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Isabel

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I came to this in hindsight as I was niave about withdrawal.  I tapered to 1 mg Lexapro and stopped.   5 days later noticed insomina, change in appetite, thoughts coming back so I started back on 2.5mg as I didn't realize i needed to start back on the last dose used.   Added anxiety and no changes in symptoms 2 weeks later the dr told me to increase to 5 mg.   This has been for 5 weeks and I notice no stabilization of symptoms, almost worse then before.   I'm not sure if I'm stuck in withdrawal because I am sensitized to lexpro and the high dose is too much and will become toxic because it isn't being reabsorbed?   Im worried that at my next appt the dr. will want to increase my dose or switch to new med.   I don't know if I can taper back down being this unstable.   

Edited by scallywag
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Lexapro 10 mg February 2009tapered to 5 mg July 2009tapered to 1 mg March 2010went back up to 2.5 mg January 2013tapered to 1.5 mg and stayed till stopping February 2017. 7 days later reinstated 2.5 mg. After 3 weeks went up to 5 mg March 2017 <p>Hydroxine 12 mg March 2017 stopped hydroxine March 26. Reduced lexapro to 3.75 March 30th

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Welcome to the forum. You will find lots of company here. What dose were you on originally? Ie what was maximum dose? And for how long did you taper and how? Ie how big were cuts etc. One of the moderators will soon give you some suggestions on what to do.

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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ive been on a very low dose but i don't know for sure cause I just cut the pill I don't use liquid.   But it hasn't been more than 1.5 mg.   I haven't really been tapering.  I've just stayed on that dose so as not to rock the boat.    I've been on 1.5 for atleast a year, then stopped.    My Dr. will want to try Zoloft which at this point I'm thinking would be a better fit to try to get off Lexapro.  I know my NE is elevated and need  the best fit to decrease that sooner rather than later but also don't want to have to go through switching meds, so just really stuck on what to do.  

Lexapro 10 mg February 2009tapered to 5 mg July 2009tapered to 1 mg March 2010went back up to 2.5 mg January 2013tapered to 1.5 mg and stayed till stopping February 2017. 7 days later reinstated 2.5 mg. After 3 weeks went up to 5 mg March 2017 <p>Hydroxine 12 mg March 2017 stopped hydroxine March 26. Reduced lexapro to 3.75 March 30th

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Not sure if I'm in withdrawal or relapse as I'm on meds but not improved?

Lexapro 10 mg February 2009tapered to 5 mg July 2009tapered to 1 mg March 2010went back up to 2.5 mg January 2013tapered to 1.5 mg and stayed till stopping February 2017. 7 days later reinstated 2.5 mg. After 3 weeks went up to 5 mg March 2017 <p>Hydroxine 12 mg March 2017 stopped hydroxine March 26. Reduced lexapro to 3.75 March 30th

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Hi Isobel, welcome to SA. Reinstating at 2.5 was too high after being on 1mg for a year. Doctors rarely understand this and often increase a dose when a smaller dose would be better. I would take 3/4 of a 5mg tablet for 2 weeks, then half for 2 weeks, then 1/4  and see how you feel.  How long have you been taking hydroxine? Does it help at all? 

 

Lexapro is available in liquid which would be better for getting the very low dose. When you have stabilised you can start to taper, even very small doses need tapering, lexapro is a very strong drug and 1mg is more powerful than most people realise. 

 

Thank you for filling in your signature, it is very helpful  :)

 

http://survivingantidepressants.org/index.php?/topic/406-tapering-off-lexapro-escitalopram/

 

Things will settle down again but try and hold off switching, it is possible to stabilise on a small dose, maybe even smaller than1mg if necessary! 

**I am not a medical professional, if in doubt please consult a doctor with withdrawal knowledge.

 

 

Different drugs occasionally (mostly benzos) 1976 - 1981 (no problem)

1993 - 2002 in and out of hospital. every type of drug + ECT. Staring with seroxat

2002  effexor. 

Tapered  March 2012 to March 2013, ending with 5 beads.

