Frogie: how to taper off Lexapro and Xanax?

[Frogie]

16 hours ago, Flowers said:

Hi Frogie

 

Thank you for asking after me. I haven't been on here much lately. It is good to see you are doing so well on your taper.

 

I have had bronchitis so not been up to much and struggling with Xanax and inter dose withdrawal which Shep has been helping me with.

 

Still no date for my op. I had to go back to square one with scans etc as the hospital had made a cock up - too complicated to go into. But I have been told that I am not an emergency and they are taking out the gallbladder as a precaution as I have 4 large stones which could flare up in the future. I am seeing the Anaesthetist on 4 Feb for another check up and am hoping I stabilise a bit more WD wise before then.

 

I see you have a new doggy.  Am so pleased you have taken another dog on - it won't be Brownie but all dogs love and need love.

 

Take care Frogie.

 

Love from Flowers xxx

 

 

Hi Flowers:

 

I’m sorry to hear about your mishaps with your gallbladder and problems with your Xanax. I hope they resolve quickly.

 

I did get another dog. He’s not Brownie, but he is a good dog. We are his 4th (I think) home. I hope I didn’t make a mistake but so far so good.

 

I don’t get on much anymore either. But almost done with lexapro!

 

Hopefully you’ll have your surgery soon and feel better.

 

Take care,

Frogie xx

 

Take

[Frogie]

13 hours ago, RachelSusan said:

Hi Frogie,

Just checking on you. I know you had Christmas anxiety, which was unfortunate.  I hope all is well with you and Japser.

Warm wishes,

RS

Thanks RS:

 

It was just situational. I didn’t get to see my granddaughter like I was supposed to and a couple of other things.

 

But I Skyped with my granddaughter in the afternoon and then I was fine.

 

Poor Jasper has an ear infection and is on antibiotics but he is doing fine.

 

Hope you are doing well.

 

Thanks for caring.

 

Take care,

Frogie xx

[Dalalea]

Hi Frogie!

I haven't been on here for a long while but I thought I'd see how you were doing. Wow! You sound like you are in such a different place now! When I think back to a year ago, I was in an awful spot. Healing does happen! I now have had friends remark on the difference in me. Still have tinnitus and some hearing loss. The other symptoms are pretty much gone and my immune system is protecting me from every virus in town again.

I'm so happy you are doing well.

Dalalea

[Frogie]

2 hours ago, Dalalea said:

Hi Frogie!

I haven't been on here for a long while but I thought I'd see how you were doing. Wow! You sound like you are in such a different place now! When I think back to a year ago, I was in an awful spot. Healing does happen! I now have had friends remark on the difference in me. Still have tinnitus and some hearing loss. The other symptoms are pretty much gone and my immune system is protecting me from every virus in town again.

I'm so happy you are doing well.

Dalalea

Hi Dalalea:

 

It’s great to hear from you. You sound like you are healing very well. I’m happy for you.

 

It has taken 3 long years for me to be done. I have 2 more tapers and I’m Lexapro free! In fact, I taper next week. I still have Xanax to go, but that will happen and I’ll make it fine.

 

A lot of hard work and CBT therapy has put me in a better place. Also, knowing it won’t be long before we move back to our family and friends. And my granddaughter. That helps a lot.

 

I haven’t been to the dr since October. A stupid ear infection, nothing serious. Usually I’m at the dr 3-5 times during the winter. I haven’t even had a cold. Knock on wood lol...

 

I’m nervous that I’ll have a setback when I’m done, but excited at the same time. I think I’ll be ok, positive thinking.

 

Thanks for checking on me. That really helps.

 

Take care,

Frogie xx

[Frogie]

Well, to update:

 

I woke up this morning with a slight headache, but I think it’s the pillow I’ve been using. I switched pillows before I got up and it eased up a lot. I think I’ll change pillows and bet it’s gone !

 

I made my taper to 0.2mg this morning. I hope I’m going to “slide” through it with minimal side effects. I’ll let you know.

