Withdrawal from Lexapro, Welbutrin, Lyrica, prescribed Ziprasidone.

Hi @miss2sassy! Welcome to Connect! Congratulations on your withdraw progress... that is no easy task, so kudos for sticking through it. I think it is great that you are taking a critical eye to new prescriptions. It's so important that we be our own health advocates. Have you spoken to your doctor about the fact that your goal is to be on less medication? If not, that might help him understand where you are coming from, especially when you explain that you'd rather face the mild symptoms you have now than the possible side effects of the medication. Then, if you feel like they still aren't on the same page as you, it may be time to interview some other doctors. Especially when it comes to pain management and psychiatry, having a doctor you can trust is crucial.

In the meantime, here is some info on lifestyle changes that may help with your fibromyalgia in addition to reducing stress: http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/fibromyalgia/basics/lifestyle-home-remedies/con-20019243. There are also alternative medicine options like acupuncture, massage and yoga that have shown promise in reducing symptoms. Have you tried any of those?

I'm tagging @edriaragosin, @luladavis, @gmonroe1986, @happymom, @learningtolive2, @Gavin and @mlemieux because they have all posted in the past about issues with fibromyalgia, pain management or similar medications to those you mentioned, and may have something to add to the conversation. Hopefully you all can help support each other!

Thankyou for your response! I am eliminating as many stressful people, places, & things in my life and pacing my activities. Will check out the links you posted and the members you tagged. Thank you again for your suppirt!

Hi @miss2sassy,

I love your attitude. I too fight doctors all the time when it comes to blindly prescribing me medications. I think you have a handle on what works and what doesn't and I know how you feel about "waking up" from certain medications. The brain fog is something I will not allow into my life as well.

Do you bring strong-minded friends or family members to your visits? I've found (even when I know what I'm talking about), by bringing a little gang into the meeting, it helps to release the superman effect that some doctors have, especially when they aren't familiar with your history and strength. Normally when a doctor disrespects me in any way, or insults my knowledge I start calling them by their 1st name and look them directly in the eye when I do it (their nurses love me).

But it's so frustrating when specialists (who are there to help you), aren't listening to your basic need: comfortable living and no zombie effects.

Have you seen them since?

Martin

@miss2sassy - I'm curious whether your side-effects from withdrawing from those meds included anything in the kidney/urinary department. I stopped taking my Welbutrin a couple days ago and suddenly started experiencing some general swelling in my right foot and hand. The possibility of a kidney problem has me freaked out.

You say you are successfully withdrawing from several meds. How are you doing that? I'm trying to withdraw from 15mg of Lexapro and feeling sad, weepy and a little out of it.

Welcome @mentor51. I'm bringing @frank1 @ronnie3716 and @jay_baruch into this discussion because they too have changed their dosage of Lexapro in the recent past and may have some thoughts to share. @frank1 is also in the process of getting off the drug.

Mentor51 - are you reducing the dosage under the guidance of a doctor?

@mentor51 I can understand your concern about how you are feeling changing your dose of Lexapro. I'm very sensitive to psych drugs, and when I have an adjustment my psychiatrist is careful to make the adjustment gradually. (On a separate subject, don't EVEN get me started on what it's like for me tapering prednisone from Crohn's treatments.) It's important if you feel really in distress to let your doctor know about it. I had some significant side effects from coming off Cymbalta, and slowing down how quickly I came off the drug made it easier. I don't think I've ever had a psych drug change where I didn't notice a bit of discomfort or strange feelings. It's helpful, perhaps, also to let your close ones know what you're going through, to get some extra support and reassurance.

I went from 20 to 10 mg of Lexapro. Went to 15mg for 2 weeks then 10mg, which I still am on today. I have an anxiety disorder, for as long as I can remember due to a nightmarish childhood. I had little difference in my feelings and no physical side effects. I know that can happen but I was so happy that I didn't experience emotional distress. That was my main apprehension. I stayed really busy at work and kept in my garden, my "away" place. I went off for about 5 months. The anxiety attacks returned and were unreal in their severity. My doc put me back on at 10mg. I hope you find peace of mind and body as you taper off.

Yes but she wants me to move faster than I can. I'm very sensitive to meds and need to take it at my own pace. I'm going to try the vitamins. Just need to feel connected. Thanks

Thanks for your feedback. Sometimes I think I'm the only one