lobster Posted January 28, 2016 Author Share Posted January 28, 2016 Hi bubble :-) so good to hear from you, Things have been really busy with me for a while now. My son started high school this year and he loves it and is doing well, I just Purchased a larger boat for my business, My tapper is going pretty good, slow but steady, I still have bad days but not as many and have learned how to deal with them better. I hope you are doing well :-) 1 Lexapro 1 1/8 mg and 10 mg Propranolol. I jumped down to 2.5 mg lexapro from 5 mg on oct 2 where I had been for 7 months and went from 2.5 mg to 1 1/8 mg not sure when maybe around nov 2 went back up to 2.5 mg December 30 . May 13 small cut lexapro 2.5 mg down to 2.4 mg 9/4/14 dropped 8.33% to 2.2 mg 10/13/14 dropped to 2mg lexapro. Back up to 2.2 mg 10/15/14. Dropped to 2 mg lexapro 11/26/14. Dropped 10% to 1.8 mg lexapro 1/11/15. 2/23/15 . Cut of 5%. 3/11/15 cut of 5% 5/3/15 cut of 5% 6/3/15 cut of 5% 7/19/15 cut of 5%. Continued small cuts of 5% every six weeks or so untill October 8th 2016 ,last dose . Last dose was 0.8mg. Currently taking 10 mg propranolol in the afternoon. 1400mg fish oil. 250 mg magnesium, 250 mg L-Taurine, 500 mg Tumeric. 40 mg Zocore simvistatin. Link to comment
lobster Posted November 20, 2016 Author Share Posted November 20, 2016 Hello every one, It's been a long time since I have been on her. I have had a very busy season fishing and have been continuing with my 5% tapper of lexapro. I have been complete off lexapro now for 7 weeks,and not doing great with it for the last week, very heightened anxiety, I'm hoping this will improve soon, windows and waves :-) Just wanted to give an up date .. Lexapro 1 1/8 mg and 10 mg Propranolol. I jumped down to 2.5 mg lexapro from 5 mg on oct 2 where I had been for 7 months and went from 2.5 mg to 1 1/8 mg not sure when maybe around nov 2 went back up to 2.5 mg December 30 . May 13 small cut lexapro 2.5 mg down to 2.4 mg 9/4/14 dropped 8.33% to 2.2 mg 10/13/14 dropped to 2mg lexapro. Back up to 2.2 mg 10/15/14. Dropped to 2 mg lexapro 11/26/14. Dropped 10% to 1.8 mg lexapro 1/11/15. 2/23/15 . Cut of 5%. 3/11/15 cut of 5% 5/3/15 cut of 5% 6/3/15 cut of 5% 7/19/15 cut of 5%. Continued small cuts of 5% every six weeks or so untill October 8th 2016 ,last dose . Last dose was 0.8mg. Currently taking 10 mg propranolol in the afternoon. 1400mg fish oil. 250 mg magnesium, 250 mg L-Taurine, 500 mg Tumeric. 40 mg Zocore simvistatin. Link to comment
Mentor Happy2Heal Posted November 20, 2016 Mentor Share Posted November 20, 2016 thanks for the update do you mind my asking, what dose were you on when you stopped taking it? as you can see from my signature (maybe, LOL it's kind of faint) I am on 0.15 AM dose and 0.2 PM doseI am going to try to taper from here in a month or so. I hope your waves get smaller and smaller PLEASE DO NOT SEND ME PRIVATE MESSAGES, thank you. pysch med history: 1974 @ age 18 to Oct 2017 (approx 43 yrs total) Drug list: stelazine, haldol, elavil, lithium, zoloft, celexa, lexapro(doses as high as 40mgs), klonopin, ambien, seroquel(high doses), depakote, zyprexa, lamictal- plus brief trials of dozens of other psych meds over the years started lexapro 2002, dose varied from 20mgs to 40mgs. First attempt to get off it was 2007- WD symptoms were mistaken for "relapse". 2013 too fast taper down to 5mg but WD forced me back to 20mgs June of 2105, tapered again too rapidly to 2.5mgs by Dec 2015. Found SA, held at 2.5 mgs til May 2016 when I foolishly "jumped off". felt ok until Sept, then acute WD hit!! reinstated at 0.3mgs in Oct. 2106 Tapered off to zero by Oct. 2017 Doing very well. Nov. 2018 feel 95% healed, age 63 Jan. 2020 feel 100% healed, peaceful and content PRESENT DAYS: Loving life! ❤️ with all it's ups and downs Link to comment
Moderator Emeritus bubble Posted November 20, 2016 Moderator Emeritus Share Posted November 20, 2016 Hello Lobster! It's so good to see you It's been a while indeed. Wow: you've been off for 7 weeks, that's almost 2 months.... You did it!!! Unfortunately things can be quite bumpy after a while but I think winter is an easier season for you when you can allow yourself rest and relaxation and can look into various self-soothing and coping skills that can help you beat the beast. And then when the spring comes you will have the sun and the sea as your allies. I've been practiicng mindfulness meditation since the beginning of this year. Sometimes more diligently, sometimes less but now I feel like I'm not alone with my anxieties and panics any more but have a very effecient weapon that I can count on. I believe you can find something that will work in a similar way for you. I would also be interested in you jumping off dose as Catnap... How is your son by the way? Current: 9/2022 Xanax 0.08, Lexapro 2 2020 Xanax 0.26 (down from 2 mg in 2013), Lexapro 2.85 mg (down from 5 mg 2013) Amitriptyline (tricyclic AD) and clonazepam for 3 months to treat headache in 1996 1999. - present Xanax prn up to 3 mg. 2000-2005 Prozac CT twice, 2005-2010 Zoloft CT 3 times, 2010-2013 Escitalopram 10 mg went from 2.5 to zero on 7 Aug 2013, bad crash 40 days afterreinstated to 5 mg Escitalopram 4Oct 2013 and holding liquid Xanax every 5 hours 28 Jan 2014 Xanax 1.9, 18 Apr 2015 1 mg, 25 June 2015 Lex 4.8, 6 Aug Lexapro 4.6, 1 Jan 2016 0.64 Xanax 9 month hold 24 Sept 2016 4.5 Lex, 17 Oct 4.4 Lex (Nov 0.63 Xanax, Dec 0.625 Xanax), 1 Jan 2017 4.3 Lex, 24 Jan 4.2, 5 Feb 4.1, 24 Mar 4 mg, 10 Apr 3.9 mg, May 3.85, June 3.8, July 3.75, 22 July 3.7, 15 Aug 3.65, 17 Sept 3.6, 1 Jan 2018 3.55, 19 Jan 3.5, 16 Mar 3.4, 14 Apr 3.3, 23 May 3.2, 16 June 3.15, 15 Jul 3.1, 31 Jul 3, 21 Aug 2.9 26 Sept 2.85, 14 Nov Xan 0.61, 1 Dec 0.59, 19 Dec 0.58, 4 Jan 0.565, 6 Feb 0.55, 20 Feb 0.535, 1 Mar 0.505, 10 Mar 0.475, 14 Mar 0.45, 4 Apr 0.415, 13 Apr 0.37, 21 Apr 0.33, 29 Apr 0.29, 10 May 0.27, 17 May 0.25, 28 May 0.22, 19 June 0.22, 21 Jun updose to 0.24, 24 Jun updose to 0.26 Supplements: Omega 3 + Vit E, Vit C, D, magnesium, Taurine, probiotic I'm not a medical professional. Any advice I give is based on my own experience and reading. Link to comment
