Psycho-Babble Medication Thread 212539

Shown: posts 1 to 21 of 21. This is the beginning of the thread.

 

Quitting Lexapro - suggestions?

Posted by Joanie on March 25, 2003, at 11:10:57

I've been on 20 mgs of Lexapro for a long time now and take clonazepam also. ALthough Lexapro has made me mentally feel better than I have in years, I have gained weight and am having trouble getting it off. So I decided to stop taking anything for a while and see how I do. So, I've cut back on the Lexapro, 10 mgs a day now for about 5 days. Question - how long do I need to do this until I can stop? I understand there could be withdrawal effects that I want to miss out on, so... ? Anybody know? Thanks!

 

Re: Quitting Lexapro - suggestions?

Posted by KRM123 on March 25, 2003, at 18:37:25

In reply to Quitting Lexapro - suggestions?, posted by Joanie on March 25, 2003, at 11:10:57

The best thing would be to check with your Dr. on how to ween off the drug. I just started Lexapro- this is my third SSRI cause I got fat on Zoloft and Prozac. I am scared Lexapro will do the same thing. Did you eat differently, exercise less? How do you think the weight gain occurs? Thanks.

 

Re: Quitting Lexapro - suggestions?KRM123

Posted by Joanie on March 26, 2003, at 8:00:52

In reply to Re: Quitting Lexapro - suggestions?, posted by KRM123 on March 25, 2003, at 18:37:25

I think the Lexapro made me hungrier. And it was gradual, like I didn't really know it was happening until the weight was piling on you know? I also think it makes me retain fluid, I could be wrong. I don't feel that I go to the bathroom as much. That (weight gain) in itself makes me depressed. I wish there was a magic pill one could take to lose weight... good luck with taking Lexapro!

 

Re: Quitting Lexapro - suggestions?KRM123 » Joanie

Posted by Edgefield on March 26, 2003, at 17:28:01

In reply to Re: Quitting Lexapro - suggestions?KRM123, posted by Joanie on March 26, 2003, at 8:00:52

Just wanted to let you know that I also experienced the weight gain on Lexapro. I am no longer taking Lexapro, but it wasn't because of the weight gain. Lexapro caused me to crave carbohydrates. I was craving foods that I normally did not eat, or haven't ate in years. After eating I was still hungry :( Since I've quit Lexapro the craving for carbs. have ceased, so I know that it was definitely the Lex. Now to try and work this extra weight off :(((
God Bless
Edgefield


> I think the Lexapro made me hungrier. And it was gradual, like I didn't really know it was happening until the weight was piling on you know? I also think it makes me retain fluid, I could be wrong. I don't feel that I go to the bathroom as much. That (weight gain) in itself makes me depressed. I wish there was a magic pill one could take to lose weight... good luck with taking Lexapro!

 

Re: Quitting Lexapro - suggestions?KRM123

Posted by Hollygirl on March 26, 2003, at 18:07:26

In reply to Re: Quitting Lexapro - suggestions?KRM123 » Joanie, posted by Edgefield on March 26, 2003, at 17:28:01

I am quitting Lexapro as well. I put on weight and want to sleep 24/7. I am thinking of trying Prozac. DOes anyone know if Prozac would have the same side effects as Lexapro?

> Just wanted to let you know that I also experienced the weight gain on Lexapro. I am no longer taking Lexapro, but it wasn't because of the weight gain. Lexapro caused me to crave carbohydrates. I was craving foods that I normally did not eat, or haven't ate in years. After eating I was still hungry :( Since I've quit Lexapro the craving for carbs. have ceased, so I know that it was definitely the Lex. Now to try and work this extra weight off :(((
> God Bless
> Edgefield
>
>
> > I think the Lexapro made me hungrier. And it was gradual, like I didn't really know it was happening until the weight was piling on you know? I also think it makes me retain fluid, I could be wrong. I don't feel that I go to the bathroom as much. That (weight gain) in itself makes me depressed. I wish there was a magic pill one could take to lose weight... good luck with taking Lexapro!
>
>

 

Re: Quitting Lexapro - suggestions?KRM123

Posted by Edgefield on March 26, 2003, at 19:29:25

In reply to Re: Quitting Lexapro - suggestions?KRM123, posted by Hollygirl on March 26, 2003, at 18:07:26

