☼ Miracle123: Lexapro withdrawal

[Miracle123]

Hi All, im newbie here. Here is my story...on 19 Dec 2016 i started to took antidepresssent called lexapro 5mg and lorezapam 2mg due to my sleeping disorder. Over a 8 month i take those drugs so i decided to taper off all my medicine....firstly i taper off my lorezapam first following another 1.5 mth off lexapro followed the astron method. For the first 2 months all withdrawal hit me majority 70% like a waves come over...like symdrome i dont have before esp depression, heart pounding so extreme, shaking,mind racing, anxienty and a lots more...times passed i already off for lorezapam over 6 mths and lexapro 4++ mths. But those panic atrack and anxiety to flare up more extreme than before. I insonmia for about 2 weeks occassional sleeping disturbed, walking up at night, heart punding like a heart attack , high blood pressure, pulse racing, hot or cold sensation and a lots more. 

But recently 3 days ago, i feel like something stuck at my throat or choking feeling ....feel stomach bloating , gas come out from mouth and chest fullness....might suspect of acid reflux. Just wanna to ask buddies here have everyone exprience these and its also one of the withdrawal? I really mix up and confused

Wanna to try some natural supplement to help ease my withdrawal but affraid because my body over sensitive now. Hope i can get more information regarding release anxiety supplement .....right now i just take high omega fish oil and magnesium only. Thanks so much.

 

[Miracle123]

Hi all, i just to keep updated about my situation. Today i go to see doctor ......he prescription motidone and rabotide20 for acid reflux. I suffer from chest fullnesss and feeling like food stuck at my throat or choking. Hope tonight i will be better. But my withdrawal seen more extremed today.....doctor say i so nervous, anxiety, panic attack, hand sweating,  shaking wanna to give benzo again but i refused to take anything. I so lost now....all withdrawal so terrible. I feel exhausted for repeated keep fighting like never ending stories...i feel hopeless, no mood or pleasure for doing anything,depression, feeling i will die anytime, extremed anxiety,  inner restlessness, agitation, fear, mind and purse racing....a lots more.  I so affraidi i no recovered and getting worse. I always come back this site seek for hope and positive energy. I love to read other poeple successful stories to push me forward.  I hope one day i can share my successful stories to others too. I really dont want to take or reinstated any benzo or antidepressent.  Will this suffering will end and i can see a light. ..........

 

 

 

 

 

 

[Miracle123]

Hi all, For your more information about my stories...i take those dugs is prescription by my pyscritrity however around of 8 mth for lexapro 5mg and lorezapam  2mg...at started i feel fine but when coming around 8 mth i hit by adversed reaction from a antidepressant cos i more shaking , anxiety (my body only used to it for 5mg Lexapro.....Dr add 10mg for me but my body got  bad reaction after 2 week intake and down to 7.5 mg for 8 week then futher down to 5mg again. But unfortunately after 2 month i got hit again bad reaction force my body to taper off the medicine over 1 month) i feel fine , better and energetic during the tapering process as 2.5mg for 2 week, 1.5mg for 1 week and 1mg for 1 week i think consider ct. Immediately i got hit after 3 days all the withdrawals. Witdrawal all come like a waves. .....sometimes i got window but they are short .....majorities all wave for 1st mth until today.....around 4++mth.

I know is a hard time for me now and very tough. Everyday i keep myself read other poeple all stories for keep me going futher.....i so lucky to find the forum to find all usefull information and all buddies here is really superhero......Sorry for my poor grammar english......

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[RachelSusan]

Hello Miracle123,

I am sorry you are suffering. I hope that a moderator will be along shortly to answer your questions.  They are a supportive group here.  The moderators, as well as the rest of the members can all be very helpful.

Warm wishes,

Rachel

[Miracle123]

Hello RachelSusan, Finally i have you to reply me. Thanks so much for your reply....my heart feel so warm now.  Really appreciated it. Thanks again.

 

[Miracle123]

Just for updated.....i already took 2 days of my gastric medicine...but seem sometimes good and  sometimes bad.....my tummy not that bloating but of course still got a lots gas....feeling still like something stucks at my chest or throat. But when gas coming out from my mouth i feel a bit released....withdrawal coming visit me everyday.....dont know how long this will be over.....

[ChessieCat]

Hi Miracle, welcome to SA,

 

To get you started we ask all members to create a drug signature which will appear below every post you make and means that we can see your drug history at a glance without having to read back through your posts.

 

Please use the following format:

 

A request: Would you summarize your history in a signature - ALL drugs, doses, dates, and discontinuations & reinstatements, in the last 12-24 months particularly?

• Please leave out symptoms and diagnoses.
• A list is easier to understand than one or multiple paragraphs. 