Pepita Posted November 20, 2016 Share Posted November 20, 2016 Hi Lobster, I am very sorry for your situation!! Sounds really horrible. I did not read through all the posts, so I guess that what I am about to say has already been said by someone else:) Anyway, first of all: I know this feeling. Luckily I never had it for long but I know this moment, when you were JUST ABOUT TO really fall asleep - suddenly your heart starts pounding, you feel like you can´t breathe, you feel scared and so on and so forth. It´s terrifying. I never had this before meds so it is clearly due to WD and considering what you experienced with your father prior to your sleeping troubles: It seems pretty clear where this problems came from. So you´re not crazy or losing it or anything - it was "just" a reaction from this traumatic life experience. Needless to say it´s absoultely horrible that doctors won´t recommend any other solutions than taking meds. But in the end it does not matter does it? You are having a horrible time falling asleep. Period. So what other options other than medication are there? MEds clearly did not improve your situation, coming off them also doesn´t improve it right away, so the only thing you can do is find a way to handle this crap. For me it is mindfulness meditation, breathing techniques and UNDERSTANDING or differing between the feelings my body is feeling and WHO I AM. Because clearly, this is really scary and it is almost impossible to ignore and not be driven crazy. But this panic is not YOU! It is a reaction of you nerves that can´t harm you for real (although it gives a pretty good illusion of doing so). It also takes some time to getting the grasp of this difference but by meditating on a regular base and by being aware it gets better. You may still get your panic reactions but you´ll handle them better - and they will dissolve quicker! I know it all sounds like blablabla when you´re stuck in the middle of this but it can get better:)))) Best wishes! Pepita 2005-2006: Cipralex 5 mg 2009-2010: Cipralex 5 mg 2012-2015: Cipralex 5mg, 10mg tapered 10mg-7.5mg-5mg-2,5-0 (I always waited for a few weeks on the current dosage until I felt stable. Steps were too big I realized too late) Completely drug free since August 2015 Link to comment
lobster Posted November 20, 2016 Author Share Posted November 20, 2016 thanks for the update do you mind my asking, what dose were you on when you stopped taking it? as you can see from my signature (maybe, LOL it's kind of faint) I am on 0.15 AM dose and 0.2 PM dose I am going to try to taper from here in a month or so. I hope your waves get smaller and smaller Thank you I jumped off at 0.10 of a milligram. I've been having good and bad days,today not great, but tomorrow there is hope.. Lexapro 1 1/8 mg and 10 mg Propranolol. I jumped down to 2.5 mg lexapro from 5 mg on oct 2 where I had been for 7 months and went from 2.5 mg to 1 1/8 mg not sure when maybe around nov 2 went back up to 2.5 mg December 30 . May 13 small cut lexapro 2.5 mg down to 2.4 mg 9/4/14 dropped 8.33% to 2.2 mg 10/13/14 dropped to 2mg lexapro. Back up to 2.2 mg 10/15/14. Dropped to 2 mg lexapro 11/26/14. Dropped 10% to 1.8 mg lexapro 1/11/15. 2/23/15 . Cut of 5%. 3/11/15 cut of 5% 5/3/15 cut of 5% 6/3/15 cut of 5% 7/19/15 cut of 5%. Continued small cuts of 5% every six weeks or so untill October 8th 2016 ,last dose . Last dose was 0.8mg. Currently taking 10 mg propranolol in the afternoon. 1400mg fish oil. 250 mg magnesium, 250 mg L-Taurine, 500 mg Tumeric. 40 mg Zocore simvistatin. Link to comment
lobster Posted November 20, 2016 Author Share Posted November 20, 2016 Hello Lobster! It's so good to see you It's been a while indeed. Wow: you've been off for 7 weeks, that's almost 2 months.... You did it!!! Unfortunately things can be quite bumpy after a while but I think winter is an easier season for you when you can allow yourself rest and relaxation and can look into various self-soothing and coping skills that can help you beat the beast. And then when the spring comes you will have the sun and the sea as your allies. I've been practiicng mindfulness meditation since the beginning of this year. Sometimes more diligently, sometimes less but now I feel like I'm not alone with my anxieties and panics any more but have a very effecient weapon that I can count on. I believe you can find something that will work in a similar way for you. I would also be interested in you jumping off dose as Catnap... How is your son by the way? HI bubble yes I think I finally made it this past week has been really rough . My anxiety has been at some points horrendous, but I'm managing. Winter time for me as you know is a slower time of year ,that has good points and bad, I like keeping busy lol..I jumped off the Lexapro at 0.10 milligram, I thought that was so small it wouldn't affect me, I'm having second thoughts on that now lol.Hopefully it will level out soon . My son is doing good ,sophomore in high school now. Time goes to quick I should try some meditating or something like that, but some how it doesn't fit my personality lol... I how ever have to do something to get a Handel on the anxiety and panic, I refuse to take any meds for it. It actually helped me reading back threw some of my posts,to realize I've been here before and it's going to be ok.. I'm very happy that you have found a useful tool to help deal with the anxiety and panic Lexapro 1 1/8 mg and 10 mg Propranolol. I jumped down to 2.5 mg lexapro from 5 mg on oct 2 where I had been for 7 months and went from 2.5 mg to 1 1/8 mg not sure when maybe around nov 2 went back up to 2.5 mg December 30 . May 13 small cut lexapro 2.5 mg down to 2.4 mg 9/4/14 dropped 8.33% to 2.2 mg 10/13/14 dropped to 2mg lexapro. Back up to 2.2 mg 10/15/14. Dropped to 2 mg lexapro 11/26/14. Dropped 10% to 1.8 mg lexapro 1/11/15. 2/23/15 . Cut of 5%. 3/11/15 cut of 5% 5/3/15 cut of 5% 6/3/15 cut of 5% 7/19/15 cut of 5%. Continued small cuts of 5% every six weeks or so untill October 8th 2016 ,last dose . Last dose was 0.8mg. Currently taking 10 mg propranolol in the afternoon. 1400mg fish oil. 250 mg magnesium, 250 mg L-Taurine, 500 mg Tumeric. 40 mg Zocore simvistatin. Link to comment
lobster Posted November 20, 2016 Author Share Posted November 20, 2016 Hi Lobster, I am very sorry for your situation!! Sounds really horrible. I did not read through all the posts, so I guess that what I am about to say has already been said by someone else:) Anyway, first of all: I know this feeling. Luckily I never had it for long but I know this moment, when you were JUST ABOUT TO really fall asleep - suddenly your heart starts pounding, you feel like you can´t breathe, you feel scared and so on and so forth. It´s terrifying. I never had this before meds so it is clearly due to WD and considering what you experienced with your father prior to your sleeping troubles: It seems pretty clear where this problems came from. So you´re not crazy or losing it or anything - it was "just" a reaction from this traumatic life experience. Needless to say it´s absoultely horrible that doctors won´t recommend any other solutions than taking meds. But in the end it does not matter does it? You are having a horrible time falling asleep. Period. So what other options other than medication are there? MEds clearly did not improve your situation, coming off them also doesn´t improve it right away, so the only thing you can do is find a way to handle this crap. For me it is mindfulness meditation, breathing techniques and UNDERSTANDING or differing between the feelings my body is feeling and WHO I AM. Because clearly, this is really scary and it is almost impossible to ignore and not be driven crazy. But this panic is not YOU! It is a reaction of you nerves that can´t harm you for real (although it gives a pretty good illusion of doing so). It also takes some time to getting the grasp of this difference but by meditating on a regular base and by being aware