Withdrawal April 2013 . Reinstated 5 beads reduced to 4 beads May 2013

Restarted taper  Nov 2013  

OFF EFFEXOR Feb 2015    :D 

Tapered atenolol and omeprazole Dec 2013 - May 2014

 

Tapering tramadol, Feb 2015 100mg , March 2015 50mg  

 July 2017 30mg.  May 15 2018 25mg

Taking fish oil, magnesium, B12, folic acid, bilberry eyebright for eye pressure. 

 

My story http://survivingantidepressants.org/index.php?/topic/4199-hello-mammap-checking-in/page-33

 

Lesson learned, slow down taper at lower doses. Taper no more than 10% of CURRENT dose if possible

 

 

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Hi isabel -- Welcome to Surviving Antidepressants (SA)
 
Once a destabilization from a discontinuation -- even from 1 mg -- has occurred, it can take many weeks, many more than 5, to stabilize. Sorry to give you this crummy news. :(
 
What are your symptoms? Is there a pattern?
 
Please keep notes on paper of your symptoms and the times of your dose(s). This post has a useful format for a daily log:
Take notes of doses and symptoms.  
 
I hope you'll find the information in the SA forums helpful for your situation. I'm sorry that you are in the position that you need the information, but am glad that you found us.

This is not medical advice. Discuss any decisions about your medical care with a knowledgeable medical practitioner.
1997-1999 Effexor; 2002-2005 Effexor XR 37.5 mg linear taper, dropping same #beads/week with bad results

Cymbalta 60 mg 2012 - 2015; 2016: 20 mg to 7 mg exact doses and dates in this post; 2017: 6.3 mg to  0.0 mg  Aug. 12; details here


scallywag's Introduction
Online spreadsheet for dose taper calculations and nz11's THE WORKS spreadsheet

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Thanks for feedback. So you think the sooner I get down to the 1mg the better? You think being at the 5mg is giving me worse symptoms?i have liquid lexapro. What does is 3/4 tablet?

Lexapro 10 mg February 2009tapered to 5 mg July 2009tapered to 1 mg March 2010went back up to 2.5 mg January 2013tapered to 1.5 mg and stayed till stopping February 2017. 7 days later reinstated 2.5 mg. After 3 weeks went up to 5 mg March 2017 <p>Hydroxine 12 mg March 2017 stopped hydroxine March 26. Reduced lexapro to 3.75 March 30th

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Also, not sure about the hydroxzine. Thought some days it helped others worse.i stopped that 3 days ago. Is all this change gonna be bad?

Lexapro 10 mg February 2009tapered to 5 mg July 2009tapered to 1 mg March 2010went back up to 2.5 mg January 2013tapered to 1.5 mg and stayed till stopping February 2017. 7 days later reinstated 2.5 mg. After 3 weeks went up to 5 mg March 2017 <p>Hydroxine 12 mg March 2017 stopped hydroxine March 26. Reduced lexapro to 3.75 March 30th

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Is melatonin a bad idea? I read it counters the effects of NE? Also, hydroxzine withdrawal, what can I expect?

Lexapro 10 mg February 2009tapered to 5 mg July 2009tapered to 1 mg March 2010went back up to 2.5 mg January 2013tapered to 1.5 mg and stayed till stopping February 2017. 7 days later reinstated 2.5 mg. After 3 weeks went up to 5 mg March 2017 <p>Hydroxine 12 mg March 2017 stopped hydroxine March 26. Reduced lexapro to 3.75 March 30th

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  • Moderator Emeritus

Hi Isabel and welcome from me too.

 

It is better to make 1 change at a time, so adding melatonin to the mix at this time is, in my opinion, not a good idea .  If you make 2 or more at the same time and you have issues you won't know what is causing what.

 

When people get destabilised, you need to be careful that you don't try and throw other things at it and end up in more of a mess.  Reducing your Lexapro as mammaP suggested, keeping notes as Scally said so that you can gauge how things are going, learning and using Non-drug techniques to cope and time are what are the better options at the moment.

