☼ getofflex: weaning of Lexapro

[getofflex]

I seem to be in a wave.  Symptoms are fatigue, muscle weakness all over, DP/DR, cog fog, brain zaps, tinnitus, feeling hot off and on (menopause?), sinus headache, congestion, irritability, some anxiety (but not too bad), and trouble sleeping the night before last.  I spent yesterday in bed, but today, I went ahead and took a walk outside. I feel some better today.  

 

We have been having very bizarre weather in the midwestern USA.  It's been bouncing up and down every 5 - 7 days between warm and cold for the past month, and I'm sure that could be contributing to this. My sinuses have gone haywire too, so I'm doing colloidal silver just in case it's another cold or flu.  Last 2 or 3 days have been very overcast and rainy, and that coincides with when this wave started.  

 

I'm using acceptance, and doing basic self care, getting lots of rest, and keeping my activities to a minimum so as not to stimulate my nervous system, prayer, soft relaxing music at night, bible reading.  It all helps. This too shall pass.  

[NeDaytoDayMJ]

Oh no.  I’m sorry to hear this.  I hope it eases out for you soon.  I’m in the Midwest also and the weather has been wonky.  Now we are set for a cold spell to come through.  
I find strength in your resilience.  This will pass like each other time.  

[YachtRock]

Stay strong @getofflex I'm pulling for you. Our Northwest weather has been awful. I can definitely correlate some of my better and worse moments lately to the rapidly changing weather. I guess it has a big effect on our subconscious during withdrawal? Smooth sailing...

[mstimc]

Getofflex, I know a lot of people who hit a wave during the holidays, even ones who've been recovered for years.  Its a combination of the weather and all the holiday stress.  Its been raining almost a week solid here in So Cal, which is very unusual, and I'm feeling the effects, too.  My wife and I like to walk in the morning and evening, but its hard to get out between storms.  The wave will pass--have faith in your strength!

[Heath]

We are having up and down weather here in the south too. I get bad sinuses headaches. What happens sometimes  is when barometric pressure changes outside of our body it has to change inside our body also. As in sinuses. So there is sinus inflammation or blockage or more prone to sinus problems  it takes longer for pressure to equal to outside pressure. Which results in pain. And if you are like me and have lexapro side effect of dry sinuses it makes it worse.
 

Along with acceptance and self help. Don’t forget self help with those sinuses like putting pressure in different places on your sinuses. Take care of yourself! This is only temporary! 

[almuPA]

Dear @getofflex,

I am sorry to read that. I agree with mstimc, I think this time of the year is challenging for many reasons.

 

Your actitude towards these situations is a example for a lot of us, so thank you for that.

 

i send you a big hug and I will take the opportunity to wish you a Happy New Year.

[Greatful]

@getofflex

  I am sending a hug and encouragement. I hope things are letting up for you.

 

[getofflex]

Thankfully the wave ended the very next day.  However, I got what I believe may be the Omicron COVID.  It was not a big deal - just a head cold.  However, it has left me rather fatigued and worn out.  Thanks everyone, for your well wishes.  This, too, shall pass.   

Edited January 6, 2022 by getofflex

[arbor]

Dear @getofflex

These waves are so awful!  I hope you are feeling better 🌱

Thinking of you 💜

[Frogie]

@getofflex

 

I'm so glad the wave didn't last for you, but I'm sorry you ended up with what you believe was covid. I know 6 people that have gotten it since Christmas. They said it's just as you explained. I'm so glad I wasn't near them, but you can get it anywhere now. I'm glad you are better.❤️

[kostakonkordia]

On 12/31/2021 at 1:55 AM, mstimc said:

Getofflex, I know a lot of people who hit a wave during the holidays, even ones who've been recovered for years.  Its a combination of the weather and all the holiday stress.  Its been raining almost a week solid here in So Cal, which is very unusual, and I'm feeling the effects, too.  My wife and I like to walk in the morning and evening, but its hard to get out between storms.  The wave will pass--have faith in your strength!

Jesus Christ, so waves can kick in after many years? You get brain zaps and stuff? Holy moly... 