it gets better. You may still get your panic reactions but you´ll handle them better - and they will dissolve quicker! I know it all sounds like blablabla when you´re stuck in the middle of this but it can get better:)))) Best wishes! Pepita Thank you, I have been dealing with this for around 5 years. I have also been dealing with the sleep issues, equally as long. The funny thing is,over the years I have learned once the sleep jumps start it's only a matter of time and I'm asleep so now they give me comfort lol. I have been 5 years of trying to get off Lexapro,with at one point being on 30mg.Then quiting 20mg cold,before crashing the first time . It had been a very long and painful road and I'm hoping so very much I'm at the end of it.I need to practice breathing techniques and perhaps meditation ..Thank you for the words of encouragement. Lexapro 1 1/8 mg and 10 mg Propranolol. I jumped down to 2.5 mg lexapro from 5 mg on oct 2 where I had been for 7 months and went from 2.5 mg to 1 1/8 mg not sure when maybe around nov 2 went back up to 2.5 mg December 30 . May 13 small cut lexapro 2.5 mg down to 2.4 mg 9/4/14 dropped 8.33% to 2.2 mg 10/13/14 dropped to 2mg lexapro. Back up to 2.2 mg 10/15/14. Dropped to 2 mg lexapro 11/26/14. Dropped 10% to 1.8 mg lexapro 1/11/15. 2/23/15 . Cut of 5%. 3/11/15 cut of 5% 5/3/15 cut of 5% 6/3/15 cut of 5% 7/19/15 cut of 5%. Continued small cuts of 5% every six weeks or so untill October 8th 2016 ,last dose . Last dose was 0.8mg. Currently taking 10 mg propranolol in the afternoon. 1400mg fish oil. 250 mg magnesium, 250 mg L-Taurine, 500 mg Tumeric. 40 mg Zocore simvistatin. Link to comment
Pepita Posted November 20, 2016 Share Posted November 20, 2016 yeah sure, here is a link to the mindfulness meditation I am practicing: Michael Sealey has many other programs on his channel, all really wonderful I think:) I wish you all the best and hope you can find something helpful there for you! Pepita 2005-2006: Cipralex 5 mg 2009-2010: Cipralex 5 mg 2012-2015: Cipralex 5mg, 10mg tapered 10mg-7.5mg-5mg-2,5-0 (I always waited for a few weeks on the current dosage until I felt stable. Steps were too big I realized too late) Completely drug free since August 2015 Link to comment
lobster Posted November 20, 2016 Author Share Posted November 20, 2016 yeah sure, here is a link to the mindfulness meditation I am practicing: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=64ZU2UCQdmQ&t=863s Michael Sealey has many other programs on his channel, all really wonderful I think:) I wish you all the best and hope you can find something helpful there for you! Pepita Thank you for the kind words,I'll check it out.. Lexapro 1 1/8 mg and 10 mg Propranolol. I jumped down to 2.5 mg lexapro from 5 mg on oct 2 where I had been for 7 months and went from 2.5 mg to 1 1/8 mg not sure when maybe around nov 2 went back up to 2.5 mg December 30 . May 13 small cut lexapro 2.5 mg down to 2.4 mg 9/4/14 dropped 8.33% to 2.2 mg 10/13/14 dropped to 2mg lexapro. Back up to 2.2 mg 10/15/14. Dropped to 2 mg lexapro 11/26/14. Dropped 10% to 1.8 mg lexapro 1/11/15. 2/23/15 . Cut of 5%. 3/11/15 cut of 5% 5/3/15 cut of 5% 6/3/15 cut of 5% 7/19/15 cut of 5%. Continued small cuts of 5% every six weeks or so untill October 8th 2016 ,last dose . Last dose was 0.8mg. Currently taking 10 mg propranolol in the afternoon. 1400mg fish oil. 250 mg magnesium, 250 mg L-Taurine, 500 mg Tumeric. 40 mg Zocore simvistatin. Link to comment
lobster Posted November 21, 2016 Author Share Posted November 21, 2016 Good morning every one. So I went from sleeping decent, to last night of having panic attacks and a little bit of very light sleep with visual hallucinations at sleep onset. I'm really wondering if I should stay the coerce or up dose a little bit? I'm almost seven weeks off lexapro. My last dose was 0.10 milligram and I had been there for 6 weeks, any suggestions would be appreciated thanks .... Lexapro 1 1/8 mg and 10 mg Propranolol. I jumped down to 2.5 mg lexapro from 5 mg on oct 2 where I had been for 7 months and went from 2.5 mg to 1 1/8 mg not sure when maybe around nov 2 went back up to 2.5 mg December 30 . May 13 small cut lexapro 2.5 mg down to 2.4 mg 9/4/14 dropped 8.33% to 2.2 mg 10/13/14 dropped to 2mg lexapro. Back up to 2.2 mg 10/15/14. Dropped to 2 mg lexapro 11/26/14. Dropped 10% to 1.8 mg lexapro 1/11/15. 2/23/15 . Cut of 5%. 3/11/15 cut of 5% 5/3/15 cut of 5% 6/3/15 cut of 5% 7/19/15 cut of 5%. Continued small cuts of 5% every six weeks or so untill October 8th 2016 ,last dose . Last dose was 0.8mg. Currently taking 10 mg propranolol in the afternoon. 1400mg fish oil. 250 mg magnesium, 250 mg L-Taurine, 500 mg Tumeric. 40 mg Zocore simvistatin. Link to comment
AliG Posted November 21, 2016 Share Posted November 21, 2016 Hi Lobster. Time goes to quick I should try some meditating or something like that, but some how it doesn't fit my personality lol... I how ever have to do something to get a Handel on the anxiety and panic, I refuse to take any meds for it. Have you tried walking meditation ? I was like you and had a hard time meditating. I found this helpful. Walking , in general is awesome for recovery. http://www.wildmind.org/walking/overview If it were me I would go back to the small dose you last felt comfortable on . Even though it's minute , Lexapro is strong and it might just see you through in a more functional way and then slowly stabilize on it, and eventually try tapering off again, after a period of time. http://survivingantidepressants.org/index.php?/topic/3949-stabilizing-after-a-reduction-what-does-that-mean/ Some have found the smallest amounts can make such a difference. This link helps to explain : Why taper? Paper demonstrates importance of gradual change in plasma concentration Ali 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 . Link to comment
Administrator Altostrata Posted November 21, 2016 Administrator Share Posted November 21, 2016 Hi, Lobster. Good to hear from you again. You might try .05mg for a while. Absurd that such a tiny amount might have a big effect, but that's how it's been all along for you. Have a very happy Thanksgiving. 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. Link to comment
lobster Posted November 21, 2016 Author Share Posted November 21, 2016 Thanks Hi, Lobster. Good to hear from you again. You might try .05mg for a while. Absurd that such a tiny amount might have a big effect, but that's how it's been all along for you. Have a very happy Thanksgiving. Hi, Lobster. Good to hear from you again. You might try .05mg for a while. Absurd that such a tiny amount might have a big effect, but that's how it's been all along for you. Have a very happy Thanksgiving. Thanks Alto,I just reinstated at .05 mg . it's almost impossible to get it that small . I cant belive that coming off 0.10mg would have a adverse affect on me ,crazy,I hope it helps. You have a great thanksgiving to,thanks for your help. Lexapro 1 1/8 mg and 10 mg Propranolol. I jumped down to 2.5 mg lexapro from 5 mg on oct 2 where I had been for 7 months and went from 2.5 mg to 1 1/8 mg not sure when maybe around nov 2 went back up to 2.5 mg December 30 . May 13 small cut lexapro 2.5 mg down to 2.4 mg 9/4/14 dropped 8.33% to 2.2 mg 10/13/14 dropped to 2mg lexapro. Back up to 2.2 mg 10/15/14. Dropped to 2 mg lexapro 11/26/14. Dropped 10% to 1.8 mg lexapro 1/11/15. 2/23/15 . Cut of 5%. 3/11/15 cut of 5% 5/3/15 cut of 5% 6/3/15 cut of 5% 7/19/15 cut of 5%. Continued small cuts of 5% every six weeks or so untill October 8th 2016 ,last dose . Last dose was 0.8mg. Currently taking 10 mg propranolol in the afternoon. 1400mg fish oil. 250 mg magnesium, 250 mg L-Taurine, 500 mg Tumeric. 40 mg Zocore simvistatin. Link to comment