* 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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You should be ok with stopping hydroxine as it has been a short time and is an antihistamine. When did you start taking it? Your dig just says March. Sorry I didn't know you had liquid, I thought you would be splitting a 5mg tablet. I would make smaller cuts with liquid, and cut 1mg at a time. If you get any worse then hold the dose for a bit longer before cutting again. I see Chessie posted while I am typing, I agree that it would be better not to try melatonin right now. Its best to keep things as stable as possible and adding something else could rock the boat. Melatonin is natural but some people can't tolerate it. 

**I am not a medical professional, if in doubt please consult a doctor with withdrawal knowledge.

 

 

Different drugs occasionally (mostly benzos) 1976 - 1981 (no problem)

1993 - 2002 in and out of hospital. every type of drug + ECT. Staring with seroxat

2002  effexor. 

Tapered  March 2012 to March 2013, ending with 5 beads.

Withdrawal April 2013 . Reinstated 5 beads reduced to 4 beads May 2013

Restarted taper  Nov 2013  

OFF EFFEXOR Feb 2015    :D 

Tapered atenolol and omeprazole Dec 2013 - May 2014

 

Tapering tramadol, Feb 2015 100mg , March 2015 50mg  

 July 2017 30mg.  May 15 2018 25mg

Taking fish oil, magnesium, B12, folic acid, bilberry eyebright for eye pressure. 

 

My story http://survivingantidepressants.org/index.php?/topic/4199-hello-mammap-checking-in/page-33

 

Lesson learned, slow down taper at lower doses. Taper no more than 10% of CURRENT dose if possible

 

 

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What do you recommend about hydroxzine. I was on 12 mg roughly 4 weeks and last dose 6mg 4 days ago. Cant find a lot of info about this med. thanks!!

Lexapro 10 mg February 2009tapered to 5 mg July 2009tapered to 1 mg March 2010went back up to 2.5 mg January 2013tapered to 1.5 mg and stayed till stopping February 2017. 7 days later reinstated 2.5 mg. After 3 weeks went up to 5 mg March 2017 <p>Hydroxine 12 mg March 2017 stopped hydroxine March 26. Reduced lexapro to 3.75 March 30th

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12mg is a a small dose, and you tapered it so that is good. It isn't like benzo's so you should be ok after just 4 weeks at a low dose. . There are also interactions between hydroxyzine and lexapro so it is probably a good thing that you have stopped it. 

 

 

https://www.drugs.com/interactions-check.php?drug_list=1303-0,1013-565

**I am not a medical professional, if in doubt please consult a doctor with withdrawal knowledge.

 

 

Different drugs occasionally (mostly benzos) 1976 - 1981 (no problem)

1993 - 2002 in and out of hospital. every type of drug + ECT. Staring with seroxat

2002  effexor. 

Tapered  March 2012 to March 2013, ending with 5 beads.

Withdrawal April 2013 . Reinstated 5 beads reduced to 4 beads May 2013

Restarted taper  Nov 2013  

OFF EFFEXOR Feb 2015    :D 

Tapered atenolol and omeprazole Dec 2013 - May 2014

 

Tapering tramadol, Feb 2015 100mg , March 2015 50mg  

 July 2017 30mg.  May 15 2018 25mg

Taking fish oil, magnesium, B12, folic acid, bilberry eyebright for eye pressure. 

 

My story http://survivingantidepressants.org/index.php?/topic/4199-hello-mammap-checking-in/page-33

 

Lesson learned, slow down taper at lower doses. Taper no more than 10% of CURRENT dose if possible

 

 

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I'm not sure what worse means. I'm having anxiety, insomnia, appetite suppression. Think this is because of dose being too high? Feel like I've been in withdrawal since February.

Lexapro 10 mg February 2009tapered to 5 mg July 2009tapered to 1 mg March 2010went back up to 2.5 mg January 2013tapered to 1.5 mg and stayed till stopping February 2017. 7 days later reinstated 2.5 mg. After 3 weeks went up to 5 mg March 2017 <p>Hydroxine 12 mg March 2017 stopped hydroxine March 26. Reduced lexapro to 3.75 March 30th

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Is it bad to switch to liquid in the midst of all this or just cut the pill cause my body is used to that version?

