I'm CarieEllen....trying to get off Lexapro!

[CarieEllen]

Hi! I'm excited to find this community!

 

I am female, 51 years old and have been on 10 mg of Lexapro for a year and a half. I went through an emotional/stressful divorce and hesitantly went on the drug with the idea I would quit as soon as I could.

 

I am now 17 pounds heavier which is a bummer for any woman, but especially for me as I am in the wellness industry and it is beginning to affect my work and professional image. My tummy is huge --a common issue with Lexapro evidently. YUck...

 

I have toyed with tapering but evidently in too large of increments and always feel the resulting physical instability and emotional fragility. It has felt like this drug owns me and I’m sick of that feeling.

 

I am a single mother of 3 kids so my stress level is and has been very high for the last several years. My doctor has me on Bio-identical hormones for menopause symptoms and that seems to be very helpful. I sleep great...but wake up groggy and rely on caffeine in the morning and afternoon to get me through the day. I'm really irritable... I exercise almost daily and that helps I’m sure.

 

In response to my concern regarding weight gain, my doctor prescribed me Pristiq. She is suggesting I switch over...which I'm contemplating...although my real desire is to be med free, if this is an option for me. Sometimes I feel that my stress is high, and I need a little "help" to cope with it all..If that's the case I think I'd rather be on something that doesn't have the same weight gain issues as Lexapro (ie Pristiq). I'm open and interested in supplements to help support my system...

 

I self-prescribed 200 mg of SAM-e/day  and that seems to help overall, although now I see that taking it along with my Lexapro may not be a good idea. I so very much want to be off Lexapro and will take my time to do so. I am excited to have this community to support me...I have no one else! Thanks in advance for welcoming me.

C. Ellen

 

 

2013--present 10 mg/day Lexapro

currently 200 mg/ day SAM-e

[CarieEllen]

Hi! I'm excited to find this community!

 

I am female, 51 years old and have been on 10 mg of Lexapro for a year and a half. I went through an emotional/stressful divorce and hesitantly went on the drug with the idea I would quit as soon as I could.

 

I am now 17 pounds heavier which is a bummer for any woman, but especially for me as I am in the wellness industry and it is beginning to affect my work and professional image. My tummy is huge --a common issue with Lexapro evidently. YUck...

 

I have toyed with tapering but evidently in too large of increments and always feel the resulting physical instability and emotional fragility. It has felt like this drug owns me and I’m sick of that feeling.

 

I am a single mother of 3 kids so my stress level is and has been very high for the last several years. My doctor has me on Bio-identical hormones for menopause symptoms and that seems to be very helpful. I sleep great...but wake up groggy and rely on caffeine in the morning and afternoon to get me through the day. I'm really irritable... I exercise almost daily and that helps I’m sure.

 

In response to my concern regarding weight gain, my doctor prescribed me Pristiq. She is suggesting I switch over...which I'm contemplating...although my real desire is to be med free, if this is an option for me. Sometimes I feel that my stress is high, and I need a little "help" to cope with it all..If that's the case I think I'd rather be on something that doesn't have the same weight gain issues as Lexapro (ie Pristiq). I'm open and interested in supplements to help support my system...

 

I self-prescribed 200 mg of SAM-e/day  and that seems to help overall, although now I see that taking it along with my Lexapro may not be a good idea. I so very much want to be off Lexapro and will take my time to do so. I am excited to have this community to support me...I have no one else! Thanks in advance for welcoming me.

C. Ellen

 

 

2013--present 10 mg/day Lexapro

currently 200 mg/ day SAM-e

[Karma]

Hi CarieEllen

 

Welcome to SA.  I'm glad you found us.  We recommend tapering no more than 10% of your current dose and holding that for at least a month.  As you monitor your own symptoms you may find you have to go slower or can go more quickly.  The idea is to remain stable and fully functional while getting off of these drugs.