• Any drugs prior to 24 months ago can just be listed with start and stop years.
• Please use actual dates or approximate dates (mid-June, Late October) rather than relative time frames (last week, 3 months ago)
• Spell out months, e.g. "October" or "Oct."; 9/1/2016 can be interpreted as Jan. 9, 2016 or Sept. 1, 2016.
• Link to Account Settings – Create or Edit a signature.

 

This is your own Intro topic where you can ask questions and journal your progress.  We encourage members to visit other members' topics so you can support each other.

[Miracle123]

Hi ChessieCat,  Thanks for your post and information. I will try to dated.

[Miracle123]

Hi ChessieCat,  Thanks for your post and information. I will try to updated......typo mistake

[ChessieCat]

I saw you discussing tumeric/curcumin and melotonin in another member's topic.  Here are SA's discussions on these topics:

 

curcumin-or-turmeric

 

melatonin-for-sleep

 

There are many existing topics on this site.  I use google and add survivingantidepressants.org to my search string, eg survivingantidepressants.org tumeric

[Miracle123]

Hi ChessieCat, Thanks for your fast respond and useful information ...i will read all those....now keep updated my signature.  Thanks again. 

 

 

 

 

[Gridley]

Hi, Miracle123 and welcome from me too.

 

I am sorry you are having such a bad time.  The symptoms you are experiencing--anxiety, depression, bloating, mind racing, etc.--are typical withdrawal symptoms.

What is withdrawal syndrome.

Glenmullen’s withdrawal symptom list.

 

When we take medications, the CNS (central nervous system) responds by making changes over the months and years we take the drug(s). When the medication is discontinued, the CNS has to undo all the changes it made. Rebuilding the neurotransmitter production and reactivating the receptor and transporter cells takes time -- during that rebuilding process symptoms occur.  Some people have found the information and explanations at these links helpful:

One theory of anti-depressant withdrawal syndrome

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

Youtube video, 4 minutes: Healing from antidepressants

 

The techniques in these two links have helped many members deal with withdrawal.  The first link is about dealing with anxiety.

The Dr. Claire Weekes Method of Recovering from a Sensitized Nervous System

Non-drug techniques to cope with emotional symptoms.

 

You asked for suggestions on supplements.  We don't recommend a lot of supplements on SA, as many members report being sensitive to them due to our over-reactive nervous systems, but two supplements that we do recommend are the two you are taking, magnesium and omega 3 (fish oil). Many people find these to be calming to the nervous system.  How much of each are you taking?

Magnesium, nature's calcium channel blocker 

Omega-3 fatty acids (fish oil) 

 

We don't recommend multiple vitamins, because if you have a bad reaction it would be difficult to tell which ingredient caused it.  We don't recommend B vitamins, as these can be activating (anxiety-causing) to your system.  

 

ChessieCat gave you a link to a discussion of melatonin for sleep.  I take 1 mg and have found it helpful.  Don't take more than 1 mg because it can turn paradoxical at higher doses (keep you awake instead of helping you sleep).

 

I recommend that you stay away from strenuous exercise.  It would be good to do a gentle 30-minute walk in nature every day.  

 

The yoga pose where you lie on floor with your legs straight up the wall is effective for anxiety.  Support your back with a pillow.

 

Eat as healthily as you can.  Avoid alcohol and caffeine (including soft drinks, chocolate and coffee)

 

This is your introduction topic -- the place for you to ask questions, record symptoms, share your progress, and connect with other members of the SA community. I hope you'll find the information in the SA forums helpful for your situation. I'm sorry that you are in the position that you need the information, but I am glad that you found us.

 

Best,

Gridley

 

 

 

[Miracle123]

Hi Gridley, Thanks for your reply and all useful information. I will read all those and keep updated. Yes, currently i just take high omega fish oil which content about 85% of pure omega.....i take it 1 per day . Magnesium citrate for 150mg at night only. Your are right, my body is so sensitive to a lots of supplement and medicine, i just can take for lower dosage....wanna to try melatonin for sleeping and tumeric supplement, maybe at lower dose i do

Im so happy and glad can hear from both of you (ChessieCat and Gridley).......you all really helpful to provided me all good information. Thanks a lots

 

[Miracle123]

Hi all, i come back to keep updated.....took 3 days medicine....still stomach issue but getting a bit improvement.  Today still not really well... dizzy or lightheaded, mind racing,tembling but already its routine for me....everyday especially morning my sydrome will flare up a bit , really uncomfortable but when time passed im will get a bit better but when hit late afternoon around 5pm come back worse until night.......then a bit better...look like the waves and patterns will repeated everyday the same. But occasionally time, i means my mestrual coming over i will getting more worse like wanna to fainted.

These few day i  take some acid reflux and gastric medicine....i ended up with skin rashes at my body especially both leg and hand. Before take lexapro and lorezapam...i never face such a problem..i not a so sensitive type person but after medicine ....i become sensitive for eveything. I really hope i can to go back like a normal person. 