[mstimc]

23 hours ago, kostakonkordia said:

Jesus Christ, so waves can kick in after many years? You get brain zaps and stuff? Holy moly... 

No, I do not.  I haven't had a wave in several years.  What I meant was even "normal" people can feel the effects of bad weather and other environmental factors.

[NeDaytoDayMJ]

Doing okay?

[getofflex]

Hello everyone, I've been away for a while, due to recovering from 2 respiratory viruses back to back, one was probably Omicron, and other factors.  I just needed some time away. 

 

I did another reduction a week ago.  I hadn't felt my previous 2 or 3 reductions, but I felt this one.  For about the past week, I was sleeping well every other night, but not well the nights in between (4-6.5 hours).  Some evenings I was feeling restless and one evening had racing thoughts that kept me awake for 2 or 3 hours.  Also, emotions are running high.  So, I'm going to wait longer than 4 week before I do yet another reduction.  I need to be patient!  It's hard to be patient when I'm almost off this lousy drug.  But, I don't want to jump off too quickly, and end up with a destabilized system!  So I will be extra patient.  So what if it takes me another couple of months to get off? It's just amazing to me that 0.03 mg is still affecting me!  It's about 1 drop of liquid.  Crazy.    

 

At least I've slept well the past 2 nights, so hopefully this odd every other night insomnia pattern is stopping.  I'm feeling somewhat tired, and brain fog.  I don't care for winter or cold weather, but it is what it is.  I'm still walking outside every day, except for the day when the high was only 18 degrees Farenheit.  My hubby is retired, so he and I spend a lot of time together - walking, hiking, reading, going to cafes, ect.  I'm working on my painting which is exciting.  

[mstimc]

Like you said, getofflex, time and patience.  Another two months is nothing compared to a lifetime off the meds.  I, too, deal with racing thoughts at night.  It seems I always think of something I should have done or need to do, and it seems so important in the middle of the night.  But by the time I wake up its insignificant.  I listen to audiobooks with sleeping earplugs so I don't disturb my wife; that really seems to divert my thoughts.  Nothing too heavy and at lowest volume.  Its just enough to take my attention away from my thoughts.

 

 

[getofflex]

@mstimci use earplugs and listen to relaxing music at a very low volume.  It usually works but not always.  

[Heath]

Getofflex, sorry you are struggling some and had to go through the omicron! Thankfully it wasn’t worse! And sounds like sleep is getting better! 
 

Totally agree with you and mstmic ! Take your time. No rush. You want to kick off as stable as possible. Hold as long as you need too! 

[mstimc]

Have you heard of Michael Beckwith?  He's a life coach who addresses a lot of the beliefs and habits we adopt that support anxious thinking.  My wife and I did one of his courses on Mindvalley.com.  It was pricey but worth it.  I bet you can find some free videos on YouTube to see if you think he'd be relevant for you.   

[getofflex]

20 hours ago, mstimc said:

Have you heard of Michael Beckwith?  He's a life coach who addresses a lot of the beliefs and habits we adopt that support anxious thinking

No, I haven't.  I'll check this out.  Thanks! 

[Greatful]

@getofflex

Hang in there you are so close.  What a great feeling to be on the home stretch......❤️

 

[getofflex]

Thankfully, my sleep has improved, and I'm able to get between 6.5 to 8.5 hours a night for the past week!  I'm deeply grateful for this, as sleep was my biggest WD symptom.  It sure makes a big difference to be able to sleep well at night.  I'm still dealing with some fatigue and brain fog, possibly from the Omicron which I had starting in late December. I will wait at least 5 week before my next reduction, depending on how I do in the next several weeks.  

[Frogie]

@getofflex

 

That sounds like a very positive post.

 

 I’m so glad you are able to at least sleep. Want to teach me lol…

 

Take care of yourself.

Frogie xx

[getofflex]

OK well, here I am again with insomnia.  I slept about 6 hours the night before last, and was up most of the night last night (I got about 3-4 hours).  When I was awake, I did not feel agitated, anxious or upset, just felt alert, as if I had drank a strong cup of coffee.  

