ikam: tapering escitalopram

March 9, 2015

Fingers crossed

I am a bit worried about side effects but I had no choice. I have had this infection for long...

Antibiotic with PPI may also help with helicobacter...

March 10, 2015

* this post and responses moved from the symptoms section

I am very upset now, as I think I accidentally took 5mg instead of 2.5mg. I am not completely sure. I was half asleep in the morning when I prepared my water solution. I only recognised it as it seemed to be more bitter...but I already had swallowed it...
I am not completely sure. I suppose I would have more symptoms by now. It is 5hours from that time...i am only kind of sleepy, but it could be from antibiotic...

What to do in such situation? Firstly, as it is already done, there is no way to get it out, appart from induced vomitting (i thought about this, but then I wouldn't know what to do next anyway)...
Secondly, what to do with a next dose? I intend to go my normal way...(as I am not completely sure)...

Edited March 10, 2015 by Petunia
added note

March 10, 2015

I am actually feeling better on antibiotic. I have it for throat infection, but I think I may have had a stomach ulcer and something called SIBO. My stomach and intestine pains are gone.

but I am upset today, as I think I accidentally took a double of my AD's present dose. Although I am unsure, I think I would have more symptoms by now (5hours after)...

March 10, 2015

Take 2.5mg tomorrow. Most likely, if you feel the increase, that will last only a couple of days.

March 10, 2015

Thank you Alto. Yes, I will take 2.5mg. I did not feel much difference today. I was ok, managed to do few things...

There is another option, it tasted more bitter as my taste has changed due to the antibiotic treatment...

March 11, 2015

Maybe I did not take a higher dose yesterday...i only noticed that the liquid was more bitter...

My taste is a bit different on antibiotic...

But generally I am surprised that I feel so well with antibiotic. I have more energy and feel brigher...

Seems I had some strange infection that affected my whole body...

March 11, 2015

good lord. whatsoever, great you feel good!

so crazy (even funny to your case) this whole thing, speechless..

March 13, 2015

I'm glad you got help for your infection. It's a hard call to make because WD is so unpredictable.

But spots on the throat (I check mine regularly, after years of throat infections) are a sure sign that you are infected. And a better excuse for not working than, "akathisia" for example!

Heliobacter is indeed present in the cases of ulcers, and the antibiotic may only partially kill them. To kill heliobacter, you need 2 courses of 2 different antibiotics, because it's a tough little native bug.

Here's the thing, though, in populations where there is very little heliobacter, there are higher rates of asthma. So they checked, and sure enough, heliobacter helps prevent asthma.

So it's not so much a matter of wanting to destroy the heliobacter, which we actually need some of, but a matter of balancing, not letting it dominate the biome of your stomach.

Keep us posted on how you are feeling. You've been on antibiotic for a few days now, it should be helping?

March 14, 2015

I'm glad you got help for your infection. It's a hard call to make because WD is so unpredictable.

But spots on the throat (I check mine regularly, after years of throat infections) are a sure sign that you are infected. And a better excuse for not working than, "akathisia" for example!

Heliobacter is indeed present in the cases of ulcers, and the antibiotic may only partially kill them. To kill heliobacter, you need 2 courses of 2 different antibiotics, because it's a tough little native bug.

Here's the thing, though, in populations where there is very little heliobacter, there are higher rates of asthma. So they checked, and sure enough, heliobacter helps prevent asthma.

So it's not so much a matter of wanting to destroy the heliobacter, which we actually need some of, but a matter of balancing, not letting it dominate the biome of your stomach.

Keep us posted on how you are feeling. You've been on antibiotic for a few days now, it should be helping?

I will be finishing antibiotic tomorrow. I am feeling better, but more tired. I want to start probiotics. I have some good ones called vsl3 (http://www.vsl3.co.uk/)...hopefully I will not get diarrhea like with other probiotics...

I think I should start multivitamin...

I think you are right about balancing rather than eliminating. One gastrologist told me once that helicobacter was actually helping with something...

