Jump to content
SurvivingAntidepressants.org is temporarily closed to new registrations until 1 April ×

Horns85: Lexapro withdrawal


Horns85

Recommended Posts

Hey Horns, I have the same problem you do with feeling tense and anxious after eating. Is this still like this for you? Has it improved any?

Ritalin (forgot the dosages), 95'-00'
Adderall 10mg for ADD, 00'- Jan 10'
Lexapro 10mg, August 10' - March 14'
Lexapro 15mg, March 14' - Sept 14'
Prozac 10mg, Sept 14' - October, 24th 14'
No meds since October 24th, 14'

Link to comment

Hey Horns, I have the same problem you do with feeling tense and anxious after eating. Is this still like this for you? Has it improved any?

Hey Daveguy,

 

I don't get this all the time. When I am in a more anxious state, it seems to be more prevalent. It was really bad in month 4&5, I am in month 6 now and it has been a little better. I do notice if I eat something thats not very clean or greasy, it's much worse.  It has gotten better though, Dave. Hang in there. It will get better for all of us. It just may take a while.

Lexapro from October 2012-October 2014

10mg from Oct 2012-Feb 201320mg from Feb 2013-June 201310mg from July 2013-April 2014
Began taper via liquid Lexapro from April 2014-September 2014(Roughly 6 month taper)---0.00 on Oct 1 2014--WD began in December 2014

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Reinstated to 10mg - 10mg Tablet October 15, 2015 - Stable by Mid-January, 2016

2016 - 9mg 3/26/16....8mg 5/11/16....7mg 7/05/16....6mg 8/26/16....5mg 10/31/16

2017 - 4mg 3/06/17....3mg 6/24/17....2mg 9/07/17...1.25mg 10/21/17....1mg 11/04/2017

2018 - 0.75mg 1/21/18....0.5mg 2/18/18....0.25mg 3/13/18....0.125mg 3/27/18....0.000 4/9/18

 

Supplements - 15B probiotic on and off. Usually helps w/ mood but sometimes is too activating.

 

Link to comment

Oh ok. Thanks for the info Horns.

Ritalin (forgot the dosages), 95'-00'
Adderall 10mg for ADD, 00'- Jan 10'
Lexapro 10mg, August 10' - March 14'
Lexapro 15mg, March 14' - Sept 14'
Prozac 10mg, Sept 14' - October, 24th 14'
No meds since October 24th, 14'

Link to comment

Hey Horns,

I'm getting better with eating. For the last few days I've eaten out at different restaurants and for the most part afterwards I was ok. I would feel tense and anxiety stricken for about 20 to 30 minutes after I ate but then it would sudside and I'd be back to baseline. How has your withdrawal been? Your a little bit ahead of me as far as time off.

Ritalin (forgot the dosages), 95'-00'
Adderall 10mg for ADD, 00'- Jan 10'
Lexapro 10mg, August 10' - March 14'
Lexapro 15mg, March 14' - Sept 14'
Prozac 10mg, Sept 14' - October, 24th 14'
No meds since October 24th, 14'

Link to comment

Hey Horns,

I'm getting better with eating. For the last few days I've eaten out at different restaurants and for the most part afterwards I was ok. I would feel tense and anxiety stricken for about 20 to 30 minutes after I ate but then it would sudside and I'd be back to baseline. How has your withdrawal been? Your a little bit ahead of me as far as time off.

Thats great! Thats how mine has been. It's bad and then gets better and then I'll have a flare up again. All part of healing I assume!

 

Funny you ask, I was actually getting on here to post that for last two days, everything I eat, no matter what it is, makes me feel spacey and dizzy..? Instead of feeling tense/anxious my GI tract feels like its being overstimulated and then I feel dizzy/spacey. I haven't had this symptom yet. Have you? Has anyone else experienced this?

Lexapro from October 2012-October 2014

10mg from Oct 2012-Feb 201320mg from Feb 2013-June 201310mg from July 2013-April 2014
Began taper via liquid Lexapro from April 2014-September 2014(Roughly 6 month taper)---0.00 on Oct 1 2014--WD began in December 2014

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Reinstated to 10mg - 10mg Tablet October 15, 2015 - Stable by Mid-January, 2016

2016 - 9mg 3/26/16....8mg 5/11/16....7mg 7/05/16....6mg 8/26/16....5mg 10/31/16

2017 - 4mg 3/06/17....3mg 6/24/17....2mg 9/07/17...1.25mg 10/21/17....1mg 11/04/2017

2018 - 0.75mg 1/21/18....0.5mg 2/18/18....0.25mg 3/13/18....0.125mg 3/27/18....0.000 4/9/18

 

Supplements - 15B probiotic on and off. Usually helps w/ mood but sometimes is too activating.

 

Link to comment
  • Moderator Emeritus

How's it going man!

 

Just went through your thread.  Sorry you are experiencing Lex w/d.  Sucks, doesnt it?!

 

My HELL started on Month 4 which was June of 2008.  That's when I signed into PP and posted a question about Lexapro because I knew the stuff I was experiencing was worst than the original issue.  I dropped Lexapro within a month's time.  Little did I know ___ was going to hit the fan.  But, i am here to tell you it will get better.  Might take some time but it will.  Just stay away from Cipro!  LOL...if you have any questions, no matter how weird, hit me up..trust me, I think I have seen it all!

