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Chicago77: tapered off Lexapro ... still have bad withdrawal symptoms

Chicago77

By Chicago77
in Introductions and updates

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LexAnger Rookie

LexAnger

Posted
Posted

Hi Chicago77,

 

I strongly recommend OPC 3 for boasting immune systems. I have been taking it on and off for a long while and I feel I benefit from it for inflammation and overall stronger immune. You may want to check it out online. Market of America is the company I would choose for purchase.

 

i don't know how to think of my situation anymore. The first week after the drop was sure acute WD, flu like symptoms, most severe pain on head, belly, weak arms, legs, overall sickness etc. but I got a very clear one day window after 1 week. Then my old drug reaction flared up with full force, so I had to drop again. I'm currently at 0.17 mg, except for the super incredible pain ( just one spot on my head), the other WD symptoms are not bad or concerning. I feel the drug reaction is still my most difficult issue ( brain dead, burning all over, crapy, akathesia ). Each time I drop, I will feel overall much better only with that pain flares up, and when I feel the reaction soon after the drop, that pain will subside. I feel most probably I have to keep dropping fast for the rest tiny dose.

 

I would be very happy to talk to you when a good time for both of us. Just in case sometimes we feel a real need to hear directly from someone who understands and going through similar situations.

 

Hope your healing continues at high speed.

Lex

Drug free Sep. 23 2017

2009 Mar.: lexapro 10mg for headache for 2 weeks.

2009-2012: on and off 1/4 to 1/3 of 10mg

2012 June--2013 Jan,: 1/4-1/3 of 10mg generic, bad jaw pain

2013 Jan-Mar: 10 mg generic. severe jaw and head pain;

2013 Mar--Aug. started tapering (liquid ever since) from 10 to 5 (one step) then gradually down to 2.25 mg by July. first ever panic attack, severe head/jaw pain

2013 Aug.: back to 2.75 mg; Nov: back to Brand Lex. 2.75mg -- 3mg,

2014 June: stopped PPI, head pressure/numbness. up-dosed 4.5mg, severe reaction mental symptoms added on

2014 Aug--2015 Aug: Micro taper down to 3.2mg, .025mg (<1%) cut holding 2-3 weeks.

2015 Aug 15th, Accidental one dose of 4.2mg. worsening brain non-functional, swollen head, body, coma like, DR

2016 Feb., started dosing 10am through 11 pm everyday 2/13--3.2mg, 3/15-- 2.9mg, 4/19-- 2.6mg, 6/26--2.2mg, 7/22 --1.9mg, 8/16--1.8mg，8/31--1.7m g, 9/13--1.6mg, 9/27--1.5mg, 10/8--1.4mg, 10/14--1.3mg， 11/1--1.2mg, 11/29--1.1mg, 12/12--1mg, 12/22--0.9mg

2017: 1/7--0.8mg, 1/15--0.7mg, 1/17--0.6mg, 1/20--0.52, 1/21--0.4mg, 1/22--0.26, 1/23--0.2, 2/13--0.13mg, 2/20--0.06mg, 3/18--0.13mg, 6/1--0.12mg, 7/6--0.1mg, 7/14--0.08mg, 8/17--0.04mg, 8/20--0.03mg, 8/28--0.02mg, 9/6--0.0205mg, 9/8--0.02mg, 9/17--0.015mg, 9/20--0.01mg, 9/21--0.0048mg, 9/22--0.0001mg,

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Mimi11 Newbie

Mimi11

Posted
Posted

Hi Chicago77! Looks like we have very similar symptoms. I'm at 16 months of withdrawal from Celexa. Same drug, different name. I just recently started having a bit of burning and numbness. Mostly legs, but migrates around a bit. Had a couple acupuncture appts and that seemed to make it much worse. So don't do that! lol. I'm finding the emotional symptoms (depression, ruminating thoughts, neuro emotions) pretty tough. I've had digestive issues too. Things are still changing all the time so I guess I'm still healing. I'm starting to truly believe that healing is measured in years, not months unfortunately. Since we're on a similar journey, I'm happy to message with you or just post in the forum. Support is so key! Be well. 

Celexa 10 mg ( approx 5 years), reduced to 5mg (approx 10 years). Prescribed for anxiety and panic. Started tapering July 2015-2.5 mg for a month, then 2.5 every other day. Kept tapering until October when I took my last crumb.  Almost 4 years drug free and WD symptoms are evolving constantly. Some improved, some new. 

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Chicago77 Newbie

Chicago77

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  • Author
Posted

Hope you are doing better Lex and Mimi! Unfortunately, I'm doing terrible today and need the mods help or anyone else that has experience with this. 

 

I got a deep tissue massage last night because I thought it would help relax my muscles and make me feel better. However, today I woke up and literally feel like crap. I have flu like symptoms, nausea, chills, sweating, aches, fatigue, no appetite along with all my WD symptoms like burning skin, random shooting electrical pain, sensitivy in my sciatic nerve, blurry vision, etc. 

 

Do you think the massage made me worse? Has anyone else gotten a massage and felt terrible the next day? Please help! Thanks!

Took 10 mg of Lexapro for 15 years. Started to taper in October 2015. Took last 1mg dose in March 2016. Started having side effects end of March 2016. Symptoms include: anxiety, heart palpitations, shaky, chronic fatigue, body feels like lead(so heavy), brain fog and dizziness and really bad pain especially on right side of body. 

 

Symptoms as of 10/18/16- Burning skin, widespread body pain, some insomnia, some fatigue, some brain fog, anxiety upon waking up, numbing and tremor in pinky and ring finger on left hand, cracking/popping/stiff joints. 

 

Symptoms as of 4/19/17- A little burning skin, muscle pain, FATIGUE, some brain fog, tremor in pinky and ring finger on left hand, cracking/popping/stiff joints, blurry vision, eye floaters, sciatica.

 

Symptoms as of 10/3/17- Physical symptoms-- Very little burning skin that comes and goes, some muscle and nerve pain that comes and goes, tremor in pinky and ring finger, muscle twitches, cortisol spike in the morning(heart palpitations), cracking/popping joints all those this has gotten a little better lately, blurry vision and eye floaters that come and go, sciatica(less intense now), fatigue which is still very bad but better than a year ago. Mental symptoms-- Depression, anxiety, hopelessness, lack of motivation or interest, brain fog(trouble focusing and concentrating), ruminating thoughts. All these come and go. 

 

 

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LexAnger Rookie

LexAnger

Posted
Posted

Oh geese, so sorry Chicago about another unexpected hit.

 

I remember someon here mentioned similar experience with both massage and acupuncture. It seems once the system is sensitized, just a mouth blow of air can make it shaking.

 

Try not panic and over think about it. Probably you have to ride it out for this time.I believe it will subside and you will regain stabilization.

 

Seems only safe way is for it to heal by itself, any other remedy can be risky.

