Freeby60: this month is the 24th anniversary of getting on ADs - 24 years!

[Freeby60]

Hello- as my topic title shows, I have been on anti-depressants for 24 years (20mgs Lexepro, 175 mgs Wellbutrin). It is hard to face. After the birth of my first son, I began having acute anxiety. When I told my gynecologist he told me it was common after giving birth because of hormonal changes. In such cases, he recommends about six months of medication to help with the symptoms and recommended a psychiatrist that he works with for patients such as me. I'm sure none of you are surprised to know that, as is all too common, I never got off the drugs for very long. Each time withdrawel symptoms were interpreted as my illness returning. My mother suffered from anxiety and depression all her sad life, so it wasn't hard to believe that I was ill. Yet, I still tried a few times to stop the drugs. Interestingly, once it became clear how difficult it was to get off the drugs, I knew with certainty that I needed to stop taking them. I Thought I would put if off until I was retired, so I would have less stress, etc. to deal with the WD, but when I learned about the10% taper it gave me hope that I can be AD free by my 60th birthday! I will start with the Lexepro. Getting myself a scale and using a spreadsheet to calculate the decreases. I'm getting my yoga and walking on, and continuing meditation for success! I'm so glad to have this site for reference, information and support!

Edited September 9, 2016 by scallywag
tags added

[clearday]

Welcome Freeby60,

 

A moderator should be along to discuss tapering plans regarding the Lexapro and Wellbutrin.

 

If you don't mind my asking, why do you want to get off these medications? Are you having undesirable side effects?

 

Do you attribute your tics, involuntary tongue movements, and tardive akathisia to past Ritalin use, or do you think the Lexapro and Wellbutrin are also involved in that?

 

I wish you the best as you begin your tapering. 

[Freeby60]

Thank you, Clearday!

 

The tics and involuntary movements were present on and off before I started the Ritilin, as was the Tardive Akathisia, in varying degrees. I thought the TA was restless leg syndrome, but more and more these squirrelly tic like feelings in my legs was accompanied by a sudden and persistent feeling of agitation in my whole body. I felt like I couldn't remain still or I would be eaten up by this horrible sensation. While on the Ritilin I started also having the involuntary tongue movements. I stopped it for that reason. But the tongue movements continued. We dropped my Wellbutrin from 200 to 175 mgs and that greatly reduced the tongue movement. The tics and twitching also stopped almost completely.

 

I have wanted to get off these drugs for years. At this point I am only on them because I can't get off. I am angry and enraged by the fact that so many people are in this position. My life has been out of my control for 24 years. That is how I see it. Most of what I have read here has given me hope for the first time in years, but also fear of WD and who am I in all this? My two children have known the chemical self - I have been on medication for their entire lives. It is time to change that and embrace who I am.

[bubble]

Hello Freeby and welcome to SA.

 

You have very good attitudes and I think this is half way of successful tapering.

 

Start with small decreases, listen to your body, learn the language it speaks. This is a great way to start the process of regrowing your brain. Focus on small gains and imorovements you will feel as you slowly, slowly decrease the dose. If you respect the speed at which your brain can regrow tapering will happen in background of your life and before you know it, you'll be free.

 

Just come here and ask for an opinion on anything that is not clear. We will be happy to hear of your journey.

 

Once again welcome.

Bubble

[Freeby60]

Thank you, Bubble! I will def need advice!

[brassmonkey]

Hi Freeby60--  Your user name says it all.  Welcome to the group.  We have a lot of good information here, I'll give you a couple of links so you can start getting acquainted with it;

 

Taking multiple psych drugs? Which drug to taper first?

 

Tips for tapering off Lexapro (escitalopram)

 

Tips for tapering off Wellbutrin, SR, XR, XL (buproprion)

 

Thanks for filling in your signature, it really helps us get an overview of what is going on.

[Flowers]

Hi Freeby

 

Just wanted to say hi and welcome. You will find lots of help and support here.

 

I think it's great that you want to come off the drugs by the time your 60. I'm 62 and still on them but doing my best to get off in the best way possible. It's never too late!

