Hope2001: Lexapro tapering

[Hope2001]

Hi,

 

I have been tapering Lexapro 21 months. I am currently on 0.75mg and will be dropping it to 0.70 soon. I have had huge withdrawal symptoms, all possible ones. This has been so long and awful. I am still on oxazepam 37,5mg for the sleep. This will be next taper.  I need advises for the lexapro tapering plan, how will I taper it when I am on so low dose? I should finish taper during next 5 months.  Any advises?

 

I have made couple tiny drops latelty from 0.8 to 0.75 and now from 0.75 to 0.7.  How long I should hold one dose after tiny drop? 

Lexapro has messed my periods. Can anyone explain why it does that? What would be safe jump off dose? 

 

[Gridley]

Welcome to SA, Hope2001.  Congratulation on getting to such a low dose of Lexapro.  What was your original dose and how fast have you been tapering up to this point?

 

We generally recommend tapering by no more than 10% of your current dose every four weeks.   

 

Why taper by 10% of my dosage?

 

The taper rate you describe in your post is within that limit.  However, it is at the very low doses that the taper should be especially slow, either with smaller drops or longer holds or both.  Since you report huge withdrawal symptoms, you might want to slow down a bit.

 

What is withdrawal syndrome.

 

Glenmullen’s withdrawal symptom list.

 

When we take medications, the CNS (central nervous system) responds by making changes over the months and years we take the drug(s). When the medication is discontinued, the CNS has to undo all the changes it made. Rebuilding the neurotransmitter production and reactivating the receptor and transporter cells takes time -- during that rebuilding process symptoms occur.  

 

This explains it really well:

 

Video:  Healing From Antidepressants - Patterns of Recovery 

 

You should hold a minimum of four weeks between each drop.  If the withdrawal symptoms are bad, you should hold longer.  How long have you been holding?

 

You mention finishing within 5 months.  It is better to listen to your body and taper according to how you're feeling rather than use a schedule.

 

We recommend jumping off no higher than 0.1mg, preferably lower.  .05 is a good jumping point.

 

Menstruation problems during withdrawal are very common.

 

We don't recommend a lot of supplements on SA, as many members report being sensitive to them due to our over-reactive nervous systems, but two supplements that we do recommend are magnesium and omega 3 (fish oil). Many people find these to be calming to the nervous system. 

 

Magnesium, nature's calcium channel blocker 

 

Omega-3 fatty acids (fish oil

 

Add in one at a time and at a low dose in case you do experience problems.

 

This is your Introduction topic, where you can answer my questions, ask your own questions and connect with other members.  We're glad you found your way here.

 

 

 

 

[Hope2001]

Hi,

 

Thank you for your answers. I printed Glenmuller symptom list and I am following my symptoms according that. 

 

I have had so bad nerve pain during this medication. I have nerve pain on the right side of my face and shoulder and sometimes on right hand and leg. Mainly on face and shoulder. Is there anything to relieve this pain? Does Lexapro cause nerve pain?

 

My eyes and nose are so dry, so dry. Is there any hope that those will return to normal? 

 

I have been holding from 4 to 8 weeks.

[Gridley]

5 hours ago, Hope2001 said:

Does Lexapro cause nerve pain?

Neuralgia (nerve pain) is a known side effect of Lexapro.  Side effects generally decrease as the dosage gets smaller.  Has that been the case with you?

 

Dry eyes are a common withdrawal symptom.  These symptoms can come and go.  Eventually they will return to normal.

[Hope2001]

My nerve pain varies sometimes it worse and then better. But now I have had couple so bad pain period. 

 

Lexapro ruined my eyes. For it has been all the time when I have had Lexapro and maybe it is even worse in withdrawal. 

I have also breathing difficulties. Have had those on Lexapro and now it seems that they come also when I have make drop. 

Is it common? I kind of cant breath normally.