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

 

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

Link to comment

Hey Aeroman, I'm in month 5 of withdrawal and I have gotten better but I still feel off. It's hard to describe but I've been having this feeling where I feel on autopilot. It's not full autopilot, it's more like slight. But I still notice it. I'm wondering will I ever feel connected again and at ease. 

 

And today, I felt really out of sorts. I woke up with this dull headache and then as the day went on I started feeling flat. I made some food and then ate a bit and that's when I really started getting worse. About 3 minutes after I ate I started to feel tense and panicky. Then combine this with the flat feeling it made for one weird afternoon. I just felt back at square one. I also notice I was angry for no reason. 

 

Can anyone relate to this? Your feedback is very much appreciated. 

Ritalin (forgot the dosages), 95'-00'
Adderall 10mg for ADD, 00'- Jan 10'
Lexapro 10mg, August 10' - March 14'
Lexapro 15mg, March 14' - Sept 14'
Prozac 10mg, Sept 14' - October, 24th 14'
No meds since October 24th, 14'

Link to comment

 

 

Funny you ask, I was actually getting on here to post that for last two days, everything I eat, no matter what it is, makes me feel spacey and dizzy..?

 

Hey Horns, I have a question man. What were you referring to in this quote, what where you going to post for the last two days?

Ritalin (forgot the dosages), 95'-00'
Adderall 10mg for ADD, 00'- Jan 10'
Lexapro 10mg, August 10' - March 14'
Lexapro 15mg, March 14' - Sept 14'
Prozac 10mg, Sept 14' - October, 24th 14'
No meds since October 24th, 14'

Link to comment

Sorry, Dave. I was saying that for the last two days I have had this dizzy/disoriented feeling after eating. Sorry for the confusion.

Lexapro from October 2012-October 2014

10mg from Oct 2012-Feb 201320mg from Feb 2013-June 201310mg from July 2013-April 2014
Began taper via liquid Lexapro from April 2014-September 2014(Roughly 6 month taper)---0.00 on Oct 1 2014--WD began in December 2014

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Reinstated to 10mg - 10mg Tablet October 15, 2015 - Stable by Mid-January, 2016

2016 - 9mg 3/26/16....8mg 5/11/16....7mg 7/05/16....6mg 8/26/16....5mg 10/31/16

2017 - 4mg 3/06/17....3mg 6/24/17....2mg 9/07/17...1.25mg 10/21/17....1mg 11/04/2017

2018 - 0.75mg 1/21/18....0.5mg 2/18/18....0.25mg 3/13/18....0.125mg 3/27/18....0.000 4/9/18

 

Supplements - 15B probiotic on and off. Usually helps w/ mood but sometimes is too activating.

 

Link to comment

Ohhh ok no problem. I really just hope we can overcome this thing with the food. It really puts a damper on enjoying food.

Ritalin (forgot the dosages), 95'-00'
Adderall 10mg for ADD, 00'- Jan 10'
Lexapro 10mg, August 10' - March 14'
Lexapro 15mg, March 14' - Sept 14'
Prozac 10mg, Sept 14' - October, 24th 14'
No meds since October 24th, 14'

Link to comment

Hey Horns, how's your withdrawal going? We are the same age and your about 1 month ahead of me of being off meds. Are you still feeling spacey and dizzy after eating? Also how has your emotions been?

Ritalin (forgot the dosages), 95'-00'
Adderall 10mg for ADD, 00'- Jan 10'
Lexapro 10mg, August 10' - March 14'
Lexapro 15mg, March 14' - Sept 14'
Prozac 10mg, Sept 14' - October, 24th 14'
No meds since October 24th, 14'

Link to comment

Hey Horns, how's your withdrawal going? We are the same age and your about 1 month ahead of me of being off meds. Are you still feeling spacey and dizzy after eating? Also how has your emotions been?

Hey Dave- The last couple days the space/dizzy feeling has been better. It comes and goes and once I accepted that it will go away, it doesn't last nearly as long.

 

As far as my emotions, last week I felt really good. I had little morning anxiety and apathy but it was manageable.

This week on the other hand has been a mess. EXTREME anxiety, apathy and my newest 'symptom of the month' is Fear. This very irrational fear that is foreign to me, BUT the fact that it is very unlike me, I know it's WD. It was BAD yesterday and a little better today. Tomorrow I'm sure it will be gone and I'll forget about it and then it will hit me again at some point.

 

The power for me is knowing that once it has lessened, even if it comes back it will fade and one day be gone. That's half the battle I think for all of us. Especially the anxiety sufferers.

 

Hang in there, Dave. The food triggered symptoms will fade once our guts heal. I truly believe that. So will the emotional symptoms which for me, are much worse.

 

You'll be good my friend. Hang in there.

Lexapro from October 2012-October 2014

10mg from Oct 2012-Feb 201320mg from Feb 2013-June 201310mg from July 2013-April 2014
Began taper via liquid Lexapro from April 2014-September 2014(Roughly 6 month taper)---0.00 on Oct 1 2014--WD began in December 2014

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Reinstated to 10mg - 10mg Tablet October 15, 2015 - Stable by Mid-January, 2016

2016 - 9mg 3/26/16....8mg 5/11/16....7mg 7/05/16....6mg 8/26/16....5mg 10/31/16

2017 - 4mg 3/06/17....3mg 6/24/17....2mg 9/07/17...1.25mg 10/21/17....1mg 11/04/2017

2018 - 0.75mg 1/21/18....0.5mg 2/18/18....0.25mg 3/13/18....0.125mg 3/27/18....0.000 4/9/18

 

Supplements - 15B probiotic on and off. Usually helps w/ mood but sometimes is too activating.