lobster Posted November 22, 2016 Author Share Posted November 22, 2016 Hi Lobster. Time goes to quick I should try some meditating or something like that, but some how it doesn't fit my personality lol... I how ever have to do something to get a Handel on the anxiety and panic, I refuse to take any meds for it. Have you tried walking meditation ? I was like you and had a hard time meditating. I found this helpful. Walking , in general is awesome for recovery. http://www.wildmind.org/walking/overview If it were me I would go back to the small dose you last felt comfortable on . Even though it's minute , Lexapro is strong and it might just see you through in a more functional way and then slowly stabilize on it, and eventually try tapering off again, after a period of time. http://survivingantidepressants.org/index.php?/topic/3949-stabilizing-after-a-reduction-what-does-that-mean/ Some have found the smallest amounts can make such a difference. This link helps to explain : Why taper? Paper demonstrates importance of gradual change in plasma concentration Ali I like going for walks, I live on an island and love walking on the shore watching the ocean. I need to do more of it, as it does help my anxiety levels. I have been tapering down on Lexapro for years now, after a cold turkey failure from not knowing what I was doing . I up dosed last night to .05 Mg, almost impossible for me to get it that small lol . I slept very well, I'm almost certain it's placebo affect . Thanks for your help . Lexapro 1 1/8 mg and 10 mg Propranolol. I jumped down to 2.5 mg lexapro from 5 mg on oct 2 where I had been for 7 months and went from 2.5 mg to 1 1/8 mg not sure when maybe around nov 2 went back up to 2.5 mg December 30 . May 13 small cut lexapro 2.5 mg down to 2.4 mg 9/4/14 dropped 8.33% to 2.2 mg 10/13/14 dropped to 2mg lexapro. Back up to 2.2 mg 10/15/14. Dropped to 2 mg lexapro 11/26/14. Dropped 10% to 1.8 mg lexapro 1/11/15. 2/23/15 . Cut of 5%. 3/11/15 cut of 5% 5/3/15 cut of 5% 6/3/15 cut of 5% 7/19/15 cut of 5%. Continued small cuts of 5% every six weeks or so untill October 8th 2016 ,last dose . Last dose was 0.8mg. Currently taking 10 mg propranolol in the afternoon. 1400mg fish oil. 250 mg magnesium, 250 mg L-Taurine, 500 mg Tumeric. 40 mg Zocore simvistatin. Link to comment
Mentor Happy2Heal Posted December 1, 2016 Mentor Share Posted December 1, 2016 Hi Lobster we're almost neighbors (I'm in southern NH) i have to tell you, that 0.05 mgs may actually be helping you to sleep, it may not be the placebo effect at all. I am going off lexapro too, after many failed attempts, CTs mostly and rapid tapers, with a high dose of 40mgs for at least 5yrs (probably more, I don't recall) I've bounced up and down in doses so many times, it's a wonder my brain works at all at this point. I started my "serious, this the final time" taper from 20mgs (I think!! my brain really is fried and I dont know if i was taking 20 or30 mgs ) anyway lets say it was 20mgs, I tapered from June 2015 to Dec 2015, getting down to 2.5mgs Every other day (yeh stupid I know) I had severe insomnia and rages, went to my dr for help with sleep, she Rxed a med called clonodine and it was in researching that drug, that I found SA about a year ago (mid Dec last year) I then decided to hold at 2.5mgs, cutting a 20mgs tablet into 8ths and managed to make it all the way til May, when I got the liquid generic lexapro. However, I messed up taking it, and ended up thinking I was ok to jump off at 2.5mgs I got thru the summer "ok" I thought, but I was very sick and just didn't realize it. I crashed badly, going downhill in Aug but not realizing it and crashing the worst in late Sept -Oct I reluctantly reinstated at 0.05mgs once a day, and since I felt immediate relief of some physical symptoms (primarily the muscle tension that I had not even been aware of) Since I didn't even know that I was that tense, it seems extremely unlikely to me that this was a placebo effect. It was not what I was hoping for, I wanted to sleep and for the intrusive thoughts to go away, and that took much longer and a lot of work on mindfulness and stuff too. anyway, I updosed, by adding a second dose so that I was taking 0.05 twice a day, and since things were really bad and I didn't think I could handle it, I continued to updose til I landed at just over 0.3, then went down, to where I am now, 0.3 mgs per day in divided doses so yeh, incredible that such tiny doses have such a huge effect eh? I did, however, learn how to meditate and have been working on mindfulness, centering, breathing, all the good stuff that I didn't think was "for me" or that would work. It thankfully does work, but it also takes a lot of work however, when you sleep no more than an hour or two, four tops each night, you've got a LOT of time to work on this stuff LOL there were nights when I spent from 2 am on, listening to the same relaxation CD over and over and over again, just to get thru the night It's been helpful though, since now I can more easily get myself to relax when I feel that I"m not breathing deeply enough or holding my breath (something I"ve always done when anxious or angry- which of course doesn't help LOL) I will be following your progress and cheering you on!!! there's at least one other member in the super low dose class as us, I just found you mentioned in that thread and thought I'd hop over here to see how you are doing. 1 PLEASE DO NOT SEND ME PRIVATE MESSAGES, thank you. pysch med history: 1974 @ age 18 to Oct 2017 (approx 43 yrs total) Drug list: stelazine, haldol, elavil, lithium, zoloft, celexa, lexapro(doses as high as 40mgs), klonopin, ambien, seroquel(high doses), depakote, zyprexa, lamictal- plus brief trials of dozens of other psych meds over the years started lexapro 2002, dose varied from 20mgs to 40mgs. First attempt to get off it was 2007- WD symptoms were mistaken for "relapse". 2013 too fast taper down to 5mg but WD forced me back to 20mgs June of 2105, tapered again too rapidly to 2.5mgs by Dec 2015. Found SA, held at 2.5 mgs til May 2016 when I foolishly "jumped off". felt ok until Sept, then acute WD hit!! reinstated at 0.3mgs in Oct. 2106 Tapered off to zero by Oct. 2017 Doing very well. Nov. 2018 feel 95% healed, age 63 Jan. 2020 feel 100% healed, peaceful and content PRESENT DAYS: Loving life! ❤️ with all it's ups and downs Link to comment
