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Aeroman - I have recovered from Lexapro and Cipro


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Also when did u notice windows starting, I've had glimpses of good times but I can't define a long window

I don't recall when exactly but I'd say between 12 to 18 months.

Lexparo 10mg user for 2.5 years. Last dose was 2/27/2008 after a fast 1 month taper. Recovered around 2011. Had issues with depression, anxiety, akathasia, inner restlessness, vertigo, insomnia, loss of appetite, eye floaters just to name a few. Basically rode it out, employing the Dr. Claire Weekes method.

 

Took Cipro in July of 2014 and have been having set backs with nausea, vertigo, anxiety (racing thoughts), and depression the last half of 2014.

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Hi, Aeroman Thank you for sharing your success story. I would like to know somethings about the disease that why we see the doctor. The disease that we got like major depress, panic attack, social phobia and etc. They are still here with us or not after we quit the drug and if yes. Is it better that we should manage by our self than go back to the med? I know the problem of withdraw also I got anhedonia is the main problem that is why I don't want to take the drug anymore but after I quite I also got the problem like social anxiety is also come back to my main problem also. So I don't know that I should go back on med again or I will fight by myself without the drug. The drug is good to cure something but it make the other side effect to us. I am not sure what is the best way to choose sometime I feel confuse. Sorry for my bad English and Thank you ^^

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Hi, Aeroman Thank you for sharing your success story. I would like to know somethings about the disease that why we see the doctor. The disease that we got like major depress, panic attack, social phobia and etc. They are still here with us or not after we quit the drug and if yes. Is it better that we should manage by our self than go back to the med? I know the problem of withdraw also I got anhedonia is the main problem that is why I don't want to take the drug anymore but after I quite I also got the problem like social anxiety is also come back to my main problem also. So I don't know that I should go back on med again or I will fight by myself without the drug. The drug is good to cure something but it make the other side effect to us. I am not sure what is the best way to choose sometime I feel confuse. Sorry for my bad English and Thank you ^^

You're welcome.  No, the issues with major depression are gone.  However, I will get a panic attack maybe 2-3 times per year and they usually last only a few minutes.  I employ the Dr. Claire Weekes' Method.  The last thing I wanted to do was take medication again.  I should not have been on them in the first place.  They did help me when I took them but it was an artificial happiness.  For me, the best thing to do was to educate myself from SSRI use and SSRI withdrawal.  They are two different worlds - one will make you feel good (not for everyone) while you are taking them.  The other world is when you get off them: chemically induced anxiety and depression that is usually 100x worse than your original issue.  It's ok, I understand :)

Lexparo 10mg user for 2.5 years. Last dose was 2/27/2008 after a fast 1 month taper. Recovered around 2011. Had issues with depression, anxiety, akathasia, inner restlessness, vertigo, insomnia, loss of appetite, eye floaters just to name a few. Basically rode it out, employing the Dr. Claire Weekes method.

 

Took Cipro in July of 2014 and have been having set backs with nausea, vertigo, anxiety (racing thoughts), and depression the last half of 2014.

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Just so you can see for yourself, the left image was when I was ON an SSRI and the one on the left was when I was off and ate better/exercised:

 

527236_10151147867159201_1132379084_n_zp

 

2013a_zps3348811e.jpg

Lexparo 10mg user for 2.5 years. Last dose was 2/27/2008 after a fast 1 month taper. Recovered around 2011. Had issues with depression, anxiety, akathasia, inner restlessness, vertigo, insomnia, loss of appetite, eye floaters just to name a few. Basically rode it out, employing the Dr. Claire Weekes method.

 

Took Cipro in July of 2014 and have been having set backs with nausea, vertigo, anxiety (racing thoughts), and depression the last half of 2014.

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Aeroman,

 

Very impressive.  You look like a different person.  Sounds like you feel like one too.

 

Congrats,

 

Andy

Sertraline 50mg and Clonazapam .375mg from 2000 -- symptoms of dizziness Spring 2012

increased to .5 Clonazapam and 100mg Sertraline -- no improvement

Benzo microtaper from November 2012 to November 2014 (followed benzo sites "taper benzo first")

Started Sertraline taper in December 2014 cut by 25mg to 75mg; 62.5mg 1/1/15 and 50mg on 2/1/15

Held at 50mg through April 5 to use liquid 
Reduced dosage in 10% or less drops from 50mg to 25mg -- at single tablet of 25mg on 10/5/15

Transitioned to all liquid for accuracy while tapering -- Horrible insomnia -- back to 25mg liquid and held until October 1, 2016

10/16 -- 11/18 tapered very slowly to 10.6mg.  No real improvement and never really stable so updosed to 12.5mg (1/2 a pill) for convenience and long hold.

After 8+ months of holding with no noticeable improvement decided to add .4ml of liquid Prozac (about 1.5mg) to see if that improves the situation

Supplements, Magnesium, D3, Omega 3, curcumin, Valerian, 81mg Aspirin, L-Theanine, Vit. C,

 

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Aeroman,

 

Very impressive. You look like a different person. Sounds like you feel like one too.

 

Congrats,

 

Andy

thanks. Yes, I feel so much better mentally and physically. And you will too.