 

Hugs,

Lex

Drug free Sep. 23 2017

2009 Mar.: lexapro 10mg for headache for 2 weeks.

2009-2012: on and off 1/4 to 1/3 of 10mg

2012 June--2013 Jan,: 1/4-1/3 of 10mg generic, bad jaw pain

2013 Jan-Mar: 10 mg generic. severe jaw and head pain;

2013 Mar--Aug. started tapering (liquid ever since) from 10 to 5 (one step) then gradually down to 2.25 mg by July. first ever panic attack, severe head/jaw pain

2013 Aug.: back to 2.75 mg; Nov: back to Brand Lex. 2.75mg -- 3mg,

2014 June: stopped PPI, head pressure/numbness. up-dosed 4.5mg, severe reaction mental symptoms added on

2014 Aug--2015 Aug: Micro taper down to 3.2mg, .025mg (<1%) cut holding 2-3 weeks.

2015 Aug 15th, Accidental one dose of 4.2mg. worsening brain non-functional, swollen head, body, coma like, DR

2016 Feb., started dosing 10am through 11 pm everyday 2/13--3.2mg, 3/15-- 2.9mg, 4/19-- 2.6mg, 6/26--2.2mg, 7/22 --1.9mg, 8/16--1.8mg，8/31--1.7m g, 9/13--1.6mg, 9/27--1.5mg, 10/8--1.4mg, 10/14--1.3mg， 11/1--1.2mg, 11/29--1.1mg, 12/12--1mg, 12/22--0.9mg

2017: 1/7--0.8mg, 1/15--0.7mg, 1/17--0.6mg, 1/20--0.52, 1/21--0.4mg, 1/22--0.26, 1/23--0.2, 2/13--0.13mg, 2/20--0.06mg, 3/18--0.13mg, 6/1--0.12mg, 7/6--0.1mg, 7/14--0.08mg, 8/17--0.04mg, 8/20--0.03mg, 8/28--0.02mg, 9/6--0.0205mg, 9/8--0.02mg, 9/17--0.015mg, 9/20--0.01mg, 9/21--0.0048mg, 9/22--0.0001mg,

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Cipramillion Newbie

Cipramillion

Posted
Posted

Acupuncture failed me big time. Symptoms like this will fade over time. Just hang in there. If your nervous system is sentisized, its prob best to not stress it more with treatment like that. The best we can do is "trial and error".

<p>Sept 2015: 5 mg Cipralex for 3 weeks. Lots of side effects. Reduced to 2.5 mg for 2 weeks. Experiencing withdrawal and side effects still after dose reduction. Quit after almost 4 weeks on 2.5 mg because of adverse effects. Experiencing withdrawal symptoms still. Reinstating 1mg after 3 weeks. Reduced to 0.50 after 2 days due to sensitive reaction (dysautonomia) and trip to ER. January 2016: After 14 months of tapering from 0.5 mg im now down to 0.08mg. Planing on one more drop before 4-8 weeks healing, then jump to zero. 14.03.17: Lexapro free!

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Blondiee1915 Newbie

Blondiee1915

Posted
Posted

Hi Chicago, hope you are doing better . I feel like anything can trigger the symptoms . I got an acupuncture session 2 weeks ago and felt a bit off afterwards . deel tissue massage could have triggered something

04/10 Luvox 25 mg PM, Nortriptyline 1 mg PM

03/08/19: Buspar 2.5 mg AM, 5 mg PM

01/01/19: Xanax 0.125 AM 5 times a week. Occasionally, 0.125 twice a day AM & noon

12/18 Armour Thyroid 60 mg (for hypothyroidism) 

 

Supplements: B Complex, B12 (adeno), multi-vitamin, D, Adrenal Cortex, iron

  • Lexapro 20 mg 2007 - 2013 with various attempts to stop
  • 2013 found a new Dr and started trying other meds: Prozac, Notryptoline, Effexor, Buspar, Gabapentin, Paxil, Nardil
  • Lexapro 15 mg 2015 - 04/2016
  • Vibryiid 10 - 15mg 05/16-06/16 
  • NO MEDS 07/16 - 10/31/16
  • Reinstated 10/31/16 at 2.5 mg lexapro, increased to 5 mg   
  • 1/13/17 switched to Luvox 50 mg before bed
  • 1/20/17 Luvox 37.5 mg PM
  • 12/18 Luvox 10 mg PM, Nortriptyline 2 mg (started Nortriptyline 06/17 at 10 mg)
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O2bhappy Rookie

O2bhappy

Posted
Posted

Chicago77 -

 

I saw your post on Anongrl15590 intro and wanted to respond to you here.  Congrats on being a year off your medicine.  I think you need to celebrated your accomplishment. I know I should be celebrating my 18 months off today, but I am not sure that I am up for it.  I hardly slept last night and when I got up I felt very sad.  Hopefully my mood will improve as the day goes on.

Discontinued Fluoxetine cold turkey after taking it for 12 years. Stopped taking Fluoxetine in August 2015.

My current withdrawal symptoms: Itchy skin, smell hallucination, hot flashes, night sweats, insomnia, and anxiety. 

Synthroid for hypothyroidism.

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Blondiee1915 Newbie

Blondiee1915

Posted
Posted

Hi Chicago -

I also saw your post on another thread and wanted to congratulate you on being a year off ! Any celebration plans ?:))))

I also read that you lost some weight I wanted to say that I lost some weight too. Everyone at work and a few of my friends keep asking me for the secret to my weight loss little do they know lol I just say stress and I quit dairy

04/10 Luvox 25 mg PM, Nortriptyline 1 mg PM

03/08/19: Buspar 2.5 mg AM, 5 mg PM

01/01/19: Xanax 0.125 AM 5 times a week. Occasionally, 0.125 twice a day AM & noon

12/18 Armour Thyroid 60 mg (for hypothyroidism) 

 

Supplements: B Complex, B12 (adeno), multi-vitamin, D, Adrenal Cortex, iron

  • Lexapro 20 mg 2007 - 2013 with various attempts to stop
  • 2013 found a new Dr and started trying other meds: Prozac, Notryptoline, Effexor, Buspar, Gabapentin, Paxil, Nardil
  • Lexapro 15 mg 2015 - 04/2016
  • Vibryiid 10 - 15mg 05/16-06/16 
  • NO MEDS 07/16 - 10/31/16
  • Reinstated 10/31/16 at 2.5 mg lexapro, increased to 5 mg   
  • 1/13/17 switched to Luvox 50 mg before bed
  • 1/20/17 Luvox 37.5 mg PM
  • 12/18 Luvox 10 mg PM, Nortriptyline 2 mg (started Nortriptyline 06/17 at 10 mg)
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O2bhappy Rookie

O2bhappy

Posted
Posted

Blondiee1915 -

 

I have lost 55 pounds since I CT Prozac.  I was so nauseous and had no appetite.  People would also ask me how I lost the weight and I would say stomach issues.  Then people would say how great I looked.  If only they knew how bad I truly felt. 

Discontinued Fluoxetine cold turkey after taking it for 12 years. Stopped taking Fluoxetine in August 2015.

My current withdrawal symptoms: Itchy skin, smell hallucination, hot flashes, night sweats, insomnia, and anxiety. 

Synthroid for hypothyroidism.

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Blondiee1915 Newbie

Blondiee1915

Posted
Posted

Blondiee1915 -

 

I have lost 55 pounds since I CT Prozac.  I was so nauseous and had no appetite.  People would also ask me how I lost the weight and I would say stomach issues.  Then people would say how great I looked.  If only they knew how bad I truly felt.

 

Oh wow that is a lot of weight . I lost about 20 lbs not that drastic but still noticeable as I am petite in general. Crazy what these drugs do to you. I get slight nausea occasionally still and my appetite is all over the place but I make sure I am myself eat. I have issues with sugar low blood pressure and anemia so definitely need to make sure I am getting food in . I still have a road to go as I reinstated not at so low dose and also switched SSRI and yet waiting to feel somewhat normal before attempting to taper.