Lexapro is a good med. for many, and it did initially help with my depression and anxiety. I also experienced the persistent sleepiness. It was difficult to get out of the bed in the morning. I also felt very spacey, unreal, woozy, dizzy..... while taking Lexapro. It has gotten alot better with Fluoxetine (Prozac). I know that everyone reacts differently, but Fluoxetine does not make me sleepy. I am sleepy at times, but its usually when I take .25mg of Klonopin. I have not had any side effects with Fluoxetine. A big change from the side effects that I experienced with Zoloft and Lexapro. Oh....wait a minute...I did have that itching sensation when I first started Fluoxetine for a couple of days. I also experienced the same thing with Lexapro. It would only occur after I took my med. and lasted for only a couple of hours. It wasn't severe. Keep me posted on your progress with Prozac.
God Bless
Edgefield

> I am quitting Lexapro as well. I put on weight and want to sleep 24/7. I am thinking of trying Prozac. DOes anyone know if Prozac would have the same side effects as Lexapro?
>
> > Just wanted to let you know that I also experienced the weight gain on Lexapro. I am no longer taking Lexapro, but it wasn't because of the weight gain. Lexapro caused me to crave carbohydrates. I was craving foods that I normally did not eat, or haven't ate in years. After eating I was still hungry :( Since I've quit Lexapro the craving for carbs. have ceased, so I know that it was definitely the Lex. Now to try and work this extra weight off :(((
> > God Bless
> > Edgefield
> >
> >
> > > I think the Lexapro made me hungrier. And it was gradual, like I didn't really know it was happening until the weight was piling on you know? I also think it makes me retain fluid, I could be wrong. I don't feel that I go to the bathroom as much. That (weight gain) in itself makes me depressed. I wish there was a magic pill one could take to lose weight... good luck with taking Lexapro!
> >
> >
>
>

 

JOANNIE,???

Posted by male34 on March 27, 2003, at 6:52:20

In reply to Quitting Lexapro - suggestions?, posted by Joanie on March 25, 2003, at 11:10:57

HOW LONG WERE YOU ON LEXAPRO, IM ON IT 2-3 MONTHS AND NO WEIGHT GAIN BUT MAN IM STILL ANXIOUS,WHY IM ON 10MGS A DAY? PS PAXIL BLEW ME UP 35 POUNDS DONT TAKE PAXIL,THANKS GOOD LUCK , TAPER OFF SSRI'S VERY LONG AND SLOW PROCCES

 

Re: JOANNIE,???- MALE 34

Posted by Joanie on March 27, 2003, at 14:25:39

In reply to JOANNIE,???, posted by male34 on March 27, 2003, at 6:52:20

Hey, I've been on the Lexapro for probably 5 or 6 months. I really do like the result mentally, but the weight gain is awful. I also have been taking clonazepam for the "jitters" I get. That really helps, but you know, I'm just sick and tired of "depending" on these medications. I also have very very vivid and sometimes frightening dreams. Sometimes I sleep well at night, (that's with the clonazepam), but if I don't take one, I won't sleep well. I tried Prozac for a couple of years, and I pretty much liked it, until I tried the Lexapro and got much much better results for the depression. However, I did also gain some weight on Prozac. I'm thinking that ALL anti-depressants must have that effect because I've tried Paxil too, same thing. Paxil just killed my sex drive. Hope this little bit of info from my experience can help you in some small way. Good luck!

 

Re: SSRI's- WHY THEY MAKES US GAIN WEIGHT

Posted by KRM123 on March 27, 2003, at 18:22:29

In reply to Re: Quitting Lexapro - suggestions?KRM123, posted by Hollygirl on March 26, 2003, at 18:07:26

There are currently five SSRIs available in the United States: Prozac (fluoxetine), Zoloft (sertraline), Paxil (paroxetine), Luvox (fluvoxamine), and Celexa (citalopram). They essentially are all the same from an initial weight loss followed by a later weight gain perspective.

One of the mechanisms for regulating satiety in the brain is through certain serotonin receptors. When serotonin binds to these receptors, you feel satiated. If you have too much serotonin binding to these receptors, you not only feel satiated, but can even become nauseated. That is why people get nauseated frequently when they start taking any of the above medications. The SSRIs markedly increase serotonin in the brain, and the serotonin binds to the receptors responsible for satiety. You now feel stuffed/nauseated because there is more serotonin than normal, which the body reads as being grossly overfed. Your brain tells you that you are stuffed based on the binding of serotonin in this case, and this feeling has nothing to do with having anything in your stomach.