Lexparo 10mg user for 2.5 years. Last dose was 2/27/2008 after a fast 1 month taper. Recovered around 2011. Had issues with depression, anxiety, akathasia, inner restlessness, vertigo, insomnia, loss of appetite, eye floaters just to name a few. Basically rode it out, employing the Dr. Claire Weekes method.

 

Took Cipro in July of 2014 and have been having set backs with nausea, vertigo, anxiety (racing thoughts), and depression the last half of 2014.

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Aeroman,

 

Very impressive. You look like a different person. Sounds like you feel like one too.

 

Congrats,

 

Andy

thanks. Yes, I feel so much better mentally and physically. And you will too.

OMG Now that I see a face, I realize I followed your thread long ago. I remember just wishing I'd reach the place you have gotten to. In a way that is jarring, seeing that that day I first saw your thread feels like eons ago, and i'm still here. I think I was contemplating coming off and struggling with my weight and googled the words SSRI and weight. I'm just so happy to see you have crossed over to the bright side!

<p>10 years of ssri and finally tapered off in 2 years. Off Celexa by jan/28/2014 and off benzos by March/6th/2014 after only two months use and still experiencing withdrawal symptoms.

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Wow, Aeroman, you must be so proud of getting your life back on track.

 

Hi, Aeroman Thank you for sharing your success story. I would like to know somethings about the disease that why we see the doctor. The disease that we got like major depress, panic attack, social phobia and etc. They are still here with us or not after we quit the drug and if yes. Is it better that we should manage by our self than go back to the med? I know the problem of withdraw also I got anhedonia is the main problem that is why I don't want to take the drug anymore but after I quite I also got the problem like social anxiety is also come back to my main problem also. So I don't know that I should go back on med again or I will fight by myself without the drug. The drug is good to cure something but it make the other side effect to us. I am not sure what is the best way to choose sometime I feel confuse. Sorry for my bad English and Thank you ^^

 

Hello, aee. Please start a topic for yourself in the Introductions forum http://survivingantidepressants.org/index.php?/forum/3-introductions-and-updates/. We can start to answer your questions there.
 

This is not medical advice. Discuss any decisions about your medical care with a knowledgeable medical practitioner.

"It has become appallingly obvious that our technology has surpassed our humanity." -- Albert Einstein

All postings © copyrighted.

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Thank you for posting the pics.  I was overweight and lost a lot of weight after I CTed (citalopram I think).  I felt really good and made the decision that I wasn't going to let the weight get back on.  I ended up on Pristiq and put the weight back on (and maybe more).  This gives me hope that I might be able to get some of my weight off in the future, obviously with some effort from me as well.

* NO LONGER ACTIVE on SA *

MISSION ACCOMPLISHED:  (6 year taper)      0mg Pristiq  on 13th November 2021

ADs since ~1992:  25+ years - 1 unknown, Prozac (muscle weakness), Zoloft; citalopram (pooped out) CTed (very sick for 2.5 wks a few months after); Pristiq:  50mg 2012, 100mg beg 2013 (Serotonin Toxicity)  Tapering from Oct 2015 - 13 Nov 2021   LAST DOSE 0.0025mg

Post 0 updates start here    My tapering program     My Intro (goes to tapering graph)

 VIDEO:   Antidepressant Withdrawal Syndrome and its Management

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Congratulations Aeroman, very good. So happy for you. Giving us all kinds of encouragement!!! Thank you!!!!

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Nice meeting you in person Aeroman! You helped me and many others here. Really appreciate your taking so much time providing additional encouragement and support!

 

I remember you had back problem. Did you find out if it's related to Lexapro? How is it now?

Thanks!

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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Nice meeting you in person Aeroman! You helped me and many others here. Really appreciate your taking so much time providing additional encouragement and support!

 

I remember you had back problem. Did you find out if it's related to Lexapro? How is it now?

Thanks!

Lex

hello! Back issues weren't Lexapro WD related. I have a bad disc. It's better, thanks

Lexparo 10mg user for 2.5 years. Last dose was 2/27/2008 after a fast 1 month taper. Recovered around 2011. Had issues with depression, anxiety, akathasia, inner restlessness, vertigo, insomnia, loss of appetite, eye floaters just to name a few. Basically rode it out, employing the Dr. Claire Weekes method.

 

Took Cipro in July of 2014 and have been having set backs with nausea, vertigo, anxiety (racing thoughts), and depression the last half of 2014.

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Looking good Aeroman . What a transformation. You DO look like a different person. It's so great that you are sharing this and putting yourself out there. It means so much to everyone here. It gives light and hope. Thank you.

Many SSRI's and SSNRI's over 20 years. Zoloft for 7 years followed by Effexor, Lexapro, Prozac, Cymbalta, Celexa, Pristiq, Valdoxan, Mianserin and more - on and off. No tapering. Cold turkey off Valdoxan - end of May 2014

 

                                                  Psych Drug - free since May 2014
.
         

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Thanks for your update aero...I remember dialoging with you not long after you took Cipro...glad you are doing better. I too gained weight on these drugs...lucky for me I was underweight so I guess that is ONLY good side effect I ever got from these drugs.

Prozac 1999-2009 quit semi cold turkey.