 

Here is an interesting link about reducing by 10%: http://survivingantidepressants.org/index.php?/topic/1024-why-taper-by-10-of-my-dosage/

 

Here is our topic on tapering off of Lexapro http://survivingantidepressants.org/index.php?/topic/406-tapering-off-lexapro-escitalopram/

 

Here are the instructions to create a signature with your recent medication history in it so that it shows up with each of your posts.  That allows moderators and members to easily become current with your situation when providing guidance: http://survivingantidepressants.org/index.php?/topic/893-please-put-your-withdrawal-history-in-your-signature/

 

If I were you I would not switch to Pristiq.  Pristiq is very hard to taper off of because it doesn't come in progressively smaller dosages and because it is coated.  We also find that some people experience withdrawals when switched to new drugs without a period of time to taper off of the current drug.  It just doesn't usually work out well.  Here is our topic on tapering off of Pristiq: http://survivingantidepressants.org/index.php?/topic/876-tips-for-tapering-off-pristiq-desvenlafaxine/

 

Please have a look at these links and have a look around.  You'll find lots of support here.

 

Also a note - I hid 2 additional introduction topics that were identical to this one.  Not sure if you are using a smart phone, tablet or computer, but just want to let you know that you posted the same thing multiple times.

 

Karma

[Rhiannon]

(Looks like it's been posted at least once more.)

 

Hi Carie Ellen, welcome! 

 

I can't say much about switching to Pristiq, except that getting off the whole med merry go round leads to better outcomes in the long run than staying on it, and switching meds is just staying on it. And Pristiq is just about the worst AD you can go on if you ever want to get off it. Practically impossible to taper.

 

If you decide you do want to taper off Lexapro, or even just taper to a lower dose and see how you do, we can help you with that.

 

Welcome to the forum.

[CarieEllen]

Thank you Karma and Rhi for your kind, encouraging reply.

Yes, I agree after looking around this site  (as well as in my heart) that I do NOT want to go onto Pristiq, as a temporary fix. 

The potential weight loss is very attractive but I'm sick of this merry go round...

So, I'm thinking that's good advice.

 

I do have a few questions for whoever might be able to help me:

 

1. I'm going to attempt the 10% reduction that you recommend. If I am on 100 mg, do you recommend I take a tab for 50 and do the 40 in liquid form? Is it more expensive to do the liquid form and will I need my Dr. to prescribe it that form? That's ok, I'm willing to invest in this endeavor.

 

2. A couple of months ago I started 100 mg of SAM-e. I think, I like it...It helps me get through the energy depleted afternoon. Do you recommend I also begin tapering this? Or just one "med" at a time? As there is no (known) liquid SAM-e, it will be tapering by estimation I guess...

 

3. What else can I do to "strengthen my system"??-- I see Omega 3 vits..with Vit E. 

 

This is tricky as I believe I'm working with a few variables at once:

Very stressful life for last 2 years = adrenal burnout?

Menopause= moody, weight gain, etc., 

Lexapro in my system!

 

I welcome your advice and input!

 

[Karma]

Hi CarieEllen

 

You can go with a 50 mg tablet and liquid or you can try cutting up a 50 mg tablet to reduce down by 10%. You might want to get a digital scale to measure doses.  I've include a link to more information on measuring doses with a digital scale.  I believe it recommends a scale as well: http://survivingantidepressants.org/index.php?/topic/1596-using-a-digital-scale-to-measure-doses/

 

We usually recommend avoiding SAMe, but if you are doing ok on it then I would just hold it for now.  We do recommend only making one reduction at a time.  When you see how you progress, then you might be able to reduce SAMe along with Lexapro, but I would only make one change to start with and see how that goes.

 

I am not that familiar with SAMe, so if another moderator comes along with a different suggestion, then I suggest you consider the alternate advice.

 

To strengthen your system I would recommend getting a good omega 3 oil.  Start it slowly and see how you do.  Many of us find that omega 3 oil helps.  You might want to start the omega 3 oil for a couple of weeks and then start your Lexapro taper. 

 

I would also recommend that you start a daily symptom log to be able to see how your system responds to changes.  I have found this technique helps me see how my system reacts so that I know whether I can speed up or whether I need to slow down.  http://survivingantidepressants.org/index.php?/topic/1779-rate-symptoms-daily-to-catch-withdrawal-early/

 

For what its worth, when I started my taper, I cut up my tablets.  When my dose got so low that measuring became difficult, I switched to a liquid.  I find that at lower doses the liquid is easier to manage.  Let us know what you decide and keep us posted on your progress.  We are here to support you.

 

Karma

[CarieEllen]

Wellbutrin and anger/ explosiveness dare I say...rage?

I'm back...a year and a half later...I'm back.