In terms of WD,

I still get some paresthesia in the morning. I also have very painful joints in my hands in the morning. And generally little tremor in my hands...

I am still tired, but this is more complex, as it relates to my new job and driving every day 150miles...

I have some pains and aches but try to ignore them...

I also have had some problems with swallowing, but it is a bit better after antibiotics...

Also, some problems with concentration, memory in times...

Generally I feel I have more energy. I feel brighter in my mood and don't think I want to die...

But when I think about next decrease I dread it, as I don't want to upset my balance...will I ever be ready???

March 15, 2015

Hi Ikam,

You have been very strong in dealing with the symptoms and brave in taking the job!

Our symptoms are very similar, paresthasia and other type of pains.

How is your sleep? How about anxiety and depression?

How long have you been since the last cut (2.5mg)?

LexA

March 15, 2015

Hi Ikam,

You have been very strong in dealing with the symptoms and brave in taking the job!

Our symptoms are very similar, paresthasia and other type of pains.

How is your sleep? How about anxiety and depression?

How long have you been since the last cut (2.5mg)?

LexA

69 days...

My sleep is great...no anxiety but low mood when I don't have much to do, like today. Not enough distraction...i feel, I worry that I will stay like this or even get worse...

I had some paresthesia today, it is still on and off sensation...i get lots of pain each morning, in my palms and fingers...and this makes me often low...i feel powerless...cannot do much with it...

I relly like my new job, but it is only temporary, I worry that I may deterorate and be unable to work...

I have some very mild tremor today in a small and ring fingers...

Maybe I should not take multivitamin...but I only took one...

March 16, 2015

Feeling low today, losing hope, everyday I wake up with pain and paresthesia. Today paresthesia was more in my chest and arms, more burning sensation than pins and needles...the same that I got when I increased from 5 to 10mg. I also felt anxious that I will never get better. And then suicidal, as I feel completely powerless in terms of my symptoms...

I don't know what to do anymore to feel better...

It is better than it used to be...but still pain and paresthesia...I feel defeated

March 16, 2015

((((Ikam)))) I wish you weren't in so much pain. For me, the anxiety causes chest to burn and stomach pain. Hang in there. Today your symptoms may decrease in intensity and you'll feel some much needed relief.

March 16, 2015

When i was tappering effexor, it was more linear process, it was more predictable...there were difficult symptoms, but nothing so neurological, as now...i feel powerless, I don't know what to do...

I am better than yesterday...but far from normal...or maybe more normal than yesterday...

I am worried...i don't want my life to be full of everyday pain...and lightheaded, and tired, so tired...

March 16, 2015

((((Ikam)))) I wish you weren't in so much pain. For me, the anxiety causes chest to burn and stomach pain. Hang in there. Today your symptoms may decrease in intensity and you'll feel some much needed relief.

Yes, I feel better today, but seem to be more hopeless, as I cannot predict what will happen next...ouch...

I don't want to moan...i am the gulty one, as it was ME who allowed doctors to throw anything they thought at me...

I was stupid, did not see this for almost 30years...and now I pay for my own mistake...

My best friend when I told her a bit started shouting at me that I let myself to be treated...i dont talk to her about this anymore...

March 16, 2015

I feel completely powerless in terms of my symptoms...

I don't know what to do anymore to feel better...

It is better than it used to be...but still pain and paresthesia...I feel defeated

Feeling defeated is very common, I have felt that often during withdrawal.

There's not much we can do to feel better, except allow our bodies to heal at their own pace - and they certainly are healing.

It is hard to feel hope when the symptoms persist for so long.

When I feel the withdrawal coming in waves, I say to myself "This is withdrawal, and withdrawal will end some day."

If you say that it is better than it used to be, that means that in time, you will continue to feel better as you heal.

We get impatient for our recovery to be complete. We have no choice but to be patient and muster strength, because in time we will heal.