04/10 Luvox 25 mg PM, Nortriptyline 1 mg PM

03/08/19: Buspar 2.5 mg AM, 5 mg PM

01/01/19: Xanax 0.125 AM 5 times a week. Occasionally, 0.125 twice a day AM & noon

12/18 Armour Thyroid 60 mg (for hypothyroidism) 

 

Supplements: B Complex, B12 (adeno), multi-vitamin, D, Adrenal Cortex, iron

  • Lexapro 20 mg 2007 - 2013 with various attempts to stop
  • 2013 found a new Dr and started trying other meds: Prozac, Notryptoline, Effexor, Buspar, Gabapentin, Paxil, Nardil
  • Lexapro 15 mg 2015 - 04/2016
  • Vibryiid 10 - 15mg 05/16-06/16 
  • NO MEDS 07/16 - 10/31/16
  • Reinstated 10/31/16 at 2.5 mg lexapro, increased to 5 mg   
  • 1/13/17 switched to Luvox 50 mg before bed
  • 1/20/17 Luvox 37.5 mg PM
  • 12/18 Luvox 10 mg PM, Nortriptyline 2 mg (started Nortriptyline 06/17 at 10 mg)
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Chicago77 Newbie

Chicago77

Posted
  • Author
Posted

I made it one year in withdrawal!! No meds for one year!! It's my anniversary, but not one that I'm excited to celebrate. lol  :) However, this has literally been the hardest year of my life, so maybe I should be a little proud of myself for even making it this far. Sometimes I really didn't think I would make it. I really don't even know how I got here. Everyday has been a struggle since this all started and it has truly tested every single part of my being. Since the start of this hellish journey, I kept a log of every symptom that came up until now. I've decided for my 1 year anniversary, I'm going to share a list of my symptoms that I've had and where I am today with them. So here goes: 

 

  • Anxiety/Panic Attack- Pretty much gone except for a little morning cortisol anxiety
  • Heart Palpitations- Gone 
  • Internal Shaking- Gone
  • Crying Spells- Gone
  • Burning Skin- Still have
  • Insomnia- Gone
  • Fatigue- Still bad although no longer bedridden and have more energy than I did 6 months ago
  • Brain Fog- Still pretty bad-hard for me to focus and concentrate and don't feel as sharp as I used to be
  • Body feeling like it's filled with bricks/Heaviness- Gone
  • Nausea- Just a little bit here and there
  • Dizziness- Gone
  • Numbing/Tingling- Gone
  • Feeling of a sock on my left foot- Gone
  • Pins and Needles- Gone
  • Drunk/Drugged Feeling- Gone
  • Electric Shocks throughout body- Very little
  • Blurry Vision- Still bad
  • Sensitivity to light- Still bad
  • Slurred Speech- Gone
  • Loss of appetite- pretty much gone
  • Sensitivity to sounds- a little bit
  • Freezing hands/feet- Gone
  • Feeling of a lump in my throat- a little bit
  • Muscle pain- still pretty bad
  • Muscle spasm/twitching- rarely
  • Stiffness- still have but better
  • Cracking/popping of joints all over body- yes
  • Irrational Fear- Gone
  • Sweats/Chills- gone except for when I got a deep tissue massage. It came roaring back. 
  • Pain behind the eyes- Gone
  • Chest/Tightness in chest- Gone
  • Pinky and ring finger tremor- still have
  • Internal burn/vibration- a little bit
  • Spine pain/back pain- yes a little bit
  • Sensitivity in my sciatic nerve- yes

 

Well there you have it. Clearly, I still have a ways to go and feel my healing has plateaued for the last 3 months. The good news is I've had no new symptoms since Oct 2016, but I also haven't had one drop off in awhile. I kind of feel "stuck" right now.  <_<  Hoping that as time goes by that I will feel better little by little. Unfortunately, I'm not one of those people that has windows with no symptoms. I've had symptoms every single moment since this all started. The emotional ones would come and go, but they are pretty much gone. Of course I get scared, sad or frustrated because my body feels like crap, but it's different. It's not that I get the irrational fear anymore. Heck, 8 months ago I was afraid to do laundry by myself or go outside. That is all gone! Now, I have mostly physical symptoms, which I'm praying with fade away with time. 

 

Anyway, thanks to everyone who has been so supportive and helped me along the way during this journey. You guys TRULY understand what it's like and I'm so grateful for each and every one of you!  :D  We will ALL make it through this!! 

Took 10 mg of Lexapro for 15 years. Started to taper in October 2015. Took last 1mg dose in March 2016. Started having side effects end of March 2016. Symptoms include: anxiety, heart palpitations, shaky, chronic fatigue, body feels like lead(so heavy), brain fog and dizziness and really bad pain especially on right side of body. 

 

Symptoms as of 10/18/16- Burning skin, widespread body pain, some insomnia, some fatigue, some brain fog, anxiety upon waking up, numbing and tremor in pinky and ring finger on left hand, cracking/popping/stiff joints. 

 

Symptoms as of 4/19/17- A little burning skin, muscle pain, FATIGUE, some brain fog, tremor in pinky and ring finger on left hand, cracking/popping/stiff joints, blurry vision, eye floaters, sciatica.

 

Symptoms as of 10/3/17- Physical symptoms-- Very little burning skin that comes and goes, some muscle and nerve pain that comes and goes, tremor in pinky and ring finger, muscle twitches, cortisol spike in the morning(heart palpitations), cracking/popping joints all those this has gotten a little better lately, blurry vision and eye floaters that come and go, sciatica(less intense now), fatigue which is still very bad but better than a year ago. Mental symptoms-- Depression, anxiety, hopelessness, lack of motivation or interest, brain fog(trouble focusing and concentrating), ruminating thoughts. All these come and go. 

 

 

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LexAnger Rookie

LexAnger

Posted
Posted

Such a huge achievement, Chicago! Hats off to you for being a survivor going through the most impossible journey. I often look up to your example for inspiration and courage-- thank you for the update, it gives hope and streghth to me.

 

Wish you speedy and continuous healing!

 

Lex

Drug free Sep. 23 2017

2009 Mar.: lexapro 10mg for headache for 2 weeks.

2009-2012: on and off 1/4 to 1/3 of 10mg

2012 June--2013 Jan,: 1/4-1/3 of 10mg generic, bad jaw pain

2013 Jan-Mar: 10 mg generic. severe jaw and head pain;

2013 Mar--Aug. started tapering (liquid ever since) from 10 to 5 (one step) then gradually down to 2.25 mg by July. first ever panic attack, severe head/jaw pain

2013 Aug.: back to 2.75 mg; Nov: back to Brand Lex. 2.75mg -- 3mg,

2014 June: stopped PPI, head pressure/numbness. up-dosed 4.5mg, severe reaction mental symptoms added on

2014 Aug--2015 Aug: Micro taper down to 3.2mg, .025mg (<1%) cut holding 2-3 weeks.

2015 Aug 15th, Accidental one dose of 4.2mg. worsening brain non-functional, swollen head, body, coma like, DR

2016 Feb., started dosing 10am through 11 pm everyday 2/13--3.2mg, 3/15-- 2.9mg, 4/19-- 2.6mg, 6/26--2.2mg, 7/22 --1.9mg, 8/16--1.8mg，8/31--1.7m g, 9/13--1.6mg, 9/27--1.5mg, 10/8--1.4mg, 10/14--1.3mg， 11/1--1.2mg, 11/29--1.1mg, 12/12--1mg, 12/22--0.9mg

2017: 1/7--0.8mg, 1/15--0.7mg, 1/17--0.6mg, 1/20--0.52, 1/21--0.4mg, 1/22--0.26, 1/23--0.2, 2/13--0.13mg, 2/20--0.06mg, 3/18--0.13mg, 6/1--0.12mg, 7/6--0.1mg, 7/14--0.08mg, 8/17--0.04mg, 8/20--0.03mg, 8/28--0.02mg, 9/6--0.0205mg, 9/8--0.02mg, 9/17--0.015mg, 9/20--0.01mg, 9/21--0.0048mg, 9/22--0.0001mg,

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Blondiee1915 Newbie

Blondiee1915

Posted
Posted

Hi Chicago ! I just wanted to congratulate you once more on being a year off, that is incredible. You are a true fighter and should be so proud of yourself. Thank you for sharing your symptoms I can definitely relate to most of the symptoms on your list . It is great that most of them are gone and with more time they will all disappear. Keep on the good work. Thank you for sharing your update and giving us hope

B

04/10 Luvox 25 mg PM, Nortriptyline 1 mg PM

03/08/19: Buspar 2.5 mg AM, 5 mg PM

01/01/19: Xanax 0.125 AM 5 times a week. Occasionally, 0.125 twice a day AM & noon

12/18 Armour Thyroid 60 mg (for hypothyroidism) 

 

Supplements: B Complex, B12 (adeno), multi-vitamin, D, Adrenal Cortex, iron

  • Lexapro 20 mg 2007 - 2013 with various attempts to stop
  • 2013 found a new Dr and started trying other meds: Prozac, Notryptoline, Effexor, Buspar, Gabapentin, Paxil, Nardil
  • Lexapro 15 mg 2015 - 04/2016
  • Vibryiid 10 - 15mg 05/16-06/16 
  • NO MEDS 07/16 - 10/31/16
  • Reinstated 10/31/16 at 2.5 mg lexapro, increased to 5 mg   
  • 1/13/17 switched to Luvox 50 mg before bed
  • 1/20/17 Luvox 37.5 mg PM
  • 12/18 Luvox 10 mg PM, Nortriptyline 2 mg (started Nortriptyline 06/17 at 10 mg)
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Cipramillion Newbie

Cipramillion

Posted
Posted

Thank you for shaking this, and congratulations on your major achievement!