Lexapro 10 mg February 2009tapered to 5 mg July 2009tapered to 1 mg March 2010went back up to 2.5 mg January 2013tapered to 1.5 mg and stayed till stopping February 2017. 7 days later reinstated 2.5 mg. After 3 weeks went up to 5 mg March 2017 <p>Hydroxine 12 mg March 2017 stopped hydroxine March 26. Reduced lexapro to 3.75 March 30th

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  • Moderator Emeritus

isabel - How are you getting a 5 mg dose of Lexapro now? Tablet or liquid?

 

 

I'm not sure what worse means. I'm having anxiety, insomnia, appetite suppression. Think this is because of dose being too high? Feel like I've been in withdrawal since February.

 

You probably have been in withdrawal since February (roughly the time you say you stopped Lexapro).  Withdrawal symptoms don't always stop quickly with reinstatement. It can take some time.

This is not medical advice. Discuss any decisions about your medical care with a knowledgeable medical practitioner.
1997-1999 Effexor; 2002-2005 Effexor XR 37.5 mg linear taper, dropping same #beads/week with bad results

Cymbalta 60 mg 2012 - 2015; 2016: 20 mg to 7 mg exact doses and dates in this post; 2017: 6.3 mg to  0.0 mg  Aug. 12; details here


scallywag's Introduction
Online spreadsheet for dose taper calculations and nz11's THE WORKS spreadsheet

Link to comment

Tablet, but I just picked up liquid today

Lexapro 10 mg February 2009tapered to 5 mg July 2009tapered to 1 mg March 2010went back up to 2.5 mg January 2013tapered to 1.5 mg and stayed till stopping February 2017. 7 days later reinstated 2.5 mg. After 3 weeks went up to 5 mg March 2017 <p>Hydroxine 12 mg March 2017 stopped hydroxine March 26. Reduced lexapro to 3.75 March 30th

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  • Moderator Emeritus

What is the dose of your tablets? How many do you have left?

This is not medical advice. Discuss any decisions about your medical care with a knowledgeable medical practitioner.
1997-1999 Effexor; 2002-2005 Effexor XR 37.5 mg linear taper, dropping same #beads/week with bad results

Cymbalta 60 mg 2012 - 2015; 2016: 20 mg to 7 mg exact doses and dates in this post; 2017: 6.3 mg to  0.0 mg  Aug. 12; details here


scallywag's Introduction
Online spreadsheet for dose taper calculations and nz11's THE WORKS spreadsheet

Link to comment

10mg. Probably have 10 left

Lexapro 10 mg February 2009tapered to 5 mg July 2009tapered to 1 mg March 2010went back up to 2.5 mg January 2013tapered to 1.5 mg and stayed till stopping February 2017. 7 days later reinstated 2.5 mg. After 3 weeks went up to 5 mg March 2017 <p>Hydroxine 12 mg March 2017 stopped hydroxine March 26. Reduced lexapro to 3.75 March 30th

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So just to clarify. Even though I'm on 5 mg x4 weeks, my body won't stabilize till I get back down to my dose that I quit at?

Lexapro 10 mg February 2009tapered to 5 mg July 2009tapered to 1 mg March 2010went back up to 2.5 mg January 2013tapered to 1.5 mg and stayed till stopping February 2017. 7 days later reinstated 2.5 mg. After 3 weeks went up to 5 mg March 2017 <p>Hydroxine 12 mg March 2017 stopped hydroxine March 26. Reduced lexapro to 3.75 March 30th

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  • Moderator Emeritus

Nobody can tell you on what date and at what dose you'll stabilize. A few lucky people stabilize quickly after reinstatement, the rest of us bide our time.

 

Your current dose is 3.75 mg, which you make from 10 mg tablets.  That's enough for 26 days of 3.75 mg doses. How do you do DIY the 3.75 mg -- use a scale, dry-cut-and-eyeball?

 

When do you think you'll decrease to 2.5 mg (¼ tablet)?