March 16, 2015

I feel completely powerless in terms of my symptoms...

I don't know what to do anymore to feel better...

It is better than it used to be...but still pain and paresthesia...I feel defeated

Feeling defeated is very common, I have felt that often during withdrawal.

There's not much we can do to feel better, except allow our bodies to heal at their own pace - and they certainly are healing.

It is hard to feel hope when the symptoms persist for so long.

When I feel the withdrawal coming in waves, I say to myself "This is withdrawal, and withdrawal will end some day."

If you say that it is better than it used to be, that means that in time, you will continue to feel better as you heal.

We get impatient for our recovery to be complete. We have no choice but to be patient and muster strength, because in time we will heal.

THANK YOU...

March 17, 2015

Headache today. Could it be from vit B6? I took it yesterday evening...

I don't know what to do anymore...

In my present life situation I cannot see I will be stable and settled for long...for example, I cannot really judge if my tiredness relates to driving, or/and WD???

How can I decide then when to start tapering???

March 17, 2015

IMO tiredness is due to WD.

Becoming easily fatigued was always my number one symptom during protracted WD.

I always became tired more easily from any kind of stress during WD.

Your body will be working overtime to stabilize the chemical imbalance we've imposed on it, and to undo the neurological changes caused by using SSRIs.

It will be using most of its energy to stabilize and leave you with not much left to spare.

Stress like social situations, anger, multi-tasking, driving, etc. always sapped my energy rather quickly.

Some day when you are recovered, your energy will come back. Energy can bounce back during windows too.

March 17, 2015

IMO tiredness is due to WD.

Becoming easily fatigued was always my number one symptom during protracted WD.

I always became tired more easily from any kind of stress during WD.

Your body will be working overtime to stablize the chemical imbalance we've imposed on it by using SSRIs.

It will be using most of its energy to stablize and leave you with not much left to spare.

Stress like social situations, anger, multi-tasking, driving, etc. always sapped my energy rather quickly.

Some day when you are recovered, your energy will come back. Energy can bounce back during windows too.

Thanks...

It has not been easy time for me. My job is only temporary, I worry about my finances + drive long distances, etc. It is difficult to judge my next tappering step...my job and living situation will not change for at least one year...I cannot wait one year on the dose I am now...It is so diffucult decision for me...

Maybe I just need to be a bit brave and cut around 5% over the weekend and see what happens...???

I bought today magnesium lotion, hopefully this will help...

It seems I cannot take vit B6, I tried yesterday and have had a headache all day today...

March 18, 2015

I had difficulty sleeping last night, was worrying about my financial situation...Driving after bad night sleep was so difficult...

Also, I have been feeling so nauseous...

March 20, 2015

Tired today and irritable...

I have been thinking thst not everything is to do with WD...anybody in my present situation could feel the same...

I have lots of things put on hold...

I have financial diffuculties...

Have to travel to work long distances...

Have not any support here...

Have not contact with my family...

I am still married, but cannot get divorced, as I have no money...

My health is not the best...

I am menopausal...

I cannot eat everything...

I have no idea what will happen next. My life is unpredictable at present...

Have not had proper holidays for years...

Etc, etc...

I think it is enough to get unsettled, even without WD...

March 20, 2015

I also thought that if I manage to concentrate on something external I somehow forget my symptoms...so maybe I should stop concentrating on WD? Get on with my life?

If I for example think that my tiredness is from driving and lots of present stress, I feel much better. If I think it is WD I feel much worse...

March 21, 2015

I also thought that if I manage to concentrate on something external I somehow forget my symptoms...so maybe I should stop concentrating on WD? Get on with my life?

If I for example think that my tiredness is from driving and lots of present stress, I feel much better. If I think it is WD I feel much worse...

To add to my previous post, I often get scared when I read other people stories, as if waiting for something to hit me...

March 21, 2015

You need to stop doing that and that is good advice for anyone else that believes every thing they believe on here. No one knows the exact context of any situation and to presume you do is a big mistake NOT in your favor.