 

You give hope to all Lexapro sufferers!

 

Cip

<p>Sept 2015: 5 mg Cipralex for 3 weeks. Lots of side effects. Reduced to 2.5 mg for 2 weeks. Experiencing withdrawal and side effects still after dose reduction. Quit after almost 4 weeks on 2.5 mg because of adverse effects. Experiencing withdrawal symptoms still. Reinstating 1mg after 3 weeks. Reduced to 0.50 after 2 days due to sensitive reaction (dysautonomia) and trip to ER. January 2016: After 14 months of tapering from 0.5 mg im now down to 0.08mg. Planing on one more drop before 4-8 weeks healing, then jump to zero. 14.03.17: Lexapro free!

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Cipramillion Newbie

Cipramillion

Posted
Posted

Sharing not shaking :)

<p>Sept 2015: 5 mg Cipralex for 3 weeks. Lots of side effects. Reduced to 2.5 mg for 2 weeks. Experiencing withdrawal and side effects still after dose reduction. Quit after almost 4 weeks on 2.5 mg because of adverse effects. Experiencing withdrawal symptoms still. Reinstating 1mg after 3 weeks. Reduced to 0.50 after 2 days due to sensitive reaction (dysautonomia) and trip to ER. January 2016: After 14 months of tapering from 0.5 mg im now down to 0.08mg. Planing on one more drop before 4-8 weeks healing, then jump to zero. 14.03.17: Lexapro free!

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Happy2Heal Contributor

Happy2Heal

Posted
  • Mentor
Posted

Great job Chicago!!

I am so glad to hear that most of your symptoms are at least less severe, if not totally gone.

 

your story gives me hope.

 

wishing you continued healing!!

 

PLEASE DO NOT SEND ME PRIVATE MESSAGES, thank you. 

  • pysch med history: 1974 @ age 18 to Oct 2017 (approx 43 yrs total) 
  •  Drug list: stelazine, haldol, elavil, lithium, zoloft, celexa, lexapro(doses as high as 40mgs), klonopin, ambien, seroquel(high doses), depakote, zyprexa, lamictal- plus brief trials of dozens of other psych meds over the years
  • started lexapro 2002, dose varied from 20mgs to 40mgs. First attempt to get off it was 2007- WD symptoms were mistaken for "relapse". 
  •  2013 too fast taper down to 5mg but WD forced me back to 20mgs
  •  June of 2105, tapered again too rapidly to 2.5mgs by Dec 2015. Found SA, held at 2.5 mgs til May 2016 when I foolishly "jumped off". felt ok until  Sept, then acute WD hit!!  reinstated at 0.3mgs in Oct. 2106
  • Tapered off to zero by  Oct. 2017 Doing very well. 
  • Nov. 2018 feel 95% healed, age 63 
  • Jan. 2020 feel 100% healed, peaceful and content
  • Dec 2023 Loving life! ❤️ with all it's ups and downs ;) 
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Chicago77 Newbie

Chicago77

Posted
  • Author
Posted

Thanks guys!! YOU are the ones that have helped me get to this point. Again, I still have a ways to go, but I can see progress when I look back for sure!  :)

Took 10 mg of Lexapro for 15 years. Started to taper in October 2015. Took last 1mg dose in March 2016. Started having side effects end of March 2016. Symptoms include: anxiety, heart palpitations, shaky, chronic fatigue, body feels like lead(so heavy), brain fog and dizziness and really bad pain especially on right side of body. 

 

Symptoms as of 10/18/16- Burning skin, widespread body pain, some insomnia, some fatigue, some brain fog, anxiety upon waking up, numbing and tremor in pinky and ring finger on left hand, cracking/popping/stiff joints. 

 

Symptoms as of 4/19/17- A little burning skin, muscle pain, FATIGUE, some brain fog, tremor in pinky and ring finger on left hand, cracking/popping/stiff joints, blurry vision, eye floaters, sciatica.

 

Symptoms as of 10/3/17- Physical symptoms-- Very little burning skin that comes and goes, some muscle and nerve pain that comes and goes, tremor in pinky and ring finger, muscle twitches, cortisol spike in the morning(heart palpitations), cracking/popping joints all those this has gotten a little better lately, blurry vision and eye floaters that come and go, sciatica(less intense now), fatigue which is still very bad but better than a year ago. Mental symptoms-- Depression, anxiety, hopelessness, lack of motivation or interest, brain fog(trouble focusing and concentrating), ruminating thoughts. All these come and go. 

 

 

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Chicago77 Newbie

Chicago77

Posted
  • Author
Posted

Hi Chicago !

Congrats on your successful journey towards a life free of drugs.

 

May I ask you if you do any sports and/or meditation ?

 

I can relate to many of the symptoms you have or had but running and meditating does wonders for me.

Hi FSL,

 

I was very active before withdrawal. Working out at the gym all the time and spinning! I loved spinning. Unfortunately, when WD hit I turned into an old woman over night and could barely walk up one flight of stairs. All my muscles hurt so bad and I was so stiff. Also, had terrible nerve pain. I'm just now slowly starting light exercise again. I tried 3 months ago and hurt too bad. Now I feel I'm a little bit more ready. I just walk on a treadmill outside and started riding 20 mins on a stationary bike at a level one. All started restorative yoga. It's funny you mentioned meditation because I just signed up for a meditation class on Sat. I've always wanted to learn how to do it. 

 

Do you have body pain in your WD? I know not everyone gets it. If so, has working out helped it? How has meditation helped you?

Took 10 mg of Lexapro for 15 years. Started to taper in October 2015. Took last 1mg dose in March 2016. Started having side effects end of March 2016. Symptoms include: anxiety, heart palpitations, shaky, chronic fatigue, body feels like lead(so heavy), brain fog and dizziness and really bad pain especially on right side of body. 

 

Symptoms as of 10/18/16- Burning skin, widespread body pain, some insomnia, some fatigue, some brain fog, anxiety upon waking up, numbing and tremor in pinky and ring finger on left hand, cracking/popping/stiff joints. 

 

Symptoms as of 4/19/17- A little burning skin, muscle pain, FATIGUE, some brain fog, tremor in pinky and ring finger on left hand, cracking/popping/stiff joints, blurry vision, eye floaters, sciatica.

 

Symptoms as of 10/3/17- Physical symptoms-- Very little burning skin that comes and goes, some muscle and nerve pain that comes and goes, tremor in pinky and ring finger, muscle twitches, cortisol spike in the morning(heart palpitations), cracking/popping joints all those this has gotten a little better lately, blurry vision and eye floaters that come and go, sciatica(less intense now), fatigue which is still very bad but better than a year ago. Mental symptoms-- Depression, anxiety, hopelessness, lack of motivation or interest, brain fog(trouble focusing and concentrating), ruminating thoughts. All these come and go. 

 

 

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Chicago77 Newbie

Chicago77

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Posted

Thanks FSL! That's really interesting stuff and makes sense. I'll look into it and looking forward to the meditation class on Sat. :)

Took 10 mg of Lexapro for 15 years. Started to taper in October 2015. Took last 1mg dose in March 2016. Started having side effects end of March 2016. Symptoms include: anxiety, heart palpitations, shaky, chronic fatigue, body feels like lead(so heavy), brain fog and dizziness and really bad pain especially on right side of body. 