 

Link to comment

Hey Horns, the fact that withdrawal causes symptoms to come and go is definitely true. Thanks for the encouragement and insight, it really helps. It seems that when w/d suffers are in a wave they can forget that things will fade and they need to be reassured.

 

I'd like to ask you, when you say you feel apathy, what exactly does this feel like? I think I might have it today.

Ritalin (forgot the dosages), 95'-00'
Adderall 10mg for ADD, 00'- Jan 10'
Lexapro 10mg, August 10' - March 14'
Lexapro 15mg, March 14' - Sept 14'
Prozac 10mg, Sept 14' - October, 24th 14'
No meds since October 24th, 14'

Link to comment

I would like to feel more in control. I cannot predict when I may be hit with wave. I had few really good days. Felt calm, setlled, hopeful...and then "bang" I am just opposite...

- 12.03.2021- doxepin- 50mg

- 6.11.2020- 75mg

- 16.10.2020- 100mg

- 30.09.2020- doxepin- 125mg

- May 2020, omeprazole 40mg switched to esomeprazole 20mg

- 2012 re-started Doxepin 75mg, evening. Increased to 150mg

- 2012, Atenolol 25mg, twice a day

- 2016, Low dose of HRT in evening, Sandrena and Utrogestan 

- Long term of Nasal spray Otrivine

- 2012, PPI Omeprazole 40mg-evening

24.10.2014- Started ESCITALOPRAM-first 5mg and then 10mg; due to the adverse symptoms reduced on 5.01.2015- Escitalopram- 2.5mg 22.07.2016- re-started reduction by 1% at a time. Completed tappering on  19.03.2020 😇

Link to comment
  • 3 weeks later...
  • Moderator Emeritus

Hi  Horn ,    how are you doing lately?

1987-1997 pertofran , prothiaden , Prozac 1997-2002 Zoloft 2002-2004 effexor 2004-2010 Lexapro 40mg

2010-2012Cymbalta 120mg

Sept. 2012 -decreased 90mg in 6months. Care taken over by Dr Lucire in March 2013 , decreased last 30mg at 2mg per week over 3 months. July 21 , 2013- last dose of Cymbalta

Protracted withdrawal syndrome kicked in badly Jan.2014 Unrelenting akathisia until May 2014. Voluntary hosp. admission. Cocktail of Seroquel, Ativan and mirtazapine and I was well enough to go home after 14 days. Stopped all hosp. meds in next few months.

July 2014 felt v.depressed - couldn't stop crying. Started pristiq 50mg. Felt improvement within days and continued to improve, so stayed on 50mg for 8 months.

Began taper 28 Feb. 2015. Pristiq 50mg down to 45mg. Had one month of w/d symptoms. Started CES therapy in March. No w/d symptoms down to 30mg.

October 2015 , taking 25mg Pristiq. Capsules compounded with slow-release additive.

March 2016 , 21mg

Link to comment
  • 4 weeks later...

Hi  Horn ,    how are you doing lately?

Hi Fresh,

I am doing better. I have had a terrible week or two with Acid Reflux. I have had this before Lexapro but nothing like this. Even when I haven't eaten I have it. Then once I start thinking about it, it only makes it worse! Just hoping it will pass soon. Thanks for checking in!

Lexapro from October 2012-October 2014

10mg from Oct 2012-Feb 201320mg from Feb 2013-June 201310mg from July 2013-April 2014
Began taper via liquid Lexapro from April 2014-September 2014(Roughly 6 month taper)---0.00 on Oct 1 2014--WD began in December 2014

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Reinstated to 10mg - 10mg Tablet October 15, 2015 - Stable by Mid-January, 2016

2016 - 9mg 3/26/16....8mg 5/11/16....7mg 7/05/16....6mg 8/26/16....5mg 10/31/16

2017 - 4mg 3/06/17....3mg 6/24/17....2mg 9/07/17...1.25mg 10/21/17....1mg 11/04/2017

2018 - 0.75mg 1/21/18....0.5mg 2/18/18....0.25mg 3/13/18....0.125mg 3/27/18....0.000 4/9/18

 

Supplements - 15B probiotic on and off. Usually helps w/ mood but sometimes is too activating.

 

Link to comment
  • 3 weeks later...

Has anyone had issues with disorientation/dizziness with tmj/jaw clenching?

 

I have been clenching my jaw a night and have been fitted for a night guard by my dentist. Should have it in a week. In the meantime I feel so disoriented/spacey all the time. I know being in WD is making me hyper focus on it more, which I'm sure is making it worse, but has anyone else had this issue w/ the spacey floating feeling?