 

2012 Placed on Seroquel 25 mg, Tranxene (Clorezepate) 3.75 mg 3x a day, Remeron 30 mg for anxiety/akathesia.

 

Weaned off Seroquel and Tranxene .to Remeron 15 Mg.

In May 2014 tried quitting Remeron at its lowest dose. Had severe withdrawals.Reinstated Remeron at 30 mg by doctor. August 5 2014 entered hospital. Doctor pulled the Remeron and bridged it to Pamelor (Nortriptyline) 40mg and Zyprexa 2.5mg.After removing the Remeron all my bad symptoms went away and I am stable.

 

9/11/14 - 7.5 mg tranxene, 40mg Pamelor, Zyprexa 2.5mg

12/29/14 -  20mg Pamelor, 1/6/15,  7/31/15 3.5mg, 8/10/15 3.2 mg, 9/15/15 2.2mg, 10/15/15 1.8mg

(Feb 2016 - 1.4mg Pamelor only -  OFF OF TRANXENE AND ZYPREXA SINCE DEC 2014 BENZO FREE Since 2014. Nortrityline (Pamelor) .8mg Aug 2016

March 2017 DRUG FREE

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Thanks everyone.  You will all get through WD...take it slow and easy.  Its temporary. 

Lexparo 10mg user for 2.5 years. Last dose was 2/27/2008 after a fast 1 month taper. Recovered around 2011. Had issues with depression, anxiety, akathasia, inner restlessness, vertigo, insomnia, loss of appetite, eye floaters just to name a few. Basically rode it out, employing the Dr. Claire Weekes method.

 

Took Cipro in July of 2014 and have been having set backs with nausea, vertigo, anxiety (racing thoughts), and depression the last half of 2014.

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Thanks everyone.  You will all get through WD...take it slow and easy.  Its temporary.

 

I hope so. I'm going to updose because of my nausea.

 

I feel like I'm starting over. :(

 

But I can't take this anymore. And ginger just makes me throw up.

 

I'm so happy for you, your pictures are awesome!

 

Take care,

Frogie xx

PREVIOUS medications and discontinuations: Have been on medications since 1996. 

 Valium, Gabapentin, Lamictal, Prilosec and Zantac from 2000 to 2015 with a fast taper by a psychiatrist.

 Liquid Lexapro Nov, 2016 to 31-March, 2019 Lexapro free!!! (total Lexapro taper was 4 years-started with pill form)

---CURRENT MEDICATIONS:Supplements:Milk Thistle, Metamucil, Magnesium Citrate, Vitamin D3, Levothyroxine 25mcg, Vitamin C, Krill oil.

Xanax 1mg 3x day June, 2000 to 19-September, 2020 Went from .150 grams (average weight of 1 Xanax) 3x day to .003 grams 3x day. April 1, 2021 went back on 1mg a day. Started tapering May 19, 2023. July 28, 2023-approximately .87mg. Dr. fast tapered me at the end and realized he messed up. Prescribe it again and I am doing "slower than a turtle" taper.

19-September, 2020 Xanax free!!! (total Xanax taper was 15-1/2 months-1-June, 2019-19-September, 2020)

I am not a medical professional.

The suggestions I make are based on personal experience.

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Thanks for your update aero...I remember dialoging with you not long after you took Cipro...glad you are doing better. I too gained weight on these drugs...lucky for me I was underweight so I guess that is ONLY good side effect I ever got from these drugs.

Congrats on being drug free!

PREVIOUS medications and discontinuations: Have been on medications since 1996. 

 Valium, Gabapentin, Lamictal, Prilosec and Zantac from 2000 to 2015 with a fast taper by a psychiatrist.

 Liquid Lexapro Nov, 2016 to 31-March, 2019 Lexapro free!!! (total Lexapro taper was 4 years-started with pill form)

---CURRENT MEDICATIONS:Supplements:Milk Thistle, Metamucil, Magnesium Citrate, Vitamin D3, Levothyroxine 25mcg, Vitamin C, Krill oil.

Xanax 1mg 3x day June, 2000 to 19-September, 2020 Went from .150 grams (average weight of 1 Xanax) 3x day to .003 grams 3x day. April 1, 2021 went back on 1mg a day. Started tapering May 19, 2023. July 28, 2023-approximately .87mg. Dr. fast tapered me at the end and realized he messed up. Prescribe it again and I am doing "slower than a turtle" taper.

19-September, 2020 Xanax free!!! (total Xanax taper was 15-1/2 months-1-June, 2019-19-September, 2020)

I am not a medical professional.

The suggestions I make are based on personal experience.

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Great pics aero good job looking great !

2004-2007 paxil

2015- zoloft 3 months zyprexa 3 months lexapro 3 months xanax

Med free since Feb 28th 2017

Mostly experiencing PSSD

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Thanks Aeroman for answering my question!

I'm glad your back is better now and irrelevant with Lexapro,

 

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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Aeroman not to annoy you ... but can you tell me when did sexual function get normal.. as in what stage of your recovery? Also if you could elaborate on how bad your PSSD was and how long did it last ?

