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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 25 of 27. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by vonnie on June 15, 2004, at 8:15:59
Wondering if anyone out there can give me any advice on quitting Lexapro. I am currently taking 30mg p/day and have been on this drug for the last 7 months. I want to go off of it because for one I dont think its really helping as I still get severely depressed even suicidal and second I have gained about 30lbs in these months. That to me is more depressing than anything else I have dealt with. Today I decided to go off of it and am worried about the withdrawl symptoms. How should I go about it, just decrease my dosage each day or each week? I go see my MD next week but i dont want to wait that long to stop taking it. I'm scared of what I may experience as I really had not thought of this drug as very dangerous but after reading some of the posts on other drugs and their withdrawl symptoms, I am worried. I appreciate anyones input.
Thanks!
Posted by captain on June 15, 2004, at 13:34:20
In reply to Withdrawls from Lexapro, posted by vonnie on June 15, 2004, at 8:15:59
> Wondering if anyone out there can give me any advice on quitting Lexapro. I am currently taking 30mg p/day and have been on this drug for the last 7 months. I want to go off of it because for one I dont think its really helping as I still get severely depressed even suicidal and second I have gained about 30lbs in these months. That to me is more depressing than anything else I have dealt with. Today I decided to go off of it and am worried about the withdrawl symptoms. How should I go about it, just decrease my dosage each day or each week? I go see my MD next week but i dont want to wait that long to stop taking it. I'm scared of what I may experience as I really had not thought of this drug as very dangerous but after reading some of the posts on other drugs and their withdrawl symptoms, I am worried. I appreciate anyones input.
> Thanks!
I haven't been on it very long but did a TON of research before hand and you DEFINITELY need to ween yourself off. You should start lowering your dosage probably on a weekly basis until you are down to 5mg for the final week and then stop. But you could probably call your doc's office and talk to a nurse to get clarification on that. I do know that I have read it is NOT good to stop all together. Also, I have also read the higher dosage you take, the more weight gain may be an issure, so you should talk to your doc about just staying at 10mg or trying lexapro with another drug. good luck to you!
Posted by vonnie on June 15, 2004, at 13:43:39
In reply to Re: Withdrawls from Lexapro, posted by captain on June 15, 2004, at 13:34:20
Thanks for your input Captain...I started weaning myself off today..I cant take the weight gain, its not worth it to me.
Posted by captain on June 15, 2004, at 14:04:55
In reply to Re: Withdrawls from Lexapro, posted by vonnie on June 15, 2004, at 13:43:39
Yes - I understand the weight gain is not supposed to be as bad with Lexapro. Although I think any drug that you take in high doses (more than the 10mg/day for lexapro) would make it worse. It's not that you actually are hungrier, it just kills your metabolism. I actually teach aerobics classes at my gym a few days a week before work so I haven't noticed any weight problems yet. Good luck to you - hopefully you will find a combo that works!
Posted by LynneDa on June 18, 2004, at 17:29:44
In reply to Withdrawls from Lexapro, posted by vonnie on June 15, 2004, at 8:15:59
Hi Vonnie -
I just saw my doc today about changing from Lex to Wellbutrin (after 9 months on 10mg and 20mg of Lex). DON'T stop the Lex until you see your doc, okay? I'm down to 10mg per day at this point. He told me to take my dose every other day for a week, then every third day while starting on the wellbutrin. I gained 25 lbs. - yes VERY depressing!(& I'm not a gaining type, always have been too thin!) and I'm soooo sleepy on Lex. But I love the anti-depressant quality of Lex. Talk to your doctor first. Maybe you can make a switch too and we can do this together :-)
~ Lynne
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
Wondering if anyone out there can give me any advice on quitting Lexapro. I am currently taking 30mg p/day and have been on this drug for the last 7 months. I want to go off of it because for one I dont think its really helping as I still get severely depressed even suicidal and second I have gained about 30lbs in these months. That to me is more depressing than anything else I have dealt with. Today I decided to go off of it and am worried about the withdrawl symptoms. How should I go about it, just decrease my dosage each day or each week? I go see my MD next week but i dont want to wait that long to stop taking it. I'm scared of what I may experience as I really had not thought of this drug as very dangerous but after reading some of the posts on other drugs and their withdrawl symptoms, I am worried. I appreciate anyones input.