 

Some bad news 🙁 Jasper had to go. He went back to his original family and he was so happy to see them. I think he forgot me before I left. But he was “marking his territory “. Wherever my fiancé was he marked his spot. In the office, right in front of the couch where he sits and on the floor in the bedroom on his side of the bed. With us trying to get ready to sell this place, we couldn’t have him ruining the hardwood floors. But he will be much happier there. He already showed me that last night. And you know what? I’m happy for him. The poor little guy deserves a happy forever home. We talked, and after we move maybe we will look into getting a puppy that we can both love without being in other peoples homes. But maybe we will just be dog less. We have a cat. She’s easy. Clean her litter box, give her food and water, and you can leave for the weekend.

 

Please everyone send me good vibes that I do well on this taper. Then one more taper to 0.1mg (I think), and I’ll be lexapro free! After 3 looong  years (a little longer).

 

Thanks everyone. Hope you are all doing well.

 

Take care,

Frogie xx

[apace41]

1 minute ago, Frogie said:

Some bad news 🙁 Jasper had to go. He went back to his original family and he was so happy to see them. I think he forgot me before I left. But he was “marking his territory “. Wherever my fiancé was he marked his spot. In the office, right in front of the couch where he sits and on the floor in the bedroom on his side of the bed. With us trying to get ready to sell this place, we couldn’t have him ruining the hardwood floors. But he will be much happier there. He already showed me that last night. And you know what? I’m happy for him. The poor little guy deserves a happy forever home. We talked, and after we move maybe we will look into getting a puppy that we can both love without being in other peoples homes. But maybe we will just be dog less. We have a cat. She’s easy. Clean her litter box, give her food and water, and you can leave for the weekend.

 

Hi, Frogie.  It's always hard to know because it's "through the veil of the internet", but you sound so much more at peace and comfortable with the "dog situation" and just in general.  Hopefully that is a function of medicine reduction and is the "new normal" for you.

 

2 minutes ago, Frogie said:

Please everyone send me good vibes that I do well on this taper.

 

Wishing you the best on this drop and the final one.  I'm sure you will do great.

 

Best,

 

Andy

[Frogie]

1 minute ago, apace41 said:

 

Hi, Frogie.  It's always hard to know because it's "through the veil of the internet", but you sound so much more at peace and comfortable with the "dog situation" and just in general.  Hopefully that is a function of medicine reduction and is the "new normal" for you.

 

 

Wishing you the best on this drop and the final one.  I'm sure you will do great.

 

Best,

 

Andy

Thanks Andy:

 

I was sad to see him go, and I cried. But then I thought and I really am happy for him. I think he missed his family. He was running through their house, giving them kisses. I haven’t seen him that happy since I got him. I’ve worked really hard at being at peace with life in general. I hope it is the ”new normal “ for me. I just hope I don’t crash. That scares me.

 

I hope I do alright with this and the last taper.

 

I couldn’t have done it without you taking me under your wing and working with me. And everyone else here.

 

I’m not going anywhere, still have Xanax, yuck!!

 

I hope you are doing well. You deserve it.

 

Take care,

Frogie xx

[RachelSusan]

Frogie,

 

Congrats on your drop. I am so pleased for you.  You can't see it but I am doing my happy dance for you.

 

I'm sorry about Jasper not working out but I am glad he had his original family to go back to. When the time is right you will think about another dog but now is the time to concentrate on your move.

 

I am so proud of you, you have come such a long way.

 

xo

Rachel

 

 

 

[Frogie]

2 minutes ago, RachelSusan said:

Frogie,

 

Congrats on your drop. I am so pleased for you.  You can't see it but I am doing my happy dance for you.

 

I'm sorry about Jasper not working out but I am glad he had his original family to go back to. When the time is right you will think about another dog but now is the time to concentrate on your move.

 

I am so proud of you, you have come such a long way.

 

xo

Rachel

 

 

 

Thanks Rachel:

 

I can picture you doing a happy dance lol...

