hi from skknut

[skknut]

Here's a bit of an intro for me: I've been trying to get off of anti-depressants for over 10 years - with many setbacks that have almost always ended up with me crashing dismally and going back on. The ray of hope that's kept me trying is that each time I learn a little bit more about myself that makes me think progress might be possible. So at this point, I've been off anti-depressants almost entirely for about year now. However, this has been with much struggle and some real relational / professional damage. I've once again experienced a goodly portion of irritability, crabby moods, and debillitating anxiety. In addition, a lot of the time I simply can't access the part of my brain that has motivation and energy - that used to exist before I went on them. I don't know if others have experienced this and gotten through, but I'd be grateful to hear more about it if you have.

[Jemima]

What were you taking and how fast did you get off the drug(s)?

 

I "tapered" (too fast) off of Lexapro a year ago, taking my last crumb of a pill on December 14, 2011. I went through a hellish withdrawal and am still having some withdrawal symptoms such as getting depressed or anxious easily, and that lack of motivation you mentioned.

 

What I want you to know is that the symptoms fade away in what we call "windows and waves" and that, while I'm not completely healed, I'm much, much better than I was last winter.

 

You can read my story by clicking the link in my signature.