[Gridley]

9 minutes ago, Hope2001 said:

breathing difficulties

 

Breathing difficulties are a common antidepressant withdrawal symptom.  If you will Google survivingantidepressants.org breathing difficulties you will find a number of threads on this subject.  Here's one:

Shortness of breath and other breathing issues - Symptoms ...

[Heath]

Hope2001

i too have dry eyes dry sinus and mouth so dry it’s a burning feeling- with lexapro. I had same with Paxil years ago and as I came down and off Paxil the moisture came back. 1 month ago I lowered the lexapro dose by 1.25 mgs and dryness lowered dramatically. But after 4 weeks it seems to be creeping back. I have tried other ssris with other s/e and when I came down and off they went away. Your body will return to normal just give it time. Welcome to SA you are in the right place!

[Hope2001]

I am so depressed during my periods. I just feel so black and no hope. I am so desperate and want my old life back. I would give anything to get 3,5 years back when they started this **** for me. I feel so lonely and desperate. No joy or laugh. Just trying to go forward from day to day. I am andry and sad and feels I am going to be lonely for the rest of my life. And sick and not able to function. 

I have gained over 30kg and look like ****. Look like I had been drinking last years. That is how I look. My husband told me he doesnt love me anymore. Hard to see any light anywhere, just deep darkness. 

[Erell]

I understand you hope, periods trigger the worst symptoms for me too

I know how hard it is To believe right now while you Feel so bad, but believe me, it does get better.

Only 2 months ago, I have written a post that sounds exactly like yours.

But now I'm functionnal and able To appreciate the beauty of life

You Will too ❤

 

You're not going To be lonely for the rest of your life, because this isnt the rest of your life

This is probably the most rough thing you Will have To go through in your life, but it is only temporary. 

Remember this : it is only temporary  ❤

[Hope2001]

 Current dose 0.645mg lexapro. I just made drop from 0.65 to 0.645. This has been ok this far, 4 days. 

 

My eye problems are bad. I have so dry eyes and hurting so much. Nothing helps. Also nerve pain again. This is so diffucult. My face are so swollen. Stomach also. 

[Altostrata]

How are you doing, Hope?

[Hope2001]

Hi,

 

Than you for asking. I am not doing well. I am so sick all the time. I am now down to 0.610mg. I have went down from 0.645 by 0.005mg drops. I thought this would help me but it hasnt. 

 

I feel all the time flu and have diarhhea. My face is on fire, nervous pain. Breathing difficulties and cfs symptoms. I feel so sick and just lay on the coach. Anedhonia and depression. Some good days. I am desperate. Any ideas what I can do to make me feel less sick? Can I do something to my diarrhea? I eat probiotics and fiber to help.

[Altostrata]

How long have you had flu feelings and diarhhea? Have you seen the doctor for the flu feelings and diarhhea? The dry eyes? You'll have to make sure you do not have a medical illness.

 

If you're able, follow these instructions Please put your drug and withdrawal history in your signature You may need to use a computer to do this.

[Hope2001]

Doctors are clueless. Nobody knows anything, nobody says anything. I am on my own. I have doctor tomorrow but I know she doesnt know anything. I know the flue feeling is because lexapro. But i have had so many side-effects from it that i dont know what is side-effect and what is withdrawal. Eyes are dry still and so is my nose. Skin is dry also. I eat berries and olive oil every day, try to eat healthy. Some strange sugar and carb cravings. I am just so desperate. During last 30 days I have made 0.035mg cut.

[Hope2001]

During last month I have tried to found how fast I can taper with microtapering. With longer holds it went better. Maybe 3 days between cuts is too  much for me?

Face pain started after last drop. I have been holding since.

[Altostrata]

2 hours ago, Hope2001 said:

With longer holds it went better. Maybe 3 days between cuts is too  much for me?

 

Very likely. We advise people to listen to their bodies when tapering. If symptoms arise, stop tapering.

 

If your symptoms have gotten significantly worse since your last decrease, I would increase a little, back to 0.615mg, and hold there. Please let us know how you're doing.

