Frogie: how to taper off Lexapro and Xanax?

[AliG]

Way to go , Frogie.  A  " Scally "  signature.  Nice and clear. 

[Frogie]

Way to go , Frogie.  A  " Scally "  signature.  Nice and clear. 

Thanks, I needed that right now.

 

Take care,

Frogie xx

[Frogie]

I would want to transfer as little of my money to the drug manufacturer as possible. Keeping your dose constant, you can gradually switch over to the liquid by taking ¼ of your dose as liquid, then ½, then ¾, then all of it as liquid.

 

How long should I hold in between the dosage changes?

 

Thanks,

Frogie xx

[ChessieCat]

From JC's post #250:

 

"It sounds like your first taper, then, will not be a taper at all, but taking a month or so to convert over to 10 mg liquid lexapro, as per Scally's instructions.  Please take your time doing this; people get reactions changing form as well as dose - so when you start in January (provided your symptoms are settled by then) - follow the 1/4 liquid+3/4 tablet for at least a week before moving to 1/2 liquid+1/2 tablet.  When you get to all liquid, wait a month before starting to taper it.  You will be tempted to start sooner, but it is wiser to wait until you shake out the change from tablet to liquid before tapering."

 

Remember to keep daily notes on paper of your symptoms.

[Frogie]

From JC's post #250:

 

"It sounds like your first taper, then, will not be a taper at all, but taking a month or so to convert over to 10 mg liquid lexapro, as per Scally's instructions. Please take your time doing this; people get reactions changing form as well as dose - so when you start in January (provided your symptoms are settled by then) - follow the 1/4 liquid+3/4 tablet for at least a week before moving to 1/2 liquid+1/2 tablet. When you get to all liquid, wait a month before starting to taper it. You will be tempted to start sooner, but it is wiser to wait until you shake out the change from tablet to liquid before tapering."

 

Remember to keep daily notes on paper of your symptoms.

I have a new notebook all ready for just my Lexapro taper.

I just wasn't sure how long to do each cut pill with liquid.

What can I expect when I go from pills to liquid, so I kinda can be prepared?

Thanks for answering my questions! I really appreciate it

 

Take care,

Frogie xx

[Frogie]

Hi everyone:

 

I'm hoping someone can answer my question.

 

No matter what I do, eat 3 hours before bed, don't eat 3 hours before bed, or anything else, I wake up with mild nausea EVERY morning.

 

I haven't done anything different than I did a year ago. This nausea started in June 2016, and has never gone away. BLAH!!!

 

Been to the dr. They can't figure it out. Except I had a hemogima on my liver that they found on a ct scan. Everything else was fine. And my liver enzymes were out of wack. I had blood work done this month and my liver panel was perfect.

 

Can you look at my signature and maybe give me some ideas?

 

Thanks everyone, I really appreciate it!

 

Take care,

Frogie xx

[KarenB]

If it's a w/d symptom, then you may just have to wait till it stops by itself.  You've probably already seen the Nausea thread?  It could also pay to have a squiz at BeyondMeds because Monica has very helpful information there too.  I only ever got nausea mildly, so I'm not much help, but I remember that looking out at the horizon line was soothing, and having small sips of cold water. 

[Frogie]

If it's a w/d symptom, then you may just have to wait till it stops by itself.  You've probably already seen the Nausea thread?  It could also pay to have a squiz at BeyondMeds because Monica has very helpful information there too.  I only ever got nausea mildly, so I'm not much help, but I remember that looking out at the horizon line was soothing, and having small sips of cold water.

 

Thanks for all your help and suggestions.

I will try that.

 

Thanks.

 

Take care,

Frogie xx

[Frogie]

If it's a w/d symptom, then you may just have to wait till it stops by itself. You've probably already seen the Nausea thread? It could also pay to have a squiz at BeyondMeds because Monica has very helpful information there too. I only ever got nausea mildly, so I'm not much help, but I remember that looking out at the horizon line was soothing, and having small sips of cold water.

 

Hi KarenB:

 

I looked around on BeyondMeds, but couldn't find anywhere to do an squiz or even contact them?

