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☼ Skybert: needs help - delayed onset Lexapro withdrawal


skybert

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Hi :)

I'm really scared now, and dont know what to do or where to turn for help. I dont trust my doctor with this stuff anymore and nobody understands me. 

I have what I think is delayed onset of ssri discontinuation syndrome. Even though I was close to fine for about 7 weeks before the onset after I quit. Is that normal? I cant find much about it.. 

Right now I feel really bad and dont think I can take it much longer. I've been toughing it out for a month now since it got bad with some ups but mostly downs. But I feel worse than ever at this point and think I have to throw inn the towel and get back on meds to do a slower taper. But I really hate the medicine, and I'm scared to make this stuff even worse now. I have not used meds since 26.june witch makes it close to 3months. Is that to late to start up again? And if I can start what kind of dose would be recommended?

My head is all over the place: unreal, suicidal ideation, neuro emotions, dread, sobbing, sad, scared etc. Upset stomach, sleep problems, agitation, jaw pain, neck pain, dizzy etc. To name a few.

 

I was put on meds for panic attacks after a stressfull periode of my life. I will share more of my story later on but I just need some help right now.

 

Meds: Esctialopram(Lexapro) 10mg-> 20mg-> 15mg->10mg-> 5mg-> 0mg 

I apologize for my bad English (I'm from Norway)

Started Esctialopram (Lexapro) 10mg june 2012. 20mg august 2012.15mg february 2013 - 10mg april 2013 - 5mg may 2013 0mg - 26.june 2013 Crashed mid. august 2013. Reinstated 2mg Escitalopram 22.september 2013 2.5mg 29 september 2013, 3mg 15 november 2013.

First taper from 3mg to 2.7mg 10 may 2014

Micro cuts since then.

Current dose september 2017 1.7mg

Current supplements: Nothing. (GI issues)

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  • Moderator Emeritus

Hi Skybert, yes that does happen sometimes, it happened to me too. I tapered and was great, no problems at all

then stopped. Was fantastic for around 4 weeks then suddenly was hit by withdrawal because the taper was too fast.

Sorry I can't advise on reinstating, I did and it helped me but I was only off them for a month.  

 

Someone will be along who can advise about reinstating, in the meantime have a browse round, you will find a LOT 

of helpful advice here, it's a wealth of information on AD withdrawal syndrome. 

I'm glad you came here, everyone of us understands what you are going through. 

**I am not a medical professional, if in doubt please consult a doctor with withdrawal knowledge.

 

 

Different drugs occasionally (mostly benzos) 1976 - 1981 (no problem)

1993 - 2002 in and out of hospital. every type of drug + ECT. Staring with seroxat

2002  effexor. 

Tapered  March 2012 to March 2013, ending with 5 beads.

Withdrawal April 2013 . Reinstated 5 beads reduced to 4 beads May 2013

Restarted taper  Nov 2013  

OFF EFFEXOR Feb 2015    :D 

Tapered atenolol and omeprazole Dec 2013 - May 2014

 

Tapering tramadol, Feb 2015 100mg , March 2015 50mg  

 July 2017 30mg.  May 15 2018 25mg

Taking fish oil, magnesium, B12, folic acid, bilberry eyebright for eye pressure. 

 

My story http://survivingantidepressants.org/index.php?/topic/4199-hello-mammap-checking-in/page-33

 

Lesson learned, slow down taper at lower doses. Taper no more than 10% of CURRENT dose if possible

 

 

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Thank you mammaP :)

You have me inn tears here now. Inn a good way :P

Started Esctialopram (Lexapro) 10mg june 2012. 20mg august 2012.15mg february 2013 - 10mg april 2013 - 5mg may 2013 0mg - 26.june 2013 Crashed mid. august 2013. Reinstated 2mg Escitalopram 22.september 2013 2.5mg 29 september 2013, 3mg 15 november 2013.

First taper from 3mg to 2.7mg 10 may 2014

Micro cuts since then.

Current dose september 2017 1.7mg

Current supplements: Nothing. (GI issues)

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  • Moderator Emeritus

Hi Skybert,

 

Welcome to our community, I'm sorry you have to be here, but I'm glad you found us.

 

Your English is fine :)

 

I was taking Lexapro, came off it too fast and was doing ok for several months.  My situation is slightly different, because other medication was involved, but for me withdrawal symptoms started after feeling ok for a while too.

 

At 3 months off, its impossible to know if reinstating would work, but you could try it.  You might want to try 2mg and see how you feel after a week or so.  Its possible that it might reduce the severity of your withdrawal symptoms.  Then you could begin a slower taper.

 

It might take a while for it to work, or it could make you worse.

 

I tried reinstating a small amount after being off for 2 years and after 5 days I was feeling much worse, so I stopped.

 

If you decide to try this, here is a link to tips for tapering off Lexapro:

 

http://survivingantidepressants.org/index.php?/topic/406-tips-for-tapering-off-lexapro-escitalopram/

 

You might want to wait until someone else with more experience adds a suggestion, I'm still quite new here.

 

Here you will find helpful information about symptoms and self care:

http://survivingantidepressants.org/index.php?/forum/8-symptoms-and-self-care/

 

Petu.

I'm not a doctor.  My comments are not medical advise. These are my opinions based on my own experience and what I've learned. Please discuss your situation with a medical practitioner who has knowledge of tapering and withdrawal...if you are lucky enough to find one.

My Introduction Thread

Full Drug and Withdrawal History

Brief Summary

Several SSRIs for 13 years starting 1997 (for mild to moderate partly situational anxiety) Xanax PRN ~ Various other drugs over the years for side effects

2 month 'taper' off Lexapro 2010

Short acute withdrawal, followed by 2 -3 months of improvement then delayed protracted withdrawal

DX ADHD followed by several years of stimulants and other drugs trying to manage increasing symptoms

Failed reinstatement of Lexapro and trial of Prozac (became suicidal)

May 2013 Found SA, learned about withdrawal, stopped taking drugs...healing begins.

Protracted withdrawal, with a very sensitized nervous system, slowly recovering as time passes

Supplements which have helped: Vitamin C, Magnesium, Taurine

Bad reactions: Many supplements but mostly fish oil and Vitamin D

June 2016 - Started daily juicing, mostly vegetables and lots of greens.

Aug 2016 - Oct 2016 Best window ever, felt almost completely recovered

Oct 2016 -Symptoms returned - bad days and less bad days.

April 2018 - No windows, but significant improvement, it feels like permanent full recovery is close.

VIDEO: Where did the chemical imbalance theory come from?



VIDEO: How are psychiatric diagnoses made?



VIDEO: Why do psychiatric drugs have withdrawal syndromes?



VIDEO: Can psychiatric drugs cause long-lasting negative effects?

VIDEO: Dr. Claire Weekes

 

 

 

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Thank you for the good advice and warm welcome Petu :) 

This site is a life saver, and I have been browsing for a while and waiting for this thing to pass on it's own.

But now I feel worse then ever and figured it was time to contact you amazing people on this forum for some more support.

 

Started Esctialopram (Lexapro) 10mg june 2012. 20mg august 2012.15mg february 2013 - 10mg april 2013 - 5mg may 2013 0mg - 26.june 2013 Crashed mid. august 2013. Reinstated 2mg Escitalopram 22.september 2013 2.5mg 29 september 2013, 3mg 15 november 2013.

First taper from 3mg to 2.7mg 10 may 2014

Micro cuts since then.