That all sounds great, and initially it is. You lose weight since you neurochemically feel well fed. Usually, when you are taking enough of an SSRI, you not only lose weight, but lose your craving for carbohydrates. Eating carbohydrates--sugar, bread, cookies, pasta, potatoes, chocolate, candy-- pumps tryptophan into your brain. Tryptophan is what serotonin is made out of. So, when you have enough serotonin in your brain, you stop eating near as much carbohydrate.

Unfortunately, your brain does something called down regulation of serotonin receptors. You grow less of them in your brain if it is exposed to an SSRI. Since you have to have a certain number of these receptors occupied to feel satiated, and you have fewer to occupy, you need to have even higher levels of serotonin in your brain. Thus, you eat more, and it is carbohydrates that you eat to pump in tryptophan to make serotonin. When you eat more, you gain weight, and it is an ongoing process since your brain will always down-regulate the number of serotonin receptors in the presence of an SSRI.

It is never correct to stop or change your medication dosage without consulting your doctor. If you are gaining weight, there are things that can be done. Changing to Effexor or Serzone works for some folks. Adding Wellbutrin works for others. Increasing the dosage of the SSRI you are on is also a possibility. Some patients benefit from stimulants, because lethargy also tends to increase and concentration worsen when appetite goes up. The stimulant will help with lethargy and concentration. As a side effect, some lose a bit of weight. Stimulants, however, should not be used for weight loss. The weight loss with them is minor, and transient. They also have a potential for addiction and abuse. Always talk with your doctor about the issue of weight gain. It can be helped. Even if it cannot, it is important to keep in mind that high levels of functioning with a few extra pounds on board is better than suicidality, mood swings, cutting, etc and a few pounds lighter.

 

more proof that carbs make us fat. » KRM123

Posted by beardedlady on March 27, 2003, at 18:36:54

In reply to Re: SSRI's- WHY THEY MAKES US GAIN WEIGHT, posted by KRM123 on March 27, 2003, at 18:22:29

Thanks for your enlightening post.

beardy : )>

 

Re: Quitting Lexapro - suggestions?KRM123

Posted by Lynne on March 28, 2003, at 11:59:19

In reply to Re: Quitting Lexapro - suggestions?KRM123, posted by Edgefield on March 26, 2003, at 19:29:25

I am quitting Lexapro. Does anyone know the half-life of this drug? I am decreasing my dose slowly and feel sick. It reminds me of Effexor withdrawal. I have been on Lex for 5 weeks and I feel worse on it going back to Zoloft.
Thanks

 

Re: Quitting Lexapro - suggestions?KRM123 » Lynne

Posted by Edgefield on March 28, 2003, at 12:35:23

In reply to Re: Quitting Lexapro - suggestions?KRM123, posted by Lynne on March 28, 2003, at 11:59:19

I would say that it took me almost three weeks to decrease from 10mg of Lexapro to 2.5mg. In my case I felt better with each decrease. At 2.5mg my dr. switched me to Fluoxetine 5mg once a day. I'm now up to 20mg once a day, or I will be starting today. I tried 10mg twice a day, now I'm going to do just the 20mg. at night before bed. Keep me posted on your progress. I wish you the best going back on Zoloft.
God Bless
Edgefield

> I am quitting Lexapro. Does anyone know the half-life of this drug? I am decreasing my dose slowly and feel sick. It reminds me of Effexor withdrawal. I have been on Lex for 5 weeks and I feel worse on it going back to Zoloft.
> Thanks

 

Re: Quitting Lexapro - suggestions?Lynne and Edge

Posted by KRM123 on March 28, 2003, at 13:39:10

In reply to Re: Quitting Lexapro - suggestions?KRM123 » Lynne, posted by Edgefield on March 28, 2003, at 12:35:23

Lynne and Edge,

Why did you decide to quit Lexapro? I am on week two and have seen side effects improve- well everything except the extreme fatigue. I want to sleep all the time and can't concentrate. The Dr. gave me Provigil to help but it doesn't- makes me feel weird. I tried Zoloft for about 2 months back in September and don't remember it helping with depression but I don't know- at least it gave me energy and I took no naps. I don't know what to do =(

 

Re: Quitting Lexapro - suggestions?Lynne and Edge » KRM123

Posted by Edgefield on March 28, 2003, at 14:56:27

In reply to Re: Quitting Lexapro - suggestions?Lynne and Edge, posted by KRM123 on March 28, 2003, at 13:39:10