Secondly .. do you mind if I post your answer on the pssdforum. I know it would spread a lot of positivity on that forum, and its badly needed

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Just so you can see for yourself, the left image was when I was ON an SSRI and the one on the left was when I was off and ate better/exercised:

 

527236_10151147867159201_1132379084_n_zp

 

2013a_zps3348811e.jpg

 

AWESOME Aeroman :) 

 

Looking (and feeling) good!!

 

Well done!

Dose History: 19 Feb 2014 - Escitalopram 10mg daily June 2015 - Started taper, 5mg every other day July 2015 - 5mg every 2 days August 2015 - 5mg every 3 days September 2015 - 5mg every 4 days Sept 14th - Completed tapering, but at 7 weeks "drug free" I suffered serious WD symptoms as a consequence of "incorrect" tapering. Nov 25 2015 - Re-instated Cipralex @ 2.5mg daily. WD symptoms faded. Held at this dose and experienced "windows and waves". 12 Oct 2017 Reduced dose to 1.25mg. 13 Mar 2018 Reduced dose to 0.625mg (approx.). 16 April 2018 0mg. Windows and waves triggered by stress (IBS/reflux, headaches, sinus issues) Aug 2019 Mirena coil fitted 6 Jan 2020 MAJOR Wave hit 19 months following last dose (protracted WD).  Symptoms listed below Mar 2020 Mirena coil removal.

Therapy: Nov 15th 2016 Re-started therapy Jan 19th 2017 Started CBT Dec 2017 Started listening to Hypnotherapy CD (self-esteem). Nov 2019 Started couples therapy.

Supplements: "Bioglan" Biotic Balance Ultimate Flora 10 billion CFU, live Bacteria, Probiotic, suitable for Vegetarians, with Lactobacillus Acidophilus, Lactobacillus Rhamnosus, Bifidobacterium Longum"Pukka" Vitalise a unique blend of 30 energising botanicals.

Diet: 16 April 2018 Detox cleanse / anti-candida for 90 days. Jan 2020 Started "small plate" diet (i.e child size portions).

Exercise: Stretching, Yoga, Pilates, Spinning, Elliptical/upper body workout, walking.

Medical Test Results: 4 Jan 2017 Homeopathic Treatment starts 24 Feb 2017 Started weight loss program 24 Mar 2017 Naturopathic Treatment + anti-Candida diet started due to suspected Candida Related Complex (CRC). DETOXED for 7 weeks to "re-set" gut. April 2017 "Genova Diagnostics" Comprehensive Stool Analysis NEGATIVE; Full Blood Count (Normal) / Blood Cholesterol: 5.6 (Borderline) / Blood Sugar (Normal) / 28 Jun 2017 FSH 8.2 / 14 Nov 2017 FSH 17.7 Dec 2017 Blood Cholesterol: 3.9 (Normal) / Kidney Function (Normal) / Blood Sugar (Normal). December 2017 "Genova Diagnostics" Food panel allergy (bloodwork) analysis - a few "VERY LOW/VL" allergens; Mar 2018 "Genova Diagnostics" SIBO urine analysis: High Level of Yeast/fungal markers found in small intestine but NO SIBO.  April 2018 Thyroid (Normal) / Full Blood Count (Normal) / FSH (Normal). 16 April 2018 Started anti-Candida diet - 3 month protocol.   25 March 2020 All test results "Normal". CRP" 5 mg/L (normal range to 0-5 mg/L).

Symptoms:  Flu-like symptoms, anxiety, anhedonia, sinus headaches right-side (severe), IBS issues/reflux (severe)**, tinnitus, fatigue, inner tremor, nausea, chills/hot flushes, pounding heart, muscular issues including stiff left hip flexor, intense anger, PSSD (ongoing).  **Histhamine intolerance (suspected).

Major Life Events: 

Re-located to UK from Canada: Jan 2016

My father died: 5:05pm, Monday 5 Feb 2018 Last Lexapro dose: 16 April 2018 (its now been over a year since I quit ADs)  Moved house: Friday 23rd February 2018  "Divorced" toxic Mother: Monday 26 March 2018 Starting working again: 19 November 2018  Diagnosed with: 5th August 2021 PTSD/C-PTSD Diagnosed with: March 2022 Interstitial Cystitis (IC)/Painful bladder syndrome

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Congrats! Great to see photos showing how well you are doing. Thanks for sharing

200 Zoloft; 10 mg Zyprexa; 4 mg valium as of May 2021;  Valium taper: July 16: 3.5 valium; July 30: 3 mg (paused valium taper); Aug. 23: 2.5 mg
Zyprexa: July 26: 8.75 mg; Aug. 9: 7.5 mg; Aug. 30: 7.1 mg