Current dose september 2017 1.7mg

Current supplements: Nothing. (GI issues)

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  • Administrator

Hi Skybert

 

Welcome to the community.  I agree with Petu's advice.  Try just 2 mg and see if it makes things better, has no effect or makes things worse.  If it makes things worse then stop.  Give it a week and if it doesn't seem to have an effect you can try increasing by small increments to see if that helps.  A small increment would be 1/2 mg to 1 mg.

 

You will heal over time, you need to be patient and take care of yourself. See the Symptoms and Self-Care forum for ideas. 

 

Karma

2007 @ 375 mg Effexor - 11/29/2011 - 43.75 mg Effexor (regular) & .625 mg Xanax

200 mg Gabapentin 2/27/21 - 194.5 mg, 5/28/21 - 183 mg, 8/2/21 - 170 mg, 11/28/21 - 150 mg, 4/19/22 - 122 mg; 8//7/22 - 100 mg; 12/17 - 75mg; 8/17 - 45 mg; 10/16 40 mg
Xanax taper: 3/11/12 - 0.9375 mg, 3/25/12 - 0.875 mg, 4/6/12 - 0.8125 mg, 4/18/12 - 0.75 ; 10/16 40mg;

1/16 0.6875 mg; at some point 0.625 mg
Effexor taper: 1/29/12 - 40.625 mg, 4/29/12 - 39.875 mg, 5/11/12 - Switched to liquid Effexor, 5/25/12 - 38 mg, 7/6/12 - 35 mg, 8/17/12 - 32 mg, 9/14/12 - 30 mg, 10/19/12 - 28 mg, 11/9/12 - 26 mg, 11/30/12 - 24 mg, 01/14/13 - 22 mg. 02/25/13 - 20.8 mg, 03/18/13 - 19.2 mg, 4/15/13 - 17.6 mg, 8/10/13 - 16.4 mg, 9/7/13 - 15.2 mg, 10/19/13 - 14 mg, 1/15/14 - 13.2 mg, 3/1/2014 - 12.6 mg, 5/4/14 - 12 mg, 8/1/14 - 11.4 mg, 8/29/14 - 10.8 mg; 10/14/14 - 10.2 mg; 12/15/14 - 10 mg, 1/11/15 - 9.5 mg, 2/8/15 - 9 mg, 3/21/15 - 8.5 mg, 5/1/15 - 8 mg, 6/9/15 - 7.5 mg, 7/8/15 - 7 mg, 8/22/15 - 6.5 mg, 10/4/15 - 6 mg; 1/1/16 - 5.6 mg; 2/6/16 - 5.2 mg; 4/9 - 4.8 mg; 7/7 4.5 mg; 10/7 4.25 mg; 11/4 4.0 mg; 11/25 3.8 mg; 4/24 3.6 mg; 5/27 3.4 mg; 7/8 3.2 mg ... 10/18 2.8 mg; 1/18 2.6 mg; 4/7 2.4 mg; 5/26 2.15mg; 8/18 1.85 mg; 10/7 1.7 mg; 12/1 1.45 mg; 3/2 1.2 mg; 5/4 0.90 mg; 6/1 0.80 mg; 6/22 0.65 mg; 08/03 0.50 mg, 08/10 0.45 mg, 10/05 0.325 mg, 11/23 0.2 mg, 12/14 0.15 mg, 12/21 0.125 mg, 02/28 0.03125 mg, 2/15 0.015625 mg, 2/29/20 0.00 mg - OFF Effexor


I am not a medical professional - this is not medical advice. My suggestions are based on personal experience, reading, observation and anecdotal information posted by other sufferers

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Okay:) Thanks for the advice.

I just took 2mg in liquid form (Homemade with water and crushed 5mg tablet) Kinda scared now.

If it makes me worse than I am right now I dont know anymore:

I am really sad and it feels like I lost all my coping abilities right now. Old memories pops into my mind and its all sad.

Like I wish I was a kid again and cant handle that its impossible. So aware of just the concept of being alive, time passage, people and

existence in general. Anything and everything can be scary. It all swarms my mind all the time now. Any advice?

Sorry to be such a bummer but I just needed to vent my frustration.

Started Esctialopram (Lexapro) 10mg june 2012. 20mg august 2012.15mg february 2013 - 10mg april 2013 - 5mg may 2013 0mg - 26.june 2013 Crashed mid. august 2013. Reinstated 2mg Escitalopram 22.september 2013 2.5mg 29 september 2013, 3mg 15 november 2013.

First taper from 3mg to 2.7mg 10 may 2014

Micro cuts since then.

Current dose september 2017 1.7mg

Current supplements: Nothing. (GI issues)

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  • Administrator

Hi Skybert,

 

I can totally relate to what you are experiencing.  When I suffered severe withdrawals in the fall of 2011 I had unwanted intrusive thoughts that were very unsettling.  I panicked about things that hadn't happened yet or might not matter if they did happen.  I tried a little congnitive behavorial therapy to minimze the hold these thoughts had on me.  For example, if the irrational thought I had was, "I'm afraid I will lose my job ..." I wrote that down and then next to it I wrote a more rational thought, "if I lose my job I will find another job."  I focused on just living one minute at a time and tried not to live in the past or the future. 

 

What you are experiencing is something we call neuro-emotions http://survivingantidepressants.org/index.php?/topic/137-neuro-emotion/.  They aren't real, they are heightened emotions due to your central nervous system being upset.  What I've found is that if I name these neuro-emotions I am better able to cope with them until they minimize or pass.  They do pass.

 

Hang in there, Skybert.

 

Karma

 

 

2007 @ 375 mg Effexor - 11/29/2011 - 43.75 mg Effexor (regular) & .625 mg Xanax

200 mg Gabapentin 2/27/21 - 194.5 mg, 5/28/21 - 183 mg, 8/2/21 - 170 mg, 11/28/21 - 150 mg, 4/19/22 - 122 mg; 8//7/22 - 100 mg; 12/17 - 75mg; 8/17 - 45 mg; 10/16 40 mg
Xanax taper: 3/11/12 - 0.9375 mg, 3/25/12 - 0.875 mg, 4/6/12 - 0.8125 mg, 4/18/12 - 0.75 ; 10/16 40mg;

1/16 0.6875 mg; at some point 0.625 mg
Effexor taper: 1/29/12 - 40.625 mg, 4/29/12 - 39.875 mg, 5/11/12 - Switched to liquid Effexor, 5/25/12 - 38 mg, 7/6/12 - 35 mg, 8/17/12 - 32 mg, 9/14/12 - 30 mg, 10/19/12 - 28 mg, 11/9/12 - 26 mg, 11/30/12 - 24 mg, 01/14/13 - 22 mg. 02/25/13 - 20.8 mg, 03/18/13 - 19.2 mg, 4/15/13 - 17.6 mg, 8/10/13 - 16.4 mg, 9/7/13 - 15.2 mg, 10/19/13 - 14 mg, 1/15/14 - 13.2 mg, 3/1/2014 - 12.6 mg, 5/4/14 - 12 mg, 8/1/14 - 11.4 mg, 8/29/14 - 10.8 mg; 10/14/14 - 10.2 mg; 12/15/14 - 10 mg, 1/11/15 - 9.5 mg, 2/8/15 - 9 mg, 3/21/15 - 8.5 mg, 5/1/15 - 8 mg, 6/9/15 - 7.5 mg, 7/8/15 - 7 mg, 8/22/15 - 6.5 mg, 10/4/15 - 6 mg; 1/1/16 - 5.6 mg; 2/6/16 - 5.2 mg; 4/9 - 4.8 mg; 7/7 4.5 mg; 10/7 4.25 mg; 11/4 4.0 mg; 11/25 3.8 mg; 4/24 3.6 mg; 5/27 3.4 mg; 7/8 3.2 mg ... 10/18 2.8 mg; 1/18 2.6 mg; 4/7 2.4 mg; 5/26 2.15mg; 8/18 1.85 mg; 10/7 1.7 mg; 12/1 1.45 mg; 3/2 1.2 mg; 5/4 0.90 mg; 6/1 0.80 mg; 6/22 0.65 mg; 08/03 0.50 mg, 08/10 0.45 mg, 10/05 0.325 mg, 11/23 0.2 mg, 12/14 0.15 mg, 12/21 0.125 mg, 02/28 0.03125 mg, 2/15 0.015625 mg, 2/29/20 0.00 mg - OFF Effexor