 

When the time is right we will find the right dog,  but he was so happy which makes me happy.

 

I appreciate you being proud of me. I was a HUGE mess when I found this site, now I’m almost done! Then comes the Xanax! Yuck. But if I can get through the lexapro nightmare, I can do the Xanax taper.

 

I hope you are doing well.

 

Thanks again.

 

Take care,

Frogie xx

[Survivor1]

On 1/31/2019 at 8:33 AM, Frogie said:

Please everyone send me good vibes that I do well on this taper. Then one more taper to 0.1mg (I think), and I’ll be lexapro free! After 3 looong  years (a little longer).

 

Hi Frogie,  it's been a while since I checked in.  Just saw this and am very happy for you.  Best wishes for things to go well.  

[Frogie]

15 hours ago, Survivor1 said:

 

Hi Frogie,  it's been a while since I checked in.  Just saw this and am very happy for you.  Best wishes for things to go well.  

Thanks Survivor I really appreciate your support.

 

How are you doing?

 

Take care,

Frogie xx

[mdwstrx]

Hi Frogie,

 

Just started reading your story.  It's very inspiring for us other Lexapro/escitalopram to see (at least from your signature) that you felt good throughout a lot of your taper with the exception of the horrible nausea.  Great job at getting down so low that you only have one more taper!! 💜 

 

I started on ADs several years before you 😱 and have been very concerned about tapering.  I got to 2.5 mgs when dr said ok to stop.  Not so much... it's been 3 months of nasty withdrawal, reinstatement, updosing and still not stabilized.  Once I do, I'll begin the long journey to zero too.    

 

Praying all continues to go well for you.

Mdwstrx

 

 

 

[Frogie]

Quick Update:

 

At the advise of ChessieCat and Apace41, I decided to taper down to 0.1mg of liquid Lexapro.

 

I started that this morning. I'll be done tapering on March 31, 2019.

 

I never thought I would see the day that I would be off this horrible medicine!

 

I'm giving myself a couple of months and then start tapering the Xanax.

 

Just wanted to let everyone know where I am.

 

I'm doing well. Hope everyone else it too!

 

Take care,

Frogie xx

[Junglechicken]

Such good news Frogie, you’re gonna make it 😊

 

Well done for persevering and overcoming many hurdles 👏

 

Hugs,

 

JC xx

[Frogie]

On 2/7/2019 at 6:08 PM, mdwstrx said:

Hi Frogie,

 

Just started reading your story.  It's very inspiring for us other Lexapro/escitalopram to see (at least from your signature) that you felt good throughout a lot of your taper with the exception of the horrible nausea.  Great job at getting down so low that you only have one more taper!! 💜 

 

I started on ADs several years before you 😱 and have been very concerned about tapering.  I got to 2.5 mgs when dr said ok to stop.  Not so much... it's been 3 months of nasty withdrawal, reinstatement, updosing and still not stabilized.  Once I do, I'll begin the long journey to zero too.    

 

Praying all continues to go well for you.

Mdwstrx

 

 

 

Hi mdwstrx:

 

Thanks for stopping by. I don't get on daily, so I apologize for not responding to you sooner.

 

My taper was brutal at times, I'm not going to lie and I had some other medical problems going on at the same time, which made it difficult.

 

I updosed a few times, but with the help of the mods and people on this site, I was able to stablize and start tapering again.

 

It's not fun at all. I know exactly what you are going through. But if I can do it, so can you! Jusr remember, to go slow. Don't rush it at all.

 

I wish you well.

 

Glad you stopped by. Feel free to ask me questions about my tapering and I'll try to answer them

 

I hope you are doing well.

 

Take care,

Frogie xx

[Frogie]

1 minute ago, Junglechicken said:

Such good news Frogie, you’re gonna make it 😊

 

Well done for persevering and overcoming many hurdles 👏

 

Hugs,

 

JC xx

Thanks JC:

 

I appreciate the kind words.I'm almost there. Like I said I didn't think I would ever hear those words!