 

Symptoms as of 10/18/16- Burning skin, widespread body pain, some insomnia, some fatigue, some brain fog, anxiety upon waking up, numbing and tremor in pinky and ring finger on left hand, cracking/popping/stiff joints. 

 

Symptoms as of 4/19/17- A little burning skin, muscle pain, FATIGUE, some brain fog, tremor in pinky and ring finger on left hand, cracking/popping/stiff joints, blurry vision, eye floaters, sciatica.

 

Symptoms as of 10/3/17- Physical symptoms-- Very little burning skin that comes and goes, some muscle and nerve pain that comes and goes, tremor in pinky and ring finger, muscle twitches, cortisol spike in the morning(heart palpitations), cracking/popping joints all those this has gotten a little better lately, blurry vision and eye floaters that come and go, sciatica(less intense now), fatigue which is still very bad but better than a year ago. Mental symptoms-- Depression, anxiety, hopelessness, lack of motivation or interest, brain fog(trouble focusing and concentrating), ruminating thoughts. All these come and go. 

 

 

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LexAnger Rookie

LexAnger

Posted
Posted

FSL, lucky you don't have pains! I always thought pain is the most typical symptom from Lexapro.

 

Chicago, I can share my experience with pain. I honestly feel I have the most severe pain all these years, they come in various types and over all parts. Needling pain is the most intolerable allover head, face body. Head, face pain is constant with teeth and jaw pain up and down. Ear pain always comes in sleep every time I cut dose the day before. Back pain ever since I increased dose.

 

Walking on triadmail always helps ( not is walk around on street), sauna, and especially swim helps more. I don't think I can survive to today without the help from exercise. Before I dropped dose from 0.9 mg to 0.07 mg in two months, I have been going to gym every day to get relief. Often times, I feel a different person out of gym doing those three types. Now I'm completely bed ridden with severe weakness, short breath, paralyzed left body so can't go anymore.

 

Sounds you still have pain, how is it like and any improvement since you stopped the meds?

 

I

Drug free Sep. 23 2017

2009 Mar.: lexapro 10mg for headache for 2 weeks.

2009-2012: on and off 1/4 to 1/3 of 10mg

2012 June--2013 Jan,: 1/4-1/3 of 10mg generic, bad jaw pain

2013 Jan-Mar: 10 mg generic. severe jaw and head pain;

2013 Mar--Aug. started tapering (liquid ever since) from 10 to 5 (one step) then gradually down to 2.25 mg by July. first ever panic attack, severe head/jaw pain

2013 Aug.: back to 2.75 mg; Nov: back to Brand Lex. 2.75mg -- 3mg,

2014 June: stopped PPI, head pressure/numbness. up-dosed 4.5mg, severe reaction mental symptoms added on

2014 Aug--2015 Aug: Micro taper down to 3.2mg, .025mg (<1%) cut holding 2-3 weeks.

2015 Aug 15th, Accidental one dose of 4.2mg. worsening brain non-functional, swollen head, body, coma like, DR

2016 Feb., started dosing 10am through 11 pm everyday 2/13--3.2mg, 3/15-- 2.9mg, 4/19-- 2.6mg, 6/26--2.2mg, 7/22 --1.9mg, 8/16--1.8mg，8/31--1.7m g, 9/13--1.6mg, 9/27--1.5mg, 10/8--1.4mg, 10/14--1.3mg， 11/1--1.2mg, 11/29--1.1mg, 12/12--1mg, 12/22--0.9mg

2017: 1/7--0.8mg, 1/15--0.7mg, 1/17--0.6mg, 1/20--0.52, 1/21--0.4mg, 1/22--0.26, 1/23--0.2, 2/13--0.13mg, 2/20--0.06mg, 3/18--0.13mg, 6/1--0.12mg, 7/6--0.1mg, 7/14--0.08mg, 8/17--0.04mg, 8/20--0.03mg, 8/28--0.02mg, 9/6--0.0205mg, 9/8--0.02mg, 9/17--0.015mg, 9/20--0.01mg, 9/21--0.0048mg, 9/22--0.0001mg,

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Chicago77 Newbie

Chicago77

Posted
  • Author
Posted

FSL, lucky you don't have pains! I always thought pain is the most typical symptom from Lexapro.

 

Chicago, I can share my experience with pain. I honestly feel I have the most severe pain all these years, they come in various types and over all parts. Needling pain is the most intolerable allover head, face body. Head, face pain is constant with teeth and jaw pain up and down. Ear pain always comes in sleep every time I cut dose the day before. Back pain ever since I increased dose.

 

Walking on triadmail always helps ( not is walk around on street), sauna, and especially swim helps more. I don't think I can survive to today without the help from exercise. Before I dropped dose from 0.9 mg to 0.07 mg in two months, I have been going to gym every day to get relief. Often times, I feel a different person out of gym doing those three types. Now I'm completely bed ridden with severe weakness, short breath, paralyzed left body so can't go anymore.

 

Sounds you still have pain, how is it like and any improvement since you stopped the meds?

 

I

 

Lex your post is making me so sad! I'm sooooo sorry you are bedridden. Ugh! You are almost off the drug though. I know WD can last after you taper, but you are so strong. You can do this. Please keep hanging in there!! You are truly a warrior!!! My inspiration!  :)

Took 10 mg of Lexapro for 15 years. Started to taper in October 2015. Took last 1mg dose in March 2016. Started having side effects end of March 2016. Symptoms include: anxiety, heart palpitations, shaky, chronic fatigue, body feels like lead(so heavy), brain fog and dizziness and really bad pain especially on right side of body. 

 

Symptoms as of 10/18/16- Burning skin, widespread body pain, some insomnia, some fatigue, some brain fog, anxiety upon waking up, numbing and tremor in pinky and ring finger on left hand, cracking/popping/stiff joints. 

 

Symptoms as of 4/19/17- A little burning skin, muscle pain, FATIGUE, some brain fog, tremor in pinky and ring finger on left hand, cracking/popping/stiff joints, blurry vision, eye floaters, sciatica.

 

Symptoms as of 10/3/17- Physical symptoms-- Very little burning skin that comes and goes, some muscle and nerve pain that comes and goes, tremor in pinky and ring finger, muscle twitches, cortisol spike in the morning(heart palpitations), cracking/popping joints all those this has gotten a little better lately, blurry vision and eye floaters that come and go, sciatica(less intense now), fatigue which is still very bad but better than a year ago. Mental symptoms-- Depression, anxiety, hopelessness, lack of motivation or interest, brain fog(trouble focusing and concentrating), ruminating thoughts. All these come and go. 

 

 

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Chicago77 Newbie

Chicago77

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Hi Chicago. How did you like your meditation class ? :)

 

Lex that left body paralysis is felt all day long ? My God sounds like someone that had a stroke :(

So I really liked the meditation class, however, I was terrible at it!! lol  :lol: My mind was all over the place and I couldn't focus at all. I really want to try again though and keep practicing. 

Took 10 mg of Lexapro for 15 years. Started to taper in October 2015. Took last 1mg dose in March 2016. Started having side effects end of March 2016. Symptoms include: anxiety, heart palpitations, shaky, chronic fatigue, body feels like lead(so heavy), brain fog and dizziness and really bad pain especially on right side of body. 

 

Symptoms as of 10/18/16- Burning skin, widespread body pain, some insomnia, some fatigue, some brain fog, anxiety upon waking up, numbing and tremor in pinky and ring finger on left hand, cracking/popping/stiff joints. 

 

Symptoms as of 4/19/17- A little burning skin, muscle pain, FATIGUE, some brain fog, tremor in pinky and ring finger on left hand, cracking/popping/stiff joints, blurry vision, eye floaters, sciatica.