 

I'm not sure if it's from withdrawal, or just from doing some intense emotional work with regards to my PTSD.  I also was reading a Tolstoy book yesterday, and it got really emotionally intense, plus a major snowstorm was moving in the area.  I have put that book back on the shelf, and will not continue to read it.  Not only that, the day before yesterday I overdid the physical exercise.  

 

I'm being gentle with myself, and slowing down, and just doing basic stuff.  

 

I have to treat my nervous system with kid gloves.  That's OK, I'm thankful because I know so many people have it much worse.  

[AndyPants]

3 hours ago, getofflex said:

I also was reading a Tolstoy book yesterday, and it got really emotionally intense, plus a major snowstorm was moving in the area.  I have put that book back on the shelf, and will not continue to read it.

For not intense books, I've found Jane Austin to be good for being relaxed and frequently helping make me sleepy. Pretty sure I've read nearly all her books in the last year.

[Greatful]

@getofflex

Hang tight this to shall pass.   Do you get over stimulated easily too.....

You going to weather this and get off the lex.  Your success story is right around the corner😊

[Moonpie]

@getofflexsorry to hear you are having such a hard time. Working through emotional trauma is so painful and wears us down physically too.  I am struggling with sleep too and the pattern has no rhyme or reason. I always wake up exhausted. Over exercise you think would make us tired but it has the opposite effect sadly.  I agree with @Greatful the weather strangely plays a big part. You are so wise to slow down and take care of yourself.   You are near the finish line of this marathon!  So close!!! Keep your eye on the prize ahead! We are all cheering you on!

[getofflex]

16 hours ago, AndyPants said:

For not intense books, I've found Jane Austin to be good for being relaxed and frequently helping make me sleepy

@AndyPantsthanks for the suggestions.  I've read some of Jane Austen's books.  

 

 

15 hours ago, Greatful said:

Do you get over stimulated easily too.....

Yes, I get over stimulated easily.  

 

14 hours ago, Moonpie said:

Working through emotional trauma is so painful and wears us down physically too.  I am struggling with sleep too and the pattern has no rhyme or reason.

Yes, it certainly does.  But, I'm convinced that this is the only way out, is though.  I went on these terrible drugs to numb the pain, now I'm working through the pain so I can truly heal from it, and not need these drugs to numb me out.  

 

I got a good nights sleep last night and am doing much better!  Thank the Lord.  Today is day 2 of the winter storm, and I plan to do some painting, and maybe some sewing.  Hubby and I enjoyed a fire in the fireplace last night.  It is so comforting on a dark cold night.  I'm still recovering from the omicron COVID.  It was mild, but the aftereffects are fatigue and brain fog, which I'm still dealing with.  

Edited February 3, 2022 by getofflex

[Moonpie]

@getofflex I am still working through the death of my husband since going off these meds.  I was shocked as I tapered and stopped the 1st two, how numbed I had been.  Emotions and feelings were so foreign and even frightening. I have made great progress, and am able to work through them even though it is painful.  Yes through is the only way and it is true once and for all healing. 

I am so happy you are able to sleep. That makes a huge difference in all we are dealing with. 

Our winter storms are past, just ice, snow and very cold.  Sewing and painting sound so wonderful.  Thank you for sharing about your fireplace time it relaxed me just thinking about it.  

I think having covid in December has had a greater impact on my now than I realized. Fatigue is really bad, brain fog and unable to sleep much.  

If you would like I can recommend some really good books to read. I do it at night to go to sleep, so no intense stuff. I do reviews for authors and publishers and have a boat load of ones I enjoyed!  

Please take care.

[getofflex]

15 hours ago, Moonpie said:

Emotions and feelings were so foreign and even frightening. I have made great progress, and am able to work through them even though it is painful.  Yes through is the only way and it is true once and for all healing. 

I'm right there with you!  I'm very sorry you are dealing with the loss of your husband - that must be very difficult.  My prayers are with you. 