> Thanks!
Posted by vonnie on June 21, 2004, at 12:12:21
In reply to Re: Withdrawls from Lexapro » vonnie, posted by LynneDa on June 18, 2004, at 17:29:44
Lynne, thanks for your response, unfortunately I did stop taking the lex without talking to my doctor, thank god I have an appt today to see him. I stopped taking it all at once, I was taking 30 mg, then one day I took 20, the next day 10 and none since. Its been since about 4 days since taking any and I feel horrible. I have been having horrible nightmares, feel sick to my stomach, this morning about fell in the shower as I am so dizzy and couldnt even get out of bed this morning to come to work until after 11am. This is terrible. I will go see my doc this afternoon but I really dont want to go back on it maybe try wellbutrin too? we'll see...bad decision for me to go off so quickly.
Posted by LynneDa on June 21, 2004, at 12:44:01
In reply to Re: Withdrawls from Lexapro - Lynne, posted by vonnie on June 21, 2004, at 12:12:21
Vonnie, hang in there! I wonder if you just took 5 mg for a week or every other day it would help the withdrawals? Although, with just taking 10mg every other day, I've got some weird stuff going on - a bit of dizziness, brain zaps & some nausea that goes away if I eat something. Let us know what the doctor says and be careful!!
~ Lynne
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
Lynne, thanks for your response, unfortunately I did stop taking the lex without talking to my doctor, thank god I have an appt today to see him. I stopped taking it all at once, I was taking 30 mg, then one day I took 20, the next day 10 and none since. Its been since about 4 days since taking any and I feel horrible. I have been having horrible nightmares, feel sick to my stomach, this morning about fell in the shower as I am so dizzy and couldnt even get out of bed this morning to come to work until after 11am. This is terrible. I will go see my doc this afternoon but I really dont want to go back on it maybe try wellbutrin too? we'll see...bad decision for me to go off so quickly.
Posted by vonnie on June 21, 2004, at 19:24:39
In reply to Re: Withdrawls from Lexapro - Lynne » vonnie, posted by LynneDa on June 21, 2004, at 12:44:01
Lynne...what the heck are "brain zaps"? sounds terrible, but I have heard of them before. I dont think I have had any of those, thank god. I saw my doc and needless to say he wasnt too happy that I decided to stop taking the lex on my own. He prescribed Wellbutrin and I started taking it tonight. Hopefully that works for me with no weight gain. The w/d from the lex have been pretty rough today but doc says they will go away in a couple of days. thanks for responding and thanks for the support. we'll see how we both do on this new med! take care
Posted by LynneDa on June 22, 2004, at 13:25:45
In reply to Re: Withdrawls from Lexapro - Lynne, posted by vonnie on June 21, 2004, at 19:24:39
Hi Vonnie -
How are you feeling today, better I hope! I think "brain zaps" mean different things to different people, but if you get them you know what they are :-). Basically I feel a surge of awareness & dizzyness & almost a sense of calm, all at the same time and for just a split second and then the next few seconds I feel really tired. Some people's are more severe, frequent and disruptive. Mine actually feels kinda nice! Maybe I'm just weird :-).Best of luck! I'll be very interested to hear how the Wellbutrin works for you. I'm not scheduled to start it til Saturday.
