Porsch1981: I just need encouragement....(Lexapro)

[Porsh1981]

Hey everyone!  I just need some encouragement to push forward.  I have always been shy and anxious. When I was 21 I had a major issue with depression. I was placed on Lexapro. I took Lexapro without questions until I was about 32. I tried to wean myself off and 3-4 months later I started having panic attacks which I never had before. I tried to help myself with natural supplements with no luck. I went back on Lexapro 10mg.  

 

In July of this year (I am turning 40 in a week) I stated a solid long term relationship. I was in a good head space and figured I would try to wean myself off again. I weaned for 2-3 months. So, I have been completely medication free for about 7 months now. My partner and I have moved across country, I quit my job, major life changes. Our relationship isn't quite the same and I am spiraling with bouts of depression and crying. I am so annoyed with myself and super afraid this is going to ruin our relationship. I am so needy. She is trying to help me, but also trying not to enable me. It's a slippery slope. 

 

I want to beat this on my own, I do not want to give in and go back on meds. I need advice. Is this normal behavior? Will I ever regain control of my emotions? Any supplements that can help? I tried 5htp once and it made me sick. Should I try again? I moved to Tucson so I am getting enough sunshine. I was hopeful that would be enough. Any positive thoughts or suggestions are welcome. Thanks everyone!

[getofflex]

Hello, and welcome to SA.  We are a peer owned and run forum of people who have been or are getting off of psychiatric drugs.  I'm sorry to hear that you are going through this difficulty after getting off the Lexapro.  I understand, because I've been there myself.  I applaud your desire to be med free.  I don't believe you will need to give up and go back on meds.  Yes, what you are feeling is very normal for a person who has recently gotten off psych meds.  

 

First of all, can you please be more specific about your drug history for all drugs you are on and have been on, especially for the past 18-24 months?  It would be especially helpful to have the details of your drugs in a concise list (no symptoms), only drug names, specific dates (as best you can say for example early March if you don't recall the day) and dosages of each medication decrease or increase.  Please read the link below for instructions.  This will allow us to give you the best guidance.  

 

How to List Drug History in Signature

 

Here is some information about how these drugs actually work.  

 

How Psychiatric Drugs Remodel Your Brain

 

 

This helps you understand what withdrawal syndrome is: 

 

 Video on Recovery from Psych Drugs

 

What is Withdrawal Syndrome?

 

 

Also, as we are recovering, we suggest keeping things slow, simple, and stable. This is extremely important. 

 

Keep it Simple, Slow, and Stable

 

 

When we recover, there are times of feeling OK mixed in with times of feeling bad.  This is called windows and waves.

 

Windows and Waves Pattern of Stabilization

 

 

When our system is trying to adjust to being off the drugs, many of us tend to feel very emotional.  Most of this is caused by our nervous systems being destabilized.  Here is a thread about that: 

 

Neuro Emotions

 

Here are some techniques to cope with symptoms: 

 

Non Drug Ways to Cope with Withdrawal Symptoms

 

 

We don't suggest many supplements, but 2 that many of us find helpful are magnesium and omega-3 fish oil. Here are the links for info about those. It is suggested to add one at a time, and start with a low dose to see how it affects you. 

Magnesium

 

Omega 3 Fish Oil

 

 

You could consider going back on a small dose of your drug, which we call reinstatement.  It is best done very carefully.  This is temporary, and after stabilizing you would then taper gradually off of this.  There is some risk involved, and we need more specifics about your drug history, such as what was your dose of Lexapro when you were on the full dose last year?  Then we can suggest a good dose at which to reinstate.  Here is some information about reinstatement.  

 

About Reinstating and Stabilizing to Reduce Withdrawal Symptoms

 

I've given you quite a bit of information here.  Please read through it, and mull it over, and we will take it from there. In the meantime, take care of yourself, and take heart.  We in this forum have been through this, and we understand first hand the pain and discomfort you are going through.  Please know that the brain is amazing in it's healing abilities.  It takes time, but healing can and will happen. 

Edited May 25, 2021 by getofflex