) in December '20 and Low Dose Naltrexone .12 MG (one pill) in April '21**

 

"The Journey is The Reward"

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@ryan1982 I just caught you words on head pressure and dizziness. 
I have had this symptom. 
Now for explaining my symptoms- I have seasonal allergies all my life before ssris. Symptoms from this sneezing, itchy, stuffy sinuses, runny nose and congestion only in 3 seasons. 

 

Now with the ssris side effects the water was shut off they dry my sinuses. 
 

so I started lexapro about 3 years ago. The first allergy season I was on lexapro. I had heavy facial pressure- and behind eyes. I had dizziness and brain fog feeling. Dry burning feeling in sinuses. One time felt like I was going to pass out. Very alarming.  Went to dr took decongestants etc which seem to make worse. Couldn’t find anything wrong.
 

So the next 2 years same symptoms only during allergy seasons and then go away. Now as I get lower in my dose tapering each year those symptoms have gotten less and less. 
 

I am not a dr and I am not saying this is your problem by no means. Iam just saying look at when it happens and what’s going on and document. Like Altostrata said it doesn’t sound like lexapro wd and is something else. Sometimes it takes a while to figure it out. I ve learned we can’t always depend on drs we have to try and be our on detectives. Good luck !

2000-2013 Paxil - 1 year fast taper

2013-2018 merry go round
zoloft, cymbalta, lamictal, Prozac.

 Nov. 2018 lexapro 15 mgs, Dec. 2019 to Mar. 2020 taper to 10mg. Jul 2020 to October 2020 taper to 8.5 ml.
Oct 2020 reinstated to 9 ml.
Apr 2021 to Jul  taper to 7ml. Oct 2021 to Jan 2022 taper to 5.9ml, Mar 5 2022 5.8 ml, Mar 12 5.7ml, Mar 20 5.6ml, Mar 27 5.5ml, April 23 5.4ml, April 30 5.3ml, May 7 5.2ml,  Jul 9 2022 5.4ml, 

Klonopin prn, Allegra 180 for 3 seasons, aspirin 81 mg, plavix , nitroglycerin 0.4 mg prn, 2k mg  turmeric Qunol, 4- Trader Joe’s omega 3 -2400 mg, Pepcid 20mg,  Prilosec 40 mg, Tylenol arthritis 4 tablets daily, 350mg calm magnesium citrate, melatonin 2.5- 5mg as needed to sleep. Saline spray as needed. 

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Good point, @Heath

 

@ryan1982 strongly suggest you see a sports neurologist to check out possibility of neck or head injury from way back. @apace41 might have comments about this.

This is not medical advice. Discuss any decisions about your medical care with a knowledgeable medical practitioner.

"It has become appallingly obvious that our technology has surpassed our humanity." -- Albert Einstein

All postings © copyrighted.

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