 

15 hours ago, Moonpie said:

I think having covid in December has had a greater impact on my now than I realized. Fatigue is really bad, brain fog and unable to sleep much.

You are probably right.  I believe I had omicron COVID in late December myself, and I'm finally feeling less fatigues and brain fog.  

 

15 hours ago, Moonpie said:

If you would like I can recommend some really good books to read.

I would love all the book recommendations you can give me.  Thanks!  

[getofflex]

I did a reduction to 0.02 about 5 days ago after staying at 0.03 for 5 weeks.  I was felling good the last couple of weeks of that.  I’m feeling the reduction somewhat now.  Mild fatigue, mild DP/DR, mild irritability.  It’s amazing to me that I can feel such a minute reduction especially of such a teeny dose.  
 

I’m a bit nervous about jumping off to zero.  Should I jump off after 0.01 the smallest amount I can measure?  Or should I do a Lexapro toothpick after I do 0.01?   

[brassmonkey]

When running a marathon, it is never a good idea to sprint to the finish.  Take your time and let each reduction resolve and get good and stable before doing the next. This last reduction would have been 33% and the next will be 50% using your method of measuring. These large reductions can't be helped at the very end of a taper, but they can still cause problems. For the Endgame Taper it is best to follow the dictates of your body and not a schedule. Stick with each dose until your body tells you it is time to reduce again. By the end of it your body will say "enough of this already just make the jump".

 

A quick calculation says you should aim for 0.006mgai for your last dose. If it is possible to divide your measured dose of 0.01 in half and take that for a while, that would be ideal. If not, then make the jump after 0.01 and use toothpick "Rescue Doses" if there are upticks in symptoms. Remember that even with a good taper there will be some symptoms after making the jump, but don't let them panic you. 

 

You got this, and I am so excited for you.

[getofflex]

Thanks so much @brassmonkeyfor weighing in here.  How much of the toothpick would I dip into the liquid. One inch?  A half inch?  Could I just do a Lexapro toothpick every day after 0.01 for a while?   

Edited February 23, 2022 by getofflex

[brassmonkey]

I would try half an inch. Basically, you're just looking for a tiny drop of liquid.

 

I would try to compare the size of a drop to the size of the 0.01mg dose but using the toothpick would work. An easier way would be to dilute the original liquid half and half with water and then take the same volume dose as the 0.01mg. That way you could measure it easily and still get half the strength.

[getofflex]

20 hours ago, brassmonkey said:

An easier way would be to dilute the original liquid half and half with water and then take the same volume dose as the 0.01mg. That way you could measure it easily and still get half the strength.

Great idea, Brassmonkey.  

Edited February 25, 2022 by getofflex

[getofflex]

I have a question for experienced staff @Shep @brassmonkey.  

 

I have felt quite stable for the past 1.5 to 2 weeks, with no WD symptoms.  However, last night, I couldn't sleep because of frequent hot flashes, (every 15 minutes), and anxiety.  Plus my cat was yowling late at night, as well as the weather suddenly turning warmer (from the 30's to the 70's) with the change in seasons.   I'm also menopausal, and also recovering from PTSD, so the symptoms could very well be from those two issues, and not WD.  My only symptoms have been hot flashes, anxiety, insomnia, and tiredness (lack of sleep).  It seems that often I have a week of feeling OK, then one night and day like this, but then I'm OK for days after that.   Is it safe to assume these are from menopause and/or PTSD, and not WD?  

 

If I have 10 to 14 days of doing OK, but then have a 24 hour period with hot flashes and anxiety and insomnia, say 4 to 6 hours of sleep instead of 7 or 8,  but then feel OK for several days after that, it is safe to assume I'm stable in terms of WD?   

 

I'm at the very end of this thing, and don't want to mess it up.  Thanks! 

Edited March 16, 2022 by getofflex

[brassmonkey]

This does not sound like WD to me. You sound very stable and there are so many outside factors I suspect it is a combination of them.  I see you have picked up the pace of your reductions since November, best not to rush things even if you are feeling really good. You've done so well and are so close, take it slow and easy and you shouldn't even feel the final jump.