Let's see... Iin the last year and a half, I tapered /discontinued lexapro and started Wellbutrin. While I'm not med free, I'm a bit more stable,and have lost a few (3-4)lbs of unwanted weight. Those are the positives. The negatives are still very much real. I have zero patience, am super irritable, and get so angry, it really doesn't feel like "me". I notice that I really don't have joy in my life and don't appreciate my kids. The stress of being a single mom is real everyday for me.. I'm on bio identicals still...but with a new doctor who checks my blood levels, etc. at this point, 3 months into the bio identicals, I can't say a lot yet, but I do seem more stable. With all the stress I've had the last few years going through a divorce, and menopause, my hormones were way out of whack! I'm getting my thyroid and hormones re-checked next week.

So...I get a bit overwhelmed at all the variables that affect my health. Can anyone relate with that? What leads me to have a "bad" day? I really don't know! Not only do i have the obvious meds, supplements, and hormones, but variables of stress, issues of unforgiveness, etc. I don't see a pattern yet.

My new doc is very supportive of getting me off Wellbutrin, once my system is a bit more "stable". The problem is, I feel like some of my instability/explosiveness is from the drug! Ah...anyway, I'm glad to be back with you all.

Edited April 22, 2016 by Petunia
Title added from copied/merged post

[nz11]

Hey why such a long silence.

 

Well done on getting off lexapro.

 

May i ask what the reason was for going onto wellbutrin ? Especially if the lex taper was successful

[CarieEllen]

Hi!

Thanks for asking....

 

Why the long silence? Oh my.... That's part of my problem! I get sidetracked and important things get put aside, looked over and forgotten. Maybe it's the meds. I don't know. I have so much on my "plate" that I often start things, and never follow up,or complete them. I'll move on and then later realize..." Hey, that was good...why did I never finish or follow through?" This is everywhere in my life.... Books, programs, relationships, online support communities that I really need (like this one)...

 

Yes, I'm pleased about the lexapro.yey!

 

With a dr.s help, I actually started Wellbutrin in my final days of lexapro. I had hoped to go totally off but didn't seem to be able to. Also, The weight gain of the lexapro was awful. I figured Wellbutrin would be a bit easier to get off of, and didn't have the weigh issues of lexapro.

[nz11]

I sure can relate to the getting 'sidetracked' and not finishing stuff...or in my case too apathetic to even start stuff.

 

i hate to be the one to tell you this but 250mg of wellbutrin is equivalent in dose to approx. 13mg lexapro.

 

I dont think the doctor has been helpful at all. I find it hard to see how that is a 'successful taper'.

 

You havent elaborated on your lex taper method but i would say it was too fast and not as per the sa recommendations.

 

I am sorry you are in this position when you feel stable id let the good folk at sa walk you through a wellbutrin taper.

[AliG]

Carie.       Are you wanting to taper , from hereon in ?   Are you still on SAMe?  We can help you taper off the Wellbutrin, if that's what you want to do . Are you still on 250 mg ?

[CarieEllen]

Thanks! I had a family issue so have been away---

My goal is to begin tapering as soon as I feel stable again. The problem is, I'm not stable. If anything I'm more irritable and explosive the last few weeks, than ever. I'm not me. Today I exploded with my kids. I have zero patience. A few stressful events are going on in my life right now and I am super sensitive. I have never been so explosive. I'm taking 100--200 mg SAMe,in addition to my 250 fm Wellbutrin, a day but maybe I'm experiencing withdrawal from the SAMe as I Didnt take for a few days not thinking.

Perhaps it is that irregular SAMe, in addition to the additional stressors, which is leading to all of this.

 

Question---re Explosiveness...is it a side effect of antidepressants? Withdrawals? Or both? And how can you tell?

I can handle a bit of depression, but the explosiveness isn't good, at all. I need to figure that out ASAP. Any ideas?

[CarieEllen]

AliG--

By the way... I love this :

"" Find a place inside where there's joy , and the joy will burn out the pain". - Joseph Campbell

I would love to find joy.... I feel like I'm wasting my life, and my kids youth... Without joy.

[CarieEllen]

i haven't started tapering yet...

