Frogie: how to taper off Lexapro and Xanax?

[Flowers]

Oh Frogie - I am so sorry - I haven't got any suggestions that you wouldn't have thought of yourself.

 

I have friends like yours that come on and off of pills and don't get what we are going through. I was like that once many years ago. So they better be careful as they might end up on AD's in the future and get bitten in the butt!

 

Yes this will take years - hope I have enough at my age to enjoy a few!lol!

 

All we can do is hope that we will make progress even it is slow.

 

Thinking of you and sending hugs.

 

Flowers xxx

[Frogie]

Oh Frogie - I am so sorry - I haven't got any suggestions that you wouldn't have thought of yourself.I have friends like yours that come on and off of pills and don't get what we are going through. I was like that once many years ago. So they better be careful as they might end up on AD's in the future and get bitten in the butt!Yes this will take years - hope I have enough at my age to enjoy a few!lol!All we can do is hope that we will make progress even it is slow.Thinking of you and sending hugs.Flowers xxx

Flowers-

 

I'll be fine if I could just get rid of the nausea. It drives me crazy lol...

 

You have lots of life left. You will recover in years, just like the rest of us. I'm sure I'm a lot older than you.

 

Then we could have a reunion! Wouldn't that be fun. All of us normal, no w/d and meet everyone we made friends with.

 

Take care,

Frogie xx

[Flowers]

I'm 64 this year Frogie but feel like 100 at the moment!

 

A reunion would be fantastic wouldn't it?!

 

Take care

 

Flowers xxx

[Junglechicken]

I'm 64 this year Frogie but feel like 100 at the moment!A reunion would be fantastic wouldn't it?!Take careFlowers xxx

Ha! A reunion has been on my wish list for a long time now.....

 

Xxxx

[Frogie]

I'm 64 this year Frogie but feel like 100 at the moment!A reunion would be fantastic wouldn't it?!Take careFlowers xxx

Hi Flowers-

 

I'm 54 this year.

 

A reunion would be awesome!

 

Feel better soon.

 

Take care,

Frogie xx

[Frogie]

 

I'm 64 this year Frogie but feel like 100 at the moment!A reunion would be fantastic wouldn't it?!Take careFlowers xxx

Ha! A reunion has been on my wish list for a long time now.....

Xxxx

JC-

 

Wouldn't that be great?

 

Take care,

Frogie xx

[Frogie]

Can someone help or give me some suggestions please?

 

My taper had been going so well, I didn't know I was even tapering until I hit the 7.3 mark. About 3 days into this taper my symptoms are:

 

Nausea-I feel like I could throw up at anytime but haven't.

Sleepy-I just want to sleep all the time, but I don't let myself.

No motivation-I sit in my chair and look at the house thinking I should dust and vacuum. Never happens. I do make sure the dishes are done, and the dog is taken care of.

Crying-I cry all the time over nothing. This has never happened to me before. Even when I tried to taper before.

 

It takes every bit of energy I have to take a shower.

 

I used to drive to my home town 3-4 times a month (175 miles). Now it takes everything for me to go to therapy and the chiropractor 16 miles away (I have a pinched nerve).

 

Does my body not like the 7.3 and I should taper down a little, or the opposite? One other time I tried to taper, with pills (I'm on liquid Lexapro now), and hit the 7 mark and the same thing happened, except the crying.

 

I'm at a loss. I'm not giving up!!!

 

My liver is fine all the tests come back within the normal range. (For everyone that knows what I went through with my liver).

 

Thanks for your help in advance. I really appreciate it.

 

Take care,

Frogie xx

[ChessieCat]

Your first reduction was 10% and you only did a 3 week hold.  It could be that the 3 week hold wasn't long enough and has caught up with you.

 

You have 2 options, hang in there at the dose you are on OR updose by a small amount.  0.25 or 0.5 might be enough to take the edge off the symptoms.

 

The question I ask myself if I get symptoms just after a drop is "Can I live with the symptom if it continues?"  If my answer is no I make a small dose increase.  If yes, I then hold as usual and keep a note of my symptoms.

 

My suggestion, whichever option you choose, would be to hold for at least 4 weeks, maybe a bit longer, to ensure that you are stable.  My other suggestion would be to do smaller than 10% reductions.  Maybe reduce by 5% and see how you go.  It is better to err on the side of slower than end up going too fast.  Many members find that as their dose gets lower they need to go slower.  Please see this discussion:  Why taper paper: dose-occupancy curves

[Frogie]

Your first reduction was 10% and you only did a 3 week hold.  It could be that the 3 week hold wasn't long enough and has caught up with you.

 

You have 2 options, hang in there at the dose you are on OR updose by a small amount.  0.25 or 0.5 might be enough to take the edge off the symptoms.