 

Best Wishes

 

 

Flowers

[Freeby60]

Thank you, Brassmonkey! I will look over the links you provided! Learned something already about taking Prilosec! Who would have thought you have to taper off that. It explains why it always seems to come back after a predictable amount of time! I have only been self-prescribing for myself for a few months, so I hope there's no issues. I think while I am tearing off that I will read the links etc., and prepare and plan for AD WD. I totally understand the 10% tapering is designed to reduce WD effects. I also know I have been on them a long time, so I plan on going very carefully. I want to do all I can to make sure this is the last time I attempt to taper.

 

Thanks, again!

[Freeby60]

Thank you for the welcome, Flowers! Truly pleased to have found this site. After my psychiatrist told me that there was no way my anxiety pelting me out of the blue (for the first time in many years) was WD, knew I would need to look elsewhere for support to stop these drugs.

[Flowers]

Your psychiatrist sounds like the rest - they always put it down to recurring depression/anxiety!

 

  I was in the same boat and got told by my Dr I would have to take AD's for the rest of my life!

 

After taking them constantly for many years I started to get bad side effects so he told me to come off them in 6 weeks and I ended up crashing.  That's how I found  this site! With the fantastic help I have got here they literally put me back on my feet.

 

I really hope you reach your goal now you have find SA.

 

xxx

[Freeby60]

Any thoughts on whether I should taper Lexapro or Wellbutrin first? My dose of Lex is 20mgs and seems like a tough med to get off of. I was thinking that one first.

[Altostrata]

Welcome, Freeby60.

 

Why was Wellbutrin added?

 

Please put ALL the drugs you take in the Drug Interactions Checker http://www.drugs.com/drug_interactions.html and copy and paste the results in this topic.
 

I'm very concerned about the akathisia. It sounds like you've been suffering from a serious adverse effect for years. How often do you get it?

[Freeby60]

Altostrata,

 

Wellbutrin was added because I told my psych I was feeling weepy. Seriously, that was all it took. Absolutely unconscionable! The first time I went to see a doctor about my Akathisia was in around 1995. No diagnosis was made. I noticed that when I took klonipin it would subside so I could sleep (it sometimes happens at night when trying to sleep). It will happen for a week or so and then go away. I thought it was restless leg syndrome, but my doctor said that it wasn't because it didn't happen all the time. It would drive me crazy, then disappear. Then return again, and so on. I could go for months without it. This was before taking Wellbutrin. It still happens every so often. I have klonipin on as need basis solely for this. I don't have anxiety much at all anymore.

 

I saw a neurologist in 2005 because I was experiencing tics and twitches in hands, legs, and torso, tingling in hands. Also would feel sudden feeling of being stuck with a needle on my back that hurt so much I would cry out. He found no neurological basis for it. I told him I thought it might be the AD. His response? Well if you think that stop taking them (while smirking), then prescribed Gabapentin that, thankfully, I had no interest in adding it to the mix and never took.

 

I am also concerned about these side effects. As of right now they are mild compared to years prior.

 

Here is the drug interactions.

 

 

Major: bupropion ↔ escitalopram

Applies to: Wellbutrin SR (bupropion), Lexapro (escitalopram)

Talk to your doctor before using buPROPion together with escitalopram. Combining these medications may increase the risk of seizures, which may occur rarely with either medication. In addition, buPROPion can increase the blood levels of escitalopram, which may increase other side effects. You may be more likely to experience seizures with these medications if you are elderly, undergoing alcohol or drug withdrawal, have a history of seizures, or have a condition affecting the central nervous system such as a brain tumor or head trauma. Your doctor may be able to prescribe alternatives that do not interact, or you may need a dose adjustment or more frequent monitoring by your doctor to safely use both medications. You should avoid or limit the use of alcohol during treatment. It is important to tell your doctor about all other medications you use, including vitamins and herbs. Do not stop using any medications without first talking to your doctor.

 

 

Moderate: bupropion ↔ clonazepam

Applies to: Wellbutrin SR (bupropion), Klonopin (clonazepam)

Excessive use of clonazePAM, or abrupt discontinuation following long-term use, may occasionally trigger seizures in patients taking buPROPion. Talk to your doctor before using these medications together if you have any questions or concerns. It is important to tell your doctor about all other medications you use, including vitamins and herbs. Do not stop using any medications without first talking to your doctor.

