☼ getofflex: weaning of Lexapro

[getofflex]

I'm in a mild wave at this point.  Sleep is not as good, ruminations, anxiety, neuro emotions.  I went in to an emotional spiral yesterday.  I'm now using my changing the channel technique to stay out of the emotional spiral.  

 

I'm deeply grateful that my waves now are much easier than the waves in the early days.  

[Heath]

@getofflex what is channel technique?  Prayers hope you feel better soon!

[Erell]

3 hours ago, getofflex said:

I'm in a mild wave at this point.  Sleep is not as good, ruminations, anxiety, neuro emotions.  I went in to an emotional spiral yesterday.  I'm now using my changing the channel technique to stay out of the emotional spiral.  

 

I'm deeply grateful that my waves now are much easier than the waves in the early days.  

So happy to read your waves are now easier ❤

 

Sounds like the family time might put you under stress. Oh gosh, people and interactions can be so draining sometimes !

Sending you special hugs for these days to come, and remember, we often can do more than we think even during WD ☀️

[getofflex]

6 hours ago, Heath said:

what is channel technique?

It where you make yourself think of or do something else to take your mind off of an emotional spiral.  See https://www.survivingantidepressants.org/topic/13492-dealing-with-emotional-spirals/?tab=comments#comment-257833

 

[getofflex]

@Erell thank you for the support. Yes, my family or origin has some issues, and time with them can be stressful.  So I will set boundaries, and not feel like I have to attend every function for the next 2 weeks.  

 

How are you doing sweet Erell?  I pray for you every day.   

Edited May 26, 2021 by getofflex

[Heath]

@getofflex thank you !! That is some good stuff! Brass monkey explains it in simple terms . 

4 hours ago, getofflex said:

It where you make yourself think of or do something else to take your mind off of an emotional spiral.  See https://www.survivingantidepressants.org/topic/13492-dealing-with-emotional-spirals/?tab=comments#comment-257833

 

 

[Rosetta]

On 5/25/2021 at 4:05 PM, getofflex said:

For personal reasons, I have very limited contact with my family of origin. I need to be strong and stick to my boundaries, and not get sucked in. 

Doing what is best for yourself and your caregiver is so important when dealing with WD.  There came a point when I had the ability to admit that it was unfair to my husband to continue putting up with my mother’s antics.  He has been there for me in the way she should have been when I was a child.  Each time I get upset or depressed because I took my mother’s bait to get on the drama train, it is so hard for him. She will never change.  It has been tough to accept and confront that my husband, who was a stranger to me 26 years ago, deserves my loyalty and consideration above a family that formed deep trauma bonds with me over my formative years.
 

That is a tiny dose you are on.  Is holding until after your sister has gone home an option?  Have you wondered if it would be a good idea to hold for a while after that as feelings of anger or misplaced guilt may be an aftermath?  Good luck with your family issues.

[getofflex]

Yes I will hold until after my sister has gone home.  Thank you for understanding Rosetta.  You and I seem to have similar backgrounds.  

[Heath]

@Roseta @getofflex totally agree take care of yourself and caregiver!  Good thing to remember! I avoid some toxic family members too. I reckon you can find them anywhere in the world! Drama, resentment, anger, selfishness, guilt, sadness will scar you for life and for us in taper it is havoc. 
take care !

[arbor]

Dear @getofflex--I just want to take a moment to thank you for all that you have been doing on the site.  I've just caught up with your thread, and send my support as you deal with the flux of family and so forth around you.  I hope your lovely compassion includes whatever challenges arise for you.  It's good to hear how you're doing.

Warm wishes💗Arbor

[getofflex]

@arbor thank you so much for your support and warmth.  You are an asset to this site, too. I hope you are doing well. 

[Willfinish]

Come on @getofflex! You are the best 

[getofflex]

thanks @Willfinish!  😃

[getofflex]

I just made another reduction a few days ago, after 3.5 weeks on the previous dose. (I thought it was 1 day shy of 4 weeks, but I just now looked at the calendar, and realized it was 3.5 weeks. ) I had only a mild 1 day wave about 5 days afterwards. Other than that, I didn't feel the last taper, so I went ahead and made another slight reduction.  I'm in the endgame so now my reductions are linear.  I'm using the liquid, and it's only a drop or two. The only symptom I've noticed is some insomnia last night.  However, I had insomnia off and on all my life, so not sure if it is withdrawal related or not.  Other than that, no uptick in symptoms.  

 

I'm currently on 0.08 mgai (liquid), down from 0.09 mgai.  I'm 99.2 % off the Lexapro!!!  WOOHOO!!!!  My last reduction was only 1/1000 of my original dose of 10 mgai.   

 

I've made some changes in my life to eliminate some very negative and toxic people, because these people were causing me stress and anxiety.  The last thing my system needs is unnecessary stress and anxiety.  I'm feeling much calmer now.  I'm enjoying my husband being retired and being able to spend more time with him.  

 

I have to get my second shingrix vaccine soon, and I'm not too thrilled about that.  I went into a major wave when I had my first shingrix, but there was major stress going on too, so I'm hoping I won't go into another wave with this second dose.  

Edited June 18, 2021 by getofflex

[siderale]

I finally have the occasion to visit your thread. And what a great update, @getofflex! You're getting there!!