 

Hope you are doing well.

 

Take care,

Frogie xx

[RachelSusan]

Oh my goodness Frogie,

 

This is GREAT!!!!  It is FANTASTIC!!!  Well done. You had so many hurdles and losses and yet you persevered. One of those losses being Brownie.  I know she was your everything,  yet you kept going.  Should would be proud of you. I am impressed with you.

 

I think it is indeed wise to wait a few months before you start on Xanax.

 

Also if you are given the opportunity to write a success story a year from now, please do so.  So many people on this site need to read that others have done it. They need hope.  You are our hope.  xoxo

 

As always, warm wishes.

Rachel

 

 

 

[Gridley]

Congratulations, Frogie!  You are doing great.

[Frogie]

1 minute ago, RachelSusan said:

Oh my goodness Frogie,

 

This is GREAT!!!!  It is FANTASTIC!!!  Well done. You had so many hurdles and losses and yet you persevered. One of those losses being Brownie.  I know she was your everything,  yet you kept going.  Should would be proud of you. I am impressed with you.

 

I think it is indeed wise to wait a few months before you start on Xanax.

 

Also if you are given the opportunity to write a success story a year from now, please do so.  So many people on this site need to read that others have done it. They need hope.  You are our hope.  xoxo

 

As always, warm wishes.

Rachel

 

 

 

Rachel:

 

You just brought tears to my eyes.

 

 I have worked really hard, and made a lot of mistakes. And HUGE hurdles along the way. Just like you said Brownie. There isn’t a day that doesn’t go by that I don’t think of her. I wish she was here to cuddle with me and give me kisses on the nose and let me know I’m going to be ok. But she was so sick. She had a great life, 16 years.

 

I have talked with Andy and Shep and all agree to give my body a couple months rest before starting the Xanax taper.

 

I will write a success story in a year (if I’m a success). 

 

Everyone on this site has been my hope. I couldn’t have gotten this far without all of you and the mods. I’m very greatful for everyone here.

 

Thank you so much for being there for me, when I needed people.

 

I hope you are doing well.

 

Take care,

Frogie xx

[Frogie]

6 minutes ago, Gridley said:

Congratulations, Frogie!  You are doing great.

Thanks Gridley:

 

That means a lot.

 

 I hope I can make it. Want to write a success story lol...

 

Hope you’re doing well.

 

Take care,

 Frogie xx

[Flowers]

Hi Frogie

 

So pleased that you are nearly there. It has been tough for you sometimes and you have still kept going. A wonderful example to us all that we can get off these drugs.

 

Hope March goes smoothly for you.

 

Love from Flowers xxx

[Frogie]

5 minutes ago, Flowers said:

Hi Frogie

 

So pleased that you are nearly there. It has been tough for you sometimes and you have still kept going. A wonderful example to us all that we can get off these drugs.

 

Hope March goes smoothly for you.

 

Love from Flowers xxx

Thanks Flowers:

 

It has been a rough ride to say the least.

 

I couldn’t have done it without the mods (especially Apace41) and all the wonderful people on here, like you.

 

Thank you so much for being there for me and wishing me luck. I need it lol...

 

I did read that you found out your MRI results. I’m sorry you’re having back issues (I have a lot) but hopefully it put your mind at ease it’s not wd and hopefully pt can help.

 

Take care,

 Frogie xx

[Flowers]

Hi Frogie - well I only did what I know you would do for me!

 

Yes, back is bad right now but hoping pt will sort me out.

 

Didn't know you had a bad back too.  It's making me miserable as I can't get out much - walking is difficult. I then get down if I can't get out - I am usually so active. Never mind at least my husband takes me out in the car avoiding all the bumps in the road!lol!

 

Love from Flowers xxx

[Frogie]

5 minutes ago, Flowers said:

Hi Frogie - well I only did what I know you would do for me!

 

Yes, back is bad right now but hoping pt will sort me out.