 

Moderate:

clonazepam ↔ escitalopram

Applies to: Klonopin (clonazepam), Lexapro (escitalopram)

Using clonazePAM together with escitalopram may increase side effects such as dizziness, drowsiness, and difficulty concentrating. Some people may also experience some impairment in thinking and judgment. You should avoid or limit the use of alcohol while being treated with these medications. Avoid driving or operating hazardous machinery until you know how the medications affect you. It is important to tell your doctor about all other medications you use, including vitamins and herbs. Do not stop using any medications without first talking to your doctor.

 

Moderate:

esomeprazole ↔ escitalopram

Applies to: Nexium 24HR (esomeprazole), Lexapro (escitalopram)

Talk to your doctor before using escitalopram together with esomeprazole. Combining these medications may increase the blood levels and effects of escitalopram. You may have an increased risk of developing side effects, including irregular heart rhythm and a rare but serious condition called the serotonin syndrome, which may include symptoms such as confusion, hallucination, seizure, extreme changes in blood pressure, increased heart rate, fever, excessive sweating, shivering or shaking, blurred vision, muscle spasm or stiffness, tremor, incoordination, stomach cramp, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. You should contact your doctor immediately if you experience these symptoms while taking the medications. Your doctor may be able to prescribe alternatives that do not interact, or you may need a dose adjustment or more frequent monitoring by your doctor to safely use both medications. It is important to tell your doctor about all other medications you use, including vitamins and herbs. Do not stop using any medications without first talking to your doctor.

[Wingbatty]

Wow, Freeby. Your story could so easily be my story! I've been on Lexapro for 9 years after having really bad post-partum issues.

 

At the time I started taking it I remember I was nearly out of my mind. But then I think about what all was going on at that time: we were moving every year. My husband was never home because of his job. I felt completely isolated from family and friends. I never had even a short break away from a toddler and a preschooler. Days upon days would go by where I spoke to no one but two babies and the cashier at the grocery store. No wonder I was a wreck! My "safety net" turned out to be strangling vines over time. But I'm not sure how I would have survived without the Lexapro, either. I was nearly suicidal from all the stress.

 

It's crazy how your psych just kept adding & adding & adding meds. Good grief. I have a funny thing where, when I am really sick I start crying, especially if I have a high fever. I've noticed, because a few times I've gotten weepy in a doctor's office - if you cry, they kind of freak out. First off, they won't address what's wrong with you because they think you have a mental problem, and they want to give you psych meds right away. As if it wasn't part of life to occasionally cry. At one appointment I had acid reflux that was going into my sinuses and causing me a great deal of pain, and the doctor wouldn't even look down my throat, she was so anxious to write me a scrip for Prozac (I refused it at that time, thank goodness).

 

Alto will probably be back with some help for you. I know you're ready to be off all this stuff, but Lexapro & Wellbutrin together... if you try to do this too fast you'll end up completely messed up. Yesterday I saw scottly9999's thread for the first time & commented on it. He's taking it slow & easy as recommended and he's doing REALLY well. His thread is a great one to read for inspiration about keeping it slow & steady.

[Freeby60]

Wingbatty,

 

What a hoot (pun intended)! Coincidences like ours seem to happen a lot on this site. I get very weepy and cry when I have a fever, too! I have most of my life. I will check out Scotty9999's thread, as you suggest. I'm hoping that even a small taper will begin to decrease some of these side effects!

 

Thanks for the support. You write perfect English, by the way!

[Wingbatty]

I'm from Texas, LOL. Just live here. :-)

 

The doctors here are extremely hesitant to prescribe antidepressants and will pretty much try every other possible thing. And if you show up here while you're on them, they try to get you to taper off.

 

To get my driver's license while taking Lexapro I had to see a physician and get a waiver that said I was stable enough to be operating a motor vehicle despite my mental illness that required medication. So embarrassing.

[Altostrata]

Thanks, Freeby.

 

Why are you taking esomeprazole? That esomeprazole raises blood levels of Lexapro is not good.

 

It looks to me like esomeprazole and Wellbutrin might be the first to go.

