Lexapro withdrawal

Posted by freefromdrug1 @freefromdrug1, Apr 19, 2017

I am currently weening from 10 mg lexapro after 15 years of being on the drug. I was put on this drug due to post partum. Having a difficult time getting into psychiatrist due to wait list. I've been weening for 2months and taking .5 instead of 10 mg daily. I was doing fine until 2 weeks ago when severe anxiety hit, no appetite, flu like symptoms and very emotional. Doctor prescribed xanax to help with anxiety and I take only as needed but honestly I'm afraid to take another drug. I see an phych nurse this week and a holistic doctor as well. Taking a multi vitamin, fish oi, B12 and vitamin D as well. I'm trying to figure out if my severe anxiety is due to withdrawal or if I'm prone to anxiety attacks because I've never had anxiety before.

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@lighthouseceliac

I forgot to say to consider that your supplements can have side effects too. Only take them if you have a blood test that shows you have an issue. Then only take them until you get your numbers in range. I have severe Celiac and never take anything unless a doctor says to and I monitor it like any other medication. I always suggest a probiotic though but get advice, I take kirkman brand, it is a food and very safe.

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This is such helpful information. I feel like i'm living a nightmare. I saw a holistic doctor today and he helped me understand that i need to be treating my whole body not just my head. B12 and vitamin D were the supplements he suggested for now. I see a phych nurse tomorrow with the hopes of not suggesting more meds. Right now its .5 lexapro .25 xanax and .25 trazadone to help with sleep. There is a huge need for support groups for this and I cannot thank you enough for your thoughts and encouragement.

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@lighthouseceliac

I forgot to say to consider that your supplements can have side effects too. Only take them if you have a blood test that shows you have an issue. Then only take them until you get your numbers in range. I have severe Celiac and never take anything unless a doctor says to and I monitor it like any other medication. I always suggest a probiotic though but get advice, I take kirkman brand, it is a food and very safe.

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Love yourself,accept yourself just like you are today. Read books like Jennifer's Way by Jennifer Esposito,very empowering. Brene Brown books, read self help books like your life depends on it. The book "untethered soul" you need to get and read.

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I will try all these suggestions. Thank you for being so helpful, it more than you know

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@freefromdrug1

I will try all these suggestions. Thank you for being so helpful, it more than you know

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Accept where you are in life right now, if it is a nightmare accept the nightmare and stop combating it. Accept it and find ways to deal with it, make peace with the tornado. When you face down the monster it loses it's power over you. Focus on your bad thoughts until you puff up and scare them away. You can learn to only worry about your own behavior and let others worry about theirs. Life is messy and hard and wonderful and amazing, all in the same moments of the day. Love and accept it all, good and yucky,what other choice is there. Passing anyone on the street you can assume they are going through the same stuff. So smile at them and make eye contact. Help everyone through life but keep that oxygen mask on yourself first. Pretend you are joyful and before you know it YOU ARE!!

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@freefromdrug1

I will try all these suggestions. Thank you for being so helpful, it more than you know

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Have you considered writing a blog or a book about this because you are very good at this. So many people need to hear your voice.

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Hi friend,
Your first step was great because you identify the problem and you do not want to get into addiction again. Usually the person who supports his/her belief maintains recovery process and prevent relapse and that should be under the supervision of your psychiatrist. The period of the treatment should be ended in stable situations and conditions (maintenance step). `My point of view is keep visiting your psychiatrist, and you may discuss with him the group therapy done at different hospitals in some areas for post -partum to avoid anxiety beside the prescription.Love to share my opinion with great people as you!

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@freefromdrug1

I will try all these suggestions. Thank you for being so helpful, it more than you know

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Thanks. It is not our ability to give advice that counts, it is our ability to take it. Read Read Read. So many good books have helped me with all of these thoughts.

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I am also weaning off of lexapro. Haven't noticed much difference being off than when I was on (10 mg, stepped down to 5mg for 2 mos, now off since 4/1). I take Ativan for anxiety (.5) but only when necessary because it makes me sleepy. I am trying to get off Percocet. I have been on it for a few yrs (4 - 5.325/ day) due to arthritis in my hip and shoulders. Finally getting hip replacement after years of putting it off. I am 71 yrs old and hope things work out according to MY plan but it's out of my hands.

Free from, I hope you find answers. You have a good start from the adjustments you have made thus far.

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@freefromdrug1

I will try all these suggestions. Thank you for being so helpful, it more than you know

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Yes I agree about the reading because it has helped tremendously. Thanks for the encouragement.

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@1000016352

Hi friend,
Your first step was great because you identify the problem and you do not want to get into addiction again. Usually the person who supports his/her belief maintains recovery process and prevent relapse and that should be under the supervision of your psychiatrist. The period of the treatment should be ended in stable situations and conditions (maintenance step). `My point of view is keep visiting your psychiatrist, and you may discuss with him the group therapy done at different hospitals in some areas for post -partum to avoid anxiety beside the prescription.Love to share my opinion with great people as you!

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I just learned of a support group near me that I am considering. I cannot believe how many people are having trouble with antidepressants. It's seems to be an epidemic. Thank you for your thoughts and encouragement.

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