lobster Posted December 1, 2016 Author Share Posted December 1, 2016 (edited) Hi Catnapt Our history sounds similar with the up and down and cold turkey . I only up dosed for one night and haven't taken it again since, I believe the worst is behind me now for the withdrawals, I seem to be leveling out to a certain degree and my sleeping is improving some what . I still wake up off and on in the night but can usually go right back to sleep . I have been trying to get off this stuff for 5 years with a bunch of failed attempts . The worst was a cold attempt from 20mg, I managed to stay off for a month and absolutely though my time was up. I reinstated at 20mg and immediately stopped sleeping, I had to take sleeping meds every night for over a month before I could get any sleep naturally. This stuff has done a lot of psychological damage on top of every thing but I have hope for the future and there will never ever be another antidepressant in it . Thank you for the kind words. Yes we are not very far apart , my step mother was from Charlestown NH. You take care of your self and good luck with everything .. Edited December 1, 2016 by scallywag paragraph breaks Lexapro 1 1/8 mg and 10 mg Propranolol. I jumped down to 2.5 mg lexapro from 5 mg on oct 2 where I had been for 7 months and went from 2.5 mg to 1 1/8 mg not sure when maybe around nov 2 went back up to 2.5 mg December 30 . May 13 small cut lexapro 2.5 mg down to 2.4 mg 9/4/14 dropped 8.33% to 2.2 mg 10/13/14 dropped to 2mg lexapro. Back up to 2.2 mg 10/15/14. Dropped to 2 mg lexapro 11/26/14. Dropped 10% to 1.8 mg lexapro 1/11/15. 2/23/15 . Cut of 5%. 3/11/15 cut of 5% 5/3/15 cut of 5% 6/3/15 cut of 5% 7/19/15 cut of 5%. Continued small cuts of 5% every six weeks or so untill October 8th 2016 ,last dose . Last dose was 0.8mg. Currently taking 10 mg propranolol in the afternoon. 1400mg fish oil. 250 mg magnesium, 250 mg L-Taurine, 500 mg Tumeric. 40 mg Zocore simvistatin. Link to comment
Administrator Altostrata Posted December 2, 2016 Administrator Share Posted December 2, 2016 lobster, so good to see you again. Looks like you're slowly moving out of the woods. Prozac has a half-life of 2 weeks, you might want to take a tiny amount now and then, eventually you won't take it at all. I added our cheerful "here comes the sun" symbol☼to the title of your Intro topic, to show you're recovering.Please continue to let us know how you're doing. I hope you will add your story to our Recovery Success Stories eventually! 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. Link to comment
lobster Posted December 2, 2016 Author Share Posted December 2, 2016 (edited) lobster, so good to see you again. Looks like you're slowly moving out of the woods. Prozac has a half-life of 2 weeks, you might want to take a tiny amount now and then, eventually you won't take it at all. I added our cheerful "here comes the sun" symbol ☼ to the title of your Intro topic, to show you're recovering. Please continue to let us know how you're doing. I hope you will add your story to our Recovery Success Stories eventually! Thank you very much Alto. I think I have gotten beyond the worst of it now. I have been taking Lexapro , if I'm not mistaken the half life of that is pretty short and could be one problem, I have had getting off this stuff. I have only taken one dose of .05 since October 8th and that was it, I'm feeling pretty confident I will never see lexapro again lol. Thank you for all your help and encouragement , It has meant a lot to me over the years. I will defiantly stop back in every now and a gain and let every one know how I am doing, and will post in the Recovery Success Stories , take care... Edited December 2, 2016 by ChessieCat Extracted response from quoted post Lexapro 1 1/8 mg and 10 mg Propranolol. I jumped down to 2.5 mg lexapro from 5 mg on oct 2 where I had been for 7 months and went from 2.5 mg to 1 1/8 mg not sure when maybe around nov 2 went back up to 2.5 mg December 30 . May 13 small cut lexapro 2.5 mg down to 2.4 mg 9/4/14 dropped 8.33% to 2.2 mg 10/13/14 dropped to 2mg lexapro. Back up to 2.2 mg 10/15/14. Dropped to 2 mg lexapro 11/26/14. Dropped 10% to 1.8 mg lexapro 1/11/15. 2/23/15 . Cut of 5%. 3/11/15 cut of 5% 5/3/15 cut of 5% 6/3/15 cut of 5% 7/19/15 cut of 5%. Continued small cuts of 5% every six weeks or so untill October 8th 2016 ,last dose . Last dose was 0.8mg. Currently taking 10 mg propranolol in the afternoon. 1400mg fish oil. 250 mg magnesium, 250 mg L-Taurine, 500 mg Tumeric. 40 mg Zocore simvistatin. Link to comment
Mentor Happy2Heal Posted December 2, 2016 Mentor Share Posted December 2, 2016 oh so glad that you are doing well, 'neighbor' ;-)I hope to join you in the lexapro free club in about 6 mos or so thanks so very much for sharing your story, it's given me an enormous amount of hope!! PLEASE DO NOT SEND ME PRIVATE MESSAGES, thank you. pysch med history: 1974 @ age 18 to Oct 2017 (approx 43 yrs total) Drug list: stelazine, haldol, elavil, lithium, zoloft, celexa, lexapro(doses as high as 40mgs), klonopin, ambien, seroquel(high doses), depakote, zyprexa, lamictal- plus brief trials of dozens of other psych meds over the years started lexapro 2002, dose varied from 20mgs to 40mgs. First attempt to get off it was 2007- WD symptoms were mistaken for "relapse". 2013 too fast taper down to 5mg but WD forced me back to 20mgs June of 2105, tapered again too rapidly to 2.5mgs by Dec 2015. Found SA, held at 2.5 mgs til May 2016 when I foolishly "jumped off". felt ok until Sept, then acute WD hit!! reinstated at 0.3mgs in Oct. 2106 Tapered off to zero by Oct. 2017 Doing very well. Nov. 2018 feel 95% healed, age 63 Jan. 2020 feel 100% healed, peaceful and content PRESENT DAYS: Loving life! ❤️ with all it's ups and downs Link to comment
lobster Posted February 1, 2017 Author Share Posted February 1, 2017 Good morning every one. Just giving an update . I have been off Lexapro since October 8th, I can say with out a doubt, I have made it. The first few months were pretty rough, nothing I haven't been threw before I guess . One of the continuous issues I have had though, is the constant brain fog . I have some days now though that seem clearer. Hopefully one day the fog clears completely. With in the last three weeks or so, I have how ever noticed in the early morning hours, my dreams are continuous and vivid, That gave me some anxiety at first, I seem to have adjusted to it, not many scary ones but tons of dreaming going on . I sleep pretty good for the first 6 hours or so but after that I'm in light sleep with tons of dreams . I have also noticed now when I listen to music, my senses seem to be heightened and it gives me goose bumps. I haven't noticed any thing like that for years. I also seem to have a better sense of humor a gain, I find my self laughing at things, more again. So I have been noticing some changes and hope things continue to improve. Have a good day every one. 1 Lexapro 1 1/8 mg and 10 mg Propranolol. I jumped down to 2.5 mg lexapro from 5 mg on oct 2 where I had been for 7 months and went from 2.5 mg to 1 1/8 mg not sure when maybe around nov 2 went back up to 2.5 mg December 30 . May 13 small cut lexapro 2.5 mg down to 2.4 mg 9/4/14 dropped 8.33% to 2.2 mg 10/13/14 dropped to 2mg lexapro. Back up to 2.2 mg 10/15/14. Dropped to 2 mg lexapro 11/26/14. Dropped 10% to 1.8 mg lexapro 1/11/15. 2/23/15 . Cut of 5%. 3/11/15 cut of 5% 5/3/15 cut of 5% 6/3/15 cut of 5% 7/19/15 cut of 5%. Continued small cuts of 5% every six weeks or so untill October 8th 2016 ,last dose . Last dose was 0.8mg. Currently taking 10 mg propranolol in the afternoon. 1400mg fish oil. 250 mg magnesium, 250 mg L-Taurine, 500 mg Tumeric. 40 mg Zocore simvistatin. Link to comment