 

Do you know anything about them or where I might find it?

 

Thanks,

Frogie xx

[scallywag]

Frogie, "have a squiz" is slang for "have a look."

[Frogie]

Frogie, "have a squiz" is slang for "have a look."

Oh... Duh, that's why I couldn't find it.

 

I finally got off Prilosec and Zoloft on the 26th.

 

This morning, I woke up very nauseous. No re-bound acid. Is that a normal WD?

 

Thanks.

 

Take care,

Frogie xx

[KarenB]

Whoops, much watch for Kiwi slang slipping in there .

[Frogie]

Whoops, much watch for Kiwi slang slipping in there .

That's ok, I have blonde in my hair lol...

 

I just finally got off of Prilosec and Zantac on the 26th. I don't have re-bound acid, but a stomach ache. Do you know if that's a WD?

 

Thanks

 

Take care,

Frogie xx

[KarenB]

Stomach troubles are very common in w/d.  Digestive issues, nausea ... there's the link for you.

[Frogie]

Stomach troubles are very common in w/d.  Digestive issues, nausea ... there's the link for you.

Thanks! You know you always think the worst, you have stomach cancer or something.

 

I'm such a worry wart, it's not funny.

 

I appreciate you reassuring me it's just a w/d.

 

Take care,

Frogie xx

[Frogie]

Sounds like you are doing really well, Frogie!

 

It is my belief that your rapid taper of Lexapro, a very strong drug, set off your nausea reaction, and like Bubble said, it may be your personal cross to bear during withdrawal.

 

I don't know enough about the stomach meds, other than to say that they affect the way that your Lexapro is absorbed, so tapering them could affect your lexapro, too.  It may be simpler to start with the lex in January.

 

That's great news about your liver and the liquid lexapro.  

 

It sounds like your first taper, then, will not be a taper at all, but taking a month or so to convert over to 10 mg liquid lexapro, as per Scally's instructions.  Please take your time doing this; people get reactions changing form as well as dose - so when you start in January (provided your symptoms are settled by then) - follow the 1/4 liquid+3/4 tablet for at least a week before moving to 1/2 liquid+1/2 tablet.  When you get to all liquid, wait a month before starting to taper it.  You will be tempted to start sooner, but it is wiser to wait until you shake out the change from tablet to liquid before tapering.

 

I hope you see the sun today!

I'm going to start the pill to liquid in December. And then have a month in January where no taper on the liquid. By February I should be able to taper Lexapro by then.

 

I'm sooooo glad you are back. I survived just fine, but you know all my problems lol...

[PatriciaVP]

Hi Frogie- Got your pm. Be happy to answer any questions you have about my nausea. Don't know how much help I'll be, but shoot!

[Frogie]

Hi Frogie- Got your pm. Be happy to answer any questions you have about my nausea. Don't know how much help I'll be, but shoot!

Thanks.

 

I was stupid and cut my Lexapro from 20mg to 10mg in June. I have been nauseous every morning since.

I just tapered off of Prilosec before Thanksgiving too.

I went to the dr and he thinks I have a nervous stomach. Rx'd me Levsin. It doesn't help at all.

I just wondered how you handle your nausea everyday? I know exactly how you feel and I really feel for you.

 

Thanks,

Frogie xx

[Frogie]

Hi PatriciaVP:

 

I forgot to ask you how long you have had nausea? I haven't read your signature.

 

Thanks again.

 

Frogie xx

[PatriciaVP]

My signature doesn't say anything about my nausea. Ok, well let's see (think, think, think!).

 

Ever since I started this process a year ago - I've had nausea, stomach pain and a general feeling of being "unwell" almost every morning. Since emotions and changing serotonin levels tend to hit me in the stomach, I've chalked all this up to withdrawal. Just like withdrawal, I figure it'll end when it ends. Analyzing it or trying to predict a timeline just stresses me out and makes matters worse. This whole experience is hard enough as it is without causing myself even more distress.

 

Since I know that in my case it is all withdrawal related and emotional, I try just to relax through it. Deep breathing and repeating mantras like "I am healing" or "Every day, in everyway I am getting better and better" to myself before I get out of bed helps to relieve tension and actually helps my stomach quite a bit - odd as it may sound.