-------
Dec 1, 2016. 10 mg zyprexa for 1.5 month. Started taper mid-Jan. 2017. Cut 1.25 mg every 2 weeks; smaller cuts 2.5 mg down. Stopped at .6 mg. May 7, 2017: zyprexa free. 
Zoloft: Dec1, 2016, 200 mg. Started taper: Jun12, 2017: 197.5 mg; Jun19,:195 mg; July 2:185mg; July 9,:180 mg; July16,: 175; July 23: 170; July 30: 165; Aug6: 160; Aug13: 155; Aug. 20: 150; Aug.27: 146 mg; Sept3: 145 mg; Sept10:143 mg; Sept17:140 mg....Nov5: 122 mg...Dec3:112.5 mg; Jan14, 2018: 95 mg...Jan28: 90 mg; Feb21:80 mg; Mar11: 75 mg; May2:70 mg; May15: 68 mg; May28: 65 mg; Jun9: 62 mg;Jun25: 60 mg:July22: 55 mg; Aug25: 45 mg. Aug28: 50 mg...Oct 28: 38 mg; Dec.4: 30 mg; Jan8,2019: 25mg; Feb6: 23.5 mg; Apr1:17.5mg; May1:1 mg; May 5: 18;  May 18:15mg; June 16:12.5mg; Sept 10:11 mg; Sept.16:10 mg; Oct. 1: 9mg; Nov. 27: 8mg; Dec.5: 7mg; Jan.1,2020, 6 mg; Feb1: 5 mg; May 1: 2.5 mg; Jn 1: 2 mg; Jy 1: 1.5 mg

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  • 2 weeks later...

Aeroman, I thank you from the bottom of my heart for your encouragement and response to individual concerns here.

 

I was on 3mg of risperidone (an evil SSRI) for a mere 4 months. Here I am....8 months off....and I feel dark of soul.

 

I have little thought in my head. Starting conversation much less contributing to one is very difficult. Love and joy seems like something of the past. I only laugh when other people do, but inside I'm wishing desperately to know what people find funny. I lack desire and passion for just about everything.

 

I'm amazed at this experience. I want to experience life again rather than just exist. Oh to hit rewind and see myself flushing those drugs down the toilet!!!

 

I suppose to fake it till I make it is about all I can do....but my goodness, it sure does seem like this will never end!

Risperidone (Risperdal)-3mg from May 2016-Sept.

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Hi, UnderPressure I feel the same way as you I was on floxtine 7 months and now I am drugs free for 11 months. Every symptom that occur in the early months of withdraw is go away including brain fog, window, headache and nausea. Except anhedonia it stay with me until now... I don't feel anything the emotion is so stable I don't dream and I don't think. In my mind I don't know it will go away in the future or not I feel like it will stay with me for a long time or permanently but I can feel it better months by months because I feel good every time when the time have passed. I just hope all of this will go away..

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Hi aero,

Have you recovered from both lexapro and cipro withdrawal now?

I'm one month past lexapro now but I still experience brain fog and my erections aren't fully hard. I often ejaculate without being fully erect. Have you experienced that during withdrawal?

Let me know

Thanks

I am fully recovered. You've asked me about sexual dysfunction before. As I have told you, I am fully recovered in ALL departments. Wife loves it. I'm speaking for myself here but the libido issues during WD was the LEAST of my concern. I wanted "me" back. I had thoughts of suicide that didn't go away. So, getting a boner was on the back burner. How about we put that to rest, OK?

 

I couldn't agree more.  I was so desperate to get better mentally/emotionally- sex was the LAST thing on my mind.  Like it didn't even cross my mind AT ALL for the first couple of years when I was in the thick of things.

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Hello All, it's been a long time since I have logged in here and posted.  My story is located here:

 

http://survivingantidepressants.org/index.php?/topic/7761-%E2%98%BC-aeroman-hello-from-aeroman/?st=0

 

I have been good, fully recovered from Lexapro and Cipro use.  I don't think about withdrawal anymore.  The answer was TIME and GOD in both cases.  For those that are new to withdrawal, don't fret, you will be OK.  I know the beginning months are scary but it won't last forever.  Feel free to ask me questions as I am sure you will have many..especially doubts within yourself.

 

Aeroman

 

I remember reading your story 5 years ago when I was just starting out in my w/d journey and I was in Puerto Rico on vacation!  LOL ahh- how time flies.  Rereading it now brings back all the older symptoms I used to have that I forgot I had.  Thank you for always coming back to check in and share your story/recovery.

 

One thing I can totally agree with that you said-which I think is stationary for ALL SSRI W/D- is that mornings were the ABSOLUTE WORST!  OMG- they were awful.  It has been so long since I've woken up in that state- it feels like a different lifetime.  That slowly but surely went away as the years went on.  So many phases of w/d- such a long journey.  We should all get together and write a book- to help people through this.  I've considered it.

 

I am 5.5 years out and I still have some physical symptoms (which I have accepted- as they are minor compared to all of the symptoms I had at the beginning of w/d) but ALL of my mental/emotional symptoms have disappeared.  I am only 31- so I am hoping with time maybe even my physical complaints with dissipate.  Only time will tell.  In the meantime- I am much happier than I ever was when I was on AD's.  Going through this harrowing experience somehow 'awakens' us.  Not to say we don't have bad days- but the appreciation and enjoyment I get from life now is 1000x more than I ever did before AD's or even when I was on them.  My perspective has totally changed.  I am a different person- a better person- whom I owe this pretty awful experience to.

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Hello All, it's been a long time since I have logged in here and posted.  My story is located here:

 

http://survivingantidepressants.org/index.php?/topic/7761-%E2%98%BC-aeroman-hello-from-aeroman/?st=0

 

I have been good, fully recovered from Lexapro and Cipro use.  I don't think about withdrawal anymore.  The answer was TIME and GOD in both cases.  For those that are new to withdrawal, don't fret, you will be OK.  I know the beginning months are scary but it won't last forever.  Feel free to ask me questions as I am sure you will have many..especially doubts within yourself.