It's so great to see that your waves are getting milder and that there is little to no symptom regarding your current taper. I do hope you sleep better soon, though, of course!

Cutting negative and toxic people out of your life can be so difficult. I admire you a lot for doing this, it is always the best decision yet a difficult one to take in most cases. And crossing fingers that your vaccine goes smoothly. Have a wonderful day.

[arbor]

2 hours ago, getofflex said:

WOOHOO!!!!

 

This is so exciting.  What patience and resolve @getofflex!! 

Sending you positive vibes during this Endgame☀️🍀🪐💗

[Erell]

0.08mg ! This is so exciting!

And so well-deserved : you've shown such a strong mindset and patience!

Sending big hugs dear ❤

[getofflex]

@siderale @arbor @ErellThank you my friends for the support and encouragement!  I slept 7.5 to 8 hours last night, and have no symptoms today!  The toxic people were really activating my nervous system with anxiety.  It was a great thing to do for my healing.  

[Rosetta]

Really good news!  Very happy for you. -Rosetta

[getofflex]

LOL I spoke to soon, I didn't sleep well last night and am tired today.  But, that is the only symptom, so I'm grateful.  I'm dealing with a pretty stressful family situation, so I think that is why.  It is a beautiful day in Missouri today, even if hot and humid.  I just got back from a 35 minute walk.  

Edited June 20, 2021 by getofflex

[almuPA]

Hello @getofflex,

 

FInally I was able to read your whole thread. I've already hold you in great esteem because of the comments and great help you are for this forum. But now I admire you even more. You have so much patience and courage!

 

HOw are you doing lately? Did you have your second dose of the vaccine? 

 

Sending you hugs,

 

Almu.

[getofflex]

Thanks so much @almuPA.  

 

I get my second dose of the Shingrix vaccine tomorrow afternoon.  I'm not looking forward to it, as I got a wave after my first one, but there were also other factors at play then, so maybe it wasn't the vaccine that sent me into the wave.  At any rate, I sure don't want to deal with shingles, so I'm forging ahead with it. 

 

Yesterday was idenpendence day in the USA, and I live in an urban area, so the fireworks outside made it sound like a war zone last night.  That activated my nervous system and it took me several hours to fall asleep, so I'm rather tired today, but other than that, I'm OK.  How are you doing? 

[getofflex]

I'm in a wave today.  I'm feeling very anxious, jumpy, and paranoid, and lots of neuro emotions.  I had my second Shingrix vaccine 10 days ago.  I went into a wave after my first Shingrix vaccine.  It doesn't help that we have had very stormy rainy weather, and there are other stress factors going on as well.  

[arbor]

Dear @getofflexGosh, I sure hope this wave passes soon for you.  I think it's such a good idea to get this vaccine.  At the same time, it's very difficult for many of us who are in, or have gone through w/d, to have our systems disturbed.  I wish I could wave a wand and the wave would be gone for you--instead, sending you visions of an sky-size window coming your way💗🕊️🙏

[Erell]

Dear @getofflex

I think of you and send you all my support during this wave ❤

Remember that the previous one did pass, tomorrow is another day ☀️

I hear you about the rainy weather, same here : I decided I would take it as a positive weather as heat can be very uncomfortable while dealing with restlessness and anxiety

Sending my hugs !

[siderale]

Sending you some of our bright, and a bit too hot, southern France sun!

I hope the stress factors around you improve soon. When you have no control over it it's both good (because that way you can "accept" that it's not in your power) and bad, since you have to suffer from it. Crossing fingers that you get a window very soon. Sunny window, would be even better! ☀️

[Hanna72]

Dear @getofflex

Sending you all my support in hopes that the wave will soon end. 
 

13 hours ago, arbor said:

I think it's such a good idea to get this vaccine.

I agree with arbor. 
 

Here is a quote that I find helpful:

 

You don’t have to control your thoughts; you just have to stop letting them control you.

Conscious  breathing is something that I find helpful to snap back into the present moment. 
 

Also wanted to let you know that I appreciate all the help and support you bring to this site. 
Now just take good care of yourself we are here for you 🙏
 

 

 

[getofflex]

@arbor @Erell 

@siderale @Hanna72  thank you all for the kind thoughts and suggestions.  I'm just going to take it easy today, and continue to practice my radical acceptance, prayer, detachment, and floating.  

[Rosetta]

Hang in there, getofflex.  Everyone is rooting for you.

[getofflex]

@Rosettathank so much for rooting for me.  How are you doing? 

[Aleena]

I have been reading all your updates, my support and prayers are with you. Hopefully you will get out of it soon. 

[benesh]

Joining with many in supporting you. . Praying for a return to awe inspiring windows. Peace in your innards, joy in your heart and a spring to your step.
This too shall pass but never seems soon enough.

[Moonpie]

How are you doing getofflex?

[getofflex]

Thanks everyone for the love and support.  I feel it is starting to get better, at least today is better than yesterday.  The anxiety has decreased.  This wave has inspired me to do some more work on self care, and in a self help course in CBT.  

[Moonpie]

Good news! So glad youI are feeling better. Self care is hard when you feel so bad.   Sometimes I feel like I am just in "survival" care. You have come such a long way and are getting so close!

[getofflex]

@Moonpiethanks so much for the support!  I hope you are doing better as well.