 

The question I ask myself if I get symptoms just after a drop is "Can I live with the symptom if it continues?"  If my answer is no I make a small dose increase.  If yes, I then hold as usual and keep a note of my symptoms.

 

My suggestion, whichever option you choose, would be to hold for at least 4 weeks, maybe a bit longer, to ensure that you are stable.  My other suggestion would be to do smaller than 10% reductions.  Maybe reduce by 5% and see how you go.  It is better to err on the side of slower than end up going too fast.  Many members find that as their dose gets lower they need to go slower.  Please see this discussion:  Why taper paper: dose-occupancy curves

Thanks Chessiecat:

 

I'll think I'll try to hold, since it's been so long now. I can hold longer and see what happens.

 

If I get worse, I'll go up just a tad.

 

Also, today I was over at the neighbors house. And all of a sudden I got chest pains. My blood pressure is fine and pulse is fine. Is that a normal WD?

 

I take Xanax for panic attacks, but this didn't feel like a panic attack. It was a pain that went from straight through the middle of my chest to my back.

 

Thanks.

 

Take care,

Frogie xx

 

P.S. Sorry for being a pain...

[ChessieCat]

To search SA I use google.  In this case I typed in survivingantidepressants.org chest pain.

 

chest-pain-and-stabbing-pain-in-the-heart

[JanCarol]

Hey Frogie - 

 

You do sound so much better than the last time I looked in.

 

I think that the oxy and steroids just added some hold time to you.  (I'm stunned they gave you oxy, when they are de-licensing doctors for prescribing it and punishing patients for using it with the "opoid epidemic" which ain't 10% of the antidepressant epidemic!)

 

OTHER changes count as tapers, too.  So when you have a bounce like you did with the oxy and steroids - add another month to your hold time.

 

I don't think it's that the 7's are hard on you so much as you are tapering to a calendar. 

 

I believe what Chessie was saying is pay attention to your symptoms.  Too much symptoms?  HOLD.  Unbearable symptoms?  Tiny updose.

 

Symptoms settling, feeling windows?  Then you can consider taper.

 

Lexapro is evil - it's strong, and hard to come off of.  And you are at the pointy end of the taper now - every microgram you take is hitting receptors.  So the point is to try and sneak it out without the receptors noticing.  That means slow.

 

Brassmonkey did it with a slide which still comes out to 10% a month - with hold times.  

 

But if I were you, I wouldn't even consider 5% unless you are starting to have windows, good days.

 

I agree with Rose, crying is awesome good healing.  It floods you with natural chemicals that help you to heal.

 

I hope you see the sun today.  Are spring flowers starting up yet?

[JanCarol]

So I was reading an article about the mental health values of the Mediterranean diet.

 

Would you like to read it too?

 

https://www.madinamerica.com/2017/02/smiles-study-depression-nutrition/

 

The study was done here in Australia.

 

Enjoy!

[Frogie]

So I was reading an article about the mental health values of the Mediterranean diet.

 

Would you like to read it too?

 

https://www.madinamerica.com/2017/02/smiles-study-depression-nutrition/

 

The study was done here in Australia.

 

Enjoy!

Thanks!

 

That is the diet the dr told me and my fiancé to do. We are just eating the food we have in the freezer first. Too expensive to just throw away.

 

I'll read it.

 

I really appreciate that.

 

Take care,

Frogie xx

[brassmonkey]

Hi frogie-- It may be worth a shot to try the slide method.  Its whole purpose is to minimize symptoms, so taking your drops in four steps might help to cut down the nausea. 

[Frogie]

Hi frogie-- It may be worth a shot to try the slide method.  Its whole purpose is to minimize symptoms, so taking your drops in four steps might help to cut down the nausea.

 

Thanks!

 

I think I will try it, when this nausea goes away.

 

Thanks...

 

Take care,

Frogie xx

[Frogie]

Hey Frogie - 

 

You do sound so much better than the last time I looked in.

 

I think that the oxy and steroids just added some hold time to you.  (I'm stunned they gave you oxy, when they are de-licensing doctors for prescribing it and punishing patients for using it with the "opoid epidemic" which ain't 10% of the antidepressant epidemic!)

 

OTHER changes count as tapers, too.  So when you have a bounce like you did with the oxy and steroids - add another month to your hold time.

 

I don't think it's that the 7's are hard on you so much as you are tapering to a calendar. 

 

I believe what Chessie was saying is pay attention to your symptoms.  Too much symptoms?  HOLD.  Unbearable symptoms?  Tiny updose.

 

Symptoms settling, feeling windows?  Then you can consider taper.

 

Lexapro is evil - it's strong, and hard to come off of.  And you are at the pointy end of the taper now - every microgram you take is hitting receptors.  So the point is to try and sneak it out without the receptors noticing.  That means slow.

 

Brassmonkey did it with a slide which still comes out to 10% a month - with hold times.  

