☼ getofflex: weaning of Lexapro

[almuPA]

Hello @getofflex,

 

It is so good to read that your sleeping is improving, that is a huge and important step.

 

I am sorry about the situation with your friend. That kind of experience can be very stressful. It looks like your system and yourself are getting stronger, though, so that's another good new. It is curious how after all this process, it looks like we are better at setting boundaries and protect ourselves.

 

It is so nice that you have your son over, enjoy it! 

 

I send you a hug.

[getofflex]

The visit with my older son and his girlfriend went really well!  She is a really sweet and intelligent person.  It was so wonderful to see my son after 2 years!  I was so thrilled to see him I cried a bit and gave him a huge bear hug.  It's nice that he is in his mid 20's, and past the teen stage of being snarky.  They were here for 6 days. 

 

I'm feeling pretty stable right now.  I'll wait a day or two or three, and probably do another small reduction if I do OK.  

[almuPA]

That is great news! 

I am so Happy that you got to see your son and met his girlfriend, and that everything went ok.

 

It makes me very Happy to read that you are stable. Please, let us know how It goes with the reduction if you feel like it. 

[lex1989]

Nice to hear you are doing good and being stable @getofflex.

Spending time with family in this hard periods is key.

[Greatful]

@getofflex  You are almost of Lex Yeah........You have been at this a long time and are seeing the light at the end of the tunnel. You have a determinate and drive that will pay off soon.

 

Please tell me the brain slowly clears the more you decrease the Lex........I also hate the obsessing.  I am learning like you, that the thoughts are just that and they may get  intense and seem real at times but they do pass if you don't argue/or try to run from them.  I find it amazing how the brain peppers you with thoughts in hopes that you will bit and start the obsessing which then can spiral into feelings of defeated, and panic.  It will be so nice to be able to think and reason with some common sense.  I get peaks of the common sense  and say this is none sense thinking, then the mind disconnects t is like it hits a wall and  the What if's try and tell you to start looking at it in different ways to make it all the distorted thoughts possible. 

 

You painting is beautiful.   You should paint and sell them.  I would buy one.

 

[ThatOneGirlStitch]

On 9/12/2021 at 11:40 AM, getofflex said:

Beautiful, Thank you for sharing this. 

[getofflex]

Yes the brain clears as I decrease the lexapro.  I did another cut last Sunday from 0.06 mg to 0.05 mg.  So far so good!  I have a Head cold but no WD symptoms!  

Edited November 25, 2021 by getofflex

[getofflex]

Here is a chart of my taper, starting in August of 2017.  You can see an almost vertical line of the taper recommended by my doctor.  Then, you can see where I reinstated from 0 to 5 mg (we don't recommend this on SA).  After that, I did a long hold for about 9 months.  Then, I did several big reductions and reinstatements.  Then I found SA in March 2019.  I did a slight updose, then a very gradual taper.  

 

Edited November 26, 2021 by getofflex

[Carmie]

On 11/26/2021 at 7:41 AM, getofflex said:

Yes the brain clears as I decrease the lexapro.  I did another cut last Sunday from 0.06 mg to 0.05 mg.  So far so good!  I have a Head cold but no WD symptoms!  

Hi getofflex, 

 

All the best with your latest drop. You’re doing amazing with your tapering. Hope your cold goes away soon. 
 

Have a happy day☀️

[Heath]

Awesome getofflex !
And good to hear the brain clears! As I go through tapering and then hold. It’s either full of energy and proactive for a week or so then down no energy no interests. I’m starting to notice different patterns over time. 
 

love the graph!!! I would love to do that it’s a visual thing 

hope head cold goes away soon! 

[Rosetta]

Wow, no withdrawal symptoms!  That’s great.  I’m glad you are feeling well!

 

Rosetta🧚🏻‍♀️

[getofflex]

Well my cold has turned into a real head banger.  My retired pharmacist husband says it's fine to use Flonase and Afrin that it's not neuro active, that even though Flonase is a steroid, it is only a local one.  @Shep @manymoretodaysIs this OK?  I did site search, didn't find much.  I was up all night coughing with a dry hacking cough.  

Edited November 28, 2021 by getofflex

[manymoretodays]

Well buggers, that's too bad......ugh.

It is a corticosteroid, and so sketchy......to use, in my humble opinion.

