Very Strange Sensations Today..

[Lisa]

Boy you guys get up early. Tyl PM has done a great job. After breakfast, I'll be back. Thanks for checking in. Back soon.

Lisa

[CDFAMILY]

Lisa, good luck with your withdrawal and hopefully you are supplementing with vitamins also.

My husband took Lexepro before being diagnosed with Celiac Disease. After taking this drug for about a year he started having major sleep problems. I also noticed a lot of limb jerking throughout the day. He did a sleep test and was diagnosed with Periodic Limb Movement with almost 9 movements an hour. The primary doctor called and told my husband he needed to take neurontin.

I had already read up on this and asked the doctor if the problem could be related to lexepro. She said she had never heard of it causing this problem. I said it was all over the internet and maybe we should wean him from lexepro as it was not helpful and was probably the cause. We did wean and the movements are now gone. And since going gluten-free in February, the mild depression has also left. Although I do not think that only the gluten-free diet did this. I also think it is because he takes mega vitamins especially B12 and B complex along with Vitamin D.

You can see from this how people that are sick, become sicker and sicker because many doctors only know how to treat with drugs.

[Lisa]

Ok Good Morning:

Up and about for about a hour and seem to feel so much better. The PM still lingers, as to the late morning sleep. I thought everyone got up at 10 .

Yesterday eve must have been the peak of withdrawal. Vertigo seems to have left, headach gone for now, and zaps don't seem to be around. So it seems like I am on the back side of this.

Let me try to answer some of your questions:

Dr. put me on lexipro soon after dx, which I was very resistant, since my daughter was put on paxil and did not like what I saw. Started with 5mg and it seems to make me bla, and felt that it took my personality away....just feeling dull. So he said try 10 mg and that seem to make me feel calm and peaceful. I grew to like that (considering hubby is very high strung and hyper, retired and always around )

After a year, after the wedding, I thought that it was time to stop, since I had a handle on the diet. But, most importantly, my insurance would not pay unless I used their mail order service, which would be difficult. I could not get a refill until my previous was out. It would not guarentee an uninteruped service.

So, I started to half my 10mg to 5mg over a period of maybe two weeks, then every otherday, then I had no more about 5 days ago. It took about 72 hours for the withdrawl effects to start.

First feeling very achy from the waist down...legs just ached. Dizziness started, then the shockers (thanks Judy for that Info), with a bad headach, contact lenses and eyes were very cloudy. Yesterday, I layed on the bed without even watching The Young and the Restless (I have to keep up with Karen). Just plain quiet was nice.

So, today it's appears to be much better. And just knowing that there were so many people looking out for me, I and sure that it speeded my recovery.

I'm not sure what the days will bring. I guess I have to learn about how I will be without lexipro. I would recommend that those who are considering going off, discuss it with a doctor before, as I never expected the response that I experienced.

Thanks guy, how comforting to know you all are there. I'll check in as the day progresses. xxoo

Lisa

[Rikki Tikki]

Lisa:

You sound so much better today!

[ravenwoodglass]

Ok Good Morning:

Up and about for about a hour and seem to feel so much better. The PM still lingers, as to the late morning sleep. I thought everyone got up at 10 .

Yesterday eve must have been the peak of withdrawal. Vertigo seems to have left, headach gone for now, and zaps don't seem to be around. So it seems like I am on the back side of this.

Let me try to answer some of your questions:

Dr. put me on lexipro soon after dx, which I was very resistant, since my daughter was put on paxil and did not like what I saw. Started with 5mg and it seems to make me bla, and felt that it took my personality away....just feeling dull. So he said try 10 mg and that seem to make me feel calm and peaceful. I grew to like that (considering hubby is very high strung and hyper, retired and always around )

After a year, after the wedding, I thought that it was time to stop, since I had a handle on the diet. But, most importantly, my insurance would not pay unless I used their mail order service, which would be difficult. I could not get a refill until my previous was out. It would not guarentee an uninteruped service.