Lexapro from October 2012-October 2014

10mg from Oct 2012-Feb 201320mg from Feb 2013-June 201310mg from July 2013-April 2014
Began taper via liquid Lexapro from April 2014-September 2014(Roughly 6 month taper)---0.00 on Oct 1 2014--WD began in December 2014

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Reinstated to 10mg - 10mg Tablet October 15, 2015 - Stable by Mid-January, 2016

2016 - 9mg 3/26/16....8mg 5/11/16....7mg 7/05/16....6mg 8/26/16....5mg 10/31/16

2017 - 4mg 3/06/17....3mg 6/24/17....2mg 9/07/17...1.25mg 10/21/17....1mg 11/04/2017

2018 - 0.75mg 1/21/18....0.5mg 2/18/18....0.25mg 3/13/18....0.125mg 3/27/18....0.000 4/9/18

 

Supplements - 15B probiotic on and off. Usually helps w/ mood but sometimes is too activating.

 

Link to comment

Would you describe it as brain fog? A slight disconnect from your surroundings? I have had that during Prozac WD and now during Lexapro WD.

 

It's a pretty common SSRI WD symptom - it can be quite persistent.

 

I've heard a lot of people complain of dizziness also. 

Hell hath no fury as an SSRI scorned.....

 

Prozac:   20 mg 1996 – May 2003 CT to 0 mg; by Aug 03 CRASH then protracted WD 3 yrs

Zoloft:    2004 few weeks;, CT to 0 mg

Effexor:  2005 few months CT to 0 mg; bad withdrawal. 

Lexapro:  10 mg from 2009 – 2011; cut dose in half to:

Lexapro:    5 mg from 2011 – Feb. 2014; CT to 0 mg; 2 months of fatigue, followed by:
Aug - Oct 2014 Lexapro WD Insomnia Wave; sleeping very good from Nov 2014 - Nov 2015; broken sleep pattern Dec 2015 - Jan 2016

Dec 2014 - present: Brutal Lexapro WD ear ringing/head ringing/head pressure lasting for 14 months now.

 

24 months SSRI-free  

Link to comment

Would you describe it as brain fog? A slight disconnect from your surroundings? I have had that during Prozac WD and now during Lexapro WD.

 

 

It's a pretty common SSRI WD symptom - it can be quite persistent.

 

H

 

I've heard a lot of people complain of dizziness also.

Hey Clearday,

I think I could describe it as brain fog. I do feel a slight disconnect but the worst part is the spacey/tunnel vision feeling. They once I get anxious about it, it of course makes it worse. Did you experience that?

Lexapro from October 2012-October 2014

10mg from Oct 2012-Feb 201320mg from Feb 2013-June 201310mg from July 2013-April 2014
Began taper via liquid Lexapro from April 2014-September 2014(Roughly 6 month taper)---0.00 on Oct 1 2014--WD began in December 2014

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Reinstated to 10mg - 10mg Tablet October 15, 2015 - Stable by Mid-January, 2016

2016 - 9mg 3/26/16....8mg 5/11/16....7mg 7/05/16....6mg 8/26/16....5mg 10/31/16

2017 - 4mg 3/06/17....3mg 6/24/17....2mg 9/07/17...1.25mg 10/21/17....1mg 11/04/2017

2018 - 0.75mg 1/21/18....0.5mg 2/18/18....0.25mg 3/13/18....0.125mg 3/27/18....0.000 4/9/18

 

Supplements - 15B probiotic on and off. Usually helps w/ mood but sometimes is too activating.

 

Link to comment

I often feel kind of detached and foggy, as if my brain was tired...

- 12.03.2021- doxepin- 50mg

- 6.11.2020- 75mg

- 16.10.2020- 100mg

- 30.09.2020- doxepin- 125mg

- May 2020, omeprazole 40mg switched to esomeprazole 20mg

- 2012 re-started Doxepin 75mg, evening. Increased to 150mg

- 2012, Atenolol 25mg, twice a day

- 2016, Low dose of HRT in evening, Sandrena and Utrogestan 

- Long term of Nasal spray Otrivine

- 2012, PPI Omeprazole 40mg-evening

24.10.2014- Started ESCITALOPRAM-first 5mg and then 10mg; due to the adverse symptoms reduced on 5.01.2015- Escitalopram- 2.5mg 22.07.2016- re-started reduction by 1% at a time. Completed tappering on  19.03.2020 😇

Link to comment

Hey Clearday,

I think I could describe it as brain fog. I do feel a slight disconnect but the worst part is the spacey/tunnel vision feeling. They once I get anxious about it, it of course makes it worse. Did you experience that?

 

 

Sometimes I get  a spacey feeling. Sometimes its like a floating feeling.

 

Maybe brain fog and feeling of disconnect is a mild form of derealization.

 

I like how this website explains derealization during SSRI withdrawal:

 

http://toxicantidepressants.fr/english/withdrawal-symptoms/derealization.html

Hell hath no fury as an SSRI scorned.....

 

Prozac:   20 mg 1996 – May 2003 CT to 0 mg; by Aug 03 CRASH then protracted WD 3 yrs

Zoloft:    2004 few weeks;, CT to 0 mg

Effexor:  2005 few months CT to 0 mg; bad withdrawal. 

Lexapro:  10 mg from 2009 – 2011; cut dose in half to:

Lexapro:    5 mg from 2011 – Feb. 2014; CT to 0 mg; 2 months of fatigue, followed by:
Aug - Oct 2014 Lexapro WD Insomnia Wave; sleeping very good from Nov 2014 - Nov 2015; broken sleep pattern Dec 2015 - Jan 2016

Dec 2014 - present: Brutal Lexapro WD ear ringing/head ringing/head pressure lasting for 14 months now.