 

But if I were you, I wouldn't even consider 5% unless you are starting to have windows, good days.

 

I agree with Rose, crying is awesome good healing.  It floods you with natural chemicals that help you to heal.

 

I hope you see the sun today.  Are spring flowers starting up yet?

Hi JanCarol:

 

I have not had one good day! And it's been a month now.

 

Maybe I should go up just a little and see what happens? But how much?

 

Then I'm going to try the slide and see how I do. After I'm stable.

 

We had sun, now the last couple of weeks, it's been rain/snow YUCK!

 

Thanks.

 

Take care,

Frogie xx

[Frogie]

If anyone can answer my question that would be great!

 

I just wrote to JanCarol because she answered my question in the beginning.

 

But I could use some help.

 

Thanks...

 

Take care,

Frogie xx

[apace41]

Hi, Frogie.  Sorry this has been an ongoing struggle for you with the nausea.  

 

My advice would be to slowly increase until you get back to the point where you are no longer nauseous.  You went from 8.1 to 7.3 on Feb 22.  I would suggest you go up to 7.6 and hold there for a week to see if it subsides.  If not, I would probably go up to 7.8 or 7.9 and wait a week.  Let's try to get you to a point where you are not symptomatic and then taper down very, very slowly through the 7s to see how you do.

 

Best,

 

Andy

[Frogie]

Hi, Frogie.  Sorry this has been an ongoing struggle for you with the nausea.  

 

My advice would be to slowly increase until you get back to the point where you are no longer nauseous.  You went from 8.1 to 7.3 on Feb 22.  I would suggest you go up to 7.6 and hold there for a week to see if it subsides.  If not, I would probably go up to 7.8 or 7.9 and wait a week.  Let's try to get you to a point where you are not symptomatic and then taper down very, very slowly through the 7s to see how you do.

 

Best,

 

Andy

Ok, I'll start tonight!

 

My body doesn't like the 7's and it's supposed to be a lucky number lol...

 

Thanks for all the info.

 

Take care,

Frogie xx

[scallywag]

Frogie, I'm sorry the nausea has "got" you these days. I hope the updosing helps.

[Frogie]

Frogie, I'm sorry the nausea has "got" you these days. I hope the updosing helps.

Thanks Scallywag:

 

I really appreciate you stopping by.

 

Means a lot.

 

Take care,

Frogie xx

[Frogie]

I went up to 7.6 last night on my dosage.

 

This morning, I'm not as nauseous as I have been. Hopefully within a week, I won't have any.

 

Then I'll hold for a while.

 

After that I'm going to need help going down, so I don't get nauseous again.

 

Man, I don't like these 7's.

 

Thanks,

Frogie xx

[apace41]

I went up to 7.6 last night on my dosage.

 

This morning, I'm not as nauseous as I have been. Hopefully within a week, I won't have any.

 

 

 

 

That's a good sign, Frogie.

 

Let's hope it continues to improve.

 

Best,

 

Andy

[Frogie]

Thanks Andy:

 

I really appreciate your suggestion.

 

Hopefully you can help me get off the 7's when it's time.

 

Thanks.

 

Take care,

Frogie xx

[Frogie]

Well, I spoke too soon.

 

I have been nauseous for about an hour now. Delayed I guess.

 

Now what do I do? I'm just in tears, I really thought this was going to work.

 

Frogie xx

[apace41]

Well, I spoke too soon.

 

I have been nauseous for about an hour now. Delayed I guess.

 

Rome wasn't built in a day, Frogie.  This isn't a magic trick where you add .5 and you all of a sudden have no symptoms.  Today was better than yesterday.  That's a win.  Hopefully, tomorrow will be better than today.  We are not aiming for immediate cessation of all nausea (we'd like it but I don't think it realistic), rather we are looking for the gradual reduction of the symptom.

 

Try to see this as a step toward your goal and a positive -- not a negative.

 

Best,

 

Andy

[Frogie]

 

Well, I spoke too soon.

I have been nauseous for about an hour now. Delayed I guess.

 

 

Rome wasn't built in a day, Frogie.  This isn't a magic trick where you add .5 and you all of a sudden have no symptoms.  Today was better than yesterday.  That's a win.  Hopefully, tomorrow will be better than today.  We are not aiming for immediate cessation of all nausea (we'd like it but I don't think it realistic), rather we are looking for the gradual reduction of the symptom.

 

Try to see this as a step toward your goal and a positive -- not a negative.

 

Best,

 

Andy

Hi Andy:

 

You are right. It was just so discouraging when I woke up this morning feeling good, and 5 hours later I'm sick.

 

But you are right. I had 5 hours of no nausea. That's something.

 

Hopefully this will work.

 

And then I'm looking forward to hopefully you helping me get off the horrid 7's.

 

Thanks for the encouragement.