DLB Posted February 1, 2017 Share Posted February 1, 2017 Congratulations lobster, I'm up in Maine right now for a week of snowmobiling in the Millinocket area. I know what you mean about the light sleep and many dreams in the morning. This has happened on and off with me for the last year and it has happened again this morning. Between 4 and 6 this morning I had 3 different dreams and were vivid. I wake from this state exhausted though. You may still hit some rough spots but it keeps SLOWLY getting better. Paxil start September 2003 due to Fluoroquinolone adverse reaction that I wish doc. knew what it was. 10mg. most of the time with a few short runs of 20mg. FAST tapered 3 times and finally hit poop out or a reaction to nsaid's in Nov.2013. Started a 10% taper Jan. 2014 and have been ok until Sept 14 and went through a short hell. Now plodding through and looking for the light with unrelenting insomnia and pain, fog, loss of interests....<p>12/20/14 - .8mg. 1/01/15 - .75 mg. 1/15/15 - .42 mg. better sleep now, hope it continues... 2/11-15 - .25 mg. doing really good!! 2 weeks feel 85% of old me! 3/17/15 .14 mg. Knee pain bad! 4/07/15 .05 mg. this is so small now that I am estimating and just licking it off palm small as a "." 4/13/15 NOTHING !!!! Took my last little micro dose on 4/12/15. Link to comment
lobster Posted February 2, 2017 Author Share Posted February 2, 2017 Congratulations lobster, I'm up in Maine right now for a week of snowmobiling in the Millinocket area. I know what you mean about the light sleep and many dreams in the morning. This has happened on and off with me for the last year and it has happened again this morning. Between 4 and 6 this morning I had 3 different dreams and were vivid. I wake from this state exhausted though. You may still hit some rough spots but it keeps SLOWLY getting better. Thank you Millinocket is a couple hours inland from where I am, I'm on the coast so not to far away. Yeah Hopefully every thing settles down soon and the healing continues. It will be fishing season soon and I'm looking forward to having things some what normal again, or as close to it as I can gel lol. I'm just going to figure the vivid and very frequent dreaming right now, is some sort of healing I don't understand lol, I don't seem to be waking exhausted or any thing so that's good . it's been A Long row to hoe that's for sure Lexapro 1 1/8 mg and 10 mg Propranolol. I jumped down to 2.5 mg lexapro from 5 mg on oct 2 where I had been for 7 months and went from 2.5 mg to 1 1/8 mg not sure when maybe around nov 2 went back up to 2.5 mg December 30 . May 13 small cut lexapro 2.5 mg down to 2.4 mg 9/4/14 dropped 8.33% to 2.2 mg 10/13/14 dropped to 2mg lexapro. Back up to 2.2 mg 10/15/14. Dropped to 2 mg lexapro 11/26/14. Dropped 10% to 1.8 mg lexapro 1/11/15. 2/23/15 . Cut of 5%. 3/11/15 cut of 5% 5/3/15 cut of 5% 6/3/15 cut of 5% 7/19/15 cut of 5%. Continued small cuts of 5% every six weeks or so untill October 8th 2016 ,last dose . Last dose was 0.8mg. Currently taking 10 mg propranolol in the afternoon. 1400mg fish oil. 250 mg magnesium, 250 mg L-Taurine, 500 mg Tumeric. 40 mg Zocore simvistatin. Link to comment
lobster Posted February 7, 2017 Author Share Posted February 7, 2017 Good Morning every one. My last dose of lexapro was October 8th . I'm not sure what's going on but I have been having the worst anxiety ever and my sleep is suffering now , I think I got around 4 hours last night . I haven't changed any thing that I have been taking . I'm dealing with some Derealization right now and feeling very weird . Also My senses seem to be very intense, Things give me chills easily now, when I listen to things on the radio or TV and process them. Things have been very up and down since my last dose of lexapro . I's it possible I'm still dealing with WD this far out from my last dose of lexapro, even though I weaned my self down over a long period of time? I hope this straightens it's self out soon . I have been thinking of trying some Niacin for the anxiety, not sure if it would help or not. Any feed back would be appreciated, Thanks for listening , Have a good day. Lexapro 1 1/8 mg and 10 mg Propranolol. I jumped down to 2.5 mg lexapro from 5 mg on oct 2 where I had been for 7 months and went from 2.5 mg to 1 1/8 mg not sure when maybe around nov 2 went back up to 2.5 mg December 30 . May 13 small cut lexapro 2.5 mg down to 2.4 mg 9/4/14 dropped 8.33% to 2.2 mg 10/13/14 dropped to 2mg lexapro. Back up to 2.2 mg 10/15/14. Dropped to 2 mg lexapro 11/26/14. Dropped 10% to 1.8 mg lexapro 1/11/15. 2/23/15 . Cut of 5%. 3/11/15 cut of 5% 5/3/15 cut of 5% 6/3/15 cut of 5% 7/19/15 cut of 5%. Continued small cuts of 5% every six weeks or so untill October 8th 2016 ,last dose . Last dose was 0.8mg. Currently taking 10 mg propranolol in the afternoon. 1400mg fish oil. 250 mg magnesium, 250 mg L-Taurine, 500 mg Tumeric. 40 mg Zocore simvistatin. Link to comment
DaddyCee Posted February 7, 2017 Share Posted February 7, 2017 Hi, This is all down to withdrawal. Try to remember the phrase "this too shall pass", try not to focus too intently on the feelings, just let them be. It does get easier, but you are going to require time. You need to be gentle with yourself and not put yourself in stressful circumstances. I have been there and I have successfully made it through all the horrible stuff. Namaste, DC. 1 1997 - 2001 Seroxat 10mg 2001 - 2013 Escitalopram 10mg Gradual taper from 10mg to 5mg over 2.5 years (between 2011 - 2013) Last taper from 5mg to 0 under advice from doctor done in 1 month (too damn fast!) - included missing out days. Have been drug free since Oct 2013. - Yep 5 years drugs free Link to comment