 

Didn't know you had a bad back too.  It's making me miserable as I can't get out much - walking is difficult. I then get down if I can't get out - I am usually so active. Never mind at least my husband takes me out in the car avoiding all the bumps in the road!lol!

 

Love from Flowers xxx

I really appreciate you being a friend. I’m so glad we met and could support each other. We had a great group of people.

 

 I would/will support you through thick and thin. 

 

I have degenerated disc disease in my upper back and nerve damage in my shoulder blades. My upper back and neck hurt most of the time.

 

 I’m glad your husband gets you out. My fiancé is working on the remodel so we can move, no complaints about not getting out!

 

 I hope pt can get you sorted out so you can get active again.

 

Thanks again. 😊

 

Take care,

Frogie xx

[O2bhappy]

On 2/28/2019 at 9:40 AM, Frogie said:

Quick Update:

 

At the advise of ChessieCat and Apace41, I decided to taper down to 0.1mg of liquid Lexapro.

 

I started that this morning. I'll be done tapering on March 31, 2019.

 

I never thought I would see the day that I would be off this horrible medicine!

 

I'm giving myself a couple of months and then start tapering the Xanax.

 

Just wanted to let everyone know where I am.

 

I'm doing well. Hope everyone else it too!

 

Take care,

Frogie xx

Frogie -

 

WOW!!!  I am so proud of you.  I cannot believe that you are down to 0.1 mg.  You have done an amazing job with your taper.  Slow and steady wins the race and that is exactly what you have done.  You have defined what it means to perverse.   

 

Wishing you nothing but the best.  I will check back on you in a couple of weeks.  Keep us posted!

[Frogie]

15 hours ago, O2bhappy said:

Frogie -

 

WOW!!!  I am so proud of you.  I cannot believe that you are down to 0.1 mg.  You have done an amazing job with your taper.  Slow and steady wins the race and that is exactly what you have done.  You have defined what it means to perverse.   

 

Wishing you nothing but the best.  I will check back on you in a couple of weeks.  Keep us posted!

Thanks O2bhappy:

 

 I appreciate you stopping by. I’ll be done March 31st. Long, long, tough road. But I’m going to make it! It started before I joined this forum. And everyone has been kind and helpful.

 

Still have Xanax to taper, but waiting on that to let my body rest a little.

 

Thanks for the well wishes. I wish you nothing but the best too.

 

Take care,

Frogie xx

[Rosetta]

So excited for you, Frogie!!!  -Rosetta

[Frogie]

12 hours ago, Rosetta said:

So excited for you, Frogie!!!  -Rosetta

Thank you Rosetta! 

 

I appreciate that.

 

Hope you are doing well.

 

Take care,

Frogie xx

[RachelSusan]

Frogie,  D day is approaching for you.  How are you feeling?  Excited, nervous, both?  I just wanted to offer my support as the day grows closer.  I remain very excited for you. 👍🏼😀🐸🌈🌹❤️🎈🎶

 

[manymoretodays]

Me too Froglet!  And oh yay......you went down to .05 mg even!  Smart lady.

 

Let's get on our dancing shoes.

 

Love, peace, healing, and growth,

manymoretodays

That place in Loveland, is having a retreat in April......on ridding shame and guilt.  I wish I was up to it.  Matt Licata, one of the main organizers has a FB page, with more about it.  (he has 2 pages actually on FB, check the one, where he doesn't identify himself as a psycho or physiotherapist).  Maybe hubs or your uncle would go with you.  I don't know when his next one after April may be.  They do look like nice, friendly, retreats though.

......I spose you might be on the "selling and moving tract" now though too.

 

Go confidently into this new realm.  It's going to go great!!!! ❤️

 

 

[mdwstrx]

Hi Frogie.  Stopping in to say I'm still observing (as an escitalopram user/taperer).   I am excited for you and all your hard work!  Prayers for an upcoming peaceful and healthy step into Lexlessland.   🙏

[Frogie]

Hi Rachel, MMT and mdwstrx:

 

I really appreciate all the support. Yes I’m very nervous. But what scares me the most is that I’m going to crash. I’ve read too many horror stories on here I think. I’ve been on lexapro so many years, it seems like I’m losing a friend lol. But a friend that isn’t welcome anymore.