 

24 months SSRI-free  

Link to comment

Thank you ever so much for sharing this link. It makes sense that the brain needs to kind of switch off in order to repair itself...I experience this myself, especially in the morning...it takes me much longer to "switch on" and act...when I start it seems ok, I go to work, do my tasks...and in the morning it starts again...

- 12.03.2021- doxepin- 50mg

- 6.11.2020- 75mg

- 16.10.2020- 100mg

- 30.09.2020- doxepin- 125mg

- May 2020, omeprazole 40mg switched to esomeprazole 20mg

- 2012 re-started Doxepin 75mg, evening. Increased to 150mg

- 2012, Atenolol 25mg, twice a day

- 2016, Low dose of HRT in evening, Sandrena and Utrogestan 

- Long term of Nasal spray Otrivine

- 2012, PPI Omeprazole 40mg-evening

24.10.2014- Started ESCITALOPRAM-first 5mg and then 10mg; due to the adverse symptoms reduced on 5.01.2015- Escitalopram- 2.5mg 22.07.2016- re-started reduction by 1% at a time. Completed tappering on  19.03.2020 😇

Link to comment

 

Hey Clearday,

I think I could describe it as brain fog. I do feel a slight disconnect but the worst part is the spacey/tunnel vision feeling. They once I get anxious about it, it of course makes it worse. Did you experience that?

 

 

Sometimes I get  a spacey feeling. Sometimes its like a floating feeling.

 

Maybe brain fog and feeling of disconnect is a mild form of derealization.

 

I like how this website explains derealization during SSRI withdrawal:

 

http://toxicantidepressants.fr/english/withdrawal-symptoms/derealization.html

 

Thanks, Clearday!

 

This is exactly what I have! My body feels super tense and shaky as well. Makes perfect sense that brain is trying to heal from being in such an anxious state that last week or so.

 

Im trying very hard to just accept the feeling, but man its hard when you feel so out of it and in a dream. 

 

I know it will pass like everything else but this is not fun.

Lexapro from October 2012-October 2014

10mg from Oct 2012-Feb 201320mg from Feb 2013-June 201310mg from July 2013-April 2014
Began taper via liquid Lexapro from April 2014-September 2014(Roughly 6 month taper)---0.00 on Oct 1 2014--WD began in December 2014

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Reinstated to 10mg - 10mg Tablet October 15, 2015 - Stable by Mid-January, 2016

2016 - 9mg 3/26/16....8mg 5/11/16....7mg 7/05/16....6mg 8/26/16....5mg 10/31/16

2017 - 4mg 3/06/17....3mg 6/24/17....2mg 9/07/17...1.25mg 10/21/17....1mg 11/04/2017

2018 - 0.75mg 1/21/18....0.5mg 2/18/18....0.25mg 3/13/18....0.125mg 3/27/18....0.000 4/9/18

 

Supplements - 15B probiotic on and off. Usually helps w/ mood but sometimes is too activating.

 

Link to comment

I agree.

 

Overall I am doing well, but I do have this slight disconnect going on for a few months now.  

 

I had a window out of this disconnect a few weeks ago one afternoon. During that time, I was fully connected to my surroundings, it was very refreshing. It was as if I had put on a pair of glasses and could now see and feel things more clearly.

 

It is during those windows that I realize the full extent of my disconnect due to this protracted withdrawal.

 

And it is during those windows I also realize that my normal self IS STILL IN THERE, under these symptoms -

 

And as I heal, I have reason to hope that I will eventually become more connected. 

Hell hath no fury as an SSRI scorned.....

 

Prozac:   20 mg 1996 – May 2003 CT to 0 mg; by Aug 03 CRASH then protracted WD 3 yrs

Zoloft:    2004 few weeks;, CT to 0 mg

Effexor:  2005 few months CT to 0 mg; bad withdrawal. 

Lexapro:  10 mg from 2009 – 2011; cut dose in half to:

Lexapro:    5 mg from 2011 – Feb. 2014; CT to 0 mg; 2 months of fatigue, followed by:
Aug - Oct 2014 Lexapro WD Insomnia Wave; sleeping very good from Nov 2014 - Nov 2015; broken sleep pattern Dec 2015 - Jan 2016

Dec 2014 - present: Brutal Lexapro WD ear ringing/head ringing/head pressure lasting for 14 months now.

 

24 months SSRI-free  

Link to comment

I agree.

 

Overall I am doing well, but I do have this slight disconnect going on for a few months now.  

 

I had a window out of this disconnect a few weeks ago one afternoon. During that time, I was fully connected to my surroundings, it was very refreshing. It was as if I had put on a pair of glasses and could now see and feel things more clearly.

 

It is during those windows that I realize the full extent of my disconnect due to this protracted withdrawal.

 

And it is during those windows I also realize that my normal self IS STILL IN THERE, under these symptoms -

 

And as I heal, I have reason to hope that I will eventually become more connected. 

Hey Clearday!

 

I couldn't agree more. My derealization tends to get better in the evening. It's then I am able to realize thats it's all protracted WD, just like you. You WILL become more connected as you heal. That is a certainty. Hang in there.

 

My Derealization is terrible this morning. I didn't sleep well last night, I'm anxious and tired and that seems to make it worse. I feel so dizzy and like I am in a dream. Such an awful feeling.