 

Symptoms as of 10/3/17- Physical symptoms-- Very little burning skin that comes and goes, some muscle and nerve pain that comes and goes, tremor in pinky and ring finger, muscle twitches, cortisol spike in the morning(heart palpitations), cracking/popping joints all those this has gotten a little better lately, blurry vision and eye floaters that come and go, sciatica(less intense now), fatigue which is still very bad but better than a year ago. Mental symptoms-- Depression, anxiety, hopelessness, lack of motivation or interest, brain fog(trouble focusing and concentrating), ruminating thoughts. All these come and go. 

 

 

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O2bhappy Rookie

O2bhappy

Posted
Posted

Chicago77 -

 

I chuckled at reading your post about meditation.  I have been meditating or trying to meditate for the past year.  I can relate.  I am not good at it and my mind wonders.

 

I saw a cartoon about meditation that said..."I feel peace, I feel calm, I feel a whole in my sock".  It made me laugh because I could so relate. 

 

I think practicing is the key to meditation. 

Discontinued Fluoxetine cold turkey after taking it for 12 years. Stopped taking Fluoxetine in August 2015.

My current withdrawal symptoms: Itchy skin, smell hallucination, hot flashes, night sweats, insomnia, and anxiety. 

Synthroid for hypothyroidism.

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  • 4 weeks later...
Waiting12 Newbie

Waiting12

Posted
Posted

Hi Chicago,

I just read your March 1st update and wanted to congratulate you on reaching 1 year off! You sound like things are really getting better. You're recovery gives me a lot of hope. Happy healing to you!

2011-2014: 25-50mg Zoloft then CT via doctors advice. Some mild physical sx but fully functioning, unaware that withdrawal was a thing. Dr didn’t know why I was chronically dizzy with brain fog & advised to try Zoloft again.

2016: severe adverse reactions to Zoloft (1 dose), Paxil (3 weeks), celexa (2 weeks), buspar (1 dose), lamictal (4 doses). Ativan 12 times within a month. Also tried Xanax & klonopin a couple times. Each reaction became more severe. Kindled. Became disabled from these meds.

Drug free 12-16-2016
Month 1-20: +5% healing every month
Month 21- present: setback to acute from amoxicillin antibiotic (1 dose)
Month 32- 11 months into setback from antibiotic. Seems I was floxed by amoxicillin somehow. Horrific.

 

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Chicago77 Newbie

Chicago77

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Hi Chicago,

I just read your March 1st update and wanted to congratulate you on reaching 1 year off! You sound like things are really getting better. You're recovery gives me a lot of hope. Happy healing to you!

 

Thanks for stopping by Waiting! Things are getting better little by little. I definitely still have  bad days and this chronic fatigue is relentless, but if I look back to where I was 6 months ago, I'm definitely better. It's just a slow gradual process, at least for me it is. People who are recovered told me the 1st year is the worst and at the time I didn't believe them. Now I most definitely do! I have about 8 stubborn symptoms that are still with me, but it's way better than that large list I posted. Hang in there! Things will slowly improve over time!  :)

Took 10 mg of Lexapro for 15 years. Started to taper in October 2015. Took last 1mg dose in March 2016. Started having side effects end of March 2016. Symptoms include: anxiety, heart palpitations, shaky, chronic fatigue, body feels like lead(so heavy), brain fog and dizziness and really bad pain especially on right side of body. 

 

Symptoms as of 10/18/16- Burning skin, widespread body pain, some insomnia, some fatigue, some brain fog, anxiety upon waking up, numbing and tremor in pinky and ring finger on left hand, cracking/popping/stiff joints. 

 

Symptoms as of 4/19/17- A little burning skin, muscle pain, FATIGUE, some brain fog, tremor in pinky and ring finger on left hand, cracking/popping/stiff joints, blurry vision, eye floaters, sciatica.

 

Symptoms as of 10/3/17- Physical symptoms-- Very little burning skin that comes and goes, some muscle and nerve pain that comes and goes, tremor in pinky and ring finger, muscle twitches, cortisol spike in the morning(heart palpitations), cracking/popping joints all those this has gotten a little better lately, blurry vision and eye floaters that come and go, sciatica(less intense now), fatigue which is still very bad but better than a year ago. Mental symptoms-- Depression, anxiety, hopelessness, lack of motivation or interest, brain fog(trouble focusing and concentrating), ruminating thoughts. All these come and go. 

 

 

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LexAnger Rookie

LexAnger

Posted
Posted

how encouraging!

thanks very much Chicago for this wonderful update!

 

wish you continuous and faster healing!

Lex

Drug free Sep. 23 2017

2009 Mar.: lexapro 10mg for headache for 2 weeks.

2009-2012: on and off 1/4 to 1/3 of 10mg

2012 June--2013 Jan,: 1/4-1/3 of 10mg generic, bad jaw pain

2013 Jan-Mar: 10 mg generic. severe jaw and head pain;

2013 Mar--Aug. started tapering (liquid ever since) from 10 to 5 (one step) then gradually down to 2.25 mg by July. first ever panic attack, severe head/jaw pain

2013 Aug.: back to 2.75 mg; Nov: back to Brand Lex. 2.75mg -- 3mg,

2014 June: stopped PPI, head pressure/numbness. up-dosed 4.5mg, severe reaction mental symptoms added on

2014 Aug--2015 Aug: Micro taper down to 3.2mg, .025mg (<1%) cut holding 2-3 weeks.

2015 Aug 15th, Accidental one dose of 4.2mg. worsening brain non-functional, swollen head, body, coma like, DR

2016 Feb., started dosing 10am through 11 pm everyday 2/13--3.2mg, 3/15-- 2.9mg, 4/19-- 2.6mg, 6/26--2.2mg, 7/22 --1.9mg, 8/16--1.8mg，8/31--1.7m g, 9/13--1.6mg, 9/27--1.5mg, 10/8--1.4mg, 10/14--1.3mg， 11/1--1.2mg, 11/29--1.1mg, 12/12--1mg, 12/22--0.9mg

2017: 1/7--0.8mg, 1/15--0.7mg, 1/17--0.6mg, 1/20--0.52, 1/21--0.4mg, 1/22--0.26, 1/23--0.2, 2/13--0.13mg, 2/20--0.06mg, 3/18--0.13mg, 6/1--0.12mg, 7/6--0.1mg, 7/14--0.08mg, 8/17--0.04mg, 8/20--0.03mg, 8/28--0.02mg, 9/6--0.0205mg, 9/8--0.02mg, 9/17--0.015mg, 9/20--0.01mg, 9/21--0.0048mg, 9/22--0.0001mg,

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anongrl5590 Rookie

anongrl5590

Posted
Posted

Hey Chicago - 

 

Good to hear you're doing better at a little over a year out. I am praying I will be better at the 12 month mark. I'm still doing very, very poorly with 10/10 pain all over body with crazy adrenalin, tinnitus, eye floaters, pins + needles, etc. with absolutely no windows. My anxiety is up the roof! I can only pray I will be where you're at in the same amount of time...

 

Praying for a fast, continued healing Chicago!

My medication -- Prozac
August 2015: Started on 10mg/day
September 2015 to May 2016: Increased to 20mg/day
May 2016: Abruptly stopped 20mg for 2 weeks (withdrawal symtoms arose but assumed it was worsened depression)
June 2016 to August 2016: increased to 40mg (my body reacted very badly to this dose)
August 2016: decreased back to 20mg
September 2016: tapered off 10mg this month alone
September 30, 2016: last day of Prozac
October 2016: month long window
November 2016-Present: WD symptoms (too many physical sxs and some mental sxs)
February 5-20, 2017: Reinstated at 1-2mg // February 21, 2017: Back to no meds

 

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  • 2 weeks later...
Blondiee1915 Newbie

Blondiee1915

Posted
Posted

Hi Chicago,

 

Hope you are soon well

 

I wanted to ask you about your fatigue . Does it lift for you during the day at all ? I am pretty positive it is related to WD but need some reassurance I guess. My fatigue rarely lifts during the day. If I wake up fatigued I am pretty much like this the whole day . Next day I can wake up a bit less fatigued it really all depends. I am wondering if you have moments where in the middle of the day or evening you get a feeling of not being fatigued at all .