Things that happen to others won't necessarily happen to you or for the same reasons or in the same intensity. Reading is good if it increases your understanding but bad if it increases your anxiety. There were lots of times when I had to skip reading posts from certain people because I took them to heart and became very afraid and upset. A lot of people are unable to relate without catastrophizing and magnifying their situation. Let your eyes slide away from them until you are stronger. It just causes unnecessary stress your brain does not know how to handle. It has enough problems and will fasten on anything external to add fuel to the fire.

Just because I am having problems at this stage of recovery doesn't mean you will too. No one is the same as me, same drugs, diet, history, life circumstances, all the things people never take into account when reading stories.

I realize this post is tainted by something I read in another person's thread and is partly aimed at that. Ikam. you are such a beautiful person and have been a tremendous source of help to me. In reading your list above about all of the things you are see are going on and are problems, a lot of them are just things, they are not the essence of you. Things can and do change and when they do, they still won't mean anything personal about the essence of you.

Hang in there, dear friend!

March 21, 2015

I also thought that if I manage to concentrate on something external I somehow forget my symptoms...so maybe I should stop concentrating on WD? Get on with my life?

If I for example think that my tiredness is from driving and lots of present stress, I feel much better. If I think it is WD I feel much worse...

To add to my previous post, I often get scared when I read other people stories, as if I am waiting for something to hit me...

March 21, 2015

You need to stop doing that and that is good advice for anyone else that believes every thing they believe on here. No one knows the exact context of any situation and to presume you do is a big mistake NOT in your favor.

Things that happen to others won't necessarily happen to you or for the same reasons or in the same intensity. Reading is good if it increases your understanding but bad if it increases your anxiety. There were lots of times when I had to skip reading posts from certain people because I took them to heart and became very afraid and upset. A lot of people are unable to relate without catastrophizing and magnifying their situation. Let your eyes slide away from them until you are stronger. It just causes unnecessary stress your brain does not know how to handle. It has enough problems and will fasten on anything external to add fuel to the fire.

Just because I am having problems at this stage of recovery doesn't mean you will too. No one is the same as me, same drugs, diet, history, life circumstances, all the things people never take into account when reading stories.

I realize this post is tainted by something I read in another person's thread and is partly aimed at that. Ikam. you are such a beautiful person and have been a tremendous source of help to me. In reading your list above about all of the things you are see are going on and are problems, a lot of them are just things, they are not the essence of you. Things can and do change and when they do, they still won't mean anything personal about the essence of you.

Hang in there, dear friend!

THANK YOU:)

I am pleased to hear that I helped you a bit...

I easily get to a catastrophic mode. My therapist said that I constantly monitor my body. since I remember I have had many unexplained symptoms. And when I read about some symptoms I get scared...

Today, I am feeling so tired, no wonder I did in last three days 450miles...

Also, my bank has decreased my overdraft limit...

No wonder I am full of worry...

I will have a liquid escitalopram on Monday, I may think about my next step...i don't know yet...

March 21, 2015

Why when I have to drive my hands are ok, but when I rest like today I get this strange numbness in them?

March 21, 2015

I just found some explanation to my problem, I think:

Cubital tunnel syndrome can cause an aching pain on the inside of the elbow. Most of the symptoms, however, occur in your hand.

Ulnar nerve entrapment can give symptoms of "falling asleep" in the ring finger and little finger, especially when your elbow is bent. In some cases, it may be harder to move your fingers in and out, or to manipulate objects.

Numbness and tingling in the ring finger and little finger are common symptoms of ulnar nerve entrapment. Often, these symptoms come and go. They happen more often when the elbow is bent, such as when driving or holding the phone. Some people wake up at night because their fingers are numb.

Weakening of the grip and difficulty with finger coordination (such as typing or playing an instrument) may occur. These symptoms are usually seen in more severe cases of nerve compression.