More likely to cause problems if taken regularly over time, but still.........I'd be wary.

You ARE in WD, and although it might be okay for the average Joe or Jane, I'd go with caution.

 

Neti pots are great.  May not clear the headace but may help clear the snot a bit, and sinus congestion.

 

Bad reaction to steroid?

Drugs to avoid in Withdrawal?

 

Nasal rinsing for allergies, nose , sinus, via neti pot or squeeze bottle

 

I secretively still have a hot humidifier/mister of sorts.......that I have used when congested and with dry mucous membranes.  Getting in a small bathroom with the shower running hot may help too. They don't sell the hot humidifiers anymore, due to small children and the risk of burns.  Mine is an antique. 

 

Me, I'd take either Tylenol or Ibuprofen for the headache, and then use other measures for the sinus congestion relief.  I've never had a problem with those 2, pain reliever and NSAID(non-steroidal anti-inflammatory).  Some have had to avoid even those though.

Painkillers in withdrawal: aspirin, ibuprofen, paracetamol, acetaminophen, naproxen, codeine

 

And then, easy does it, bedrest, lot's and lot's of fluids, ooh, ooh......some hot tea with loads of honey in it, preferably a nice herbal blend.  And time. 

 

Best, L, P, H, and G,

mmt

 

Edited November 28, 2021 by manymoretodays

[getofflex]

Oh, I already gave in and used the Flonase and afrin just once, right before I posted above.  I will not use them again.  Hopefully one use won't hurt.   My sweet hubby is off to the store to get me a humidifier.  The cough drops do help somewhat.  I've got some nice herbal teas, will add honey.  Thankfully I don't have a headache. 

 

I also realized part of my insomnia could have been that I did a reduction a week ago, maybe that is affecting my sleep, too.  

 

Thanks for your help, MMT!  You're th best. 

Edited November 28, 2021 by getofflex

[Erell]

Hello @getofflex,

In addition to the humidifier, you can also try using a seawater nasal spray (check the ingredients carefully, the ideal is when there is nothing but salt water). I really like using this type of spray, it helps to clean the nose and decongest the sinuses.

 

It's a time to do nothing and enjoy a warm plaid  Hope you'll feel better soon, take care !

[Heath]

Getofflex I stopped using those decongestant pills and steroid sprays after I  start lexapro. It seemed to make dizzy sinus headaches worse for me.
 

Agree with erell you can buy saline spray and take wherever you go . I use Ayr saline spray. 

Since this lexapro has dried out my sinuses so bad I have bad dizzy headaches with colds and allergies. 

hot showers work really well too! 

when it’s really bad I use neilmed sinus rinse. You can buy it with the packets . And instructions. Lean your over and push into each nostril tilt and turn head different angles to get into all passages without letting it drain into throat until you are done. 
I usually do this in shower and let it run out on its on. Do not hold your nose and try to push it out it can affect your ears a little doing that. 
I know it sounds gross and then troublesome but I am telling you it works good for sinus congestion and problems. 
 

a dr told me once do that or take a pill Same thing! 
 

You can mix yourself and use a syringe. 
1 teaspoon baking soda

1 to 3 teaspoons of sea salt

FYI ( more salt more burn) start with just a little salt 1/2 teaspoon

1 cup of sterile water

 

Either way make sure water is sterile! 

 

https://www.neilmed.com/usa/index.php

 

https://www.walmart.com/ip/Ayr-Saline-Nasal-Mist-1-69-oz/

 

 

 

[getofflex]

I've been doing very well since my last cut.  I've felt no uptick in WD symptoms.  The only things I'm dealing with are mild fatigue, mild DP/DR, which may be from the tiny bit of Lexapro I'm still on.  In the past week, I've been sleeping well overall, even though it take me a while to fall asleep, I've been able to sleep 8 hours most nights. 

 

Today I was having a very good day, but just got devastating news.  My son's best friend from grade school's brother took his own life.  Nine years ago, his father took his own life.  I was friends with the mother, so she has lost both her first husband, and her oldest son.  I have lost touch with this friend for various reasons.  I'm heartbroken.  This young man was 21 years old, and his whole life was ahead of him.  He was in his 4th year of college.  

 

This is a tough time of year for many people.  

Edited December 7, 2021 by getofflex

[benesh]

Oh my dear @getofflex, what a huge loss.