Lexapro from October 2012-October 2014

10mg from Oct 2012-Feb 201320mg from Feb 2013-June 201310mg from July 2013-April 2014
Began taper via liquid Lexapro from April 2014-September 2014(Roughly 6 month taper)---0.00 on Oct 1 2014--WD began in December 2014

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Reinstated to 10mg - 10mg Tablet October 15, 2015 - Stable by Mid-January, 2016

2016 - 9mg 3/26/16....8mg 5/11/16....7mg 7/05/16....6mg 8/26/16....5mg 10/31/16

2017 - 4mg 3/06/17....3mg 6/24/17....2mg 9/07/17...1.25mg 10/21/17....1mg 11/04/2017

2018 - 0.75mg 1/21/18....0.5mg 2/18/18....0.25mg 3/13/18....0.125mg 3/27/18....0.000 4/9/18

 

Supplements - 15B probiotic on and off. Usually helps w/ mood but sometimes is too activating.

 

Link to comment

The common "Lexapro insomnia WD wave" usually hits between months 6 -12 after stopping the drug. 

 

I had weird, severe insomnia during months 7-9 due to Lexapro WD.

 

Once the wave was over, my REM sleep had been restored, and I sleep better every night now for seven months than I did during all 5 yrs on Lexapro.

 

I hope the same for you -

Hell hath no fury as an SSRI scorned.....

 

Prozac:   20 mg 1996 – May 2003 CT to 0 mg; by Aug 03 CRASH then protracted WD 3 yrs

Zoloft:    2004 few weeks;, CT to 0 mg

Effexor:  2005 few months CT to 0 mg; bad withdrawal. 

Lexapro:  10 mg from 2009 – 2011; cut dose in half to:

Lexapro:    5 mg from 2011 – Feb. 2014; CT to 0 mg; 2 months of fatigue, followed by:
Aug - Oct 2014 Lexapro WD Insomnia Wave; sleeping very good from Nov 2014 - Nov 2015; broken sleep pattern Dec 2015 - Jan 2016

Dec 2014 - present: Brutal Lexapro WD ear ringing/head ringing/head pressure lasting for 14 months now.

 

24 months SSRI-free  

Link to comment

The common "Lexapro insomnia WD wave" usually hits between months 6 -12 after stopping the drug. 

 

I had weird, severe insomnia during months 7-9 due to Lexapro WD.

 

Once the wave was over, my REM sleep had been restored, and I sleep better every night now for seven months than I did during all 5 yrs on Lexapro.

 

I hope the same for you -

Thanks, Clearday. Hopefully my sleep and the DP/DR will resolve soon.

Lexapro from October 2012-October 2014

10mg from Oct 2012-Feb 201320mg from Feb 2013-June 201310mg from July 2013-April 2014
Began taper via liquid Lexapro from April 2014-September 2014(Roughly 6 month taper)---0.00 on Oct 1 2014--WD began in December 2014

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Reinstated to 10mg - 10mg Tablet October 15, 2015 - Stable by Mid-January, 2016

2016 - 9mg 3/26/16....8mg 5/11/16....7mg 7/05/16....6mg 8/26/16....5mg 10/31/16

2017 - 4mg 3/06/17....3mg 6/24/17....2mg 9/07/17...1.25mg 10/21/17....1mg 11/04/2017

2018 - 0.75mg 1/21/18....0.5mg 2/18/18....0.25mg 3/13/18....0.125mg 3/27/18....0.000 4/9/18

 

Supplements - 15B probiotic on and off. Usually helps w/ mood but sometimes is too activating.

 

Link to comment

It seems I may be having similar problem with derealisation...During the morning I usually feel so spaced out and as if in a different world. I am ok in evenings...and then wake up "surreal"...

I don't really know how to cope with this...

- 12.03.2021- doxepin- 50mg

- 6.11.2020- 75mg

- 16.10.2020- 100mg

- 30.09.2020- doxepin- 125mg

- May 2020, omeprazole 40mg switched to esomeprazole 20mg

- 2012 re-started Doxepin 75mg, evening. Increased to 150mg

- 2012, Atenolol 25mg, twice a day

- 2016, Low dose of HRT in evening, Sandrena and Utrogestan 

- Long term of Nasal spray Otrivine

- 2012, PPI Omeprazole 40mg-evening

24.10.2014- Started ESCITALOPRAM-first 5mg and then 10mg; due to the adverse symptoms reduced on 5.01.2015- Escitalopram- 2.5mg 22.07.2016- re-started reduction by 1% at a time. Completed tappering on  19.03.2020 😇

Link to comment

It seems I may be having similar problem with derealisation...During the morning I usually feel so spaced out and as if in a different world. I am ok in evenings...and then wake up "surreal"...

I don't really know how to cope with this...

Thats how I feel, Ikam. Do you almost feel as you are in a dream? Super spacey and dizzy?