lobster Posted February 7, 2017 Author Share Posted February 7, 2017 Hi, This is all down to withdrawal. Try to remember the phrase "this too shall pass", try not to focus too intently on the feelings, just let them be. It does get easier, but you are going to require time. You need to be gentle with yourself and not put yourself in stressful circumstances. I have been there and I have successfully made it through all the horrible stuff. Namaste, DC. Thank you for the words of encouragement I'm trying to live day by day and hoping for the best . Just a rough patch hopefully in a short time this all passes. Lexapro 1 1/8 mg and 10 mg Propranolol. I jumped down to 2.5 mg lexapro from 5 mg on oct 2 where I had been for 7 months and went from 2.5 mg to 1 1/8 mg not sure when maybe around nov 2 went back up to 2.5 mg December 30 . May 13 small cut lexapro 2.5 mg down to 2.4 mg 9/4/14 dropped 8.33% to 2.2 mg 10/13/14 dropped to 2mg lexapro. Back up to 2.2 mg 10/15/14. Dropped to 2 mg lexapro 11/26/14. Dropped 10% to 1.8 mg lexapro 1/11/15. 2/23/15 . Cut of 5%. 3/11/15 cut of 5% 5/3/15 cut of 5% 6/3/15 cut of 5% 7/19/15 cut of 5%. Continued small cuts of 5% every six weeks or so untill October 8th 2016 ,last dose . Last dose was 0.8mg. Currently taking 10 mg propranolol in the afternoon. 1400mg fish oil. 250 mg magnesium, 250 mg L-Taurine, 500 mg Tumeric. 40 mg Zocore simvistatin. Link to comment
Mentor Happy2Heal Posted March 11, 2017 Mentor Share Posted March 11, 2017 hi Lobster, just wondering how you're going now? I hope things are all good!! PLEASE DO NOT SEND ME PRIVATE MESSAGES, thank you. pysch med history: 1974 @ age 18 to Oct 2017 (approx 43 yrs total) Drug list: stelazine, haldol, elavil, lithium, zoloft, celexa, lexapro(doses as high as 40mgs), klonopin, ambien, seroquel(high doses), depakote, zyprexa, lamictal- plus brief trials of dozens of other psych meds over the years started lexapro 2002, dose varied from 20mgs to 40mgs. First attempt to get off it was 2007- WD symptoms were mistaken for "relapse". 2013 too fast taper down to 5mg but WD forced me back to 20mgs June of 2105, tapered again too rapidly to 2.5mgs by Dec 2015. Found SA, held at 2.5 mgs til May 2016 when I foolishly "jumped off". felt ok until Sept, then acute WD hit!! reinstated at 0.3mgs in Oct. 2106 Tapered off to zero by Oct. 2017 Doing very well. Nov. 2018 feel 95% healed, age 63 Jan. 2020 feel 100% healed, peaceful and content PRESENT DAYS: Loving life! ❤️ with all it's ups and downs Link to comment
lobster Posted March 11, 2017 Author Share Posted March 11, 2017 hi Lobster, just wondering how you're going now? I hope things are all good!! Hi Catnapt , I'm doing ok thanks for asking I have had some pretty good days and some not so good, but over all I feel I'm doing pretty good . I feel now that I'm off the antidepressants completely, my body is starting to adjust. I still think I have a ways to go with things, I do feel though I'm moving in the right direction . I hope you are well Lexapro 1 1/8 mg and 10 mg Propranolol. I jumped down to 2.5 mg lexapro from 5 mg on oct 2 where I had been for 7 months and went from 2.5 mg to 1 1/8 mg not sure when maybe around nov 2 went back up to 2.5 mg December 30 . May 13 small cut lexapro 2.5 mg down to 2.4 mg 9/4/14 dropped 8.33% to 2.2 mg 10/13/14 dropped to 2mg lexapro. Back up to 2.2 mg 10/15/14. Dropped to 2 mg lexapro 11/26/14. Dropped 10% to 1.8 mg lexapro 1/11/15. 2/23/15 . Cut of 5%. 3/11/15 cut of 5% 5/3/15 cut of 5% 6/3/15 cut of 5% 7/19/15 cut of 5%. Continued small cuts of 5% every six weeks or so untill October 8th 2016 ,last dose . Last dose was 0.8mg. Currently taking 10 mg propranolol in the afternoon. 1400mg fish oil. 250 mg magnesium, 250 mg L-Taurine, 500 mg Tumeric. 40 mg Zocore simvistatin. Link to comment
Moderator Emeritus bubble Posted March 12, 2017 Moderator Emeritus Share Posted March 12, 2017 Great to hear from you! I'm too lazy to post these days but seeing an old friend gave me enough of an incentive I must say I was a bit worried when I read about your difficulties after such a slow taper but I believed it was just a wave... There might be some more waves but you did it! Big hugs Current: 9/2022 Xanax 0.08, Lexapro 2 2020 Xanax 0.26 (down from 2 mg in 2013), Lexapro 2.85 mg (down from 5 mg 2013) Amitriptyline (tricyclic AD) and clonazepam for 3 months to treat headache in 1996 1999. - present Xanax prn up to 3 mg. 2000-2005 Prozac CT twice, 2005-2010 Zoloft CT 3 times, 2010-2013 Escitalopram 10 mg went from 2.5 to zero on 7 Aug 2013, bad crash 40 days afterreinstated to 5 mg Escitalopram 4Oct 2013 and holding liquid Xanax every 5 hours 28 Jan 2014 Xanax 1.9, 18 Apr 2015 1 mg, 25 June 2015 Lex 4.8, 6 Aug Lexapro 4.6, 1 Jan 2016 0.64 Xanax 9 month hold 24 Sept 2016 4.5 Lex, 17 Oct 4.4 Lex (Nov 0.63 Xanax, Dec 0.625 Xanax), 1 Jan 2017 4.3 Lex, 24 Jan 4.2, 5 Feb 4.1, 24 Mar 4 mg, 10 Apr 3.9 mg, May 3.85, June 3.8, July 3.75, 22 July 3.7, 15 Aug 3.65, 17 Sept 3.6, 1 Jan 2018 3.55, 19 Jan 3.5, 16 Mar 3.4, 14 Apr 3.3, 23 May 3.2, 16 June 3.15, 15 Jul 3.1, 31 Jul 3, 21 Aug 2.9 26 Sept 2.85, 14 Nov Xan 0.61, 1 Dec 0.59, 19 Dec 0.58, 4 Jan 0.565, 6 Feb 0.55, 20 Feb 0.535, 1 Mar 0.505, 10 Mar 0.475, 14 Mar 0.45, 4 Apr 0.415, 13 Apr 0.37, 21 Apr 0.33, 29 Apr 0.29, 10 May 0.27, 17 May 0.25, 28 May 0.22, 19 June 0.22, 21 Jun updose to 0.24, 24 Jun updose to 0.26 Supplements: Omega 3 + Vit E, Vit C, D, magnesium, Taurine, probiotic I'm not a medical professional. Any advice I give is based on my own experience and reading. Link to comment
Administrator Altostrata Posted March 12, 2017 Administrator Share Posted March 12, 2017 Hurray, lobster! What a long haul, eh? 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. Link to comment
lobster Posted March 12, 2017 Author Share Posted March 12, 2017 Great to hear from you! I'm too lazy to post these days but seeing an old friend gave me enough of an incentive I must say I was a bit worried when I read about your difficulties after such a slow taper but I believed it was just a wave... There might be some more waves but you did it! Big hugs Thank you Bubble It's so nice to hear form you! I think it was a wave, I still have them but the Window's seem to be getting longer. I'm sure there will be more rough times, I'm a lot more confident now then I have been . I really think I have made it this time , My last dose was October 8th .. I hope you are well and you take care of your self, your friend Lobster .. Lexapro 1 1/8 mg and 10 mg Propranolol. I jumped down to 2.5 mg lexapro from 5 mg on oct 2 where I had been for 7 months and went from 2.5 mg to 1 1/8 mg not sure when maybe around nov 2 went back up to 2.5 mg December 30 . May 13 small cut lexapro 2.5 mg down to 2.4 mg 9/4/14 dropped 8.33% to 2.2 mg 10/13/14 dropped to 2mg lexapro. Back up to 2.2 mg 10/15/14. Dropped to 2 mg lexapro 11/26/14. Dropped 10% to 1.8 mg lexapro 1/11/15. 2/23/15 . Cut of 5%. 3/11/15 cut of 5% 5/3/15 cut of 5% 6/3/15 cut of 5% 7/19/15 cut of 5%. Continued small cuts of 5% every six weeks or so untill October 8th 2016 ,last dose . Last dose was 0.8mg. Currently taking 10 mg propranolol in the afternoon. 1400mg fish oil. 250 mg magnesium, 250 mg L-Taurine, 500 mg Tumeric. 40 mg Zocore simvistatin. Link to comment