So, I started to half my 10mg to 5mg over a period of maybe two weeks, then every otherday, then I had no more about 5 days ago. It took about 72 hours for the withdrawl effects to start.

First feeling very achy from the waist down...legs just ached. Dizziness started, then the shockers (thanks Judy for that Info), with a bad headach, contact lenses and eyes were very cloudy. Yesterday, I layed on the bed without even watching The Young and the Restless (I have to keep up with Karen). Just plain quiet was nice.

So, today it's appears to be much better. And just knowing that there were so many people looking out for me, I and sure that it speeded my recovery.

I'm not sure what the days will bring. I guess I have to learn about how I will be without lexipro. I would recommend that those who are considering going off, discuss it with a doctor before, as I never expected the response that I experienced.

Thanks guy, how comforting to know you all are there. I'll check in as the day progresses. xxoo

Lisa

I am so glad it is passing and you are feeling better. I hope the day goes well.

[Judyin Philly]

WHEW, LISA, SO RELIEVED TO HEAR THE GOOD NEWS.

I WAS AT THE 'MLD' THEARPIST THIS AM AND JUST GOT IN AND CKING ON YOU AND TANYA.

GLAD THE 'INFO' HELPED THAT 'WOLFIE' GAVE US. A GREAT SITE I DIDN'T KONW ABOUT..NOW ON MY DESK TOP.

HAVE TO ADD THIS AS MORE OF US ARE COMING OUT OF THE 'CLOSET'

Yesterday, I layed on the bed without even watching The Young and the Restless (I have to keep up with Karen). Just plain quiet was nice. WHEN I WAS USING AND THEN COMING DOWN FROM PREDIZONE I DID THE SAME...COULDN'T EVEN WATCH MY ONE SHOW AS I HAD TO HAVE QUIET...

ALSO WHEN I WAS FIGHTING THE CELLULITIS, IT WAS A GREAT COMFORT AND INFO AID TO POST DURING THAT TIME AND I KNOW 'WITHOUT A DOUBT' I COULDN'T HAVE MADE IT WITHOUT THE HELP OF THE FRIENDS ON THE BOARD...ESP IN THE DARK HRS OF THE NITE WHEN UP TAKING THE PILLS AND WAITING TILL I COULD LAY DOWN AGAIN.

PLEASE KEEP US POSTED, LISA, AND LET'S PRAY THE WORST IS BEHIND YOU.

JUDY

[jerseyangel]

Hi Lisa Looks like you've "turned the corner"! So glad to hear it

[covsooze]

Lisa, I'm coming off escitolopram at the moment too. I've had many of the symptoms you're having. Plus been crying a lot. Luckily a friend of mine whose also come off it warned me that she got very emotional for a while. It doesn't even come close to when I came off amitryptaline (sorry, can't spell these dreadful drug names!). I had only been on it for a few weeks but had hallucinations in the night when I cam off it, even though I came off slowly. I've never been so terrified in my whole life. It involved spiders....I'm amazed DH wasn't totally freaked by me screaming my head off and thrashing round the room trying to get away from the darn things....Anyway, please do pm me if you want to share this special time with me

CDFAMILY - I'm so pleased to have read your post!! I've just posted on the sleep forum about my worsening sleep problem. I think this drug might be the key! I always said to my psych nurse that my sleep had got worse since being on the drugs!! Can't wait to be off them completely.

Anyone know whether it's OK to take 5htp whilst on escitolopram? Just wondering if it would be a more 'natural' way to deal with my issues...

[Guest BERNESES]

oh sweetie- I wasn't on this weekend and when I started reading this thread I just about had a heart attack. I've withdrawn from anti-depressants twice and it REALLY is hell. I don't know what the tapering process is like for Lexapro, but when I get to the end of a taper, I practically have to lick the pill because my body freaks.