[Gridley]

I'm glad your stomach is a bit better.  The dizziness, lightheadedness, mind racing and the other symptoms you listed are typical withdrawal symptoms.  Many members report an increase in symptoms during the menstrual cycle.  Yes, our bodies are sensitized but that will improve in time.

 

You have a great attitude--acceptance is very important in dealing with withdrawal.

[Miracle123]

15 hours ago, Gridley said:

I'm glad your stomach is a bit better.  The dizziness, lightheadedness, mind racing and the other symptoms you listed are typical withdrawal symptoms.  Many members report an increase in symptoms during the menstrual cycle.  Yes, our bodies are sensitized but that will improve in time.

 

You have a great attitude--acceptance is very important in dealing with withdrawal.

Thanks Gridley. You are so kind and helpful moderators.

 

[Miracle123]

Hi all, For updated....today with no medicine cos stomach a bit better but still boating with gas and manageble. At least today i have some good window with small waves. I can go for shopping to buy some food and vegetables. Thanks god for giving me some relief. I have 45 minutes brist walking at park to forget anything and enjoyed natural.....so good to feel normal for temporary. Ohhh.....my sleep i can get 6 hours sleep yesterday and 2 times walking up at night ..can get back to sleep cos too tired....struggle for almost 3 weeks. Hope for good improvement......

[Gridley]

Miracle23

 

You may find some helpful information in these threads about non-drug methods of addressing stomach symptoms. 

 

Acid reflux

 

Digestive problems: Nausea, Diarrhea, Bloating, GERD

[Miracle123]

15 hours ago, Gridley said:

Miracle23

 

You may find some helpful information in these threads about non-drug methods of addressing stomach symptoms. 

 

Acid reflux

 

Digestive problems: Nausea, Diarrhea, Bloating, GERD

•  

Hi Gridley, Thanks so much for your helpful information. Yes, yesterday my stomach come back worse again and i have to take medicine . 

 

[Miracle123]

Hi .....For my updated. These few days i go for vacation with my family members, we have.a short trip. Feeling good so far but not really enjoyed. Withdrawal still like waves and patterns visit me every days but these 2 day i a bit worse. Like anxiety and fear flare up. I dont know i fear for nothing but the worry and scared feeling gonna hit me so badly. My heart pounding always irregular cos of my wihdrawal but i might affraid of heart attack and cardiovascular blocked . I so loss now. I got high cholesterol (6.72mmo/l)since at young age until now 10 yrs already when first time i noticed i got it. But dr say i should alright no need to take medicine and just execise and diet. But i still worry.....see cardiologist last year cos my heart ponding so fast and check ECG seen normal then ask me to go back with no medicine. What should i do now? 

Tonight j falling asleep around 10pm and walking up at night at 1.30am......toss and turn almost whole night didint sleep.....i take 1 magnesium citrate but no help at all......really feel fear and unhappiness. Just wanna to crying out....

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

On 13/02/2018 at 3:29 AM, Gridley said:

 

•  

 

[Gridley]

Insomnia is a common withdrawal symptom.  I have had some success with melatonin.  Start out with 1/2 mg and see if it helps.

Melatonin for sleep

 

The other symptom you describe, worrying about your health and thinking that withdrawal symptoms are something serious is also a common withdrawal symptom, known as health anxiety.  This link will help explain what you are experiencing.

Health anxiety, hypochondria, and obsession with symptoms ...

Worrying about anxiety coming back is also common.  Dr. Claire Weekes' has some excellent techniques about dealing with this "fear of the fear" or, as she called it, "second fear."

The Dr. Claire Weekes Method of Recovering from a Sensitized Nervous System

 

[Happy2Heal]

hi Miracle, 

I'm sorry you are having a rough time. It will get better.

You have a wonderful attitude, as others have mentioned. It's really refreshing to read.

 

I wish I had some advice for you. just know that you are not alone and that many have gone thru this and come out the other side, healed and doing well.

 

 

[Miracle123]

4 hours ago, Gridley said:

Insomnia is a common withdrawal symptom.  I have had some success with melatonin.  Start out with 1/2 mg and see if it helps.

Melatonin for sleep

 

The other symptom you describe, worrying about your health and thinking that withdrawal symptoms are something serious is also a common withdrawal symptom, known as health anxiety.  This link will help explain what you are experiencing.

Health anxiety, hypochondria, and obsession with symptoms ...

Worrying about anxiety coming back is also common.  Dr. Claire Weekes' has some excellent techniques about dealing with this "fear of the fear" or, as she called it, "second fear."

The Dr. Claire Weekes Method of Recovering from a Sensitized Nervous System

 

Hi Gridley, thanks so much for your information. Im really so touch and appreciated you always come back to support and encourage me. Nothing i can say and just to hang on thigtly. I happy i not alone here. My heart feel so warm😊

Thanks a lots.