04/10 Luvox 25 mg PM, Nortriptyline 1 mg PM

03/08/19: Buspar 2.5 mg AM, 5 mg PM

01/01/19: Xanax 0.125 AM 5 times a week. Occasionally, 0.125 twice a day AM & noon

12/18 Armour Thyroid 60 mg (for hypothyroidism) 

 

Supplements: B Complex, B12 (adeno), multi-vitamin, D, Adrenal Cortex, iron

  • Lexapro 20 mg 2007 - 2013 with various attempts to stop
  • 2013 found a new Dr and started trying other meds: Prozac, Notryptoline, Effexor, Buspar, Gabapentin, Paxil, Nardil
  • Lexapro 15 mg 2015 - 04/2016
  • Vibryiid 10 - 15mg 05/16-06/16 
  • NO MEDS 07/16 - 10/31/16
  • Reinstated 10/31/16 at 2.5 mg lexapro, increased to 5 mg   
  • 1/13/17 switched to Luvox 50 mg before bed
  • 1/20/17 Luvox 37.5 mg PM
  • 12/18 Luvox 10 mg PM, Nortriptyline 2 mg (started Nortriptyline 06/17 at 10 mg)
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Chicago77 Newbie

Chicago77

Posted
  • Author
Posted

Hey Chicago - 

 

Good to hear you're doing better at a little over a year out. I am praying I will be better at the 12 month mark. I'm still doing very, very poorly with 10/10 pain all over body with crazy adrenalin, tinnitus, eye floaters, pins + needles, etc. with absolutely no windows. My anxiety is up the roof! I can only pray I will be where you're at in the same amount of time...

 

Praying for a fast, continued healing Chicago!

I'm sorry you aren't doing well! I know how tough having these symptoms on a daily is. It's terrible, but hopefully as more times passes our bodies will continue to heal. I'm struggling with the fatigue right now.  :(

Took 10 mg of Lexapro for 15 years. Started to taper in October 2015. Took last 1mg dose in March 2016. Started having side effects end of March 2016. Symptoms include: anxiety, heart palpitations, shaky, chronic fatigue, body feels like lead(so heavy), brain fog and dizziness and really bad pain especially on right side of body. 

 

Symptoms as of 10/18/16- Burning skin, widespread body pain, some insomnia, some fatigue, some brain fog, anxiety upon waking up, numbing and tremor in pinky and ring finger on left hand, cracking/popping/stiff joints. 

 

Symptoms as of 4/19/17- A little burning skin, muscle pain, FATIGUE, some brain fog, tremor in pinky and ring finger on left hand, cracking/popping/stiff joints, blurry vision, eye floaters, sciatica.

 

Symptoms as of 10/3/17- Physical symptoms-- Very little burning skin that comes and goes, some muscle and nerve pain that comes and goes, tremor in pinky and ring finger, muscle twitches, cortisol spike in the morning(heart palpitations), cracking/popping joints all those this has gotten a little better lately, blurry vision and eye floaters that come and go, sciatica(less intense now), fatigue which is still very bad but better than a year ago. Mental symptoms-- Depression, anxiety, hopelessness, lack of motivation or interest, brain fog(trouble focusing and concentrating), ruminating thoughts. All these come and go. 

 

 

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Chicago77 Newbie

Chicago77

Posted
  • Author
Posted

Hi Chicago,

 

Hope you are soon well

 

I wanted to ask you about your fatigue . Does it lift for you during the day at all ? I am pretty positive it is related to WD but need some reassurance I guess. My fatigue rarely lifts during the day. If I wake up fatigued I am pretty much like this the whole day . Next day I can wake up a bit less fatigued it really all depends. I am wondering if you have moments where in the middle of the day or evening you get a feeling of not being fatigued at all .

Hey Blondiee, 

 

So I feel pretty lethargic every day. I never feel refreshed after sleeping 8 hours a night. I don't have insomnia so that's not causing the fatigue. I will say that last Sat I felt tired, but it was definitely way less than it has been. Sometimes I feel a little more energy at night too which is strange. There's no real pattern with me at all. I'm not sure why WD causes this crushing fatigue. Have you found anything about that on here? 

 

I didn't feel like this before or during Lexapro, so it has to be WD. It's the only thing that makes sense. I know how frustrating it is though. I feel like a 100 yr old woman walking around!  :lol:  I did take the saliva cortisol test(not sure how accurate it is) and my cortisol was really low, so if it is accurate, that would explain why I'm so tired. Maybe the WD was just too hard on my adrenals. I don't know. 

 

I hope our fatigue starts to lift for the both of us soon! Did you have the fatigue prior or during meds?

Took 10 mg of Lexapro for 15 years. Started to taper in October 2015. Took last 1mg dose in March 2016. Started having side effects end of March 2016. Symptoms include: anxiety, heart palpitations, shaky, chronic fatigue, body feels like lead(so heavy), brain fog and dizziness and really bad pain especially on right side of body. 

 

Symptoms as of 10/18/16- Burning skin, widespread body pain, some insomnia, some fatigue, some brain fog, anxiety upon waking up, numbing and tremor in pinky and ring finger on left hand, cracking/popping/stiff joints. 

 

Symptoms as of 4/19/17- A little burning skin, muscle pain, FATIGUE, some brain fog, tremor in pinky and ring finger on left hand, cracking/popping/stiff joints, blurry vision, eye floaters, sciatica.

 

Symptoms as of 10/3/17- Physical symptoms-- Very little burning skin that comes and goes, some muscle and nerve pain that comes and goes, tremor in pinky and ring finger, muscle twitches, cortisol spike in the morning(heart palpitations), cracking/popping joints all those this has gotten a little better lately, blurry vision and eye floaters that come and go, sciatica(less intense now), fatigue which is still very bad but better than a year ago. Mental symptoms-- Depression, anxiety, hopelessness, lack of motivation or interest, brain fog(trouble focusing and concentrating), ruminating thoughts. All these come and go. 

 

 

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Blondiee1915 Newbie

Blondiee1915

Posted
Posted

Hi Chicago,

 

In my case I think lexapro drained my adrenals and also WD. Before lexapro I was energetic going out constantly positive person . I was put 10 mg and then 20 mg and I remember from the beginning I was exhausted sleeping so much . I asked my doctor why am I so tired and he didn't really have an answer and said i can prescribe some aderol for you for energy which I refused . So basically went on with my life being tired. I tried to quit lexapro at least 4 times and I remember getting a saliva test and it showed that my adrenals were drained . But this fatigue now is 100 times worse . So I think lexapro drained my fatigue and being in WD also contributed tremendously to being exhausted . i am trying to eat healthy which sometimes does not work, I do some light exercise here and there and make sure I get at least 8 hours of sleep. I don't have insomnia but I still wake up unrefreshed (just like you) on few occasions I was late for work bc I had to sleep a bit longer . One time I didn't even remember if I closed my front sop bc I was so tired. It is truly a struggle, and I hope soon it will get better

 

I know this site is not for recommending supplements but I started taking this supplement called mitochondrial NRG which My No prescribed after I had that saliva test . It is a bit pricey but I am hoping it is helping . I am not consistent so I have to see if it is really working .

04/10 Luvox 25 mg PM, Nortriptyline 1 mg PM

03/08/19: Buspar 2.5 mg AM, 5 mg PM

01/01/19: Xanax 0.125 AM 5 times a week. Occasionally, 0.125 twice a day AM & noon

12/18 Armour Thyroid 60 mg (for hypothyroidism) 

 

Supplements: B Complex, B12 (adeno), multi-vitamin, D, Adrenal Cortex, iron

  • Lexapro 20 mg 2007 - 2013 with various attempts to stop
  • 2013 found a new Dr and started trying other meds: Prozac, Notryptoline, Effexor, Buspar, Gabapentin, Paxil, Nardil
  • Lexapro 15 mg 2015 - 04/2016
  • Vibryiid 10 - 15mg 05/16-06/16 
  • NO MEDS 07/16 - 10/31/16
  • Reinstated 10/31/16 at 2.5 mg lexapro, increased to 5 mg   
  • 1/13/17 switched to Luvox 50 mg before bed
  • 1/20/17 Luvox 37.5 mg PM
  • 12/18 Luvox 10 mg PM, Nortriptyline 2 mg (started Nortriptyline 06/17 at 10 mg)
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Blondiee1915 Newbie

Blondiee1915

Posted
Posted

I also feel like an old woman ! It is crazy !