 

You could consider a cross-over to liquid by taking a mixed dose of tablet + liquid so that you don't have another "sharp shock" with a change in the formulation.  It might make sense to do that after a week or two of taking 2.5 mg.

This is not medical advice. Discuss any decisions about your medical care with a knowledgeable medical practitioner.
1997-1999 Effexor; 2002-2005 Effexor XR 37.5 mg linear taper, dropping same #beads/week with bad results

Cymbalta 60 mg 2012 - 2015; 2016: 20 mg to 7 mg exact doses and dates in this post; 2017: 6.3 mg to  0.0 mg  Aug. 12; details here


scallywag's Introduction
Online spreadsheet for dose taper calculations and nz11's THE WORKS spreadsheet

Link to comment

Eyeball it. Probably not accurate right?

Lexapro 10 mg February 2009tapered to 5 mg July 2009tapered to 1 mg March 2010went back up to 2.5 mg January 2013tapered to 1.5 mg and stayed till stopping February 2017. 7 days later reinstated 2.5 mg. After 3 weeks went up to 5 mg March 2017 <p>Hydroxine 12 mg March 2017 stopped hydroxine March 26. Reduced lexapro to 3.75 March 30th

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  • Moderator Emeritus

Wow -- you're good! Getting 3/8 of a tablet has got to be tricky.

 

How to cut up tablets using a pillcutter.

 

Yeah, it's probably not the same amount every time but I doubt that slight variation is contributing much to your symptoms.

 

Do you think you'll go with what mammaP suggested:

... I would take 3/4 of a 5mg tablet for 2 weeks, then half for 2 weeks, then 1/4 and see how you feel.

This is not medical advice. Discuss any decisions about your medical care with a knowledgeable medical practitioner.
1997-1999 Effexor; 2002-2005 Effexor XR 37.5 mg linear taper, dropping same #beads/week with bad results

Cymbalta 60 mg 2012 - 2015; 2016: 20 mg to 7 mg exact doses and dates in this post; 2017: 6.3 mg to  0.0 mg  Aug. 12; details here


scallywag's Introduction
Online spreadsheet for dose taper calculations and nz11's THE WORKS spreadsheet

Link to comment

I'm not sure about mammaP schedule. If someone could explain. I know I reinstated at too high and updosed, But the scheduled proposed seeems like a fast taper however is it that I'm trying to get back to 1mg.

Lexapro 10 mg February 2009tapered to 5 mg July 2009tapered to 1 mg March 2010went back up to 2.5 mg January 2013tapered to 1.5 mg and stayed till stopping February 2017. 7 days later reinstated 2.5 mg. After 3 weeks went up to 5 mg March 2017 <p>Hydroxine 12 mg March 2017 stopped hydroxine March 26. Reduced lexapro to 3.75 March 30th

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I've had such adverse reactions ever since reinstating I don't know what to think. I won't know if I'm stable at 3/4 or 2.5 or 1 cause I haven't been stable at any reinstated dose. So is it better to go down sooner then later

Lexapro 10 mg February 2009tapered to 5 mg July 2009tapered to 1 mg March 2010went back up to 2.5 mg January 2013tapered to 1.5 mg and stayed till stopping February 2017. 7 days later reinstated 2.5 mg. After 3 weeks went up to 5 mg March 2017 <p>Hydroxine 12 mg March 2017 stopped hydroxine March 26. Reduced lexapro to 3.75 March 30th

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  • Moderator Emeritus

... I would take 3/4 of a 5mg tablet for 2 weeks, then half for 2 weeks, then 1/4 and see how you feel.