[Hope2001]

What is this fatigue and excerise intolerance what I have? Where this comes? I have had fatigue due to Lexapro - I dont know if this is now se or wd? 

 

I have some improvements with low dose Lexapro. My periods are more regular, not so bad fatigue, i see some improvement on that. But it is still messing my life badly. Cognitio is better and head so much clearer. Swelling is not so bad. Anxiety gone. 

[Hope2001]

Why I get tired couple hours after I wake up? I am tired until 5-6pm and then I get more energy.  Do I take escitalopram on wrong time? Should I take it on mornings? 

 

 

 

 

[Gridley]

1 hour ago, Hope2001 said:

Should I take it on mornings? 

Lexapro is an activating drug.  I moved taking it from night to morning to improve sleep.  Taking it in the morning might improve your fatigue.  If you do this, move taking it back one hour each day until you reach the time in the morning when you want to take it.  

[Hope2001]

Today I will make drop from 0.610mg to 0.605mg. I thought first drop to 0.600mg but then decided to make smaller cut and see how I feel. This has been so hard week. Now I am feeling better. On friday I went to longer walk and price was fatigue, i was so tired yesterday. Today better but not good. My symptoms are just like on cfs. Today bit flue feeling also. But maily I am stable and so much better.

 

 

[jozeff]

Hi hope?

 

 

How Are you doing?

 

Did you change the time you take the drug?

 

If you dropped from 0.610 to 0.605 this is almost 1%. This might seem small but I have not been able to make larger changes myself.

 

Don't hurry, let your body decide.

 

Hope you are doing better!!

 

 

Cheer

Jozeff

 

 

[Hope2001]

Hi jozeff,

 

I have had couple better days now. Dont know why. I havent yet changed time I take lexapro. Nerve pain gone, cfs much better, mood much better. Doctor wants me to see neurologist due to leg muscle pain. I know it is from lexapro but doctors doesnt know. 

[jozeff]

Hi,

 

Do you still have good days? I hope you do!

 

Cheers

 

Jozeff

[Hope2001]

Hi, 

 

I have had better days now. Not so bad leg pain, no depression or anxiety. Sleep is poor. I have brain fog and dry eyes. My vision is blurred. 

How are you? 

[Hope2001]

My dose is 0.560mg. I dropped from 0.575mg to 0.560mg couple days ago. Now stomach issues, fatigue, floaters, blurred vision, salivation, cognitive difficulties. Some of these symptoms I have all the time on some level. Periods were awful again, pmdd. 

 

Tomorrow I have neurologist. 

[Hope2001]

I really need your help. I have dropped lexapro lately 0.005mg in a day 2-3 weeks and before periods 5-7 days hold. I am holding until periods finish. My current dose is 0.440mg. 

 

I had awful periods, so awful. Pmdd. Tired, depression and bad nausea. I was in bed 6 days. Nausea continues. I have felt derealisation. Badbad fatigue. Have I dropped too fast? What is this? 

 

 

[Altostrata]

Have you looked into non-drug remedies for your difficult menstrual periods? I found taking ibuprofen before my period started would reduce cramps and other symptoms.

 

What is your current daily drug schedule, with times and dosages for each drug?

[Hope2001]

I drink lemon oringe juice before menstruation to help. Started magnesium and take fish oil and now added vitamin e. Is there something else I could do? 

 

I am iron deficient and I should do something to that. I just cant tolerate iron tablets. I take also one multivitamin tablet in morning. 

 

Current lexapro dose is 0.42mg. I take it around 4pm. Oxazepam I take when I go to sleep around 11-12pm. 

 

My eyes have been better last few weeks. My head is so much clearer. But pmdd and other physical symptoms. I feel so sick, I have excerise intolerance, same as people have in cfs. My muscles hurt so much. I have breathing difficulties. 

 

I have now dropped 0.01mg in a week. Three weeks dropping and now 4 days not dropping because my periods will be in a week. 