I am not a medical professional - this is not medical advice. My suggestions are based on personal experience, reading, observation and anecdotal information posted by other sufferers

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  • Moderator Emeritus

The sad feelings you're having now are very typical of antidepressant withdrawal.  I'm among those who got off of Lexapro too fast and if I remember correctly it took about two weeks for withdrawal symptoms to start and by week six I was spending most of my time in bed, not because I was sleepy--just the opposite--but because I was so sick. Getting out to buy groceries every week or two was a major accomplishment.

 

At three months out reinstating is a crapshoot, but it does work for some people.  Here's our topic about reinstatement:

 

About Reinstating and Stabilizing

 

I very much hope it works for you.

 

Welcome to the forum.  You'll find lots of solid information and friendly support here.

Psychotropic drug history: Pristiq 50 mg. (mid-September 2010 through February 2011), Remeron (mid-September 2010 through January 2011), Lexapro 10 mg. (mid-February 2011 through mid-December 2011), Lorazepam (Ativan) 1 mg. as needed mid-September 2010 through early March 2012

"Never attribute to malice that which is adequately explained by stupidity." -Hanlon's Razor


Introduction: http://survivingantidepressants.org/index.php?/topic/1588-introducing-jemima/

 

Success Story: http://survivingantidepressants.org/index.php?/topic/6263-success-jemima-survives-lexapro-and-dr-dickhead-too/

Please note that I am not a medical professional and my advice is based on personal experience, reading, and anecdotal information posted by other sufferers.

 

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Hi Skybert- Lexapro got me also. This site has been a life saver for me. These people know more than any Dr. does about what you are going through. Hang in there, it will get better. I'll say a few prayers for you. Hugs sent also.

 

Jan. 1994 Pamelor

2000 switched to Zoloft 

2011 Zoloft pooped out- Dr. switched me directly to Lexapro15mg -had a horrible 6mths

2013 upped Lexapro to 20 mgs-pooped out

June 2013 Dr. added 150 Wellbutrin to Lexapro.

July 2013 Switched back to Zoloft 100mgs.Was still taking Wellbutrin. Lots of anxiety from the Wellbutrin

July 2013 Started to wean Wellbutrin- off by Sept.

Oct. 2013 added 400 mgs of Neurotin to the Zoloft

Jan 2014 Tapered off of the Zoloft and onto Prozac 30 mgs. Also still taking 400 mgs Neurotin

Feb 2014 Reduced Prozac to 13 mgs. Still taking 400 mgs Neurotin

Aug. 2014 Prozac 13 mgs. Finished with Neurotin. .7 Risperadol

 

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Words can't describe how much I appreciate this help, advice and well-wishing. 

Wonderfull people:) 

Started Esctialopram (Lexapro) 10mg june 2012. 20mg august 2012.15mg february 2013 - 10mg april 2013 - 5mg may 2013 0mg - 26.june 2013 Crashed mid. august 2013. Reinstated 2mg Escitalopram 22.september 2013 2.5mg 29 september 2013, 3mg 15 november 2013.

First taper from 3mg to 2.7mg 10 may 2014

Micro cuts since then.

Current dose september 2017 1.7mg

Current supplements: Nothing. (GI issues)

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Hi guys:)

I just need to know if anyone can relate to this stuff that is going on with me.

I have moodswings all the time.

There is no clear pattern in anything that is going on. It's just chaos with symptoms both physical and emotional all day log. I can actually feel good and like myself sometimes to.

But that quickly revert to feeling unreal (DP) and without hope and so on. It's just all so weird and hard to prepare for. Kind of like several windows and waves everyday.

Anyone have any thoughts? Is this normal? Is this a normal phase of the whole thing?

 

I am on my fifth day of 2mg escitalopram reinstatement btw.

 

Any advice or thought is greatly appreciated:)

Started Esctialopram (Lexapro) 10mg june 2012. 20mg august 2012.15mg february 2013 - 10mg april 2013 - 5mg may 2013 0mg - 26.june 2013 Crashed mid. august 2013. Reinstated 2mg Escitalopram 22.september 2013 2.5mg 29 september 2013, 3mg 15 november 2013.

First taper from 3mg to 2.7mg 10 may 2014

Micro cuts since then.

Current dose september 2017 1.7mg

Current supplements: Nothing. (GI issues)

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  • Administrator

It could be normal. Do your symptoms have any daily pattern? Keeping notes on paper is very helpful.

This is not medical advice. Discuss any decisions about your medical care with a knowledgeable medical practitioner.

"It has become appallingly obvious that our technology has surpassed our humanity." -- Albert Einstein

All postings © copyrighted.

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I will start writing everything down tomorrow, and see if there is any sort of pattern in the chaos:P

 

 

Much respect Altostrata.

Started Esctialopram (Lexapro) 10mg june 2012. 20mg august 2012.15mg february 2013 - 10mg april 2013 - 5mg may 2013 0mg - 26.june 2013 Crashed mid. august 2013. Reinstated 2mg Escitalopram 22.september 2013 2.5mg 29 september 2013, 3mg 15 november 2013.

First taper from 3mg to 2.7mg 10 may 2014

Micro cuts since then.

Current dose september 2017 1.7mg

Current supplements: Nothing. (GI issues)

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There is no clear pattern in anything. Most of my physical bodily symptoms are gone though.

The emotional symptoms are really strong now. Powerful and crippling! To the point I get really agitated and can't stay still cause it hurts. They are totally irrational to. Like i can't accept the fact that I'm alive and time passage and all kinds off weird stuff. This is stuff that bothered me earlier when I first started on the meds but not with this kind of power. It feels like my brain is banging itself against a wall. I almost went to the ER because of it.

Concerned it's causing permanent damage. Emotions that physically hurts this much is new to me. I'm pretty calm now but my brain feels like pounded beef and it could start again at anytime. Scared.. can anyone relate? advice?

I use 2.5mg escitalopram now btw.

Started Esctialopram (Lexapro) 10mg june 2012. 20mg august 2012.15mg february 2013 - 10mg april 2013 - 5mg may 2013 0mg - 26.june 2013 Crashed mid. august 2013. Reinstated 2mg Escitalopram 22.september 2013 2.5mg 29 september 2013, 3mg 15 november 2013.

First taper from 3mg to 2.7mg 10 may 2014

Micro cuts since then.

Current dose september 2017 1.7mg

Current supplements: Nothing. (GI issues)

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  • Administrator

As you can see, some of your symptoms have gotten better. This is typical in the healing process. It's very gradual and irregular. Everyone worries it will be permanent, but it's not. Keeping notes and re-reading your topic once in a while helps remind you of your progress.