 

 

I'm not sure about mammaP schedule. If someone could explain. I know I reinstated at too high and updosed, But the scheduled proposed seeems like a fast taper however is it that I'm trying to get back to 1mg.

mammaP suggested that you reduce your dose in steps from 5 mg, the reinstatement dose you were taking when you first posted. Her suggestion -- reduce from

  • 5 mg to 3.75 mg (¾ of 5 mg tablet); hold at that dose for 2 weeks, observe your symptoms;

    then

  • 3.75 mg to 2.5 mg (½ of 5 mg tablet), hold at that dose for 2 weeks, observe your symptoms;

    then

  • 2.5 mg to 1.25 mg (¼ of 5 mg tablet); hold at that dose and observe your symptoms.
You don't want to decrease too quickly because your brain and the rest of your CNS (central nervous system) have adapted to the 5 mg reinstatement updose which you were taking for 5 weeks. The best explanation for your symptoms is that your CNS has been destabilized by the jump from 1 mg to 0 mg Lexapro in mid-February.

 

Please read or view the descriptions at these links; they help a lot of us understand what's going on during withdrawal:

How your brain responds to psychiatric drugs - aka "Brain remodeling"

Youtube video, 4 minutes: Healing from antidepressants

This is not medical advice. Discuss any decisions about your medical care with a knowledgeable medical practitioner.
1997-1999 Effexor; 2002-2005 Effexor XR 37.5 mg linear taper, dropping same #beads/week with bad results

Cymbalta 60 mg 2012 - 2015; 2016: 20 mg to 7 mg exact doses and dates in this post; 2017: 6.3 mg to  0.0 mg  Aug. 12; details here


scallywag's Introduction
Online spreadsheet for dose taper calculations and nz11's THE WORKS spreadsheet

Link to comment

I understand however I have not felt adapted to the 5mg x weeks. Is this an adverse response?

Lexapro 10 mg February 2009tapered to 5 mg July 2009tapered to 1 mg March 2010went back up to 2.5 mg January 2013tapered to 1.5 mg and stayed till stopping February 2017. 7 days later reinstated 2.5 mg. After 3 weeks went up to 5 mg March 2017 <p>Hydroxine 12 mg March 2017 stopped hydroxine March 26. Reduced lexapro to 3.75 March 30th

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  • Moderator Emeritus

Thank you Scally. I'm sorry to confuse you Isabel. I'll try to explain better. 

 

I came to this in hindsight as I was niave about withdrawal.  I tapered to 1 mg Lexapro and stopped.   (1mg from 2014 to 2017) 5 days later noticed insomina, change in appetite, thoughts coming back so I started back on 2.5mg as I didn't realize i needed to start back on the last dose used.   Added anxiety and no changes in symptoms 2 weeks later the dr told me to increase to 5 mg.   This has been for 5 weeks and I notice no stabilization of symptoms, almost worse then before.   I'm not sure if I'm stuck in withdrawal because I am sensitized to lexpro and the high dose is too much and will become toxic because it isn't being reabsorbed?   Im worried that at my next appt the dr. will want to increase my dose or switch to new med.   I don't know if I can taper back down being this unstable.   

 

 

Starting at 2.5mg was too high a dose after 3 years at 1mg, and you reacted to it with increaed anxiety. Increasing it to 5mg  and have been getting worse.  The dose is too high and needs reducing.  but after 5 weeks needs to be done gradually. 

 

Tablet, but I just picked up liquid today

Liquid will be more accurate than cutting 10mg tablets, and easier. 

You are going back to 1mg, when you have stabilised you should hold it there for a few months then you could taper off the 1mg with liquid. 

 

I understand however I have not felt adapted to the 5mg x weeks. Is this an adverse response?

Yes Isabel, the dose is much higher than you were used to and your body is reacting to it.  

 

I am erring on the side of caution with 2 weeks between drops, you could do it a bit faster if you are ok with the drops. 

**I am not a medical professional, if in doubt please consult a doctor with withdrawal knowledge.

 

 

Different drugs occasionally (mostly benzos) 1976 - 1981 (no problem)

1993 - 2002 in and out of hospital. every type of drug + ECT. Staring with seroxat

2002  effexor. 

Tapered  March 2012 to March 2013, ending with 5 beads.