 

 

[Miracle123]

4 hours ago, Happy2Heal said:

hi Miracle, 

I'm sorry you are having a rough time. It will get better.

You have a wonderful attitude, as others have mentioned. It's really refreshing to read.

 

I wish I had some advice for you. just know that you are not alone and that many have gone thru this and come out the other side, healed and doing well.

 

 

Hi Happy2Heal, thanks a lot for your kindness and reply. At least your words and encourage mean a lots to me😊i really appreciated and give me positive energy. Thanks.

[Miracle123]

Health anxiety, hypochondria, and obsession with symptoms ..i used to read all those information and more understanding what happened to me and im not going to crazy or got serious sickness or health problem. But all those weird feeling and uncomfortable is real and caused of my own phobia and the only way is to managed and keeping control my emotional. Thanks for all useful information if not i think i ended up landed at ER or admitted for doing checking again at hospital. I will keep holding and stay for patient....hope can get through it.....hope for others same boat as me will doing well and take care...

[Gridley]

Good attitude, Miracle.  You will get through it.

[Miracle123]

Hi all.....just for updated. My stomach get a lots improvement after i started taking probiotic for 1 weeks. I still dealing with withdrawal everyday but sometimes i glad i got good window for few hours feel like a normal person for few days straight. Thats really good sign for me. At night i still can sleep for short hours or walking few times at night, i think is my worse withdrawal so far. I havent take melatonin yet(on my way shipping to me as i order 1mg melatonin) i think would try small dose see first.

But i can feel some nervous or purse papitation all over my body for few second.....sometimes at leg, hand, shoulder, stomach or others part. Its hard for me to descrip but my feeling is like my nervous system is going to take place in tunning or adjusted itself. Its a sign to heal?....i really hope so

Overall im ok...but this morning dont know why i suddenly got anger or hot temper want to scold my hubby....even small things i can easily trigger my mood or feeling....but i keep control my anger and keep silent for 1 hour and just walking away. I fell calm now.....physical withdrawal i can cope but sometimes mental withdrawal a bit hard. Take care all buddies here.

[ChessieCat]

You might find these topics helpful:

 

Irritability, Anger, Rage

Neuro Emotions

[Miracle123]

10 minutes ago, ChessieCat said:

You might find these topics helpful:

 

Irritability, Anger, Rage

Neuro Emotions

Thanks ChessieCat for your information.

[Miracle123]

Hi ChwessieCat,  im sorry to disturb you. The link you send to me i cant open it.http://survivingantidepressants.org/index.php?/topic/8097-coping-with-with-irritability-anger-and-rage/.....could you please resend again to me or i can find inside this forum. Thanks.

[Miracle123]

Few days ago i think( around 3 days) i got some good window for few hour really good for me. But today of my mood changed suddenly (anger, moody, hot temper) myself hit with panic attack few times in over 2 hours with heart pounding and high rise anxiety. Really hope for more improvement but i really easy getting upset. 

 

 

 

[ChessieCat]

Hi Miracle,

 

For some reason that topic doesn't exist now.  I've ask the mods about it.  But here is a good topic: dealing-with-emotional-spirals

 

[Miracle123]

11 minutes ago, ChessieCat said:

Hi Miracle,

 

For some reason that topic doesn't exist now.  I've ask the mods about it.  But here is a good topic: dealing-with-emotional-spirals

 

Hi ChessieCat, Really thanks for your fast respond reply. Its ok. No problem....

[ChessieCat]

You're welcome.  If the other topic turns up I'll try to remember to post it for you.

[Miracle123]

1 hour ago, ChessieCat said:

You're welcome.  If the other topic turns up I'll try to remember to post it for you.

Thanks so much.

[Miracle123]

Hi all, im coming back to updated. I already off of lexapro for 5 mth and lorezapam for 7 mth(another 3 days to go) i so lucky because if compared to other members here actually my withdrawal not as bad as horror as others facing here(i always read other people stories make me scary and fear)Everyday passed i can handle or finish my job done without problem but of course i got panic attack or anxiety make me uncomfortable or disturb my mind too. I will try to keep going even though heart pounding so bad and keep telling myself im will be ok. Sometimes at night i will wake up with heart pouding and chest pain too make me awake few times. I not scare or fear because i gain some knowledge and information here. Thanks for chessiecat and gridley, they really helpful. 

Looking back i actually got a bit improvement in between window and waves. Everyday almost same.. very bad in the morning ......better a bit in afternoon ...then hit worse late night and ok at night.. huh so funny....these few day i hit with more extreme anxiety like got a heart attack or cannot breath but still managable....i know its quite common withdrawal symdrome as lots poeple facing the same..hope will getting good for coming month and i can updated here. Take care all here. Warmest regards,

Miracle