Lexapro is a good med. but it wasn't right for me. I was on Lexapro for almost 3 months. I started at 5mg to 20mg. The higher doses caused me to have constant diarrhea, feeling extremely spacey and unreal, lack of energy and always sleepy. After 3 months with these symptoms and still not feeling happy or having that clarity that so many others speak of who are on the right AD, I decided to talk with my dr. about something different. How do you like provigil?
God Bless
Edgefield

> Lynne and Edge,
>
> Why did you decide to quit Lexapro? I am on week two and have seen side effects improve- well
everything except the extreme fatigue. I want to sleep all the time and can't concentrate. The Dr. gave me Provigil to help but it doesn't- makes me feel weird. I tried Zoloft for about 2 months back in September and don't remember it helping with depression but I don't know- at least it gave me energy and I took no naps. I don't know what to do =(

 

Re: Quitting Lexapro - suggestions?Lynne and Edge

Posted by Lynne on March 28, 2003, at 16:09:02

In reply to Re: Quitting Lexapro - suggestions?Lynne and Edge, posted by KRM123 on March 28, 2003, at 13:39:10

Hello,

I am giving up on Lexapro because of the fatigue. I have tried taking it at different times and have had no success. If I take it at night I have nightsweats which keep waking me up. I also think it is a good drug for some, just not the one for me. Weight gain was another issue for me also.But I have also noted posts from people who lost weight on it. We are also so very different.

Also thanks Edge for your reply to my post.

 

Re: Quitting Lexapro - suggestions?Lynne and Edge » Lynne

Posted by Edgefield on March 28, 2003, at 17:03:08

In reply to Re: Quitting Lexapro - suggestions?Lynne and Edge, posted by Lynne on March 28, 2003, at 16:09:02

I forgot about the weight gain that I also experienced. If it wasn't for the increased spacey feeling, diarrhea, sleepiness, poor mood, and lack of energy I might have stayed with Lex....probably not :) I gave it almost 3 months that was long enough. What med are you going to try?
God Bless


> Hello,
>
> I am giving up on Lexapro because of the fatigue. I have tried taking it at different times and have had no success. If I take it at night I have nightsweats which keep waking me up. I also think it is a good drug for some, just not the one for me. Weight gain was another issue for me also.But I have also noted posts from people who lost weight on it. We are also so very different.
>
> Also thanks Edge for your reply to my post.

 

Re: Quitting Lexapro - suggestions?Lynne and Edge

Posted by KRM123 on March 28, 2003, at 18:09:54

In reply to Re: Quitting Lexapro - suggestions?Lynne and Edge » KRM123, posted by Edgefield on March 28, 2003, at 14:56:27

Yeah I think I'm going to have to give up on the Lex too like you two did. There is no way that I could go as long as you did feeling this fatigue and now spacey feeling from the Provigil my Dr. added with it.
I think I might give Zoloft another shot. Are you trying something else Edge?
Thanks for your advice and support!
Everyone take care =)

 

Re: Quitting Lexapro - suggestions?Lynne and Edge » KRM123

Posted by Edgefield on March 28, 2003, at 18:20:47

In reply to Re: Quitting Lexapro - suggestions?Lynne and Edge, posted by KRM123 on March 28, 2003, at 18:09:54

I've been on Fluoxetine for two weeks. I have not had any side effect...well little tired, but nothing like Lex. I was going to ask my dr. about tring Provigil, but I really don't need anything that will enhance this spacey feeling. Then again we are all different. I kept hearing that Fluoxetine was the most activating ssri, but thank God I have not experienced that side effect.

May I ask why did you stop taking Zoloft?

Keep me posted.
God Bless
Edgefield


> Yeah I think I'm going to have to give up on the Lex too like you two did. There is no way that I could go as long as you did feeling this fatigue and now spacey feeling from the Provigil my Dr. added with it.
> I think I might give Zoloft another shot. Are you trying something else Edge?
> Thanks for your advice and support!
> Everyone take care =)

 

Quitting Lexapro

Posted by Morphias on July 20, 2004, at 15:48:54

I quit 10mgs of Lexapro about a week ago. I am a little shaky and I have these pulses which run through my nervous system all of the time. How long will this last and can anything serious happen to me? IE seizure, heart attack etc...