Lexapro from October 2012-October 2014

10mg from Oct 2012-Feb 201320mg from Feb 2013-June 201310mg from July 2013-April 2014
Began taper via liquid Lexapro from April 2014-September 2014(Roughly 6 month taper)---0.00 on Oct 1 2014--WD began in December 2014

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Reinstated to 10mg - 10mg Tablet October 15, 2015 - Stable by Mid-January, 2016

2016 - 9mg 3/26/16....8mg 5/11/16....7mg 7/05/16....6mg 8/26/16....5mg 10/31/16

2017 - 4mg 3/06/17....3mg 6/24/17....2mg 9/07/17...1.25mg 10/21/17....1mg 11/04/2017

2018 - 0.75mg 1/21/18....0.5mg 2/18/18....0.25mg 3/13/18....0.125mg 3/27/18....0.000 4/9/18

 

Supplements - 15B probiotic on and off. Usually helps w/ mood but sometimes is too activating.

 

Link to comment

It is as if "morning-me" was different than "evening-me"...like being in a dream in the morning...yes dizzy and spaced out...

 

I have noticed that when I have day off work, I tend to feel like this for longer...

 

But I am still on 2.5mg...plus I take doxepin in evening...

 

So is this effect of drug or WD? I never felt like this before Lexapro...I never felt like this on Effexor either...

- 12.03.2021- doxepin- 50mg

- 6.11.2020- 75mg

- 16.10.2020- 100mg

- 30.09.2020- doxepin- 125mg

- May 2020, omeprazole 40mg switched to esomeprazole 20mg

- 2012 re-started Doxepin 75mg, evening. Increased to 150mg

- 2012, Atenolol 25mg, twice a day

- 2016, Low dose of HRT in evening, Sandrena and Utrogestan 

- Long term of Nasal spray Otrivine

- 2012, PPI Omeprazole 40mg-evening

24.10.2014- Started ESCITALOPRAM-first 5mg and then 10mg; due to the adverse symptoms reduced on 5.01.2015- Escitalopram- 2.5mg 22.07.2016- re-started reduction by 1% at a time. Completed tappering on  19.03.2020 😇

Link to comment

Yeah, I'm totally a different person in the evening. I think if I remember correctly, I had the a little Derealization when I got on the Lexapro during the 'adjustment phase'. At the time, I didn't know what it was. I think thats what it was but who knows.

 

This whole experience is humbling to say the least. One day at a time.

Lexapro from October 2012-October 2014

10mg from Oct 2012-Feb 201320mg from Feb 2013-June 201310mg from July 2013-April 2014
Began taper via liquid Lexapro from April 2014-September 2014(Roughly 6 month taper)---0.00 on Oct 1 2014--WD began in December 2014

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Reinstated to 10mg - 10mg Tablet October 15, 2015 - Stable by Mid-January, 2016

2016 - 9mg 3/26/16....8mg 5/11/16....7mg 7/05/16....6mg 8/26/16....5mg 10/31/16

2017 - 4mg 3/06/17....3mg 6/24/17....2mg 9/07/17...1.25mg 10/21/17....1mg 11/04/2017

2018 - 0.75mg 1/21/18....0.5mg 2/18/18....0.25mg 3/13/18....0.125mg 3/27/18....0.000 4/9/18

 

Supplements - 15B probiotic on and off. Usually helps w/ mood but sometimes is too activating.

 

Link to comment

I wonder why I have this more pronounced on days off work...sometimes takes me to late afternoon until I become real...

I have usually some plans for the weekend, and then spend time like in a slow motions, more observing myself than being myself...but still oversensitive to noises...

 

Additionally, in real life, I have been in a  different part of the country and even people are different here...so when I go out I don't recognise places...so I hide away at home, as it is more familiar...

I will be moving house in July (to the place I know better) and I will be changing job...Will I cope with this?

 

In last five years I moved house three times and changed jobs around 10 times...All this adds to depersonalisation/derealisation...

- 12.03.2021- doxepin- 50mg

- 6.11.2020- 75mg

- 16.10.2020- 100mg

- 30.09.2020- doxepin- 125mg

- May 2020, omeprazole 40mg switched to esomeprazole 20mg

- 2012 re-started Doxepin 75mg, evening. Increased to 150mg

- 2012, Atenolol 25mg, twice a day

- 2016, Low dose of HRT in evening, Sandrena and Utrogestan 

- Long term of Nasal spray Otrivine

- 2012, PPI Omeprazole 40mg-evening

24.10.2014- Started ESCITALOPRAM-first 5mg and then 10mg; due to the adverse symptoms reduced on 5.01.2015- Escitalopram- 2.5mg 22.07.2016- re-started reduction by 1% at a time. Completed tappering on  19.03.2020 😇

Link to comment

The visual detachment feeling from DR is just awful. I don't even feel that anxious, I feel calm actually and the spacey/unreal feelings make it so hard to just accept the feeling. I can't concentrate, when I try to talk to anyone they just look 'off'.

 

I can handle being out of it but the visual/unreal feeling of everything is just the worst.

 

I guess like everything it will pass. This is definitely the most anxiety provoking symptom for me.

Lexapro from October 2012-October 2014

10mg from Oct 2012-Feb 201320mg from Feb 2013-June 201310mg from July 2013-April 2014
Began taper via liquid Lexapro from April 2014-September 2014(Roughly 6 month taper)---0.00 on Oct 1 2014--WD began in December 2014

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Reinstated to 10mg - 10mg Tablet October 15, 2015 - Stable by Mid-January, 2016

2016 - 9mg 3/26/16....8mg 5/11/16....7mg 7/05/16....6mg 8/26/16....5mg 10/31/16

2017 - 4mg 3/06/17....3mg 6/24/17....2mg 9/07/17...1.25mg 10/21/17....1mg 11/04/2017

2018 - 0.75mg 1/21/18....0.5mg 2/18/18....0.25mg 3/13/18....0.125mg 3/27/18....0.000 4/9/18

 

Supplements - 15B probiotic on and off. Usually helps w/ mood but sometimes is too activating.