This is not medical advice. Discuss any decisions about your medical care with a knowledgeable medical practitioner.

"It has become appallingly obvious that our technology has surpassed our humanity." -- Albert Einstein

All postings © copyrighted.

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  • Moderator Emeritus

There is no clear pattern in anything. Most of my physical bodily symptoms are gone though.The emotional symptoms are really strong now. Powerful and crippling! To the point I get really agitated and can't stay still cause it hurts. They are totally irrational to. Like i can't accept the fact that I'm alive and time passage and all kinds off weird stuff. This is stuff that bothered me earlier when I first started on the meds but not with this kind of power. It feels like my brain is banging itself against a wall. I almost went to the ER because of it.Concerned it's causing permanent damage. Emotions that physically hurts this much is new to me. I'm pretty calm now but my brain feels like pounded beef and it could start again at anytime. Scared.. can anyone relate? advice?I use 2.5mg escitalopram now btw.

 

I can relate to every single word you say. You describe very well feelings that are difficult to describe. Yes, I relate about how hard it is to accept being alive and the passage of time, I have felt that often, it was strong in early withdrawal. And emotions that hurt physically, absolutely, that still happens to me from time to time but rarely.

 

Everything you describe I have heard hundreds of people describe as well, both here on this forum and on other forums. What you are describing is absolutely typical of psychiatric drug withdrawal.  Don't worry about that, you are normal.

 

It sounds like you are getting some improvement of the physical symptoms from your reinstatement, which is a good sign. 

 

It might be good to stop and hold at 2.5 or 3.0, hold that dose for a week or two and see how things change and develop.

 

At this point it's very important to keep a record of your symptoms and your dosages. Every day write down what dose you took and at what time, and rank your symptoms of that day on a scale of 1 to 5, 1 being no symptoms at all (which is not likely) and 5 being the worse you have ever felt yet.  That record can be very valuable as you try to decide if the reinstatement is working for you and at what point you may want to begin to taper. (Not for many months yet!)

 

I'm glad you're here. Welcome. You will get better, it will be better.

Started on Prozac and Xanax in 1992 for PTSD after an assault. One drug led to more, the usual story. Got sicker and sicker, but believed I needed the drugs for my "underlying disease". Long story...lost everything. Life savings, home, physical and mental health, relationships, friendships, ability to work, everything. Amitryptiline, Prozac, bupropion, buspirone, flurazepam, diazepam, alprazolam, Paxil, citalopram, lamotrigine, gabapentin...probably more I've forgotten. 

Started multidrug taper in Feb 2010.  Doing a very slow microtaper, down to low doses now and feeling SO much better, getting my old personality and my brain back! Able to work full time, have a full social life, and cope with stress better than ever. Not perfect, but much better. After 23 lost years. Big Pharma has a lot to answer for. And "medicine for profit" is just not a great idea.

 

Feb 15 2010:  300 mg Neurontin  200 Lamictal   10 Celexa      0.65 Xanax   and 5 mg Ambien 

Feb 10 2014:   62 Lamictal    1.1 Celexa         0.135 Xanax    1.8 Valium

Feb 10 2015:   50 Lamictal      0.875 Celexa    0.11 Xanax      1.5 Valium

Feb 15 2016:   47.5 Lamictal   0.75 Celexa      0.0875 Xanax    1.42 Valium    

2/12/20             12                       0.045               0.007                   1 

May 2021            7                       0.01                  0.0037                1

Feb 2022            6                      0!!!                     0.00167               0.98                2.5 mg Ambien

Oct 2022       4.5 mg Lamictal    (off Celexa, off Xanax)   0.95 Valium    Ambien, 1/4 to 1/2 of a 5 mg tablet 

 

I'm not a doctor. Any advice I give is just my civilian opinion.

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  • Moderator Emeritus

Welcome skybert. I'm another on lexapro and can relate. It is a good sign that some of the symptoms have gotten better. All of the suggestions, thoughts and advise you have gotten here is superb. You have come to a good place.

 

All that I have to add is to maybe take a look at the symptoms and self care thread. There are many good suggestions for a myriad of symptoms to help ease the discomfort.

 

Stay tuned and let me congratulate you on listening to what others have to say. Try to remain calm. Again... browsing the SYMPTOMS and SELF HELP thread here is your ticket to help you stay calm & deal....

 

RU WELCOME!!!!! :)   We DO get better!!!!!!

Fall 1995 xanax, zoloft. switched to Serzone

1996- spring 2003serzone/ xanax/ lightbox.

b]Fall 2003- Fall 2004? Lexapro 10 mg. Light box /4 mg. xanax.[/b]

2004 - Fall of 2009 10 mg Lex, 150 mg Wellbutrin XL % 4 mg xanax

November 2009- Sept. 2011 10 mg lex., 300 Well. XL, 4 mg Xanax [/b

Sept.2012- July 2012 20 mg Lex 300 Well. XL, 4 mg Xanax

My mantra " go slow & with the flow "

3/2/13.. Began equal dosing 5 Xs /day xanax, while simultaneously incorporating a 2.5 % drop ( from 3.5 mg/day to 3.4 mg/day)

4/6/13 dropped from 300 mg. Wellbutrin XL to 150 mg. Difficult but DONE! Down to 3.3 mg xanax/ day / 6/10/13 3 mg xanax/day; 7/15/2013 2.88mg xanax/day.

10/ 1/2013...... 2.5 mg xanax… ( switched to tablets again) WOO HOO!!!!!! Holding here… cont. with Lexapro.

1/ 2/2014.. tapered to 18mg ( by weight) of a 26 mg ( by weight) pill of 20 mg tab. lexapro. goal is 13mg (by weight OR 10 mg by ingredient content) and STOPPED. Feeling very down with unbalanced, unpredictable WD symptoms.

1/2/2014- ??? Taking a brain-healing break from tapering anything after actively tapering something for 1.5 years. So… daily doses as of 2/2/2014: 18 mg by weight Lex, 150 mg Well. XL, 2.5 mg xanax, down from 26 mg by weight Lex., 300 mg well. XL, 4 mg xanax in August, 2012. I'll take it. :) 5/8/14 started equivalent dose liquid./ tabs. 5/13/14 1.5 % cut.

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Thanks for all the support :) It's just so confusing the whole thing. It's always something new.

Today I just don't feel like I'm here anymore. Like a new form of derealization. Like some part of me died after the head trauma the other day.

And I can't shake that feeling.  

The doctor is clueless and just want me back on a larger dose of esctialopram.

It feels like fighting for my life everyday. And things are only getting worse, not better. It's a surreal feeling that this stuff is happening to me.

Sorry I'm just on the receiving end of the support at this point. It's just very hard for me right now. 

I hope to get better soon and be more able to help others.

I really appreciate all the help you guys are giving me. Thank you so much!

Started Esctialopram (Lexapro) 10mg june 2012. 20mg august 2012.15mg february 2013 - 10mg april 2013 - 5mg may 2013 0mg - 26.june 2013 Crashed mid. august 2013. Reinstated 2mg Escitalopram 22.september 2013 2.5mg 29 september 2013, 3mg 15 november 2013.

First taper from 3mg to 2.7mg 10 may 2014

Micro cuts since then.

Current dose september 2017 1.7mg

Current supplements: Nothing. (GI issues)

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  • Administrator

If you go to the doctor complaining of symptoms, most likely he or she is going to want to give you more drugs.

 

You've just re-started 2.5mg, it seems to be helping, give it time.