 

Unfortunately, no matter what I do I usually feel somewhat sick until about noon, and it is totally gone by 3, at which point I actually start to feel hungry for the first time in the day.

 

I do eat in the morning because I go to one of these intense "boot camp" gyms 4 days a week. I find I have to go to these classes because they give me such relief from overwhelming anxiety. The interesting thing is that even though it relieves the anxiety, it doesn't necessarily take the stomach problems away entirely.

 

Anyway, between exercising and eating well, I am doing everything in my power to promote my own healing, and I have faith that with time the stomach issues, just like all the other withdrawal symptoms will fade into a bad memory. I will be well, and so will you.

 

Peace, love and healing.

[Junglechicken]

Whoops, much watch for Kiwi slang slipping in there .

He he he, we call squirrels "squizzers", lol!

[Frogie]

 

Whoops, much watch for Kiwi slang slipping in there .

He he he, we call squirrels "squizzers", lol!

That's cute lol...

[Frogie]

My signature doesn't say anything about my nausea. Ok, well let's see (think, think, think!).

Ever since I started this process a year ago - I've had nausea, stomach pain and a general feeling of being "unwell" almost every morning. Since emotions and changing serotonin levels tend to hit me in the stomach, I've chalked all this up to withdrawal. Just like withdrawal, I figure it'll end when it ends. Analyzing it or trying to predict a timeline just stresses me out and makes matters worse. This whole experience is hard enough as it is without causing myself even more distress.

Since I know that in my case it is all withdrawal related and emotional, I try just to relax through it. Deep breathing and repeating mantras like "I am healing" or "Every day, in everyway I am getting better and better" to myself before I get out of bed helps to relieve tension and actually helps my stomach quite a bit - odd as it may sound.

Unfortunately, no matter what I do I usually feel somewhat sick until about noon, and it is totally gone by 3, at which point I actually start to feel hungry for the first time in the day.

I do eat in the morning because I go to one of these intense "boot camp" gyms 4 days a week. I find I have to go to these classes because they give me such relief from overwhelming anxiety. The interesting thing is that even though it relieves the anxiety, it doesn't necessarily take the stomach problems away entirely.

Anyway, between exercising and eating well, I am doing everything in my power to promote my own healing, and I have faith that with time the stomach issues, just like all the other withdrawal symptoms will fade into a bad memory. I will be well, and so will you.

Peace, love and healing.

Hi PatriciaVP:

 

Thanks for getting back to me.

 

I saw on one of your threads (Lois or Catnapt) maybe, that you were nauseous every morning.

So am I.

 

I was stupid in May maybe, I decided to cut my Lexapro in 1/2, from 20mg to 10mg. I've been sick since June.

 

I was so scared because I've never been so sick for so long in my life.

They did blood work, my liver enzymes were whacked out. So they did an ultrasound and ct scan and found a hemogima on my liver.

It is not deadly and they do nothing for them. I even sent my scan to a well known dr in New York and he said I was fine. Whew...

I know take milk thistle and had my blood work done last month, and my liver was good.

 

So, now I know I don't have liver cancer. I was at the dr this week, and asked him if I had stomach cancer. He said no, your blood work was fine, your ct didn't show anything in my stomach. Talked about every organ. He said you would have something show up. And he said I just need to learn to live with it.

 

I just went off Prilosec before Thanksgiving, so that didn't help.

 

If you look at my signature, I've gone off 5 meds in a year.

 

I just don't want it to be cancer, that's what scares me.

 

Knowing you have the same symptoms, makes me more comfortable. Not that I want you to have this either. I hope you get better soon!

 

Stupid poison they put in our bodies! I was only supposed to be on them a little while, when I was going through a divorce, 20 years ago. Good one ehe?

 

Thanks for talking to me. If you don't mind, can we stay in touch and maybe support each other through the nausea? I would really like that

 

Take care,

Frogie xx

[PatriciaVP]

Going off 5 meds in one year AND having issues with your liver! No wonder why you feel sick every morning.

