Preacherswife: Coming off the lexapro and scared

[Preacherswife]

Hello! My name’s Christine and I have been on and off lexapro for years. I have recently have started really looking at the things my family is around Such as food, cleaning products, mold, atmosphere etc… and yesterday, through a friend, realized that I have been dealing with SEVERE side effects for at least a year of lexapro. 
 I eat a gluten free diet and mostly sugar free. I have had increased anxiety, disturbed sleep, aches, brain fog, trouble being motivated, numbed state of mind, and now a sore in my nose that refuses to heal. My husband has been telling me for years to come off but I have been dependent on the meds. Both of my parents have anxiety/depression problems and are heavily medicated. 
i was first placed on meds due to situational depression while I was in a bad relationship. I came off cold turkey after getting married to said bad relationship. Got a divorce and remarried. Developed anxiety issues in the new marriage and was placed back on meds. I came off cold turkey when I found out I was pregnant. After having the baby, I had SEVERE PPD and PPA. I was once again medicated and the dose was increased after I didn’t improve. I have been scared to even think of coming off the meds until now. And yes, I’m a Preacher’s wife and a Preacher’s daughter. My faith helps, but it is not a take it all away, at least IMO.  I’ve made up my mind I’m going to come off but I want to do it safely. I’ve ordered the book YOUR DRUG MAY BE YOUR PROBLEM to read as I go through this. Any input would be greatly appreciated. 

[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.  It's great that you have found us before you started your taper.  Many people come in here after tapering too fast, and have significant withdrawal issues.  

 

It sounds as though you are having adverse effects from the Lexapro from being on too high of a dose.  Lexapro is one of the more powerful SSRI drugs, and 20 mg is a hefty dose.  I believe you will feel better as you reduce, but it is essential not to taper too fast.  You will see why.  

 

Thank you for providing your drug signature.  

 

Here is some information about how these drugs actually work.  This shows how important it will be to do a very slow, careful taper.  

 

How Psychiatric Drugs Remodel Your Brain

 

 

Tapering is best done extremely slowly, and we generally taper by 10% of the current dose no more than once every 4 weeks, so that the taper becomes exponentially smaller.

 

 Why Taper by 10% of my Dosage  

 

Tips for Tapering Lexapro

 

So for your first taper, you would reduce your dose from 20 mg to 18 mg.  The link above will explain how to do this.  Stay at this dosage for 4 - 6 weeks.  Take the precise same amount at the same time each day. Listen to your body, and don't reduce your dose again until you feel stable. 

 

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

 

Keep it Simple, Slow, and Stable

 

 

Hopefully you won't have any symptoms, but if you do, here are some techniques to cope with them: 

 

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

 

Feel free to ask any questions, and have a look around the site.  There is lots of very good information here.  Good luck, and keep us posted!