 

Aeroman

 

I remember reading your story 5 years ago when I was just starting out in my w/d journey and I was in Puerto Rico on vacation!  LOL ahh- how time flies.  Rereading it now brings back all the older symptoms I used to have that I forgot I had.  Thank you for always coming back to check in and share your story/recovery.

 

One thing I can totally agree with that you said-which I think is stationary for ALL SSRI W/D- is that mornings were the ABSOLUTE WORST!  OMG- they were awful.  It has been so long since I've woken up in that state- it feels like a different lifetime.  That slowly but surely went away as the years went on.  So many phases of w/d- such a long journey.  We should all get together and write a book- to help people through this.  I've considered it.

 

I am 5.5 years out and I still have some physical symptoms (which I have accepted- as they are minor compared to all of the symptoms I had at the beginning of w/d) but ALL of my mental/emotional symptoms have disappeared.  I am only 31- so I am hoping with time maybe even my physical complaints with dissipate.  Only time will tell.  In the meantime- I am much happier than I ever was when I was on AD's.  Going through this harrowing experience somehow 'awakens' us.  Not to say we don't have bad days- but the appreciation and enjoyment I get from life now is 1000x more than I ever did before AD's or even when I was on them.  My perspective has totally changed.  I am a different person- a better person- whom I owe this pretty awful experience to.

 

 

You both give me so much hope. I'm 26, still in early withdrawal and sometimes find it hard to move forward in life. Those horrid thoughts pop in of "what if I'm one of the ones that don't get better?" Thank you so much for saying things just like this, to keep me hoping, to keep me moving forward. I'll keep moving forward no matter what!

- 2010 Fluoxetine 20mg (no issues, did well)
- Mid 2012 Switched to Celexa 20mg (no issues with switch)
- 6/16 Stopped Celexa (always took med once every other day, tapered to once every three days for about a week and a half, took one a week for one week, no problems)
- 10/20/16 Started Celexa 20mg (next day had panic attacks, stopped after three days, kept having panic attacks and anxiety rest of the month)
- 10/28/16 Started Paxil 20mg (took for almost a week, had suicidal thoughts/severe derealization, tapered off to one every other day for a few days)
- 12/8/16 Buspirone 5mg twice daily (felt drowsy but kept anxiety under wraps, still taking it)
- 12/27/16 Venlafaxine XR 37.5mg (took two days, migraine first day, headache all day second day, third day had severe depression/outbursts of crying, couldn't stop most of the day, bad invasive thoughts, never took third dose because of it)
- 1/7/17 taper Buspirone 20% (miscalculation but doing well), gradually slivered off tablet throughout month to almost half each pill

- 2/3/17 taper Buspirone 2.5mg twice daily (did fine, listened to body), gradually slivered off tablet throughout month

 

* Aromatherapy 100% oils in diffuser every night *

* Morning stretching routine every day *

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Aeroman, I thank you from the bottom of my heart for your encouragement and response to individual concerns here.

 

I was on 3mg of risperidone (an evil SSRI) for a mere 4 months. Here I am....8 months off....and I feel dark of soul.

 

I have little thought in my head. Starting conversation much less contributing to one is very difficult. Love and joy seems like something of the past. I only laugh when other people do, but inside I'm wishing desperately to know what people find funny. I lack desire and passion for just about everything.

 

I'm amazed at this experience. I want to experience life again rather than just exist. Oh to hit rewind and see myself flushing those drugs down the toilet!!!

 

I suppose to fake it till I make it is about all I can do....but my goodness, it sure does seem like this will never end!

very well described! That's exactly how I felt. It's not forever, burn up time for now. Don't force to rush it. You'll get better

Lexparo 10mg user for 2.5 years. Last dose was 2/27/2008 after a fast 1 month taper. Recovered around 2011. Had issues with depression, anxiety, akathasia, inner restlessness, vertigo, insomnia, loss of appetite, eye floaters just to name a few. Basically rode it out, employing the Dr. Claire Weekes method.

 

Took Cipro in July of 2014 and have been having set backs with nausea, vertigo, anxiety (racing thoughts), and depression the last half of 2014.

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Hello All, it's been a long time since I have logged in here and posted. My story is located here:

 

http://survivingantidepressants.org/index.php?/topic/7761-%E2%98%BC-aeroman-hello-from-aeroman/?st=0

 

I have been good, fully recovered from Lexapro and Cipro use. I don't think about withdrawal anymore. The answer was TIME and GOD in both cases. For those that are new to withdrawal, don't fret, you will be OK. I know the beginning months are scary but it won't last forever. Feel free to ask me questions as I am sure you will have many..especially doubts within yourself.

 

Aeroman

I remember reading your story 5 years ago when I was just starting out in my w/d journey and I was in Puerto Rico on vacation! LOL ahh- how time flies. Rereading it now brings back all the older symptoms I used to have that I forgot I had. Thank you for always coming back to check in and share your story/recovery.