 

I know what a distressing symptom it can be, but I believe our bodies and our brains have an incredible ability to heal themselves given enough time. All we can do is support our bodies with nutrition and appropriate exercise and try to relax through the hard times with meditation and positive affirmations. Just let the healing happen.

 

I would love to stay in touch. I can use all the help I can get.

[Frogie]

Going off 5 meds in one year AND having issues with your liver! No wonder why you feel sick every morning.

I know what a distressing symptom it can be, but I believe our bodies and our brains have an incredible ability to heal themselves given enough time. All we can do is support our bodies with nutrition and appropriate exercise and try to relax through the hard times with meditation and positive affirmations. Just let the healing happen.

I would love to stay in touch. I can use all the help I can get.

Yeah I have put my body through way too much for a year.

I could use your help too

 

Take care,

Frogie xx

[O2bhappy]

Frogie -

 

I know that I have told you that I was nauseous for 14 months after coming off Prozac.  I know what an awful feeling it is to have constant nausea for so long.  I really think the only thing that really helped me was time.  I know that doesn't help when you feel awful.  I think having small meals frequently, sipping on water, having some hot tea and even drinking some Coke might give you a little relief.  It doesn't take it completely away but it might provide relief in that moment.   

 

Try and have hope that you will begin to feel better.  I am a good example that the nausea does get better.  I still have days when my stomach isn't 100% but I am much better then I was a year ago.  A year ago at this time I was in bed, feeling like I was going to throw up and dry heaving. 

 

Hang in there.

[Frogie]

Frogie -

 

I know that I have told you that I was nauseous for 14 months after coming off Prozac.  I know what an awful feeling it is to have constant nausea for so long.  I really think the only thing that really helped me was time.  I know that doesn't help when you feel awful.  I think having small meals frequently, sipping on water, having some hot tea and even drinking some Coke might give you a little relief.  It doesn't take it completely away but it might provide relief in that moment.   

 

Try and have hope that you will begin to feel better.  I am a good example that the nausea does get better.  I still have days when my stomach isn't 100% but I am much better then I was a year ago.  A year ago at this time I was in bed, feeling like I was going to throw up and dry heaving. 

 

Hang in there.

Hi:

 

Thanks for the reassurance. I hope I am not nauseous for that long.

Yesterday I wasn't at all, today I threw up for the 1st time.

I am addicted to coke cola, so that won't be a problem lol...

I have been drinking mint tea. That helps a little.

I just got off Prilosec too, so that doesn't help.

But got the liquid Lexapro, so hopefully it will be a little easier and maybe not so nauseating.

I can only hope.

Keep your fingers crossed for me. I'm glad that you are getter. There really is hope.

 

Take care,

Frogie xx

[Frogie]

Hi everyone:

 

I have some questions, hopefully someone can answer.

 

I finally got off the Prilosec, but my stomach is really nauseous and acidity. I saw on Amazon you could buy something called Acid Ease. It has marshmallow and something else in it, I can't remember. Has anyone tried it?

 

Also, I'm switching from pill formula of Lexapro to the liquid. Since starting the switch I have been really constipated. I'm miserable. Has anyone gone through that? (I think it's too much TMI), but I need help!

 

Take care,

Frogie xx

[JanCarol]

Hey Frogie - The AcidEase looks like a good product - I take both marshmallow and slippery elm for my digestion (more lower bowel for me, but they are good, gentle ways to coat the tummy).

 

BUT - you will hear me say this elsewhere - it is a "kitchen sink" formula.  What if you react to one of the ingredients?  Which ingredient are you reacting to, even though other ingredients might help?

 

I see 3 major components on this product:  Marshmallow, Slippery Elm, and Digestive Enzymes.  And a mysterious rice bran thing which could be helpful.

 

I have been thinking about digestive enzymes for you.  The gold standard - literally - is Digest Gold.  If you want to start with something, start there.

 

Then, if that turns out to be helpful, maybe you won't need the marshmallow or slippery elm.  Always try supplements one at a time.  You've had reactions before, so you should understand why I say this.

 

Are you completely switched over to liquid now?  Did you do that all in the month I was away?  (I thought there were going to be no changes until January?)  So - is constipation the only difference you notice with switching to the liquid?  If so, you are lucky!