~ Lynne
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
Lynne...what the heck are "brain zaps"? sounds terrible, but I have heard of them before. I dont think I have had any of those, thank god. I saw my doc and needless to say he wasnt too happy that I decided to stop taking the lex on my own. He prescribed Wellbutrin and I started taking it tonight. Hopefully that works for me with no weight gain. The w/d from the lex have been pretty rough today but doc says they will go away in a couple of days. thanks for responding and thanks for the support. we'll see how we both do on this new med! take care
Posted by vonnie on June 23, 2004, at 21:07:07
In reply to Re: Withdrawls from Lexapro - Lynne » vonnie, posted by LynneDa on June 22, 2004, at 13:25:45
HI Lynne
I am feeling better today, thanks. This is day three of the wellbutrin taking one pill a day but tomorrow I start taking two tablets. They are 150mg each. I wonder what the typical dosage is? What were you prescribed. Why did you have to wait til Saturday to start? I still get the dizziness, its weird like if I look from one place to another too quickly I get really dizzy and other than that I made the mistake of taking my first dosage in the evening I couldnt sleep at all that night. Doc didnt say whether to take them at night or in the morning, but I know with the Lex I had to take it in the morning or there was no sleeping for me. Those are some pretty long nights when all you do is watch the clock knowing you have to get up and go to work in a matter of hours...hopefully that doesnt last.Vonnie
Posted by LynneDa on June 24, 2004, at 14:10:20
In reply to Re: Withdrawls from Lexapro - Lynne, posted by vonnie on June 23, 2004, at 21:07:07
Hi Vonnie -
Good to hear you are feeling better! I just picked up my WB. It's the SR 150mg. I'm supposed to take it 2x daily. From what I've read, 300mg/day is the typical dosage, so we are right in there. Anything over 450mg per day is supposed to put you in the risk-for-seizure category! My doc told me to take one in the morning and one at night, being sure there's at least 8 hours in between them. When you go up to 2/day, when are you going to take the 2nd one?I'm looking forward to the energy burst that's supposed to happen. Have you noticed it? Some people say it makes them hyper, restless or aggressive. Anything with that? I've always been hyper, so that part won't bother me :-). I know insomnia is one s/e from WB, but it's supposed to diminish over time. I'm ready with my Melatonin, Benadryl or Tylenol PM if I can't sleep. You're right, there is nothing worse than watching the hours tick by!
I'm supposed to be weaning off the Lex before I dive into the WB so that's why I'm not starting it til Saturday. Then, I'll start the WB while still taking the Lex every third day for another week. I have it all written out on my calendar or I will surely forget!!
I think dizziness is another s/e that should go away once your body adjusts, just be careful driving, etc! I'm pretty dizzy now, coming off the Lex, so this should be interesting - LOL!
Sorry this is so long, I'm just sort of nervous to start this new med, not sure why, it's not like me. Please keep writing and telling me how you're doing if you don't mind . . . Thanks!!
~ Lynne
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
HI Lynne
> I am feeling better today, thanks. This is day three of the wellbutrin taking one pill a day but tomorrow I start taking two tablets. They are 150mg each. I wonder what the typical dosage is? What were you prescribed. Why did you have to wait til Saturday to start? I still get the dizziness, its weird like if I look from one place to another too quickly I get really dizzy and other than that I made the mistake of taking my first dosage in the evening I couldnt sleep at all that night. Doc didnt say whether to take them at night or in the morning, but I know with the Lex I had to take it in the morning or there was no sleeping for me. Those are some pretty long nights when all you do is watch the clock knowing you have to get up and go to work in a matter of hours...hopefully that doesnt last.