This is not medical advice. Discuss any decisions about your medical care with a knowledgeable medical practitioner.

"It has become appallingly obvious that our technology has surpassed our humanity." -- Albert Einstein

All postings © copyrighted.

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Massive panic attack just now. First one in quite a while. I really feel like I'm losing it now! Any help? It felt like a massive surge of I cant handle life anymore and kind of losing my mind. Every day feels like a constant battle in not losing my mind. And the attack felt like I lost it for the first time. I'm tired of fighting.

Started Esctialopram (Lexapro) 10mg june 2012. 20mg august 2012.15mg february 2013 - 10mg april 2013 - 5mg may 2013 0mg - 26.june 2013 Crashed mid. august 2013. Reinstated 2mg Escitalopram 22.september 2013 2.5mg 29 september 2013, 3mg 15 november 2013.

First taper from 3mg to 2.7mg 10 may 2014

Micro cuts since then.

Current dose september 2017 1.7mg

Current supplements: Nothing. (GI issues)

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Could it be the the Escitalopram reinstatement that is causing this? Panic attacks have not been an issue in quite awhile.

In many ways it feels like I'm getting worse now. It feels like adrenaline buildup throughout my body all the time now. 

The emotional stuff is really strong. Do I stay on the meds? Go updown? 

I know I should be patient and shut up.

Anyone have any thought about this? 

 

I apologize for the whining

Started Esctialopram (Lexapro) 10mg june 2012. 20mg august 2012.15mg february 2013 - 10mg april 2013 - 5mg may 2013 0mg - 26.june 2013 Crashed mid. august 2013. Reinstated 2mg Escitalopram 22.september 2013 2.5mg 29 september 2013, 3mg 15 november 2013.

First taper from 3mg to 2.7mg 10 may 2014

Micro cuts since then.

Current dose september 2017 1.7mg

Current supplements: Nothing. (GI issues)

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  • Administrator

What time of day do you take escilatopram and when did you have this panic surge? Please keep notes of your symptoms on paper, this helps.

This is not medical advice. Discuss any decisions about your medical care with a knowledgeable medical practitioner.

"It has become appallingly obvious that our technology has surpassed our humanity." -- Albert Einstein

All postings © copyrighted.

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  • 4 weeks later...

Hi:)

 

I just wanted to apologize for my rude behavior in not responding after Alto tried to help me after my massive panic attack. 

 

It was just to much to handle,at the time and I needed to get away from the forums and everything for awhile. It felt like all the reading was making me worse at that point and i needed to try and do something else.  A few days after the panic attack I got a window with somewhat milder symptoms and was more able to function a little again. I forced myself to play some computer games like I used to do a lot before and had some good times with some friends online. 

 

And I started to think I could see the light at the end of the tunnel. 

 

At least it felt like the worst part was over and I would be able to handle whatever came up in the future. And I will!!!

 

 

Well, unfortunately I'm back in a bad wave and need some support. I know this is the cruel joke of SSRI withdrawal but I just need to vent some of my frustrations and maybe find someone who can relate to these awful feelings I'm having. It's about reassurance that this insanity that I'm experiencing is just the Lexapro withdrawal. 

 

Anyways, my last bad wave started with a really upset stomach that lasted for quite a while and I lost like 25 pounds because of it. (Bonus btw) I got it somewhat under control after a while with a low carb paelo type diet. But the thing is I always revert to my stupid old habits the second i feel better because I beat this thing so I should drown my sorrows in crap food.(stupid I know) Kind of to prove to myself that there is nothing wrong with me I guess. And this worked fine for a while. But on monday this week my stomach started acting up again and then booom the next wave was starting. I just wonder now, could a lot of my anxiety be related to food and my upset stomach or is it the other way around? Is the anxiety causing the upset stomach? Any advice or eating smart habits I could copy out there to kind of figure this thing out? I hate not knowing what the "safe" foods are and my stomach is really bad now witch makes me not eat witch gives me low blood sugar, and makes me feel like crap but then again if i eat feel i also feel like crap...  It's painful gas, burping all the time and bad burning burning at the back of my throat that are my main stomach issues. (Not going into the emotional dread at this time)

 

Please bear with me and my poor english. 

Started Esctialopram (Lexapro) 10mg june 2012. 20mg august 2012.15mg february 2013 - 10mg april 2013 - 5mg may 2013 0mg - 26.june 2013 Crashed mid. august 2013. Reinstated 2mg Escitalopram 22.september 2013 2.5mg 29 september 2013, 3mg 15 november 2013.

First taper from 3mg to 2.7mg 10 may 2014

Micro cuts since then.

Current dose september 2017 1.7mg

Current supplements: Nothing. (GI issues)

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Hello skybert;yes, I do think your stomach problems are close related to anxiety.

It is a most common symptom.Try not to worry about it too much.

Deep breathing could help.

4 years aprox. on 150mgs.Effexor for situational major depression.No AD before.
Tapered 150-0mgs in 3 months.

Tapered Quetiapine,Xanax in the last 18 months.NO med of any kind anymore.
First 3 months off acute w/d
Protracted w/d ever since.
Symptoms:Anxiety,anhedonia,insomnia,tinnitus,PSSD

04/13/2014 Awful Relapse.Recovered fairly fast.

3 years and 4 months off.

waves and windows.Very much recovered.

November 2015,health issue.Setback.
 

 

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Skybert, have you tried some peppermint tea? It is the only thing that helped for me regarding the stomach and bloating problems. Just don't lie down right after you drink it, because it can cause some heartburn if you do that.

Bee

 

Ativan 2001. .25 mg night for anxiety. Not sure when discontinued, but residual symptoms for many months.

Ativan June-july 2013 app. two weeks, again small amount usually .12 mg/ night for anxiety

Mirtazapine prescribed for insomnia August 2013,first dose 3.75 mg aug.1st. Then, a week later for eight days 1.875 mg, until legs swelling then discontinued. Withdrawal symptoms then began. Took two .9 mg slivers the next week.

Took another dose October 3rd, 1.875 mg. After that, symptoms intensified.

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  • Moderator Emeritus

Skybert, if you felt better on the low carb paleo diet,it seems that would be a good choice. Many of us have used something called the GAPs diet, which is pretty much the same as something called the Specific Carbohydrate Diet, both of which avoid starches and disaccharides.

 

There's a lot of information now coming out about the connection between our emotions and our intestines, particularly the state of the bacteria in our intestines, which is largely dependent on our diet.  Our gut has its own nervous system which sends messages to our brains, particularly to the more emotional and "primitive" parts of the brain. And it appears that the bacterial balance in the gut has a strong effect on us. (There's a lot on the Internet about this if you look around, it's a hot and popular topic of research right now.)

 

Diet can definitely affect how you feel. Even just doing the common sense things, such as staying away from sugar and processed foods and white flour and caffeine, can help a lot.

 

And I personally find it helpful to have things to focus on that I can control, like diet, or exercise, because otherwise it feels so out of control to be having withdrawal symptoms. It's helpful to focus on things we can actually do something about.

Started on Prozac and Xanax in 1992 for PTSD after an assault. One drug led to more, the usual story. Got sicker and sicker, but believed I needed the drugs for my "underlying disease". Long story...lost everything. Life savings, home, physical and mental health, relationships, friendships, ability to work, everything. Amitryptiline, Prozac, bupropion, buspirone, flurazepam, diazepam, alprazolam, Paxil, citalopram, lamotrigine, gabapentin...probably more I've forgotten. 