I quit because I hated being chemically dependent and think I was only suffering severe anxiety attacks due to alcohol abuse. If anyone has gone cold turkey on this stuff and suffered sever damages please let me know.

PS. I gained 37 lbs on lexapro, and my heart rate went through the roof.

> I've been on 20 mgs of Lexapro for a long time now and take clonazepam also. ALthough Lexapro has made me mentally feel better than I have in years, I have gained weight and am having trouble getting it off. So I decided to stop taking anything for a while and see how I do. So, I've cut back on the Lexapro, 10 mgs a day now for about 5 days. Question - how long do I need to do this until I can stop? I understand there could be withdrawal effects that I want to miss out on, so... ? Anybody know? Thanks!

 

Re: Quitting Lexapro

Posted by mcp on July 21, 2004, at 13:02:07

In reply to Quitting Lexapro, posted by Morphias on July 20, 2004, at 15:48:54

I immediately went from 10mg to 5mg. That was a bit much. I was dizzy, disoriented, nauseous, and flulike. Since then I have slowed it to a mg a week and I am on about 3 mg a day. I still don't feel all that well, but there is something to be said for doing it slower to avoid the worst withdrawals.

> I quit 10mgs of Lexapro about a week ago. I am a little shaky and I have these pulses which run through my nervous system all of the time. How long will this last and can anything serious happen to me? IE seizure, heart attack etc...
>
> I quit because I hated being chemically dependent and think I was only suffering severe anxiety attacks due to alcohol abuse. If anyone has gone cold turkey on this stuff and suffered sever damages please let me know.
>
> PS. I gained 37 lbs on lexapro, and my heart rate went through the roof.
>
> > I've been on 20 mgs of Lexapro for a long time now and take clonazepam also. ALthough Lexapro has made me mentally feel better than I have in years, I have gained weight and am having trouble getting it off. So I decided to stop taking anything for a while and see how I do. So, I've cut back on the Lexapro, 10 mgs a day now for about 5 days. Question - how long do I need to do this until I can stop? I understand there could be withdrawal effects that I want to miss out on, so... ? Anybody know? Thanks!
>
>

 

Re: Quitting Lexapro

Posted by morein2004 on August 10, 2004, at 20:07:02

In reply to Re: Quitting Lexapro, posted by mcp on July 21, 2004, at 13:02:07

I too am going off of lexapro. I was put on it about 6 years ago while in treatment for alcohol addiction. I would just like to see if I can live without an AD. Well, for my ADD I will stay on, and try to take more consistently, wellbutrin. I switched from celexa to lexapro about a year ago at a doctor's urging to try the "new cleaner celexa, lexapro."

I was perfectly happy with celexa, but figured I try it. I to have gained 40 pounds in the last year without eating more. I took mine at night to help with the sleepiness, but I still was so tired all of the time. I'd wake up and stay up for a few hours before another long nap, and then to work.

I have been cutting the 20mg down to down, then to 10mg ever other day. I haven't had any for about 5 days and think that I may have rushed coming off it because I don't feel very good. I'm having some crying jaunts, am tired and dizzy. After reading these posts, I may go ahead and take 5 tonight and continue to come off it. I'll post a follow up.

> I immediately went from 10mg to 5mg. That was a bit much. I was dizzy, disoriented, nauseous, and flulike. Since then I have slowed it to a mg a week and I am on about 3 mg a day. I still don't feel all that well, but there is something to be said for doing it slower to avoid the worst withdrawals.
>
>
>
> > I quit 10mgs of Lexapro about a week ago. I am a little shaky and I have these pulses which run through my nervous system all of the time. How long will this last and can anything serious happen to me? IE seizure, heart attack etc...
> >
> > I quit because I hated being chemically dependent and think I was only suffering severe anxiety attacks due to alcohol abuse. If anyone has gone cold turkey on this stuff and suffered sever damages please let me know.
> >
> > PS. I gained 37 lbs on lexapro, and my heart rate went through the roof.
> >
> > > I've been on 20 mgs of Lexapro for a long time now and take clonazepam also. ALthough Lexapro has made me mentally feel better than I have in years, I have gained weight and am having trouble getting it off. So I decided to stop taking anything for a while and see how I do. So, I've cut back on the Lexapro, 10 mgs a day now for about 5 days. Question - how long do I need to do this until I can stop? I understand there could be withdrawal effects that I want to miss out on, so... ? Anybody know? Thanks!
> >
> >
>
>


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