>
> Vonnie
Posted by vonnie on June 24, 2004, at 21:53:50
In reply to Re: Withdrawls from Lexapro - Lynne » vonnie, posted by LynneDa on June 24, 2004, at 14:10:20
HI Lynne,
I'm glad you told me what your doc said as far as when you are supposed to take the WB. I assumed I should take one in the morning and one later in the day, my doc didnt tell me but the script was written one pill twice a day. Today was the first day that I took two. I didnt want to take it too late in the day for fear that i wouldnt be able to sleep tonight. The insomnia has been kind of rough the last few days, so I am looking forward to that going away. Geez, I certainly hope that I get the energy that you talked about that will be a welcome effect. When I was on the lex there were days I would sleep all day. If my daughter was with her dad for the weekend I would stay in bed til 5 in the afternoon. I didnt care if it was a beautiful day, I would sleep the day away. The only thing that would get me up was the guilt of sleeping the weekend away. I have a house to take care of on my own so needless to say that was not working out too well. I had no motivation to plant flowers or anything extra. I would manage to mow the lawn just for the sake of not looking bad to the neighbors, but other than that nothing. I actually told my mom "why should I plant flowers if they are just going to die in a couple of months" A couple of days after quitting the lex i actually planted a garden. I was so excited. Amazing when doing simple things like that give you such a sense of accomplishment!Enough rattling on...i'm looking forward to the dizziness going away. I feel like my brain shifts in my head everytime I look away from something. weird stuff. Keep me informed on how you are doing. I understand how you are feeling a little nervous in starting another med. Was Lexapro your first med like this? It was mine, so I am glad that I found this forum to get insight from others who are in the same boat.
\take care : )
Posted by LynneDa on June 25, 2004, at 10:18:55
In reply to Re: Withdrawls from Lexapro - Lynne, posted by vonnie on June 24, 2004, at 21:53:50
Hi Vonnie - Thanks for the info. I know what you mean about wanting to sleep all day. If I didn't go to work or generally keep moving all weekend, I can just sleep and sleep! Talking about small accomplishments - when I noticed I was feeling better was when I refilled the soap containers at all 5 of the sinks in my house. Planting a garden sounds enormous to me . . . bravo!!
The whole single mom thing is very rough and it sounds like you have a house to take care of too. I had a condo, so not much outside work! I was single for 5 years before re-marrying and that is when my depression and PMDD really kicked in. Could've been single-Mom stresses, could've been my age and the perimenopause beginning! Anyway, I tried Sarafem about a year before I started the Lex and could only stay on it a couple of months, I really hated the side effects - much worse than Lex. For a year I bounced around with alternative supplements and herbs, but nothing really consistent or successful. My friends and family finally convinced me I needed to try meds again and I finally picked up the phone and called my doc. Hard call to make!
I hope you have a great weekend and that the dizziness starts to abate. I don't post on weekends (only at work!), so I'll let you know on Monday how my 1st 2 days of WB goes!
~ Lynne
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
Posted by watergirl on June 26, 2004, at 15:03:59
In reply to Withdrawls from Lexapro, posted by vonnie on June 15, 2004, at 8:15:59
Dear Vonnie,
Please see a Psychiatrist if you are not already.
Feeling depressed and even suicidal is a very serious thing.
I see you mentioned seeing your MD. No mention of pdoc. They can be so helpfull in times like these. Also they have way more experience prescribing antidepressants. General phsiciations have screwed me up prescribing ad's.
Best Wishes,
Cindy
Posted by vonnie on June 26, 2004, at 15:29:35
In reply to Re: Withdrawls from Lexapro » vonnie, posted by watergirl on June 26, 2004, at 15:03:59
Cindy,
I was seeing a phsychologist for a few months but I havent seen her in a few weeks. My last appt I didnt keep because, get this, I was too depressed to talk to her. She is working in conjunction with my MD with the med thing. I think I will get back to the counseling again. I feel better these days as far as the depression and suicidal thoughts so that is good.Thanks for your concern, take care
Posted by vonnie on June 29, 2004, at 11:52:55
In reply to Re: Withdrawls from Lexapro - Lynne » vonnie, posted by LynneDa on June 25, 2004, at 10:18:55
Well, how did you first few days of WB go? I have to tell you I feel so much better already. The dizziness has gone away and the only complaint I have is the lack of sleep I have been getting. Although, I am not complaining too much because its not like I am walking around tired. I feel pretty good. Hope all is well with you
Vonnie
Posted by LynneDa on June 29, 2004, at 15:14:41
In reply to Re: Withdrawls from Lexapro - Lynne, posted by vonnie on June 29, 2004, at 11:52:55
Well, I'm on day 4. I was a little dizzy at first, still have it a bit. It was like you said, when you moved quickly or turned your head! I feel a bit clearer - less tired in the mornings, which is my usual down time. I'm still kind of foggy and hope that disappears completely eventually. I'm not having any insomnia yet, so maybe the Lex hasn't left my system yet? My doctor told me to take 300mg in the morning. Since it's the SR - sustained release - it should last all day.