[Freeby60]

Altostrata- I started having acid reflux that was pretty bad. I just got the esomeprazole from the pharmacy over the counter. I would take the medication for the prescribed two weeks and then stop. I would be fine, but it would come back. I read in the tapering section that it needs to be tapered also, and that might be why the acid reflux comes back. I also read somewhere that the acid reflux is a side effect of one of the AD's I'm taking. So, I will start with the esomeprazole as that seems to be a relatively fast taper. The beads in the capsule are very teeny, but I am going to try to taper by counting, unless you have another suggestion.

 

I want to thank you so very much for following up with me. I am very grateful.

[Freeby60]

Ha ha, wingbatty, I just noticed your location says American abroad. I must have missed that

[Freeby60]

Reading other posts of people tapering Lex. scottly9999 writes about feeling easily bored at work, but doesn't think it is him, but maybe the Lex. Has anyone else noticed that on Lex? I definitely feel dull and somewhat disconnected. I do have periods of being bored at work. I realized I had complained to my boss about the down time being boring. I had to remind myself that is not a good way to feel about it and should probably keep my mouth shut on that one. Also noticed when a girlfriend of mine invited me to the movies I had to make myself seem excited about going with her. I don't go out often, because I don't feel like it will be fun. But I know if I want to maintain relationships I have to push myself to do it. The thing is it is a generalized lack of interest that I kind of have gotten used to as status quo, but that ain't me at all. I'm the type to want to dance, have fun, be around others, just havent for a long time. Not sure about why. My husband is also on AD. Was put on when his father died, and then the sleep aids get added on and - et viola! A cocktail! Together we can be rather boring, I must say. Lol! I'm excited and scared by the potentiality of being more me.

 

Started tapering the esomeprazole by opening capsule and pouring out about 1/4 of it. Not very precise, but after reading about tapering off it esomeprazole, it seems that this is fine. I do notice a few moments where I fell a little heartburn, but it dissappates quickly.

[Altostrata]

The entire point of these drugs is to stupefy you somewhat.

 

Do NOT complain to your boss about being bored. Rather, find something constructive to do during downtime. This may earn you a raise.

 

Good to hear tapering esomeprazole is working for you. You may wish to slow down a little, your gut needs to adjust.

[Freeby60]

Thanks Altostrata! Def shouldn't complain about being bored at work to your boss! He is a good guy tho' and we discussed several strategies to bust the boredom. I work in sales, so it is all self-directed. I do have to push myself to get passed it or I won't make money!

 

As for going slower on the esomeprazole taper, do you suggest dropping by a smaller amount? How much should I reduce by? I just put the beads in water to see if it is water soluble because they are teeny tiny. It would be easier if it were liquid.

[Freeby60]

Burning eyes! Does anyone else on Lexepro or Wellbutrin get burning eyes?

[Altostrata]

You could carefully pour the esomeprazole beads on a piece of paper, divide into 6 piles, and put them into empty gelatin capsules. That would give you a reduction of about 16% rather than 25%.

 

Please see the Symptoms and Self-Care forum http://survivingantidepressants.org/index.php?/forum/8-symptoms-and-self-care/for discussion of "burning" and eye symptoms.

 

If you're spending a lot of time on the computer, the burning could be due to that. Use saline drops frequently.

[Freeby60]

You could carefully pour the esomeprazole beads on a piece of paper, divide into 6 piles, and put them into empty gelatin capsules. That would give you a reduction of about 16% rather than 25%.

Thank you, Altostrata! The beads are teeny tiny and there 625 in one capsule! If I make the 6 piles each capsule/dose will be reduced by 16% and I will have 6 doses. How long should I take the dosage reduced at this level? 1 week? 1 month? Then reduce that dose by 16%?

 

Thank you so much for your help!

[Altostrata]

Briliiant counting! My guess is you can reduce every week. The danger is rebound acid. If you get this, you're going too fast.

[Freeby60]

Thanks, Alto!

[Freeby60]

2nd day of tapering esomeprazole. Maybe in total I have taken this medication for three months. OTC the directions are take for 7-14 days. When I stopped the acid reflux would return within 3 days. I didn't know then that there could be rebound after stopping, but I did find it kind of odd that it kept coming back. So, now I am tapering off in the hopes that will stop the rebound. The first time I took a tapered dose at 16% of the capsule, I took it later than usual. I did have some acid, but nothing horrific. Today I took it at my usual time, hoping that would help settle the gut, and that has seemed to do the trick.