04/10 Luvox 25 mg PM, Nortriptyline 1 mg PM

03/08/19: Buspar 2.5 mg AM, 5 mg PM

01/01/19: Xanax 0.125 AM 5 times a week. Occasionally, 0.125 twice a day AM & noon

12/18 Armour Thyroid 60 mg (for hypothyroidism) 

 

Supplements: B Complex, B12 (adeno), multi-vitamin, D, Adrenal Cortex, iron

  • Lexapro 20 mg 2007 - 2013 with various attempts to stop
  • 2013 found a new Dr and started trying other meds: Prozac, Notryptoline, Effexor, Buspar, Gabapentin, Paxil, Nardil
  • Lexapro 15 mg 2015 - 04/2016
  • Vibryiid 10 - 15mg 05/16-06/16 
  • NO MEDS 07/16 - 10/31/16
  • Reinstated 10/31/16 at 2.5 mg lexapro, increased to 5 mg   
  • 1/13/17 switched to Luvox 50 mg before bed
  • 1/20/17 Luvox 37.5 mg PM
  • 12/18 Luvox 10 mg PM, Nortriptyline 2 mg (started Nortriptyline 06/17 at 10 mg)
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Lorin Newbie

Lorin

Posted
Posted

chicago77

when did you start to have windows?
did you sufer from bad insomnia and bad anixty in this year?
from wich month it get better?

2007-2015- zoloft 100 mg
5-8/2015 taper zoloft 12.5 mg every 2 weeks
3/2016 -11/16 lexapro 20 mg

taper lexapro every month by 30%

11/4/17-lexapro 3.5 mg

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Chicago77 Newbie

Chicago77

Posted
  • Author
Posted

chicago77

when did you start to have windows?

did you sufer from bad insomnia and bad anixty in this year?

from wich month it get better?

Hi Lorin, 

 

I haven't had any windows where I've been symptom free yet. I've just had windows where symptoms are less intense. I definitely had insomnia the first year, but now I'm sleeping. Yes, my anxiety was terrible too. I do still get the early morning heart palpitations sometimes(this symptom came back for me), but it doesn't really scare me because I know everyone gets it and it's just part of the process. I've mentioned this a few times to people on SA, but a book that really helps me get through things when I'm having a tough time is "Recovery and Renewal." It's really good and puts things in perspective for me. Hang in there!  :)

Took 10 mg of Lexapro for 15 years. Started to taper in October 2015. Took last 1mg dose in March 2016. Started having side effects end of March 2016. Symptoms include: anxiety, heart palpitations, shaky, chronic fatigue, body feels like lead(so heavy), brain fog and dizziness and really bad pain especially on right side of body. 

 

Symptoms as of 10/18/16- Burning skin, widespread body pain, some insomnia, some fatigue, some brain fog, anxiety upon waking up, numbing and tremor in pinky and ring finger on left hand, cracking/popping/stiff joints. 

 

Symptoms as of 4/19/17- A little burning skin, muscle pain, FATIGUE, some brain fog, tremor in pinky and ring finger on left hand, cracking/popping/stiff joints, blurry vision, eye floaters, sciatica.

 

Symptoms as of 10/3/17- Physical symptoms-- Very little burning skin that comes and goes, some muscle and nerve pain that comes and goes, tremor in pinky and ring finger, muscle twitches, cortisol spike in the morning(heart palpitations), cracking/popping joints all those this has gotten a little better lately, blurry vision and eye floaters that come and go, sciatica(less intense now), fatigue which is still very bad but better than a year ago. Mental symptoms-- Depression, anxiety, hopelessness, lack of motivation or interest, brain fog(trouble focusing and concentrating), ruminating thoughts. All these come and go. 

 

 

Link to comment
Lorin Newbie

Lorin

Posted
Posted

 

chicago77

when did you start to have windows?

did you sufer from bad insomnia and bad anixty in this year?

from wich month it get better?

Hi Lorin, 

 

I haven't had any windows where I've been symptom free yet. I've just had windows where symptoms are less intense. I definitely had insomnia the first year, but now I'm sleeping. Yes, my anxiety was terrible too. I do still get the early morning heart palpitations sometimes(this symptom came back for me), but it doesn't really scare me because I know everyone gets it and it's just part of the process. I've mentioned this a few times to people on SA, but a book that really helps me get through things when I'm having a tough time is "Recovery and Renewal." It's really good and puts things in perspective for me. Hang in there!  :)

 

What helped you sleep and relax in the first year?
How long did your symptoms last?
Can you please expand on the book?
Thanks

2007-2015- zoloft 100 mg
5-8/2015 taper zoloft 12.5 mg every 2 weeks
3/2016 -11/16 lexapro 20 mg

taper lexapro every month by 30%

11/4/17-lexapro 3.5 mg

Link to comment
Chicago77 Newbie

Chicago77

Posted
  • Author
Posted

 

 

chicago77

when did you start to have windows?

did you sufer from bad insomnia and bad anixty in this year?

from wich month it get better?

Hi Lorin, 

 

I haven't had any windows where I've been symptom free yet. I've just had windows where symptoms are less intense. I definitely had insomnia the first year, but now I'm sleeping. Yes, my anxiety was terrible too. I do still get the early morning heart palpitations sometimes(this symptom came back for me), but it doesn't really scare me because I know everyone gets it and it's just part of the process. I've mentioned this a few times to people on SA, but a book that really helps me get through things when I'm having a tough time is "Recovery and Renewal." It's really good and puts things in perspective for me. Hang in there!  :)

 

What helped you sleep and relax in the first year?
How long did your symptoms last?
Can you please expand on the book?
Thanks

 

Hi Lorin, 

 

I still have a lot of symptoms. I'm sorry if I gave you the impression that I'm recovered, but I'm not.  :( What helped my sleep was epsom salt bath(magnesium makes me sleepy), melatonin and time. I also am very strict with my sleeping schedule and turn off all electronics at 8:30pm. Some essential oils like lavender seemed to help me a little too. The book is called "Recovery and Renewal" by Baylissa Frederick. Hope this helps!

Took 10 mg of Lexapro for 15 years. Started to taper in October 2015. Took last 1mg dose in March 2016. Started having side effects end of March 2016. Symptoms include: anxiety, heart palpitations, shaky, chronic fatigue, body feels like lead(so heavy), brain fog and dizziness and really bad pain especially on right side of body. 

 

Symptoms as of 10/18/16- Burning skin, widespread body pain, some insomnia, some fatigue, some brain fog, anxiety upon waking up, numbing and tremor in pinky and ring finger on left hand, cracking/popping/stiff joints. 

 

Symptoms as of 4/19/17- A little burning skin, muscle pain, FATIGUE, some brain fog, tremor in pinky and ring finger on left hand, cracking/popping/stiff joints, blurry vision, eye floaters, sciatica.

 

Symptoms as of 10/3/17- Physical symptoms-- Very little burning skin that comes and goes, some muscle and nerve pain that comes and goes, tremor in pinky and ring finger, muscle twitches, cortisol spike in the morning(heart palpitations), cracking/popping joints all those this has gotten a little better lately, blurry vision and eye floaters that come and go, sciatica(less intense now), fatigue which is still very bad but better than a year ago. Mental symptoms-- Depression, anxiety, hopelessness, lack of motivation or interest, brain fog(trouble focusing and concentrating), ruminating thoughts. All these come and go. 

 

 

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