The best thing is that, even though I feel tired & foggy still, I can get things done - I have more motivation and drive. It's subtle, but it's definitely a change from when I was on Lex and pre-Lex.
I'm so glad you're doing well! Thanks for going through this with me, I was so nervous about the switch!
~ Lynne
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>Well, how did you first few days of WB go? I have to tell you I feel so much better already. The dizziness has gone away and the only complaint I have is the lack of sleep I have been getting. Although, I am not complaining too much because its not like I am walking around tired. I feel pretty good. Hope all is well with you
>
> Vonnie
Posted by LynneDa on June 29, 2004, at 15:18:41
In reply to Re: Withdrawls from Lexapro - Lynne, posted by vonnie on June 29, 2004, at 11:52:55
P.S. - This might be my imagination, but I am not as voraciously hungry & just craving food as I had been the past few months on Lex. I hope there is a connection!
~ Lynne
Posted by vonnie on June 30, 2004, at 13:23:54
In reply to Re: Withdrawls from Lexapro - Lynne » vonnie, posted by LynneDa on June 29, 2004, at 15:18:41
HI Lynne
I'm glad that you are doing ok! And Thank You too for helping me along. You know, maybe I should take both of my pills in the morning too. I have been taking the second one later in the day maybe that is the problem with the sleep? Oh my gosh, and my appetite is gone! I love it. I really feel good, like you said even if its a subtle change from the Lexapro, its still a change and for once in a long time i have motivation to do things. The sleeplessness is kind of weird. I have been getting up every morning around 3am and staying up for the day. last night i went to bed at 11:30 hoping I would sleep longer, didnt work. But the funny thing is, you would think I would be dragging, but I am not. I feel pretty darn good! The dizziness you are having went away for me in a few days, it is a weird feeling isnt it?well, hope things continue to be good for you...take care...Vonnie
Posted by LynneDa on June 30, 2004, at 13:47:53
In reply to Re: Withdrawls from Lexapro - Lynne, posted by vonnie on June 30, 2004, at 13:23:54
Hello -
I'm glad you're feeling good! I'm still feeling good too - amazing! You definitely should try taking both in the a.m., but better ask your doctor first.I drank a cup of coffee this morning, though, and it did seem to make my heart race a bit. No insomnia yet and I am definitely prone to it, I hope it doesn't come later. My appetite is not gone, unfortunately :-), but I would say it is definitely curbed and that is nice.
It's amazing how different I feel about work. I'm a recruiter, on the phone a lot, and in the past couple of years I could never make myself get on the phones til the afternoons when I would sort of wake up. Now, my motivation is there and my mind is sharper. I hope this lasts!!!
~ Lynne
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
HI Lynne
> I'm glad that you are doing ok! And Thank You too for helping me along. You know, maybe I should take both of my pills in the morning too. I have been taking the second one later in the day maybe that is the problem with the sleep? Oh my gosh, and my appetite is gone! I love it. I really feel good, like you said even if its a subtle change from the Lexapro, its still a change and for once in a long time i have motivation to do things. The sleeplessness is kind of weird. I have been getting up every morning around 3am and staying up for the day. last night i went to bed at 11:30 hoping I would sleep longer, didnt work. But the funny thing is, you would think I would be dragging, but I am not. I feel pretty darn good! The dizziness you are having went away for me in a few days, it is a weird feeling isnt it?