 

Gotta say, it was quite a surprise to read that an OTC acid reflux medication would need to be tapered, and that it increased the effects of the AD, which will be the next to go ..... Slowly slowly. Can't help but say I'm feeling good, but I will keep you up to date on how it goes! If I continue to reduce by 16% of current dose, I guess it will be a few months until I'm completely off, stable and ready to tackle the AD.

 

THANK YOU TO ALL WHO SAID HELLO, WELCOME, AND GAVE ADVICE!

[Altostrata]

There are many drugs that are overprescribed in the US.

[Freeby60]

Still tapering off the esomeprazole. It is going well. I wonder, though, if the esomeprazole increases the effects of the Lexepro, does that mean I could feel Lexapro withdrawel symptoms as the effect is lowered along with the esomeprazole?

 

Read whitaker's Anatomy of an Epidemic. The book was enlightening and interesting to read. I enjoy reading about history, even if it is the history of the birth of psychopharmacology. I think I have a pretty good relationship with my PP. how not? I've been seeing him for years! So, I can't help wondering, what motivates him to continue to prescribe AD without ever acknowledging to his patients the potential side effects or withdrawel issues? I doubt he even remembers how I first was prescribed an AD in the first place. What makes him so comfortable with allowing me to remain on these meds year in and year out without ever once suggesting an evaluation of my progress and the efficacy of remaining on the medications long term? I think these are important questions and I would like to begin the discussion. If I haven't been suffering from depression any longer, why am I still being prescribed these meds?

[Altostrata]

Those are very good questions to ask your doctor.

 

Yes, it is possible the esomeprazole is delaying the metabolization of the Lexapro. But as you are tapering the esomeprazole, the effect on Lexapro will also be gradual.

 

Don't change the dosages of both drugs at the same time. If you start to feel Lexapro withdrawal, you might want to hold on reducing the esomeprazole for a little while to keep the entire system steady.

[Freeby60]

Those are very good questions to ask your doctor.

 

Yes, it is possible the esomeprazole is delaying the metabolization of the Lexapro. But as you are tapering the esomeprazole, the effect on Lexapro will also be gradual.

 

Don't change the dosages of both drugs at the same time. If you start to feel Lexapro withdrawal, you might want to hold on reducing the esomeprazole for a little while to keep the entire system steady.

Agreed, Altostrata, on all points!

[Freeby60]

Done with the PPIs!!! I am quite happy to be off these meds I tapered off, first by 10% for two weeks with no rebound symptoms. Then, I went to a 25% reduction of the original dose for 2 weeks. Then, a 75% reduction of the original dose for a week or so. That was it. I didn't have immediate rebound and was symptom free for 4-5 days, then noticed a mild sense of ind indigestion in stomach/esaphogus area. Rather than reinstate, I did some research on healing the gut. I am now 2 days into eating no carbs and adding fermented foods and beef broth, etc., a la GAPS diet. Feeling remarkably well on this. I did not remove dairy, but eating only fermented (yogurt/kefir). I didn't want to eliminate dairy, because I want to know how no carbs will effect gut. So far so good. If I can continue dairy, I will be happy! Love my yogurt!

 

I have also reduced my Wellbutrin by half. I have gotten off Wellbutrin with no problems in the past, so I took a shot at it. Knowing that if I needed to reinstate, I would need to do so earlier than later. So much for patience! Meanwhile, I WILL follow the 10% ad infinitum when I taper the Lexepro. THAT, I will not experiment on

Thank you all, for being here on this site and sharing experiences and knowledge! peace & love, Freeby60

[Nomoreheadmeds]

Keep us posted on the no carbs 

[manymoretodays]

Hey and Hi and Welcome.  I can soooo relate.

 

My stuff started well before giving birth.  I have a 27 or 28 year old history of AD usage and am now free of them!!!!  And yeah.  However, my postpartum and breastfeeding experience was wonderful........moodwise(was also still medicated).  I look at that 6 weeks off of work and all as one of my best and happiest times......ever.  Just reminiscing.  Man......I have one foot in the past and one foot in the now.......

 

And now I have you on file somewhat as well and hopefully can offer something helpful soon...........

[Freeby60]

Keep us posted on the no carbs

 

I will!