Withdrawal April 2013 . Reinstated 5 beads reduced to 4 beads May 2013

Restarted taper  Nov 2013  

OFF EFFEXOR Feb 2015    :D 

Tapered atenolol and omeprazole Dec 2013 - May 2014

 

Tapering tramadol, Feb 2015 100mg , March 2015 50mg  

 July 2017 30mg.  May 15 2018 25mg

Taking fish oil, magnesium, B12, folic acid, bilberry eyebright for eye pressure. 

 

My story http://survivingantidepressants.org/index.php?/topic/4199-hello-mammap-checking-in/page-33

 

Lesson learned, slow down taper at lower doses. Taper no more than 10% of CURRENT dose if possible

 

 

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Thanks! I just feel this is all a mess right now. So you're saying I probably won't stabilize till I get to 1 mg but have to go slow and can have effects from decreasing as well which is so disheartening. In addition, feel effects from hydroxzine withdrawal and not sure what to do.

Lexapro 10 mg February 2009tapered to 5 mg July 2009tapered to 1 mg March 2010went back up to 2.5 mg January 2013tapered to 1.5 mg and stayed till stopping February 2017. 7 days later reinstated 2.5 mg. After 3 weeks went up to 5 mg March 2017 <p>Hydroxine 12 mg March 2017 stopped hydroxine March 26. Reduced lexapro to 3.75 March 30th

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  • Moderator Emeritus

What is it that you are feel is hydroxine withdrawal Isabel?   Everyone is different and some could be ok cutting the dose in half, then to 1 in a short time, and be ok in a few days. Others can feel withdrawal even when there is a reaction. I am trying to minimise the chance of withdrawal for you. 

These drugs cause havoc, but you will get stable again. I know it is hard, but you will get there. 

**I am not a medical professional, if in doubt please consult a doctor with withdrawal knowledge.

 

 

Different drugs occasionally (mostly benzos) 1976 - 1981 (no problem)

1993 - 2002 in and out of hospital. every type of drug + ECT. Staring with seroxat

2002  effexor. 

Tapered  March 2012 to March 2013, ending with 5 beads.

Withdrawal April 2013 . Reinstated 5 beads reduced to 4 beads May 2013

Restarted taper  Nov 2013  

OFF EFFEXOR Feb 2015    :D 

Tapered atenolol and omeprazole Dec 2013 - May 2014

 

Tapering tramadol, Feb 2015 100mg , March 2015 50mg  

 July 2017 30mg.  May 15 2018 25mg

Taking fish oil, magnesium, B12, folic acid, bilberry eyebright for eye pressure. 

 

My story http://survivingantidepressants.org/index.php?/topic/4199-hello-mammap-checking-in/page-33

 

Lesson learned, slow down taper at lower doses. Taper no more than 10% of CURRENT dose if possible

 

 

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Anxiety, insomnia, OC, seems like I have opposite reaction to things that are supposed to help. Magnesium and vitamin c cause anxiety so don't know what to try?

Lexapro 10 mg February 2009tapered to 5 mg July 2009tapered to 1 mg March 2010went back up to 2.5 mg January 2013tapered to 1.5 mg and stayed till stopping February 2017. 7 days later reinstated 2.5 mg. After 3 weeks went up to 5 mg March 2017 <p>Hydroxine 12 mg March 2017 stopped hydroxine March 26. Reduced lexapro to 3.75 March 30th

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I'm searching up symptoms all the time. Isn't OCD too little seratonon?

Lexapro 10 mg February 2009tapered to 5 mg July 2009tapered to 1 mg March 2010went back up to 2.5 mg January 2013tapered to 1.5 mg and stayed till stopping February 2017. 7 days later reinstated 2.5 mg. After 3 weeks went up to 5 mg March 2017 <p>Hydroxine 12 mg March 2017 stopped hydroxine March 26. Reduced lexapro to 3.75 March 30th

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Hello, Isabel.

 

Going off psychiatric drugs can make your nervous system sensitive to the drugs. When you take a drug like Lexapro again, your sensitized nervous system may not react to it the way it did at first. You may also have problems with supplements.

 

It sounds like 5mg Lexapro was too much for your sensitized nervous system. It's now too activating for you, causing more anxiety and insomnia on top of withdrawal symptoms, which can include anxiety, insomnia, and "OCD."