Started multidrug taper in Feb 2010.  Doing a very slow microtaper, down to low doses now and feeling SO much better, getting my old personality and my brain back! Able to work full time, have a full social life, and cope with stress better than ever. Not perfect, but much better. After 23 lost years. Big Pharma has a lot to answer for. And "medicine for profit" is just not a great idea.

 

Feb 15 2010:  300 mg Neurontin  200 Lamictal   10 Celexa      0.65 Xanax   and 5 mg Ambien 

Feb 10 2014:   62 Lamictal    1.1 Celexa         0.135 Xanax    1.8 Valium

Feb 10 2015:   50 Lamictal      0.875 Celexa    0.11 Xanax      1.5 Valium

Feb 15 2016:   47.5 Lamictal   0.75 Celexa      0.0875 Xanax    1.42 Valium    

2/12/20             12                       0.045               0.007                   1 

May 2021            7                       0.01                  0.0037                1

Feb 2022            6                      0!!!                     0.00167               0.98                2.5 mg Ambien

Oct 2022       4.5 mg Lamictal    (off Celexa, off Xanax)   0.95 Valium    Ambien, 1/4 to 1/2 of a 5 mg tablet 

 

I'm not a doctor. Any advice I give is just my civilian opinion.

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Thank you for the great advice I'm starting the GAPS diet right away.

It's just so very much information out there. It gets confusing and overwhelming. I'm so tired and sick of this. 

I feel so alone and lost. Today I'm crying all the time. I want to do this right but It's so hard very very hard. 

My head is so out there with crazy stuff I don't know how to deal with it anymore.

My existential anxiety is of the charts, and I just feel like I'm loosing myself completely.

The feelings hurt so much! I'm so obsessed with time and passage of time. Old memories popping up all the time.

And make my whole life seem surreal and made up.

My taper was way to fast and not done right witch also makes me think this caused damage and is causing damage to my system and there is nothing I can do about it now because it's to late.

I would never have done this if I knew the consequences!

The emotional dread is somewhat related to the same stuff that bothered me before but doesn't feel the same so it's impossible to prepare for.

Is this the rewiring taking place? 

 

Sorry about the rant. But I'm having a really bad day and so very scared and lost.

Started Esctialopram (Lexapro) 10mg june 2012. 20mg august 2012.15mg february 2013 - 10mg april 2013 - 5mg may 2013 0mg - 26.june 2013 Crashed mid. august 2013. Reinstated 2mg Escitalopram 22.september 2013 2.5mg 29 september 2013, 3mg 15 november 2013.

First taper from 3mg to 2.7mg 10 may 2014

Micro cuts since then.

Current dose september 2017 1.7mg

Current supplements: Nothing. (GI issues)

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  • Moderator Emeritus

Hello skybert,

 

I have read all your posts and wanted to write something to you but I was not at my PC and didn't know the password.

 

I just wanted to let you know that reading about what you are going through helps me in knowing that I'm not alone and in that way eases my suffering. To quote what I have just read from another member: But now the withdrawals, I'm getting to know them.. I don't reach for the bottle at 3 am anymore..I tell myself you know this feeling, it's the drug, let it pass, you're ok.  

 

The shakes get so bad during the day but oddly enough even though I had no energy, I started dancing ..I figured I was already exhausted and nauseous, so when i wore myself out physically, it made the withdrawals not as bad.  or bad but familiar.

 

yes familiar, the worst part about the taper is the fear.  Upsetting any balance that may be there.  

 

I also had a most awful and debilitating panic attack after abruptly discontinuing Escitalopram. So it is the drug that it' causing all this to us. But it will pass. I tried to be tough for 44 days and thought I just have to hold out long enough and the symptoms will start receding. Unfortunately they only got worse. I can't offer you much advice since I only got to this forum a bit over a month but reinstating relieved my extreme feelings. Since you stayed off it longer, the logic says it will take longer to stabilise.

 

give yourself time, space, attention and patience. and use this time as opportunity to learn about alternatives that could bring you relief. I found lots of useful advice on self-care section and started taking magnesium for a start.

 

Also I wanted to tell you when we read about what you are going through, it's not whining: you are writing about what we all feel and we can relate to it unlike people who are close to us, our family and friends but can't understand what is happening with us...

 

so don't feel bad about sharing your feelings - it is actually helpful :)

 

hang in there and warm greetings from Central Europe!

 

bubble

Current: 9/2022 Xanax 0.08, Lexapro 2

2020 Xanax 0.26 (down from 2 mg in 2013), Lexapro 2.85 mg (down from 5 mg 2013)

Amitriptyline (tricyclic AD) and clonazepam for 3 months to treat headache in 1996 
1999. - present Xanax prn up to 3 mg.
2000-2005 Prozac CT twice, 2005-2010 Zoloft CT 3 times, 2010-2013 Escitalopram 10 mg
went from 2.5 to zero on 7 Aug 2013, bad crash 40 days after
reinstated to 5 mg Escitalopram 4Oct 2013 and holding liquid Xanax every 5 hours
28 Jan 2014 Xanax 1.9, 18 Apr  2015 1 mg,  25 June 2015 Lex 4.8, 6 Aug Lexapro 4.6, 1 Jan 2016 0.64  Xanax     9 month hold

24 Sept 2016 4.5 Lex, 17 Oct 4.4 Lex (Nov 0.63 Xanax, Dec 0.625 Xanax), 1 Jan 2017 4.3 Lex, 24 Jan 4.2, 5 Feb 4.1, 24 Mar 4 mg, 10 Apr 3.9 mg, May 3.85, June 3.8, July 3.75, 22 July 3.7, 15 Aug 3.65, 17 Sept 3.6, 1 Jan 2018 3.55, 19 Jan 3.5, 16 Mar 3.4, 14 Apr 3.3, 23 May 3.2, 16 June 3.15, 15 Jul 3.1, 31 Jul 3, 21 Aug 2.9 26 Sept 2.85, 14 Nov Xan 0.61, 1 Dec 0.59, 19 Dec 0.58, 4 Jan 0.565, 6 Feb 0.55, 20 Feb 0.535, 1 Mar 0.505, 10 Mar 0.475, 14 Mar 0.45, 4 Apr 0.415, 13 Apr 0.37, 21 Apr 0.33, 29 Apr 0.29, 10 May 0.27, 17 May 0.25, 28 May 0.22, 19 June 0.22, 21 Jun updose to 0.24, 24 Jun updose to 0.26

Supplements: Omega 3 + Vit E, Vit C, D, magnesium, Taurine, probiotic 

I'm not a medical professional. Any advice I give is based on my own experience and reading. 

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Thank you for the kind words bubble:) 

I guess it takes a while to accept this whole thing. It's hard. I guess I get better after I get some more experience with waves and windows. 

I just feel like I need to fight myself all the time to not lose my sanity. This probably only makes it worse and makes me really aware of everything going on around me, and makes me question everything about life and how weird the whole concept is. All though that is not true. It's interesting... And fascinating. At least it used to be. I used to love watching everything space and world related. Just learning and trying to understand. Now it just scares me. Thank you Escitalopram! I hope I get to the point where I just accept my whole existence. And go back to the laid back guy with few worries.

Maybe if I just let it all go and just go ahead and go crazy instead of fighting, it gets easier. I'm already pretty much crazy at this point why fight it anymore:) 

How are you bubble? 