 

One thing I can totally agree with that you said-which I think is stationary for ALL SSRI W/D- is that mornings were the ABSOLUTE WORST! OMG- they were awful. It has been so long since I've woken up in that state- it feels like a different lifetime. That slowly but surely went away as the years went on. So many phases of w/d- such a long journey. We should all get together and write a book- to help people through this. I've considered it.

 

I am 5.5 years out and I still have some physical symptoms (which I have accepted- as they are minor compared to all of the symptoms I had at the beginning of w/d) but ALL of my mental/emotional symptoms have disappeared. I am only 31- so I am hoping with time maybe even my physical complaints with dissipate. Only time will tell. In the meantime- I am much happier than I ever was when I was on AD's. Going through this harrowing experience somehow 'awakens' us. Not to say we don't have bad days- but the appreciation and enjoyment I get from life now is 1000x more than I ever did before AD's or even when I was on them. My perspective has totally changed. I am a different person- a better person- whom I owe this pretty awful experience to.

Thanks for coming back and sharing your story...very similar to mine. Since 2008, I've been left with low back pain (manageable) and out of the blue vertigo that hits me a few times a year. I'm OK overall...actually, pretty damn good. :)

Lexparo 10mg user for 2.5 years. Last dose was 2/27/2008 after a fast 1 month taper. Recovered around 2011. Had issues with depression, anxiety, akathasia, inner restlessness, vertigo, insomnia, loss of appetite, eye floaters just to name a few. Basically rode it out, employing the Dr. Claire Weekes method.

 

Took Cipro in July of 2014 and have been having set backs with nausea, vertigo, anxiety (racing thoughts), and depression the last half of 2014.

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Hello All, it's been a long time since I have logged in here and posted. My story is located here:

 

http://survivingantidepressants.org/index.php?/topic/7761-%E2%98%BC-aeroman-hello-from-aeroman/?st=0

 

I have been good, fully recovered from Lexapro and Cipro use. I don't think about withdrawal anymore. The answer was TIME and GOD in both cases. For those that are new to withdrawal, don't fret, you will be OK. I know the beginning months are scary but it won't last forever. Feel free to ask me questions as I am sure you will have many..especially doubts within yourself.

 

Aeroman

I remember reading your story 5 years ago when I was just starting out in my w/d journey and I was in Puerto Rico on vacation! LOL ahh- how time flies. Rereading it now brings back all the older symptoms I used to have that I forgot I had. Thank you for always coming back to check in and share your story/recovery.

 

One thing I can totally agree with that you said-which I think is stationary for ALL SSRI W/D- is that mornings were the ABSOLUTE WORST! OMG- they were awful. It has been so long since I've woken up in that state- it feels like a different lifetime. That slowly but surely went away as the years went on. So many phases of w/d- such a long journey. We should all get together and write a book- to help people through this. I've considered it.

 

I am 5.5 years out and I still have some physical symptoms (which I have accepted- as they are minor compared to all of the symptoms I had at the beginning of w/d) but ALL of my mental/emotional symptoms have disappeared. I am only 31- so I am hoping with time maybe even my physical complaints with dissipate. Only time will tell. In the meantime- I am much happier than I ever was when I was on AD's. Going through this harrowing experience somehow 'awakens' us. Not to say we don't have bad days- but the appreciation and enjoyment I get from life now is 1000x more than I ever did before AD's or even when I was on them. My perspective has totally changed. I am a different person- a better person- whom I owe this pretty awful experience to.

You both give me so much hope. I'm 26, still in early withdrawal and sometimes find it hard to move forward in life. Those horrid thoughts pop in of "what if I'm one of the ones that don't get better?" Thank you so much for saying things just like this, to keep me hoping, to keep me moving forward. I'll keep moving forward no matter what!

hi! Oh yes, I remember those thoughts! "what if I'm the one not going to recover?" I convinced myself to think that regardless of what I thought, recovery was imminent. You'll get there!

Lexparo 10mg user for 2.5 years. Last dose was 2/27/2008 after a fast 1 month taper. Recovered around 2011. Had issues with depression, anxiety, akathasia, inner restlessness, vertigo, insomnia, loss of appetite, eye floaters just to name a few. Basically rode it out, employing the Dr. Claire Weekes method.

 

Took Cipro in July of 2014 and have been having set backs with nausea, vertigo, anxiety (racing thoughts), and depression the last half of 2014.

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Aeroman, I thank you from the bottom of my heart for your encouragement and response to individual concerns here.

 

I was on 3mg of risperidone (an evil SSRI) for a mere 4 months. Here I am....8 months off....and I feel dark of soul.

 

I have little thought in my head. Starting conversation much less contributing to one is very difficult. Love and joy seems like something of the past. I only laugh when other people do, but inside I'm wishing desperately to know what people find funny. I lack desire and passion for just about everything.

 

I'm amazed at this experience. I want to experience life again rather than just exist. Oh to hit rewind and see myself flushing those drugs down the toilet!!!

 

I suppose to fake it till I make it is about all I can do....but my goodness, it sure does seem like this will never end!

very well described! That's exactly how I felt. It's not forever, burn up time for now. Don't force to rush it. You'll get better
Thank you for this quote. Really needed this today. I'm trying to force life and getting disappointed, when I should really be going with the flow. Touched me deeply.