Hang in there honey!!!!!!!!! It should get better and if not you get on the horn to that doctor of yours and find out how to ease the withdrawal. Hugs, Hugs, Hugs, B

[Lisa]

Update and question:

It has been two days and the "shocks" are gone, but the light headedness, vertigo, or dizziness are very active in the early evening.

Anyone know how long this withdrawal from Lexipro will take.? It feels like when you are drunk, cross your eyes and sway you head around.

This is the pitts How long will this last? Any one know. PM me if you want to be private.

Yikes, Yuck,

Lisa

[Guest BERNESES]

It depends- everyone is different. I'd say it should lessen over about two weeks- maybe less. hang in there!! Big hugs, B

[Lisa]

TWO WEEKS!!!! For real? I suppose now the next effect would be the crying and tears, which will totally freak Jim out. I wonder if sometimes these are medical advancements?

Don't like this feeling.

Lisa

[Guest BERNESES]

TWO WEEKS!!!! For real? I suppose now the next effect would be the crying and tears, which will totally freak Jim out. I wonder if sometimes these are medical advancements?

Don't like this feeling.

Lisa

No no no. I'm just estimating!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Don't freak out yet. It really depends how long you were on it and how sensitive your system is. Lexapro is one of the better ones to wean off of (honestly- I have several friends who did). Paxil is supposed to be the worst.

Try to drink lots of water (it will flush out your system quicker) and try deep breathing with your eyes closed a few times a day.

I know, sometimes I think SSRI's are the most evil things on the planet. At least when you have to go off. HUGS,B

[Guest Robbin]

I agree with one of the previous posters-drs. are so irresponsible dishing out these drugs sometimes without knowing themselves just what the long term problems can be. I am so glad to hear you are feeling better. I missed this thread too and was shocked to see how bad the withdrawal was for you. One weird thing that happened to me when I quit an antidepressant a number of years ago-I think it was amitriptilin (sp?) was the awful restless legs. Bev was right on with the advice to stay well hydrated. It really does help flush out your system. Take care and see you in R'ville Ms. Mayor!!

[Lisa]

Hah, Mrs. Mayor: Well, Rachelville don't seem to have any problems to deal with other than bats and spiders.

Do we need to call a public forum to discuss the need to bannish both or work with the arachnids and flying mammals. Shoot, we can have a spider farm and feed all the biting insects to them at a far end of Rachelville and by the time the flying mammals are out at night, we will be in partying with the best made gluten free pizza on the planet, and toasting the communion of all of Rachelville.

Gosh, I would like to be in Rachelville right now...........bla.

I feel like a druggie, though not. I don't feel bad, I just feel weird. Didn't want to do it in the first place. From now on, let everyone use their gut feeling about taking perscribed drugs.

Mrs. Mayor, heck, a walk in the park. What I do here is a pain the the buttox.

Glad to accept the Position.

Lisa

[Judyin Philly]

WOW LISA, I PM'D TOO SOON. JUST CK'D THE FORUM AND SAW YOUR POST. I DON'T KNOW ANYTHING ABOUT THIS BUT CAN GIVE YOU A HUG...

I went on 25 mg's of zoloft about 10 years ago cause all the people in my fibro swimming class said a non theraputic doze helps the fibro..well it helped the focus too and loved how it calmed me down and blood pressure with hydro chothyazide (?) seemed to contol it...soooo asked dr if i could go up 25 mgs to 50 and he said ok but everytime i did it the 'big 'd' came so still on 25 mgs...Lord that's a long time 10years..but now SCARED as hell to ever go off it...

well won't worry about it now...

I sure hope your evening is better.

What time of day are you taking the pill that your tapering off of?

good lucky honey

judy

[Rikki Tikki]

Judy:

I have had the same problem with D after taking 50 mg. of zoloft. I have heard this from other people and there was some thought that the zoloft might of caused the celiac to kick in. ANy thoughts on this?