If the nerve is very compressed or has been compressed for a long time, muscle wasting in the hand can occur. Once this happens, muscle wasting cannot be reversed. For this reason, it is important to see your doctor if symptoms are severe or if they are less severe but have been present for more than 6 weeks.

March 23, 2015

I have been a bit better with after antibiotics.

I have also started using

-Permavite http://www.rockwellnutrition.com/p-allergy-research-group-perm-a-vite-powder-300-g#.VRCVQuFFDbU

-probiotic VSL#3 https://www.google.co.uk/url?sa=t&source=web&rct=j&ei=-pUQVYiYBMzKaIypgogK&url=http://www.vsl3.co.uk/&ved=0CDUQFjAA&usg=AFQjCNEpiLR29SigWXU-QKd6CU4c7ZWdTw&sig2=x2ryFmXoNFFkeFz6qetTWw

-Also slippery elm http://health.howstuffworks.com/wellness/natural-medicine/herbal-remedies/slippery-elm-herbal-remedies.htm

March 24, 2015

Feeling low, but this is all about my present life circumstances...really difficult...will I survive??? (money related)...

March 24, 2015

Hi Ikam, you have been very strong hanging in so far even taking extra challenges for new job and the travel! You will be continuely strong even you feel doubt sometimes. It is amazing how strong human being can be. We here all know this the best by now.

How about your other symptoms, paresthasia, other pain related symptoms etc.? Did you notice a pattern over the past couple months along with changes of meds/supplements?

I found it hard to find any pattern if focusing on too much each day. Couple of months usually give some clue though.

March 24, 2015

Hi Ikam, you have been very strong hanging in so far even taking extra challenges for new job and the travel! You will be continuely strong even you feel doubt sometimes. It is amazing how strong human being can be. We here all know this the best by now.

How about your other symptoms, paresthasia, other pain related symptoms etc.? Did you notice a pattern over the past couple months along with changes of meds/supplements?

I found it hard to find any pattern if focusing on too much each day. Couple of months usually give some clue though.

I am usually worse during the weekend, as I have too much time to think anf I concentrate on my symptoms more...

Paresthesia has been better recently, still get some but not so bad...my pain seems to relate to work and driving...

I have times when I feel really calm and bright...

There are times when I feel low, but it relates more to my insecurity over finances...

March 26, 2015

Back home, tired...

March 28, 2015

I have taken decision that I will HOLD for longer on 2.5mg. I have been quite settled for some time. I can recognise that lots of my problems may relate to normal tiredness (starting new job, driving long hours, financial insecurity, etc.)...some related to the infection, but since the antibiotic treatment I have been much better...I still have a bit of paresthesia, especially in the right hand. I found some information about ulnar nerve entrapment and it seems to fit the picture...i also get pain in my hands...

I think that it is not easy sometimes to distinguish what is WD and what just a normal response to stress, aging, etc. I don't want to ignore WD...but some symptoms may have different explanation...

I want to hold for longer, as my life is so unsettled at the moment. I still don't know how long my present contract will last. It may happen that I will be with no money...

My stress level has been really high since I resigned from my toxic job and found myself in WD...i cannot risk adding more at the moment...

This emotionally settled time feels so pleasant. I do sleep well. I feel more rested. My thinking has been clear, I can read and I am getting more intersted in things around me. I feel more hopeful and less preoccupied with WD and my symptoms...i don't feel overanxious and I worry less...

My digestion has been much better as well and I eat more variety of food with no problem...after antibiotics my swallowing problem has gone...

I have managed to introduce some priobiotics and bee pollen. Also slippery elm...i managed to decrease PPI to once a day...slippery elm helps with gerd as well...

March 28, 2015

I got my liquid escitalopram. It seems more complex at present. 1ml= 20mg...0.5ml= 10mg. So how can I get 2.5mg???

Or shall I rather count drops? So 10mg is 10 drops...5mg is 5 drops...and again, how do I get 2.5mg???

ikam: tapering escitalopram

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