 

Take care,

Frogie xx

[Frogie]

Scallywag:

 

I was really rude.

 

I never asked you how you were doing?

 

Hopefully well.

 

Take care,

Frogie xx

[scallywag]

'Twasn't  rude, Frogie. I'm okay.

[Frogie]

'Twasn't  rude, Frogie. I'm okay.

I felt I was.

 

I'm glad you are ok.

 

How's your tapering going, if I may ask?

 

Take care,

Frogie xx

[Frogie]

Day 2 of updosing. Just as sick as I was before the updose

 

I know it isn't going to happen overnight, but I'm about to give up.

[apace41]

I know it isn't going to happen overnight, but I'm about to give up.

Those two statements are not consistent, Frogie. If you know it's not going to happen overnight then you have to give it time and not give up.

 

Like I said originally, give it a week at this level and, if need be, you will increase a little more. We will find the level that quells the nausea, but you need to maintain a positive mindset.

 

Best,

 

Andy

[Frogie]

 

I know it isn't going to happen overnight, but I'm about to give up.

Those two statements are not consistent, Frogie. If you know it's not going to happen overnight then you have to give it time and not give up.

Like I said originally, give it a week at this level and, if need be, you will increase a little more. We will find the level that quells the nausea, but you need to maintain a positive mindset.

Best,

Andy

I'm trying, but I'm just tired of the nausea.

 

I hope we can find a spot that works, but doesn't set me back so far. This Lexapro is mean.

 

Thanks,

Frogie xx

[Junglechicken]

Day 2 of updosing. Just as sick as I was before the updose

I know it isn't going to happen overnight, but I'm about to give up.

Frogie,

 

I feel that way daily (wanting to give up), endless suffering.

 

My skin permanently itchy, and covered in eczema and rashes.

 

It's a long, hard trudge...but I saw an amazing movie not so long ago......called "The way back". TRULY inspiring.

 

It was about some men who in 1938 escaped from a "Gulag" (prison camp) north of Lake Baikkal in Siberia; and during the winter. They walked ALL the way to India!! They survived the Siberian winter, biting mosquitos at the head of Lake Baikal in June, crossed over to Mongolia and across the Gobi Desert into China, Tibet, Bhutan, West Sikkim and India.

 

It took them 10 yrs!

 

TC,

JC xx

[Frogie]

 

Day 2 of updosing. Just as sick as I was before the updose

I know it isn't going to happen overnight, but I'm about to give up.

Frogie,

I feel that way daily (wanting to give up), endless suffering.

My skin permanently itchy, and covered in eczema and rashes.

It's a long, hard trudge...but I saw an amazing movie not so long ago......called "The Long way back". TRULY inspiring.

It was about some men who in 1938 escaped from a "Gulag" (prison camp) north of Lake Baikkal in Siberia; and during the winter. They walked ALL the way to India!! They survived the Siberian winter, biting mosquitos at the head of Lake Baikal in June, crossed over to Mongolia and across the Gobi Desert into China, Tibet, Bhutan, West Sikkim and India.

It took them 10 yrs!

TC,

JC xx

Hi JC:

 

I'm sorry you're going through all the skin problems. You really are a trooper, always have a great attitude.

 

I used to have a great attitude as you know, but I thought I had the nausea beat, but no, had to rear its ugly head again.

 

I sit and cry a lot lately.

 

I'm just having a pity party.

 

Take care,

Frogie xx

[Junglechicken]

 

 

Day 2 of updosing. Just as sick as I was before the updose

I know it isn't going to happen overnight, but I'm about to give up.

Frogie,

I feel that way daily (wanting to give up), endless suffering.

My skin permanently itchy, and covered in eczema and rashes.

It's a long, hard trudge...but I saw an amazing movie not so long ago......called "The Long way back". TRULY inspiring.

It was about some men who in 1938 escaped from a "Gulag" (prison camp) north of Lake Baikkal in Siberia; and during the winter. They walked ALL the way to India!! They survived the Siberian winter, biting mosquitos at the head of Lake Baikal in June, crossed over to Mongolia and across the Gobi Desert into China, Tibet, Bhutan, West Sikkim and India.

It took them 10 yrs!

TC,

JC xx

Hi JC:

I'm sorry you're going through all the skin problems. You really are a trooper, always have a great attitude.

I used to have a great attitude as you know, but I thought I had the nausea beat, but no, had to rear its ugly head again.

I sit and cry a lot lately.

I'm just having a pity party.

Take care,

Frogie xx

Frogie,

 

I'm no trooper...have my good and bad days like you...and the pity parties (too many).

 

Sometimes it helps to watch movies about really brave people to remind us of true grit and suffering.

 

We're more resilient than we give ourselves credit for!

 

Hang in there my croaky friend :0)

 

TC,

JC xxx