I hope you get much better Lisa, you sure sound better

[Lisa]

Judy:

No more pills any more ..........for about 5 days. Scan back and see how I tappered off. Apparently, many recommed that it takes 4 weeks..........well, super woman that I am did it in two weeks.....crap.

I'm find during the day and feel very good, sort of revived. Around 4 or 5 in the eve., I get the dizzies. Turning my head too fast, or plain old turning my head. Very swooshy feeling. Clear of mind, not emotional, just swooshy in the eve. I assume this too will pass........Oh, the "shockers are gone" yeah. (check back posts on that one).

I know I will be ok. I do think that my posting can be helpful to people who are taking anti-depres. or any other SSRI's. It's good when your on it, but please consult a doctor before you decide enough is enough and choose to go off it. Please take is seriously. Comming off is not easy.

End of lecture.... Judy, just sent you a pm.

Lisa, I'll check in tomorrow.

[Canadian Karen]

Lisa,

Logically, it would make sense that if you drank a bunch of water, it would flush it out of your system quicker..... It's worth a try......

Sheesh! Shoot me! I'm starting to sound like Spock!

Hugs.

Karen

[Guest BERNESES]

Lisa- Most people do taper slowly. If you feel really crappy, you could get a pill cutter and take a tiny bit until you don't need anymore. Hang in there- I know how much it sucks- withdrawal is hell. I took ativan once three days in a row and had withdrawal on the 4th. WTH??????????????

[Lisa]

B:

The cubbord is empty. But will guzzel the h20. Gotta be clear of mind and keep up with the mischief in Rachelville

Lisa

[Judyin Philly]

Judy:

I have had the same problem with D after taking 50 mg. of zoloft. I have heard this from other people and there was some thought that the zoloft might of caused the celiac to kick in. ANy thoughts on this?

I hope you get much better Lisa, you sure sound better

Oh good grief

This is the first I've heard of this.

Is there a link somewhere about this.

Lordy another search...I'm so tried of this..

wouldn't it be amazing if this was the trigger..what a terrifing thought!!!!

Judy

[covsooze]

Lisa, I'm going down to 5mg as of tomorrow. You have inspired me to get a move on with this! I'm glad to have been on the lexapro as it's made a huge difference to me, but I really think the advice from the drs is rubbish about coming off them. It was actually my psychiatrist (the supposed expert!) who suggested I take just one week to come off 20mg completely!!!

[DingoGirl]

Lisa - how did I miss this? I'm an expert on tapering off.....it takes more than weeks, can take a couple of MONTHs.....how are you now? I skipped some posts as I am wont to do.....but the tapering off is more like.....10 mg. for however long, then 5 mg. for 2 to 3 weeks, DAILY, then 5 mg. every other day for about 2 weeks, then every third day for two weeks, and so on. When you get the awful, spinning vertigo feeling, you MUST take the smallest dose available, which I think is 2.5 mg. DON"T BOTHER calling your doctor about elimination and weird symptoms - - in my experience he or she will just spout out with something about being careful about your dosage and decreasing, but they don't truly know unless they've been there.

You CAN get off this med, but it can take months to do it without the weird sensations. Just now I am weaning off Effexor, taking it about 2 times a week, and I know it's time to take a dose when I get the weird whooshing feeling and slight dizziness....but I've NEVER heard voices.....please let us know if that happens EVER again, but that could be simply from the overly fast withdrawal. IF you tell you doctor you're hearing voices and it's merely because of the tapering off - in other words, it'll go away - he might put you on some horrible anti-psychotic, as doctors tend to be SO EAGER to just write out any prescription for anything...But I am almost totally certain that your symptoms were ONLY due to rapid and incorrect withdrawal.

God bless and let us know how it goes.

[Lisa]

Susie:

You seem be be doing well the way you are doing it. Some one suggested to me to take lots of Vit. B, I am starting that and drinking lots of water.

Seem to be better today, but afternoon gets "swooshy". It will be 2 weeks next Tuesday to be totally off Lex.