lobster Posted March 12, 2017 Author Share Posted March 12, 2017 Hurray, lobster! What a long haul, eh? Hi Alto It has been a very long road , 5 years of trying to get off that stuff. Still good days and bad days, but ,improving I do believe. It's taking time to be more confident about every thing, I feel my brain is still adjusting for sure . It's almost like getting to know my self all over again now there isn't any antidepressant at all.The first 3 or 4 months were pretty rough , The Anxiety, constant all night long dreaming was hard to handle , I am seeing a definite improvement in that though. My work is picking back up again for the season, I'm spending a lot more days out side, that is really helping as well. I see good things on the horizon and pray for calm seas I hope you are well, take care.. Lexapro 1 1/8 mg and 10 mg Propranolol. I jumped down to 2.5 mg lexapro from 5 mg on oct 2 where I had been for 7 months and went from 2.5 mg to 1 1/8 mg not sure when maybe around nov 2 went back up to 2.5 mg December 30 . May 13 small cut lexapro 2.5 mg down to 2.4 mg 9/4/14 dropped 8.33% to 2.2 mg 10/13/14 dropped to 2mg lexapro. Back up to 2.2 mg 10/15/14. Dropped to 2 mg lexapro 11/26/14. Dropped 10% to 1.8 mg lexapro 1/11/15. 2/23/15 . Cut of 5%. 3/11/15 cut of 5% 5/3/15 cut of 5% 6/3/15 cut of 5% 7/19/15 cut of 5%. Continued small cuts of 5% every six weeks or so untill October 8th 2016 ,last dose . Last dose was 0.8mg. Currently taking 10 mg propranolol in the afternoon. 1400mg fish oil. 250 mg magnesium, 250 mg L-Taurine, 500 mg Tumeric. 40 mg Zocore simvistatin. Link to comment
lobster Posted March 17, 2017 Author Share Posted March 17, 2017 Hi every one . I'm looking for some advice . I've gone from OK to very bad . My last dosage of lexapro was October 8th . In that amount of time my sleep has gone to pieces. I have had worse anxiety then I have in a very long time . One night I will get 6 to 8 hours of sleep then I'll be OK for a couple weeks then have a very bad night that consists of visual images as I'm closing my eyes to panic attacks as soon as I start to drift to sleep . My recent nights I have been getting 3 or 4 hours of sleep maybe, after lying in bed all night . Last night I scared my pore dog half to death, I saw something in my sleep and yelled at it, and was yelling out loud lol.I'm just not tired and can't sleep but feel drained during the day. I have had some issues off and on for years but things seem to be getting out of control . I am also diagnosed with PTSD and where I live there isn't much help for that . I just don't know what to do and if this will pass or if I should go back on a small amount of lexapro. Keeping in mind I was never good on it but seem to be more stable . I really don't want to make my system more unstable from reinstatement, but feel like I'm loosing control of the situation . I'm very sensitive about my sleep and it gives me great anxiety and fear when I don't sleep. when I went cold turkey 20,mg lexapro years ago for a month, then went back on it at the full 20, mg I stopped sleeping and had no natural sleep with out Meds for almost a Month, although I will admit if I didn't fall asleep after a couple hours my anxiety would make me take something to ensure I did sleep. Until I decided no sleep was better then medicated sleep I finally started sleeping a little then a little longer and it kept improving. Any advice would be appreciated I am also only taking 10 Mg of Propranolol, magnesium, 250mg ,Turmeric 500 mg, and 250 mg of L-Taurine, Fish oil pills daily and that's it . All my sleeping issues seem to be magnified when I have been having a lot of anxiety and that's when every thing weird starts happening in my sleep . I have gotten used to a lot of it . I don't know how uncommon, or common these things are and it can be kind of frightening , some times I feel like I'm loosing my mind, and very alone in these things Thanks for listening Lexapro 1 1/8 mg and 10 mg Propranolol. I jumped down to 2.5 mg lexapro from 5 mg on oct 2 where I had been for 7 months and went from 2.5 mg to 1 1/8 mg not sure when maybe around nov 2 went back up to 2.5 mg December 30 . May 13 small cut lexapro 2.5 mg down to 2.4 mg 9/4/14 dropped 8.33% to 2.2 mg 10/13/14 dropped to 2mg lexapro. Back up to 2.2 mg 10/15/14. Dropped to 2 mg lexapro 11/26/14. Dropped 10% to 1.8 mg lexapro 1/11/15. 2/23/15 . Cut of 5%. 3/11/15 cut of 5% 5/3/15 cut of 5% 6/3/15 cut of 5% 7/19/15 cut of 5%. Continued small cuts of 5% every six weeks or so untill October 8th 2016 ,last dose . Last dose was 0.8mg. Currently taking 10 mg propranolol in the afternoon. 1400mg fish oil. 250 mg magnesium, 250 mg L-Taurine, 500 mg Tumeric. 40 mg Zocore simvistatin. Link to comment
LexAnger Posted March 17, 2017 Share Posted March 17, 2017 Hi lobster, I'm very sorry you are still struggling! Trying to figure out where you are right now in terms dose of lex. It seems the last update in your signature says you were still on a tiny dose in 2015. Are you still taking any of it? What happened since 2015? I'm in a similar situation, not copping and considering reinstate tiny dose. Would like to know your situation. 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, Link to comment
lobster Posted March 17, 2017 Author Share Posted March 17, 2017 Hi lobster, I'm very sorry you are still struggling! Trying to figure out where you are right now in terms dose of lex. It seems the last update in your signature says you were still on a tiny dose in 2015. Are you still taking any of it? What happened since 2015? I'm in a similar situation, not copping and considering reinstate tiny dose. Would like to know your situation. Lex If I recall I went to fast and had to reinstate in 2015 . Then I did slow reductions of 10% then at one point did 5% reductions every six weeks . I have not taken any Lexapro since October 8t 2016 so a little over 5 months . Lexapro 1 1/8 mg and 10 mg Propranolol. I jumped down to 2.5 mg lexapro from 5 mg on oct 2 where I had been for 7 months and went from 2.5 mg to 1 1/8 mg not sure when maybe around nov 2 went back up to 2.5 mg December 30 . May 13 small cut lexapro 2.5 mg down to 2.4 mg 9/4/14 dropped 8.33% to 2.2 mg 10/13/14 dropped to 2mg lexapro. Back up to 2.2 mg 10/15/14. Dropped to 2 mg lexapro 11/26/14. Dropped 10% to 1.8 mg lexapro 1/11/15. 2/23/15 . Cut of 5%. 3/11/15 cut of 5% 5/3/15 cut of 5% 6/3/15 cut of 5% 7/19/15 cut of 5%. Continued small cuts of 5% every six weeks or so untill October 8th 2016 ,last dose . Last dose was 0.8mg. Currently taking 10 mg propranolol in the afternoon. 1400mg fish oil. 250 mg magnesium, 250 mg L-Taurine, 500 mg Tumeric. 40 mg Zocore simvistatin. Link to comment
LexAnger Posted March 18, 2017 Share Posted March 18, 2017 Thanks lobster for the info! So you were on 5mg for 7 months, 2.5 mg for about 6 months, 2.5 to 0 slow taper in 17 months Since off completely, tough for the first 4 months, Now you are off for 5 months Windows and waves pattern This sounds heart hardening, as you were on very low dose for a short time and tapered very slow but still landed rough and sis still ongoing. Do you have any other symptoms except for the sleep issue? On the other hand, you survived the most difficult phases and I'm sure the waves are on their weak tail, you should be seeing huge improvement and full recovery. 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, Link to comment
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