[Hope2001]

Hi, 

Altostrata or Griedly could you please check my message and advice?

 

I suffer hugely during my periods. This is awful. I am so depressed and my periods have been late. Please tell me that this is just withdrawal issue and goes away. 

I am afraid that this **** has ruened my fertility. I want to have baby in future. Pleaseplease tell me. Current dose is 0.33mg.  Please tell me that others have this too and have survived.

[Hope2001]

@Altostrata 

[Altostrata]

We have seen many women whose systems have been sensitized by going on and off psychiatric drugs have increased difficulty during their menstrual periods.

 

However, we don't have any remedy for this. If difficult menstrual periods have always been a problem for you, please see a specialist in women's hormonal activity.

 

It is unlikely your psychiatric drug usage has affected it, but a women's hormonal specialist can better answer your questions about the state of your fertility.

[Hope2001]

Hi,

I am currently on dose 0.26mg lexapro. This has been so hard. I have really hard time to taper because I get diarrhea and it is so powerful. I dont know what would make that easier. Do you have any tips for that? This led me to have fever and they gave me two antibiotics last weekend which I got bad reaction. They gave me Metronidazole and Cefuroxime. I got really bad reaction and now my head is mess, i feel confused and tired and got depression. I had other symptoms, these wasn only ones. 

 

 

 

 

@Shep @Gridley

[Gridley]

25 minutes ago, Hope2001 said:

Hi,

I am currently on dose 0.26mg lexapro. This has been so hard. I have really hard time to taper because I get diarrhea and it is so powerful. I dont know what would make that easier. Do you have any tips for that? This led me to have fever and they gave me two antibiotics last weekend which I got bad reaction. They gave me Metronidazole and Cefuroxime. I got really bad reaction and now my head is mess, i feel confused and tired and got depression. I had other symptoms, these wasn only ones. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I'm sorry you're feeling bad.  Diarrhea is a known side effect of oxazepam.   Though we normally recommend tapering activating drugs like Lexapro before sedating drugs like oxazepam, you might consider, once you've recovered from the antibiotics, stopping your Lexapro taper and start a 10% taper of oxazepam.  Side effects lessen as dosage decreases.  

 

If the diarrhea was caused by oxazepam, it is unfortunate that you were misdiagnosed as having a bacterial infection and given two powerful antibiotics.  Antibiotics quite often make withdrawal worse.  I would stop tapering and hold where you are to recover from the antibiotics and allow your system to stabilize.  Then you could start a slow taper of the oxazepam to see if that helps with the diarrhea, while holding on your current dose of Lexapro.

 

 

[Hope2001]

Diarrhea comes when lowering Lexapro.

[Gridley]

21 minutes ago, Hope2001 said:

Diarrhea comes when lowering Lexapro.

If you're positive the diarrhea is coming from the Lexapro taper, then hold at your present dose until you've recovered from the antibiotics.  When you resume your Lexapro taper, you should taper more slowly if it's causing withdrawal-related diarrhea.  Withdrawal that causes intolerable symptoms means you're tapering too fast.  You very likely need to hold much longer than the three days you've been holding.

[Hope2001]

I havent wrote for long time. I am finally in 0mg escitalopram. Three weeks now. I am struggling badly. My blood pressure is high and I need medication but my body cant deal with meds. I tried to take bp meds but that was unsuccesfull and I ended to hospital. 
 

I try currently eat arginine for blood pressure. Also try to lose weight which is hard. I am drpressed and afraid not to get my life back. I think I have multiple chemical sensitivity and cant tolerate any medication. This is so diffucult. Anyone else who has got depression or reaction from blood pressure meds? I would be glad from any ideas to lower blood pressure naturally.
 

Previously I got bad reaction to several antibiotics. I have bad nerve pains and my body keeps getting water. I look 10 years older than normal. 
 

I jumped to 0 from 0,02mg divided in several capsules. I thought that I wouldnt get witdrawal from that.