 

Link to comment

"The visual detachment feeling from DR is just awful. I don't even feel that anxious, I feel calm actually and the spacey/unreal feelings make it so hard to just accept the feeling. I can't concentrate, when I try to talk to anyone they just look 'off'. 

I can handle being out of it but the visual/unreal feeling of everything is just the worst.

I guess like everything it will pass. This is definitely the most anxiety provoking symptom for me."

 

 

 

Has anyone else experienced this?

Lexapro from October 2012-October 2014

10mg from Oct 2012-Feb 201320mg from Feb 2013-June 201310mg from July 2013-April 2014
Began taper via liquid Lexapro from April 2014-September 2014(Roughly 6 month taper)---0.00 on Oct 1 2014--WD began in December 2014

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Reinstated to 10mg - 10mg Tablet October 15, 2015 - Stable by Mid-January, 2016

2016 - 9mg 3/26/16....8mg 5/11/16....7mg 7/05/16....6mg 8/26/16....5mg 10/31/16

2017 - 4mg 3/06/17....3mg 6/24/17....2mg 9/07/17...1.25mg 10/21/17....1mg 11/04/2017

2018 - 0.75mg 1/21/18....0.5mg 2/18/18....0.25mg 3/13/18....0.125mg 3/27/18....0.000 4/9/18

 

Supplements - 15B probiotic on and off. Usually helps w/ mood but sometimes is too activating.

 

Link to comment

I am suffering. Just started my 9th month off Lex. The last 4 weeks have been the worst but a week ago Derealization/Depersonalization has hit. I had no idea what it was except it kind of felt like I used to feel after a panic attack but 10x worse. Now I have it constant with brief relief well into the evening, but, even then its still there to some degree. Due to being in WD I focus on it ALL the time no matter how much I try to accept it.

 

I feel spacey all the time, my eyes feel like I have tunnel vision, everything feels off balance, I am shaking like a leaf bc my anxiety is elevated from constantly feeling like I could fall over or pass out, nothing looks real and I am so tense. Boy this is miserable.

 

Before Lexapro, when I got anxious, which I think back to now was NOTHING compared to this, i could talk myself down and rationalize. NOT ANYMORE. I just focus non stop on whatever symptom I have. Unfortunately, it seems the only was to get rid of the DP/DR is to relax and accept. Thats just so hard right now.

 

Petunia, has given me much hope but can anyone else tell me this will go away?

Lexapro from October 2012-October 2014

10mg from Oct 2012-Feb 201320mg from Feb 2013-June 201310mg from July 2013-April 2014
Began taper via liquid Lexapro from April 2014-September 2014(Roughly 6 month taper)---0.00 on Oct 1 2014--WD began in December 2014

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Reinstated to 10mg - 10mg Tablet October 15, 2015 - Stable by Mid-January, 2016

2016 - 9mg 3/26/16....8mg 5/11/16....7mg 7/05/16....6mg 8/26/16....5mg 10/31/16

2017 - 4mg 3/06/17....3mg 6/24/17....2mg 9/07/17...1.25mg 10/21/17....1mg 11/04/2017

2018 - 0.75mg 1/21/18....0.5mg 2/18/18....0.25mg 3/13/18....0.125mg 3/27/18....0.000 4/9/18

 

Supplements - 15B probiotic on and off. Usually helps w/ mood but sometimes is too activating.

 

Link to comment

It's awful..at it's worse my stomach would be churning and I felt that I'd be stuck in this perception permanently but it passes each time.

2000 - sertraline for job anxiety low confidence (17 years old) ..which turned the next 16 years into nightmare!

 

On/off sertraline severe withdrawals every time. 2014 - felt better as reduced dose of sertraline no more inner restlessness. Doctor rushed off again. Hit severe withdrawal. Lost the little I had in life. Couldn't get stable again on 12.5mg. Was switched to prozac. Had severe reaction to prozac..came off in November 2015 at 6mg as felt more confused and damaged on it..Even more withdrawal ..rage, depression, dyphoria, near constant suicidal ideation, self harm impulses, doom, concrete block in head, unable to do much of anything with this feeling in head..went back on 6mg of sertraline to see if would alleviate anything. It didn't..reduced from December to June 2016 came off at 2.5mg sertraline as was hospitalised for the severe rage, suicidal impulses, and put on 50mg lofepramine which in 2nd week reduced all symptoms but gave insomnia which still have..psych stopped lofepramine cold turkey..no increased withdrawal symptoms new symptoms from lofepramine except persistant insomnia which has as side effect.

 

Taking Ativan for 8 months for the severe rage self harm impulses 1-3 times a week (mostly 2 times a week) at .5mg. Two months (I'm unsure exactly when the interdose started to happen) ago interdose withdrawal seemed to happen..2 days I think after the Ativan.

 

 

Nightmare that could have been avoided!

Link to comment

Please sign in to comment

You will be able to leave a comment after signing in



Sign In Now
×
×
  • Create New...

Important Information

Terms of Use Privacy Policy