My goal is to begin tapering as soon as I feel stable again. The problem is, I'm not stable. If anything I'm more irritable and explosive the last few weeks, than ever. I'm not me. Today I exploded with my kids. I have zero patience. A few stressful events are going on in my life right now and I am super sensitive. I have never been so explosive, and I'm noticing it taking a toll on my relationships, especially with my kids! I'm taking 100--200 mg SAMe, very irregularly, in addition to my 250 fm Wellbutrin. Is Wellbutrin known to cause anger issues? That is actually one of the biggest reasons I want off this ride. in addition to the additional stressors, which is leading to all of this.

 

Question---re Explosiveness...is it a side effect of Wellbutrin ? Withdrawals or irregular SAMe?Or both? And how can you tell? Should I taper and quit the SAMe first? Then deal with the Wellbutrin? I don't even feel stable enough to start tapering, but think it is perhaps the Wellbutrin that is causing the anger.

I can handle a bit of depression, but the explosiveness isn't good, at all. I need to figure that out ASAP. Any ideas?

[ChessieCat]

Hi CE,

 

I've move your post into your Intro topic and will give you a couple of links:

 

coping-with-with-irritability-anger-and-rage/

 

neuro-emotions/

 

dr-joseph-glenmullens-withdrawal-symptom-checklist/

 

To search SA use a search engine and type in survivingantidepressants.org + topic (eg rage)

[CarieEllen]

Hmm... do we need to? I'd love the additional visibility though, and my intro title isn't accurate anymore as now I'm dealing with Wellbutrin, not lexapro. I'd really like another post specifically on Wellbutrin and anger, and,advice on the SAme and Wellbutrin.

yes, I've read the three links.

Thank you.

[ChessieCat]

Hi CE,

 

Many subjects already have topics which is why it is a good idea to do a search first, and you are welcome to ask questions in those topics.  It's about keeping the site tidy and keeping similar topics together so other people can find the information too.  In many instances it may be better to post in your Intro/Update topic because it keeps all your history together.

 

tips-for-tapering-off-wellbutrin-ir-sr-xr-xl-bupropion/

 

sam-e-s-adenosyl-l-methionine/

 

Please see:  rules-and-guidelines/#entry105402 about screen name changes

 

If you search:  survivingantidepressants.org wellbutrin anger you can find other members who have this content in their posts.

[CarieEllen]

Yes, im ready to,start weaning my Wellbutrin. ...in fact, I've started. But need advice.

I had been waiting to wean until I felt more stable, but that really hasn't happened. I did wean off of the SAMe this last month. That has helped a bit, I guess. It's so,hard to tell what helps, and what doesn't with so many variables...more on that later perhaps.

 

My biggest issue still is my anger and explosiveness. I do not feel like me! Ugh. It is not healthy for me, or anyone around me. ( my poor kids!)

 

I am still taking 150 mg Wellbutrin xl in the am.

I am down to 75mg bupropion HCL every afternoon around 5.

that was a mistake-- I had requested 75 bupropion SR -slow release-- but didn't notice until recently it was immediate release.

 

Questions:

1. Noticing-- very stimulating 6-7 hrs after am dose-- I think it's too much in my system, too stimulating. What to do?

Should I try and switch to SR which seems to not peak so high with the blood plasma levels? ( I can't seem to paste the diagram of the blood levels comparing IR, SR, and xl) if so, how to dose? Spread it out throughout the Day?

 

2. My explosiveness happens mostly in the later evening. I thought it was because perhaps my blood level of the med was too low, so I moved my pm dosage ( 75 mg if) from 3:30 to 4:30 or 5. That hasn't helped. What's going on? Ideas? Is it because the IR is dumping the med and it's way too much for me? Intuitively, that's what I think is happening. Maybe I don't even need that pm dose...

 

I'm ready to call my dr. and suggest a change of my bupropion soon as I'm due for a refill in the next few days. She is so busy that if I am reasonable she will most likely listen, but doesn't have this time to research.

One idea: I request going off XL, move to SR 3 doses/day.

What do you think.?

What dosage?

Or...what is a better idea??

Thank you in advance...

[CarieEllen]

So...I'm ready to,start weaning my Wellbutrin. ...in fact, I've started. But need advice.

I had been waiting to wean until I felt more stable, but that really hasn't happened. I did wean off of the SAMe this last month. That has helped a bit, I guess. It's so,hard to tell what helps, and what doesn't with so many variables...more on that later perhaps.