 

Because it sounds like 5mg Lexapro may be too strong for you, reducing the 5mg Lexapro may make you feel better. mammaP suggested a gradual reduction so you can monitor how you feel after each change in dosage. This is important, because you will want to go in a direction that makes you feel better rather than worse.

 

Even if a reduction in Lexapro makes you feel a bit better, it may take some time for your nervous system to settle down from all the surprises it's experienced lately.

 

It's best if you can control your dosage more precisely than cutting up a tablet. If you choose to reduce from 5 mg to 3.75 mg, you may wish to take the 3.75mg in liquid form. You will use an oral syringe to measure it.

 

Also, be sure to take your drugs at the same time each day. (Are you taking anything at all other than Lexapro?)

 

Please keep daily notes on paper about your symptoms, when you take your drugs, and their dosages.

 

We don't know if 1mg is the right dosage for you right now. All you can do is gradually reduce and see if you feel even a little bit better.

 

(There is no real relationship between serotonin levels and any mood disorder, that's a myth called the "chemical imbalance" theory.)

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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Thanks for the feedback. My dr not only put me on 5mg she also put me on hydroxzine. I stopped that one 6 days ago and last night had such realistic dreams I couldn't believe I wasn't awake, also nausea. I'm afraid switching to liquid will cause more system shock then cutting pills? I feel like the inside of my head is shaking, not zaps. Are the dreams a sign of some other issue? Any supplements I can try that won't cause opposite reactions? I also wonder if the hydroxzine is causing such kidney pain. I'm having so many symptoms I don't know what and how to treat. Deep breathing for anxiety just isn't working. Any feedback, please!

Lexapro 10 mg February 2009tapered to 5 mg July 2009tapered to 1 mg March 2010went back up to 2.5 mg January 2013tapered to 1.5 mg and stayed till stopping February 2017. 7 days later reinstated 2.5 mg. After 3 weeks went up to 5 mg March 2017 <p>Hydroxine 12 mg March 2017 stopped hydroxine March 26. Reduced lexapro to 3.75 March 30th

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I also feel like NE is taking over.Have signs of high cortisol, and adrenal fatigue. I have a dr appt this week and she's gonna want to increase dose or switch meds cause I'm so symptomatic.

Lexapro 10 mg February 2009tapered to 5 mg July 2009tapered to 1 mg March 2010went back up to 2.5 mg January 2013tapered to 1.5 mg and stayed till stopping February 2017. 7 days later reinstated 2.5 mg. After 3 weeks went up to 5 mg March 2017 <p>Hydroxine 12 mg March 2017 stopped hydroxine March 26. Reduced lexapro to 3.75 March 30th

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You're right, your doctor is likely to want to medicate you further to "treat" your symptoms.  You would be wise to ask your doctor about the risks of the medication she proposes, and what you should do if the new drug or drugs make you worse not better.

 

Switching to liquid:

The variability and imprecision of the cutting your doses by eye could catch up with you at some point. To minimize the risk of intensifying symptoms from a transition to liquid, you could continue what you're doing with dry cutting but then take only half of the freshly cut dose as tablet and make liquid with the rest.  Do that half-tablet half-liquid for 2 weeks, then switch to all liquid but keep the dose the same for 2 weeks
 
As for supplements, many people find omega 3 fatty acids in fish oil and magnesium helpful. Start with one or the other at a low dose and work your way up. Please read:
Omega-3 fatty acids (fish oil).
Magnesium, nature's calcium channel blocker.

This is not medical advice. Discuss any decisions about your medical care with a knowledgeable medical practitioner.
1997-1999 Effexor; 2002-2005 Effexor XR 37.5 mg linear taper, dropping same #beads/week with bad results

Cymbalta 60 mg 2012 - 2015; 2016: 20 mg to 7 mg exact doses and dates in this post; 2017: 6.3 mg to  0.0 mg  Aug. 12; details here


scallywag's Introduction
Online spreadsheet for dose taper calculations and nz11's THE WORKS spreadsheet

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