Started Esctialopram (Lexapro) 10mg june 2012. 20mg august 2012.15mg february 2013 - 10mg april 2013 - 5mg may 2013 0mg - 26.june 2013 Crashed mid. august 2013. Reinstated 2mg Escitalopram 22.september 2013 2.5mg 29 september 2013, 3mg 15 november 2013.

First taper from 3mg to 2.7mg 10 may 2014

Micro cuts since then.

Current dose september 2017 1.7mg

Current supplements: Nothing. (GI issues)

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  • Moderator Emeritus

I usually tell my therapist: let us not start with difficult questions like how are you :)

 

but it's nice to be asked ;) so thank you! Windows and waves is a very good expression and I see you have acquired the terminology around here.

 

I felt sooo misearable earlier  during the day after a business discussion I attended but later I met a friend who happens to be a psychiatrist :) and I felt very whole, like I haven't in a very long time.

 

We reinstated at around the same time but you stayed off the drug longer so it wil probably take you longer to stabilise as they say. But I'm confident we will get there! And then start off properly and very slowly. By the way, my friend psychiatrist thinks it's all a fairy tale but he hasn't experienced it so can't understand it...

 

Concerning your last point, the book I'm reading at the moment: The Power of Now advises pricesely that: go into the state you are in and accept it and feel it completely instead of fighting it. It will pass sooner. Resistance creates pain. (so it says). So how about allowing yourself to be as crazy as you can?

 

It's an interesting book :) no housework for me again... I'm still waiting for my energy and motivation to come...Now I just feel like being so very, very lazy and very grateful I can master enough energy for my work... I'm struggling with giving myself a licence to be lazy. Allowing myself to be completely crazy would be a really great challenge...

 

Do you have any windows? Like when you were playing a computer game...

Current: 9/2022 Xanax 0.08, Lexapro 2

2020 Xanax 0.26 (down from 2 mg in 2013), Lexapro 2.85 mg (down from 5 mg 2013)

Amitriptyline (tricyclic AD) and clonazepam for 3 months to treat headache in 1996 
1999. - present Xanax prn up to 3 mg.
2000-2005 Prozac CT twice, 2005-2010 Zoloft CT 3 times, 2010-2013 Escitalopram 10 mg
went from 2.5 to zero on 7 Aug 2013, bad crash 40 days after
reinstated to 5 mg Escitalopram 4Oct 2013 and holding liquid Xanax every 5 hours
28 Jan 2014 Xanax 1.9, 18 Apr  2015 1 mg,  25 June 2015 Lex 4.8, 6 Aug Lexapro 4.6, 1 Jan 2016 0.64  Xanax     9 month hold

24 Sept 2016 4.5 Lex, 17 Oct 4.4 Lex (Nov 0.63 Xanax, Dec 0.625 Xanax), 1 Jan 2017 4.3 Lex, 24 Jan 4.2, 5 Feb 4.1, 24 Mar 4 mg, 10 Apr 3.9 mg, May 3.85, June 3.8, July 3.75, 22 July 3.7, 15 Aug 3.65, 17 Sept 3.6, 1 Jan 2018 3.55, 19 Jan 3.5, 16 Mar 3.4, 14 Apr 3.3, 23 May 3.2, 16 June 3.15, 15 Jul 3.1, 31 Jul 3, 21 Aug 2.9 26 Sept 2.85, 14 Nov Xan 0.61, 1 Dec 0.59, 19 Dec 0.58, 4 Jan 0.565, 6 Feb 0.55, 20 Feb 0.535, 1 Mar 0.505, 10 Mar 0.475, 14 Mar 0.45, 4 Apr 0.415, 13 Apr 0.37, 21 Apr 0.33, 29 Apr 0.29, 10 May 0.27, 17 May 0.25, 28 May 0.22, 19 June 0.22, 21 Jun updose to 0.24, 24 Jun updose to 0.26

Supplements: Omega 3 + Vit E, Vit C, D, magnesium, Taurine, probiotic 

I'm not a medical professional. Any advice I give is based on my own experience and reading. 

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  • Moderator Emeritus

Skybert, the feelings and thoughts you are describing are typical for withdrawal. The thing about memories and time and the passage of time is something I have experienced strongly and have heard many other people describe. It's difficult to describe, a deep sense of loss. I call it "evil nostalgia" sometimes. 

 

Anyway, hang in there with your reinstatement and try not to change anything. There's a very good chance you'll feel better in a few months. I know that those hours, days and weeks feel heavy and impossibly long, but they will pass and you will stabilize and improve. Once you are stable you can consider a very slow taper.

 

Please read through some of our other members' threads. You will find that many people have walked this path that you are walking and you will see that they did improve with time and care.

 

Also, regarding the GAPs diet, some people have had some trouble with finding it too stimulating, especially the bone broths and the ferments. Alexijice had trouble with bone broths, and Gia had trouble with the ferments due to the histamines to which she is very sensitive. So I would advise you to change your diet cautiously and keep track (journal) of how the changes make you feel as you go along.

 

I have done well with a modified version of GAPs myself. I never did the bone broths much but I seem to do fine with the ferments myself.

 

Gentle walking is also very helpful, if the weather allows it.

Started on Prozac and Xanax in 1992 for PTSD after an assault. One drug led to more, the usual story. Got sicker and sicker, but believed I needed the drugs for my "underlying disease". Long story...lost everything. Life savings, home, physical and mental health, relationships, friendships, ability to work, everything. Amitryptiline, Prozac, bupropion, buspirone, flurazepam, diazepam, alprazolam, Paxil, citalopram, lamotrigine, gabapentin...probably more I've forgotten. 

Started multidrug taper in Feb 2010.  Doing a very slow microtaper, down to low doses now and feeling SO much better, getting my old personality and my brain back! Able to work full time, have a full social life, and cope with stress better than ever. Not perfect, but much better. After 23 lost years. Big Pharma has a lot to answer for. And "medicine for profit" is just not a great idea.

 

Feb 15 2010:  300 mg Neurontin  200 Lamictal   10 Celexa      0.65 Xanax   and 5 mg Ambien 

Feb 10 2014:   62 Lamictal    1.1 Celexa         0.135 Xanax    1.8 Valium

Feb 10 2015:   50 Lamictal      0.875 Celexa    0.11 Xanax      1.5 Valium

Feb 15 2016:   47.5 Lamictal   0.75 Celexa      0.0875 Xanax    1.42 Valium    

2/12/20             12                       0.045               0.007                   1 

May 2021            7                       0.01                  0.0037                1

Feb 2022            6                      0!!!                     0.00167               0.98                2.5 mg Ambien

Oct 2022       4.5 mg Lamictal    (off Celexa, off Xanax)   0.95 Valium    Ambien, 1/4 to 1/2 of a 5 mg tablet 

 

I'm not a doctor. Any advice I give is just my civilian opinion.

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  • Moderator Emeritus

Oh, and your English is fine! Impressive, actually. Here in the US it's not common for people to be fluent in multiple languages, so I'm always impressed by people who can communicate well in a language that is not their mother tongue.

Started on Prozac and Xanax in 1992 for PTSD after an assault. One drug led to more, the usual story. Got sicker and sicker, but believed I needed the drugs for my "underlying disease". Long story...lost everything. Life savings, home, physical and mental health, relationships, friendships, ability to work, everything. Amitryptiline, Prozac, bupropion, buspirone, flurazepam, diazepam, alprazolam, Paxil, citalopram, lamotrigine, gabapentin...probably more I've forgotten. 