 

My biggest issue still is my anger and explosiveness. I do not feel like me! Ugh. It is not healthy for me, or anyone around me. ( my poor kids!)

 

I am still taking 150 mg Wellbutrin xl in the am.

I am down to 75mg bupropion HCL every afternoon around 5. ( I'm not planning another decrease until mid May). Btw,

The HCL was a mistake-- I had requested 75 bupropion SR -slow release-- but didn't notice until recently it was immediate release that was prescribed.

 

Questions:

1. Noticing-- very stimulating 6-7 hrs after am dose-- I think it's too much in my system, too stimulating. What to do?

Should I try and switch to SR which seems to not peak so high with the blood plasma levels? ( I hopefully attached the diagram of the blood levels comparing IR, SR, and xl) if so, how to dose? Spread it out throughout the Day? To me it seams a steadier -- more level--dose is better for me.

 

2. My explosiveness happens mostly in the later evening. I thought it was because perhaps my blood level of the med was too low, so I moved my pm dosage ( 75 mg if) from 3:30 to 4:30 or 5. That hasn't helped. What's going on? Ideas? Is it because the IR is dumping the med and it's way too much for me? Intuitively, that's what I think is happening. Maybe I don't even need that pm dose...

 

I'm ready to call my dr. and suggest a change of my bupropion soon as I'm due for a refill in the next few days. She is so busy that if I am reasonable she will most likely listen, but doesn't have this time to research.

One idea: I request going off XL, move to SR 3 doses/day.

What do you think.?

What dosage?

Or...what is a better idea??

I truly trust members here to give me insight...

Thank you in advance...

[ccb73]

How long are you taking wellbutrin?

 

I tapered from 150xl aftwr two years by taking regular wellbutrin not xr or xl 3x day. I had withdrawal but it's not nearly as bad as SSRI or even worse, SNRI.

 

It took me half year to get off it. Roughly 10% / month (maybe a tad faster).

 

Hope it helps. Feel good. I'm with you on this...

[Altostrata]

Hi, CE. I moved your latest posts here, as a continuation of your saga.

 

Thank you for reading Tips for tapering off Wellbutrin, SR, XR, XL (buproprion) so carefully.

 

It sounds to me like your 150 mg Wellbutrin xl in the a.m. is too high. What I might do is take 100mg bupropion SR plus 35mg buproprion IR as a liquid (a 10% decrease in the a.m. dose).

 

What do you mean by "explosiveness"? Do you mean irritability? Does this occur before or after the p.m. Wellbutrin dose? If after, it could be that is too much for you, too.

[CarieEllen]

Thank you altostrata--

Ok, so I think you're right on.

Questions--

1. 'I just did a taper on the pm dosage about a week ago. Do I need to wait for the am taper, or given that it is likely too much, is it ok to reduce the am now? I'd love to start tapering the am down now!

2. Also, what is the purpose of the liquid form ?

3. Ah yes, I said I was explosive. It's like irritable x 10. Almost Every night around 9-10pm I flip out with my kids. I just can't deal...I get mad and flip,out.tonight they were supposed to be in bed , but weren't....and I flipped. Don't worry I'm not going to hurt anyone, but my words aren't kind and loving, like I wish they were.. I get so angry and it's really odd...not me!

 

Thank you...

[Altostrata]

Could be Wellbutrin is making you irritable.

 

The liquid portion of the dose allows you to measure by small decrements.

 

I would decrease the morning dose first and wait for at least a week to see what it does before making any other changes.

[CarieEllen]

Thank you ...I need more help.

I got busy, confident, anxious to get this tapering on the road, so to speak, and last week I indeed did a taper. As we talked about,

I switched to 100mg SR 2x day. I Couldn't find the liquid, and somehow the thought of making it seemed too overwhelming! That's much of my problem right now, everything is overwhelming! So... I didn't supplement. That means a 25% decrease....and yes, as you no doubt know, it was too much. So...the,last few days I've been sad,mad, tears, and not functioning very well. At all.

Super big question...

Now what?

Do I just ride it out....??? Ugh.

Do I try to muster up the concentration to read and make the liquid and supplement now? If so, how much now that I've been on the lower dosage for about 5 days?

I really don't think I can function if it gets any worse. My kids need me to function too...we have no one else.