>
> well, hope things continue to be good for you...take care...Vonnie
Posted by vonnie on July 1, 2004, at 7:25:01
In reply to Re: Withdrawls from Lexapro - Lynne » vonnie, posted by LynneDa on June 30, 2004, at 13:47:53
Lynne,
Isnt that awesome when you accomplish something like that (you getting on the phone in the morning) makes you feel pretty good, doesnt it? I hope this lasts too!
take care
Posted by JenStar on July 6, 2004, at 0:56:47
In reply to Re: Withdrawls from Lexapro - Lynne » vonnie, posted by LynneDa on June 29, 2004, at 15:18:41
Vonnie,
I hope things are getting better for you. I was concerned to hear that you decided to quit Lex "cold turkey" -- all the web sites I've read say that you should taper gradually, over at least a few weeks, until you get the dosage back to zero. My doctor gave me the following advice about quitting Lexapro (I was on 10 mg/day)- Cut the dosage to 5 mg/day for at least a week
- If you feel 'strange' or anxious, alternate dosages daily between 5 mg and 10 mg. This will effectively give you a 7.5 mg/day dosage and is a more gradual way to taper.
- When you feel in control again, go back down to 5 mg every day and stay there for about a week.
-Stop taking Lexapro. If you feel anxious or nervous, alternate zero mg/day lex and 5 mg/day lex for a week until you are back at zero.
-If you still feel anxious, come back in for an appointment immediately.So far I've gone down to 5 mg and I'm not having any weird effects, but I'm doing it slowly just in case.
I truly hope that your side effects have gone away. Cheers! JenStar
Posted by vonnie on July 6, 2004, at 17:47:40
In reply to Re: Withdrawls from Lexapro - Lynne, posted by JenStar on July 6, 2004, at 0:56:47
Jen
Iknow now that it was probably the wrong thing to do by quitting Lexapro "cold turkey". I had some pretty yucky withdrawls but for the most part I thought it would have been worse. I was just so anxious to get off it I didnt want to wait. I didnt want to have to gradually get off it, and I am so excited how much better I feel. Maybe I was taking too much (30 mg) because things have changed dramatically for me and I am so happy about it. I'm glad you are doing well with your gradual decrease and getting off the Lexapro. Are you switching meds or just going off completely?
~Vonnie
Posted by JenStar on July 7, 2004, at 0:23:45
In reply to Re: Withdrawls from Lexapro - JenStar, posted by vonnie on July 6, 2004, at 17:47:40
hi Vonnie,
I'm glad you're feeling better! Good news.I'm trying to get off the Lex entirely w/o needing to switch to another drug. Of course, if my anxiety comes back, I'll have to go back on the Lex.
I'm hoping I can manage the anxiety without the meds, esp. b/c I hope to get pregnant soon. My doc said that it's generally regarded as safe to take Lex while pregnant, although the drug hasn't received the formal OK yet. Then she told me that the first 3 mo. are the most critical for a baby's formation and that if I'm worried about neural tube defects (geez...it's me, the worrier...do YOU think I'm anxious about that, AND many many other things!?) I could plan to stay off the Lex for the first 3 mo of pregnancy. But she also said that she has many patients who take Lex thruout a pregnancy and the babies are just fine.
Does anyone have personal experience or know of a friend who had a baby while on Lex? How did it go? Any advice would be great!
thanks,
JenStar
Posted by vonnie on July 7, 2004, at 8:43:02
In reply to Re: Withdrawls from Lexapro - JenStar, posted by JenStar on July 7, 2004, at 0:23:45
aaawww that is great that you are planning on having a baby, and I can certainly understand your concern about taking Lexapro or anything else at that time. I havent known anyone who has taken anything like that while pregnant. Good luck with getting off it and with your baby!!
take care
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