Started multidrug taper in Feb 2010.  Doing a very slow microtaper, down to low doses now and feeling SO much better, getting my old personality and my brain back! Able to work full time, have a full social life, and cope with stress better than ever. Not perfect, but much better. After 23 lost years. Big Pharma has a lot to answer for. And "medicine for profit" is just not a great idea.

 

Feb 15 2010:  300 mg Neurontin  200 Lamictal   10 Celexa      0.65 Xanax   and 5 mg Ambien 

Feb 10 2014:   62 Lamictal    1.1 Celexa         0.135 Xanax    1.8 Valium

Feb 10 2015:   50 Lamictal      0.875 Celexa    0.11 Xanax      1.5 Valium

Feb 15 2016:   47.5 Lamictal   0.75 Celexa      0.0875 Xanax    1.42 Valium    

2/12/20             12                       0.045               0.007                   1 

May 2021            7                       0.01                  0.0037                1

Feb 2022            6                      0!!!                     0.00167               0.98                2.5 mg Ambien

Oct 2022       4.5 mg Lamictal    (off Celexa, off Xanax)   0.95 Valium    Ambien, 1/4 to 1/2 of a 5 mg tablet 

 

I'm not a doctor. Any advice I give is just my civilian opinion.

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Thanks for the kind words both bubble and Rhi:) Thank you Rhi it's easier for me to write here when I get good feedback like that:) Norway is tiny. We need to learn English to communicate with the rest of the world:P 

Yeah I got a window that lasted for about a week or so. That was great!:)  

The thing that scares me though is the fact that the waves get stronger and stronger. It's like I reach a point where I think it can't get any worse then the next wave hits and its even stronger. They build up over time and seem to reach a point where I either panic or just agitate me intensely and then kind of die down. At least that happened the last time. Hoping it happens this time to. 

Today is by far the worst I've been. I stayed in bed all day. The pressure in my head is just insane and my emotions are so strong I am thinking about going to an institution for a while if it doesn't calm down soon. I fear a for my life now. Just holding on right now and hoping it will calm down soon but if not I need to get some more help. Is there anything more I could do for myself right now? Maybe up the dose on the escitalopram a little and see what happens. I really don't want to be inn an institution where they will medicate me for sure and possibly (positively) make this thing even worse. I know my writing seems kinda laid back and downplayed with some smileys here and there but this is SOS. I try to stay calm but it hurts so much. I am so overwhelmed and crying now. My family is watching over me. That helps a little. I have not been eating a lot lately. My blood sugar is fine though and everything else seems fine to. No body pain. Just some mild stomach ace. The head is my only problem right now. It's mainly strong pressure in my forehead and face and the uncontrollable emotional rape that hurt so bad! Man do I miss my good old panic attacks! The ones where I just thought I was dying instead of wishing I was dead kind. Thank you again escitalopram! Anyways.. My belly is starting to look awesome! Don't have to suck it in as much anymore. Any advice meds wise would be greatly appreciated. 

 

I take http://www.mollersomega3.com/p-21-12-product.aspx#/product_21 for omega3 and something called trippel magnesium with zink, copper, vitamin b6 and d. I eat fruits, nuts, berries, fish and clean meat products. No caffeine, hardly any sugar, no bread or gluten type products. Water only.

Started Esctialopram (Lexapro) 10mg june 2012. 20mg august 2012.15mg february 2013 - 10mg april 2013 - 5mg may 2013 0mg - 26.june 2013 Crashed mid. august 2013. Reinstated 2mg Escitalopram 22.september 2013 2.5mg 29 september 2013, 3mg 15 november 2013.

First taper from 3mg to 2.7mg 10 may 2014

Micro cuts since then.

Current dose september 2017 1.7mg

Current supplements: Nothing. (GI issues)

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I so wish somebody more experienced come sin soon and gives you some advice. I'm equally new here so can't help much. But I remember they kept telling you to give it time for escitalopram to start working. It's been over a month now and you seem to be worse.

 

I was off Escitalopram for (only) 44 days although I immediately had severe withdrawal symptoms. I tried to reinstate to 2.5 mg but after 5 days I couldn't take it any more so went to 5 mg.

 

I wonder what others think about you going to 5 mg now? You should soon see how it affects you. Given the difficulty of your situation, I think it's worth the try.

 

But as I say, hope somebody with more exeperience replies. I just want to tell you that you will prevail and this will pass. Hang in there!

Current: 9/2022 Xanax 0.08, Lexapro 2

2020 Xanax 0.26 (down from 2 mg in 2013), Lexapro 2.85 mg (down from 5 mg 2013)

Amitriptyline (tricyclic AD) and clonazepam for 3 months to treat headache in 1996 
1999. - present Xanax prn up to 3 mg.
2000-2005 Prozac CT twice, 2005-2010 Zoloft CT 3 times, 2010-2013 Escitalopram 10 mg
went from 2.5 to zero on 7 Aug 2013, bad crash 40 days after
reinstated to 5 mg Escitalopram 4Oct 2013 and holding liquid Xanax every 5 hours
28 Jan 2014 Xanax 1.9, 18 Apr  2015 1 mg,  25 June 2015 Lex 4.8, 6 Aug Lexapro 4.6, 1 Jan 2016 0.64  Xanax     9 month hold

24 Sept 2016 4.5 Lex, 17 Oct 4.4 Lex (Nov 0.63 Xanax, Dec 0.625 Xanax), 1 Jan 2017 4.3 Lex, 24 Jan 4.2, 5 Feb 4.1, 24 Mar 4 mg, 10 Apr 3.9 mg, May 3.85, June 3.8, July 3.75, 22 July 3.7, 15 Aug 3.65, 17 Sept 3.6, 1 Jan 2018 3.55, 19 Jan 3.5, 16 Mar 3.4, 14 Apr 3.3, 23 May 3.2, 16 June 3.15, 15 Jul 3.1, 31 Jul 3, 21 Aug 2.9 26 Sept 2.85, 14 Nov Xan 0.61, 1 Dec 0.59, 19 Dec 0.58, 4 Jan 0.565, 6 Feb 0.55, 20 Feb 0.535, 1 Mar 0.505, 10 Mar 0.475, 14 Mar 0.45, 4 Apr 0.415, 13 Apr 0.37, 21 Apr 0.33, 29 Apr 0.29, 10 May 0.27, 17 May 0.25, 28 May 0.22, 19 June 0.22, 21 Jun updose to 0.24, 24 Jun updose to 0.26

Supplements: Omega 3 + Vit E, Vit C, D, magnesium, Taurine, probiotic 

I'm not a medical professional. Any advice I give is based on my own experience and reading. 

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Hi bubble:)

Your kind words and well wishing helps me a lot! It's just nice to have someone respond even if they are not sure what to advice me to do. Thank you so much:)

I'm starting to think 5mg is not an bad idea. The best I ever was this whole meds year was on 5mg. Everything seemed fine up until I dropped those last 5mg. Even though the adverse effects didn't start until week 8 after I quit.

Anyways maybe someone else responds and has an idea of what would be smart to do at this point. 

How are you doing now?

Started Esctialopram (Lexapro) 10mg june 2012. 20mg august 2012.15mg february 2013 - 10mg april 2013 - 5mg may 2013 0mg - 26.june 2013 Crashed mid. august 2013. Reinstated 2mg Escitalopram 22.september 2013 2.5mg 29 september 2013, 3mg 15 november 2013.

First taper from 3mg to 2.7mg 10 may 2014

Micro cuts since then.

Current dose september 2017 1.7mg

Current supplements: Nothing. (GI issues)

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