Please help me and I'm sorry I didn't follow your advise before....

[CarieEllen]

Yes, I just looked at the post on how to make your own liquid, and I am confused. Lol.

If I ask for a liquid, from a compounding pharmacy, which is probably what I really should do, what do I ask for? How does one figure out the dosage.? Tia...

[bubble]

Hello Carrie and I'm sorry you are struggling.

 

Unfortunately if we start tapering while we are unstable what we can expect is getting even more unstable. In such situations you can either try to ride it out or go back to the previous dose, stabilise and try again possibly slower.

 

I think that despite having replaced Lexapro with Wellbutrin you might still be experiencing withdrawal from Lexapro. (it seems you stopped taking it 6 months ago). Lexapro withdrawal could explain your explosiveness that you wrote about. When I discontinued Lexapro at 2.5 mg that feeling of extreme and uncontrollable rage in the evening was for a while my only symptom.

 

If I were you I would go back to the previous dose of Wellbutrin and see if I can stabilise on that. As I said, I think you are still suffering from Lexapro withdrawal despite taking Wellbutrin. But it seems that tampering with Wellbutrin will only make things worse... 

[CarieEllen]

Bubble-- thank you for your insight.

Today was better...so I'm uncertain what I will do. I think I'll see how I feel in the am, and take it from there. If I can get by without going back up I know that is ideal. If I have 1-2 decent days,mthat seems enough to stay with existing dosage.

thanks for sharing your anger issues with lexapro. That helps to know I'm not alone with this bizarre, embarrassing behavior. What is it?? When did that fade away for you? Any tips you learned for dealing with that? For me, for me, I know it comes out after 9pm usually...so I do EVERYTHING I can to get everyone to bed by then! I even tell them at 9, I'm DONE!

Thanks....

[bubble]

Glad to hear you are/were doing a bit better. That's a very good sign.

 

Regarding irritability I think the way you are approaching it is the best you can do.

 

I even started a thread in Symptoms and self-care section and a lot of people could relate but there is not much we can do except adopting a mindful way through it.

http://survivingantidepressants.org/index.php?/topic/8097-coping-with-with-irritability-anger-and-rage/page-1

[CarieEllen]

Thank you bubble!

Yes, today was actually a pretty good day! I haven't said that for awhile...

And great, thanks for the link to self care section!

Take care.

C

[CarieEllen]

Ok, I'm holding steady here, but the irritability and anger flashes are awful, still. When will they go away?

Am I stuck with them until I'm off of the meds entirely which could take years? I don't have the luxury of minimizing interactions with others. I'm a single mom ...my poor kids...

I did make a cut last month (20% instead of the recommended 10% as I couldn't get liquid ) so maybe I'm still reeling from that? That was about a month ago. Thoughts??

I have no plans to cut down again until I have stabilized...if I ever do.

 

So frustrating.

I don't like who I am....

I love my,kids so much but they really don't think I do.

My words, my actions, my behavior...don't show it.

Every now and then I'll have a good day, or half of a day...but then the rage comes back and it sucks...again.

Feeling sad, mad, and tired of it....

[bubble]

Hello Carrie and sorry things are so tough.

 

I'm almost sure it is due to 20 % cut although it was a month ago. When our CNS is sensitised every cut can be very destabilising let alone 20 % and take months to recover. That's why we so strongly recommend 10%. Some people can only make it with even less.

 

Although one month may seem a lot to you your CNS obviously took a blow and will take as long as it takes to recover. It will but it might take more time. If things are too much for you you can consider updosing a bit. Since it's been a month not to the previous dose. Maybe 5 % up would be enough to make the symptoms more bearable.

 

You are not stuck with these symptoms for the duration of your taper if you reach an agreement with your CNS about the speed if tapering and honour that agreement by not going faster than your brain can keep up with. People can have a very decent life quality when tapering slowly.

 

I'm so sorry to hear you think your children don't feel your love. How old are they? Maybe you could tell them you are going through a rough period or say that mommy is ill and that makes her tired and then she gets angry and feels very sorry about it. I'm not good at this kind of talk but remember reading how other members do it. Even if children are little they understand in their own little way and it's best to be straight with them than try to hide it which just creates additional tension.

 

You are healing every minute and recovering from that too big cut and I hope the time when you feel noticeable improvements isn't far.