 

It may be just dehydration, which means get plenty of water and electrolytes (pink himalayan salt or celtic salt, or any natural sea salt).  If you need to, you can add fiber later.  There's always the old granny remedy of having 5 prunes a day.  It's not a bad solution, and does keep things going!  Coke can be dehydrating, too, sorry.  It's probably not the best thing to put into your upset tummy.  Tea would be somewhat better, if you like it.

 

I hope this helps, and I hope you see the sun today.  

[Frogie]

Hey Frogie - The AcidEase looks like a good product - I take both marshmallow and slippery elm for my digestion (more lower bowel for me, but they are good, gentle ways to coat the tummy).

 

BUT - you will hear me say this elsewhere - it is a "kitchen sink" formula. What if you react to one of the ingredients? Which ingredient are you reacting to, even though other ingredients might help?

 

I see 3 major components on this product: Marshmallow, Slippery Elm, and Digestive Enzymes. And a mysterious rice bran thing which could be helpful.

 

I have been thinking about digestive enzymes for you. The gold standard - literally - is Digest Gold. If you want to start with something, start there.

 

Then, if that turns out to be helpful, maybe you won't need the marshmallow or slippery elm. Always try supplements one at a time. You've had reactions before, so you should understand why I say this.

 

Are you completely switched over to liquid now? Did you do that all in the month I was away? (I thought there were going to be no changes until January?) So - is constipation the only difference you notice with switching to the liquid? If so, you are lucky!

 

It may be just dehydration, which means get plenty of water and electrolytes (pink himalayan salt or celtic salt, or any natural sea salt). If you need to, you can add fiber later. There's always the old granny remedy of having 5 prunes a day. It's not a bad solution, and does keep things going! Coke can be dehydrating, too, sorry. It's probably not the best thing to put into your upset tummy. Tea would be somewhat better, if you like it.

 

I hope this helps, and I hope you see the sun today.

 

I'm glad you're back.

 

I didn't know if I should try that AcidEase or not. Where do I get that Digest Gold?

 

I was working on the Prilosec when you left. And finally it's gone. Now just full of acid in my stomach. Feels like it's on fire.

 

I'm doing the switch to liquid Lexapro very slow. Then I can take it for a month before starting anything in Jan.

 

Ok, I'll drink more water. I have been bad about that. Do I just put the salt in the water and drink it? How much salt and how often? I have been drinking mint tea.

 

Thanks for helping me. I really appreciate it.

 

Take care,

Frogie xx

[Frogie]

Hi everyone!

 

I have a question.

Is zofran, phenagran, or carafate addictive? I am sooo nauseaous  

And if so, which ones, and do you have to wd from them?

 

Thanks,

Frogie xx

[O2bhappy]

Frogie -

 

I tried Zofran and it only worked for a few hours.  I also tried phenagran and that made me sleep.  Just wondering if you have tried Benadryl for the nausea.  That is what I ended up using when it got really bad.  It took the edge off and helped me sleep. 

[Frogie]

Frogie -

 

I tried Zofran and it only worked for a few hours.  I also tried phenagran and that made me sleep.  Just wondering if you have tried Benadryl for the nausea.  That is what I ended up using when it got really bad.  It took the edge off and helped me sleep.

 

I haven't tried Benadryl, but at this point I'll try anything.

Thanks for the information. I appreciate it.

 

Take care,

Frogie xx

[O2bhappy]

Frogie -

 

Let me know if you have any success with the Benadryl. 

[Frogie]

O2bhappy:

 

I will.

Went to the store yesterday and forgot it! Walked right past it.

I'll go to the store I'm sure soon again.

 

Thanks.

 

Take care,

Frogie xx

[O2bhappy]

Frogie -

 

I think it is better to try the Benadryl then trying the prescription nausea medicine.  I did read that Zofran was a serotonin 5-HT3 receptor antagonist and that scared me because I was getting off an SRRI and I didn't want anything that affect serotonin in anyway.  I am not exactly sure what that means, but thought I should avoid anything possibly messing with serotonin.