 

I feel fine. Just been trying to fix our place up and get it on the market so we can move home. My fiancé is actually ready to get out of here. I never thought I’d see that day.

 

MMT, I’ll check out the FB page. Thanks. Right now, we can’t afford for me to go anywhere. Saving for a the big move. Can’t come soon enough! But maybe one of these days we could go or meet somewhere for tea. When you are better and I know I am. That would be wonderful.

 

I still have Xanax to taper😔but if I can get through this lexapro h**l, I can get off Xanax!

 

I decided I would go down to 0.05mg for the last 2 weeks just to give my body a little more reassurance.

 

Again, thanks for all the well wishes! I can use them. Please keep up the good thoughts for me, they are truly needed😊

 

I will keep you posted.🤞🏻🍀🌈🎉

 

Take care,

Frogie xx

[RandyJames]

Hi Frogie.  I just thought I'd see how you're doing.  I hope you're doing good.  

[Frogie]

4 minutes ago, RandyJames said:

Hi Frogie.  I just thought I'd see how you're doing.  I hope you're doing good.  

I’m doing ok. Knock on wood. Just a few more days and I’m done with lexapro!

 

I have another thread on here to just chat: Frogie Off-Topic I think it’s called. We can chat on there anytime. But if it has anything to do with meds we can chat on this thread.

 

How are you? I hope you’re feeling better. Did you change your meds yet?

[RandyJames]

So glad you are doing ok!  Congrats on being almost off the meds.  Such good news. This will all be behind you very soon. 

 

Sorry to be a downer but I'm not doing good.  Anxiety, depression and mental fog are the big ones.  My awareness and cognition are terrible.  Also I will be saying goodbye to the family home of 42 years pretty soon.  It's funny though how little of it processes through the fogginess and lack of feeling I'm having.  

 

I haven't changed the meds yet.  Alto thinks I should move my dose back hour by hour first before I do any switch to liquid.  I moved my dose back 1 hour last night.

 

When is the last day of your Lexapro?  You need to have some confetti ready or something! lol

[Frogie]

51 minutes ago, RandyJames said:

So glad you are doing ok!  Congrats on being almost off the meds.  Such good news. This will all be behind you very soon. 

 

Sorry to be a downer but I'm not doing good.  Anxiety, depression and mental fog are the big ones.  My awareness and cognition are terrible.  Also I will be saying goodbye to the family home of 42 years pretty soon.  It's funny though how little of it processes through the fogginess and lack of feeling I'm having.  

 

I haven't changed the meds yet.  Alto thinks I should move my dose back hour by hour first before I do any switch to liquid.  I moved my dose back 1 hour last night.

 

When is the last day of your Lexapro?  You need to have some confetti ready or something! lol

Thanks! My last dose of lexapro is March 31st. One more down. I still have Xanax to taper,  but if I can do this horrible taper, Xanax shouldn’t be too bad. At leaset I'm prepared for the worst.

 

 I’m sorry to hear you’re having so many problems. Wow, 42 years. Long time to have a home. My grandparents had their house and were married 69 years when my grandfather passed away. That was difficult for my grandmother to give up her home.

 

Alto is very knowledgeable and knows what she is doing. Just follow her and you will start to feel better soon. You have come to the right place to get help. Believe me, I never thought  I would be done with the lexapro, but the mods on here are wonderful.

 

My fiance and I are putting our house on the market in May and moving home. Or as close as we can. We have lived in a horrible town of 600 people for 5 long years and I still don’t have 1 friend. Neither does he, just people he works with. Very unfriendly and rude people. He said he’s had enough of his job and it’s time to go home to friends and family. I never thought I’d hear him say that. I’m so happy!

 

Keep your chin up. It will get better.

 

Take care,

 Frogie xx