<p>10 years of ssri and finally tapered off in 2 years. Off Celexa by jan/28/2014 and off benzos by March/6th/2014 after only two months use and still experiencing withdrawal symptoms.

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Aeroman, I thank you from the bottom of my heart for your encouragement and response to individual concerns here.

 

I was on 3mg of risperidone (an evil SSRI) for a mere 4 months. Here I am....8 months off....and I feel dark of soul.

 

I have little thought in my head. Starting conversation much less contributing to one is very difficult. Love and joy seems like something of the past. I only laugh when other people do, but inside I'm wishing desperately to know what people find funny. I lack desire and passion for just about everything.

 

I'm amazed at this experience. I want to experience life again rather than just exist. Oh to hit rewind and see myself flushing those drugs down the toilet!!!

 

I suppose to fake it till I make it is about all I can do....but my goodness, it sure does seem like this will never end!

very well described! That's exactly how I felt. It's not forever, burn up time for now. Don't force to rush it. You'll get better
Thank you for this quote. Really needed this today. I'm trying to force life and getting disappointed, when I should really be going with the flow. Touched me deeply.

 

No problem.  I am telling you the truth (well, the way I saw it).  I remember going to the local market getting all sorts of supplements to help me sleep, improve mood, you name it...and for me, none of it helped.  I don't know how I did it in 2008 - I just did.  I cried.  I was on my knees begging for relief.  It wasn't physical pain.  it was torture inside me, burning me inside and out.  I got mad at God for leaving me alone but like that footsteps poem goes, he was carrying me along the whole time.  Depression is no joke.  It sucks the life out of you.  Its hard to tell your loved ones that you aren't yourself even though they think they did something wrong to you.  

 

All i can say is that if I can go through w/d, so can you.  Mine was no walk through the park.  i went to countless doctors and therapists in 2008 because I needed relief.  I had thoughts of suicide which was very weird and new for me.  The racing thoughts were horrible.  The brain fog and lack of concentration was really bad too.

 

I truly believe most of us don't need SSRIs.  If I would have resolved my original issue of depression with talk therapy and anxiety with the Dr. Claire Weekes Method, I wouldn't have gone through w/d.

 

If I recovered, YOU will too.  Burn time!  It's ok, nothing wrong with that!  

 

You will have inner peace!

Lexparo 10mg user for 2.5 years. Last dose was 2/27/2008 after a fast 1 month taper. Recovered around 2011. Had issues with depression, anxiety, akathasia, inner restlessness, vertigo, insomnia, loss of appetite, eye floaters just to name a few. Basically rode it out, employing the Dr. Claire Weekes method.

 

Took Cipro in July of 2014 and have been having set backs with nausea, vertigo, anxiety (racing thoughts), and depression the last half of 2014.

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No problem.  I am telling you the truth (well, the way I saw it).  I remember going to the local market getting all sorts of supplements to help me sleep, improve mood, you name it...and for me, none of it helped.  I don't know how I did it in 2008 - I just did.  I cried.  I was on my knees begging for relief.  It wasn't physical pain.  it was torture inside me, burning me inside and out.  I got mad at God for leaving me alone but like that footsteps poem goes, he was carrying me along the whole time.  Depression is no joke.  It sucks the life out of you.  Its hard to tell your loved ones that you aren't yourself even though they think they did something wrong to you.  

 

All i can say is that if I can go through w/d, so can you.  Mine was no walk through the park.  i went to countless doctors and therapists in 2008 because I needed relief.  I had thoughts of suicide which was very weird and new for me.  The racing thoughts were horrible.  The brain fog and lack of concentration was really bad too.

 

I truly believe most of us don't need SSRIs.  If I would have resolved my original issue of depression with talk therapy and anxiety with the Dr. Claire Weekes Method, I wouldn't have gone through w/d.

 

If I recovered, YOU will too.  Burn time!  It's ok, nothing wrong with that!  

 

You will have inner peace!

I will hold these words close to me.  Thank you a gazillion times.  *hugs*

<p>10 years of ssri and finally tapered off in 2 years. Off Celexa by jan/28/2014 and off benzos by March/6th/2014 after only two months use and still experiencing withdrawal symptoms.

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You're welcome

Lexparo 10mg user for 2.5 years. Last dose was 2/27/2008 after a fast 1 month taper. Recovered around 2011. Had issues with depression, anxiety, akathasia, inner restlessness, vertigo, insomnia, loss of appetite, eye floaters just to name a few. Basically rode it out, employing the Dr. Claire Weekes method.

 

Took Cipro in July of 2014 and have been having set backs with nausea, vertigo, anxiety (racing thoughts), and depression the last half of 2014.

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Aeroman I have another question for you. In your situation, how did those blue skies start to open? What did you notice happening? Did your symptoms gradually lighten over time? I know you said you had the anhedonia for quite some time so how did you get to the place of, your excitement to spend time with your loved ones and your hobbies??? Was this a gradual return to where you said you, "pick up where you lift off in your life???" Thanks, Jamie.

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Oh Aeroman, I am not to good and steady yet but I do know this, God has carried me every step of this journey thus far. I affirm this truth. Thank you.

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