I am so sorry for all involved. 🙏

I am glad you are in a stable space with this horrific news coming your way.

Benesh

[NeDaytoDayMJ]

It just makes you wonder why.  Why is it that bad that suicide is the only answer.  I’m sorry getofflex.  This time of year is very rough.  Take it easy.  

[Heath]

Getofflex, so sorry for your loss. Prayers. Take care ! 

[almuPA]

I am so sorry for your lost and for that young man and his family.

 

Please take care of yourself, dear @getofflex

[getofflex]

Thanks everyone, for your well wishes.  This was such a shock to me, especially since this family has experienced several suicides.  It has affected me sleep, and I'm back to sleeping 6 hours instead of 8.  I'm dealing with it by lots of prayers, and bible reading, and support from friends.  It's very hard to accept something so tragic. But I will work on accepting this, since I can't change it, and it is the reality of what happened.  

[Erell]

I'm so sorry @getofflex 🙏
In such circumstances, we often have no choice but to go through the shock and grief.
I hope you find a way that works for you to honor his memory and say goodbye.
As these emotions run through you and your body integrates this news, I send you my support and love.

[getofflex]

Thank you, sweet @Erell.  Yes, I'm doing that.  I had some tears about it a couple of times.  I'm thinking of you and praying for you every day, for your healing.  How are you? 

[getofflex]

I made another dose reduction so I'm now at 0.04 mg Lexapro!!  Woohoo!!!! 

 

I didn't even feel the last reduction!  Yay!  It won't be too much longer before I'm done with Lexapro!  Overall, my sleep has been pretty good in the past month.  I've actually been able to sleep 8 hours or more for a good number of nights, which is amazing, and a big relief, as insomnia was my worst symptom!  

[Erell]

So so happy for you @getofflex, wow ❤❤❤

[almuPA]

2 hours ago, getofflex said:

I made another dose reduction so I'm now at 0.04 mg Lexapro!!

You are so close! Yeeees!

 

2 hours ago, getofflex said:

2 hours ago, getofflex said:

didn't even feel the last reduction!

 

 

🙌🙌🏿🙌🏾🙌🏽 Well done! 

 

It is so good to read that you are feeling better, It give us so much hope.

[YachtRock]

4 hours ago, getofflex said:

I made another dose reduction so I'm now at 0.04 mg Lexapro!!  Woohoo!!!! 

 

Congrats @getofflex! 

[getofflex]

Thanks everyone, for your support, and well wishes.  I'm in the third day of my reduction - so far, so good. Not saying everything is perfect (life happens), but I'm using non drug techniques now.  I'm feeling a lot like I used to feel before starting on these drugs, but yet better, because now I'm older and wiser!  👵  heheh. 

 

I just don't care much for winter, I'm an outdoor type of gal, and love being outside.  I do still go for daily outdoor walks in winter, but I miss the flowers, the leaves on the trees, the birds singing, etc.  Ah well, in 3 months spring should be starting.  

[Heath]

Great news ! Good to hear! You are very close! 

[Frogie]

Awesome! You’re almost there😊

[Moonpie]

You are doing great!!! Your finish line is so near!

[Heath]

Getofflex You talked about your cold and sinuses and another member talked about headaches and sinuses too. 

I just want to tell you about what I learned last week. I had a bad sinus headache for several days. A friend of mine told me about. I used my thumb and fingers to press really hard above and below eyes,  cheeks, in front of ears (sinuses) and it worked. press and hold in one spot and move to another spot. Headache pain dropped a lot! 

[getofflex]

@HeathI'll try that out.  Thankfully, my cold is gone, and my sinuses are back to semi normal.  

[Guest Swiffy]

@getofflex, 

 

how long do you suffered with insomnia?

 

Greetings 👋🏼

[getofflex]

@SwiffyI had severe insomnia in early withdrawal, and it is much better now, so for over 4 years.  However, I also had insomnia off and on when I was still on the drugs, because Lexapro was activating, and I was given Trazodone for sleep.  This worked at first, but then later didn't work too well.  So then, I took Xanax as needed, which worked.  I stopped the trazodone and Xanax altogether 2 years ago, and have been working on my circadian rhythm, and good sleep hygiene, and eliminating unneccessary stress to help sleep.  It's working.