Guest guest Posted October 1, 2003 Report Share Posted October 1, 2003 > Hi, > > Has anyone ver heard of itching as a withdrawl symptom? I itch like > CRAZY and am in the process of weaning, I am down to 2.5mg every > other day. > > Beth Also I am suffering from a sore leg, again could it be withdrawl? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 19, 2006 Report Share Posted January 19, 2006 Hi Jill! Some people do go through withdrawl and some don't for some reason... (esp. with SSRIs) has something to do with brain chemistry...no one really knows why some do and some don't - either way it's good to taper off with doctor's help. Re: " Natural " remedies, I'm sure you know that they are " drugs " too and can also have side effects just like prescrbed meds - just thought I'd put in another 2 cents, for what it's worth (2 cents perhaps lol)...A lot of synthetic precribed drugs are made from " natural " remedies as well. Good luck and again, ask doctor how to taper and your withdrawl. hugs tori Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 22, 2006 Report Share Posted January 22, 2006 Good question about withdrawal from an SSRI. As a nurse who is on 40mg/day of Lexapro plus Wellbutrin 200 mg SR (sustained release), I have asked my Doc about cutting back. He is reluctant to do that, because these 2 meds seem to keep me fairly stable. However, if going to titrate either way, it should be noted to ask the Doc if the titrating should be over a 1 month period. That has been my experience, with some of my patients. Annie in USA torifstori <torifstori@...> wrote: Hi Jill! Some people do go through withdrawl and some don't for some reason... (esp. with SSRIs) has something to do with brain chemistry...no one really knows why some do and some don't - either way it's good to taper off with doctor's help. Re: " Natural " remedies, I'm sure you know that they are " drugs " too and can also have side effects just like prescrbed meds - just thought I'd put in another 2 cents, for what it's worth (2 cents perhaps lol)...A lot of synthetic precribed drugs are made from " natural " remedies as well. Good luck and again, ask doctor how to taper and your withdrawl. hugs tori Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 27, 2006 Report Share Posted January 27, 2006 Withdrawing from SSRI's and other AD's can take months. Depends on the person and the drug being taken. It took me 5 months to come completely off 30 (I think it was...seems such a long time ago) mg of Celexa. Some people can come off a bit quicker and others can take longer. Some of these drugs seem to be worse than others. Believe me I've heard all kinds of horror stories about Effexor. But the drug works for me. By itself and I don't have to take anything else with it. When the time comes to wean off I do have the alternative to switch to .... it's either Paxil or Prozac I believe, and then wean off that drug cause it's supposed to be one of the easiest to come off of. We'll see when we get there. ;-) As for the withdrawal symptoms, they also vary from person to person. If you don't wean off slowly enough, in small enough increments you're going to have withdrawal that can sometimes last for weeks, even months. One has to be very patient when weaning off these drugs. And don't always believe what your doctor tells you. Alot of them have little or no experience with these drugs. Most of what they know is from the insert that comes with the meds. And we all know how accurate *those* are. *note the sarcasm* Barbara Re: RE: Withdrawl > Good question about withdrawal from an SSRI. As a nurse who is on 40mg/day > of Lexapro plus Wellbutrin 200 mg SR (sustained release), I have asked my > Doc about cutting back. He is reluctant to do that, because these 2 meds > seem to keep me fairly stable. However, if going to titrate either way, it > should be noted to ask the Doc if the titrating should be over a 1 month > period. That has been my experience, with some of my patients. > Annie in USA Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 28, 2006 Report Share Posted January 28, 2006 Since no one responded to both my missives...I'll respond to this one - I've been on the highest does of prozac, paxil, desipirimine, imiprimine, etc...and they did nothing and I stopped cold turkey on all of them with absolutely no withdrawl...so, again, the prevalent awareness of SSRIs (effexor is not an ssri by the way) and tricyclics (believe it's one of those)is that " everybody does respond differently " depending on brain chemistry and diagnosis...takes awhile (too long) to get a correct one but it's worth it when you do...for then you can perhaps be put on the proper medication(s) and start to feel like a real person. I'm the one on lexapro and am stil having intense dreams and side effects that are " tolerable " but I just might look into effexor in a couple of months if lexapro doesn't quell my anx. and stop with the tapering off again and on again with my head...there are " horror " stories with all medications - just have to find the " right " ones. Was also put on restoril for sleep as dalmane wasn't working as well and am insomnic...but it's worse than the dalmane as I only get about 3 hrs of sleep instead of 7-8 and I need those hours. take care all tori p.s. am not recommending that anyone EVER stop cold turkey - prudent thing to do is to taper off with doctor's help since no one knows what cause some to go through withdrawl and some not... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 28, 2006 Report Share Posted January 28, 2006 Effexor *is* an SSRI. But since it works on both it's called a SNRI. From the Effexor XR site: Understanding EFFEXOR XR EFFEXOR XR is believed to work by affecting the levels of 2 naturally occurring chemicals in the brain - serotonin and norepinephrine. Because EFFEXOR XR works on these 2 chemicals, it is known as an SNRI, or serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor. Barbara The only difference between the tablets and the XR is that the XR only has to be taken once a day. The tablets twice a day. Re: Withdrawl > Since no one responded to both my missives...I'll respond to this one - > I've been on the highest does of prozac, paxil, desipirimine, > imiprimine, etc...and they did nothing and I stopped cold turkey on all > of them with absolutely no withdrawl...so, again, the prevalent > awareness of SSRIs (effexor is not an ssri by the way) and tricyclics > (believe it's one of those)is that " everybody does respond differently " > depending on brain chemistry and diagnosis...takes awhile (too long) to > get a correct one but it's worth it when you do...for then you can > perhaps be put on the proper medication(s) and start to feel like a > real person. I'm the one on lexapro and am stil having intense dreams > and side effects that are " tolerable " but I just might look into > effexor in a couple of months if lexapro doesn't quell my anx. and stop > with the tapering off again and on again with my head...there > are " horror " stories with all medications - just have to find > the " right " ones. Was also put on restoril for sleep as dalmane wasn't > working as well and am insomnic...but it's worse than the dalmane as I > only get about 3 hrs of sleep instead of 7-8 and I need those hours. > > take care all > tori > > p.s. am not recommending that anyone EVER stop cold turkey - prudent > thing to do is to taper off with doctor's help since no one knows what > cause some to go through withdrawl and some not... > > > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 28, 2006 Report Share Posted January 28, 2006 I stopped Welbutrin and Topamax cold turkey with no problems. I tried to stop Paxil and it was a freekin nightmare. It took more than 6 months and I still had the side effects. I kept a razor blade so I could cut slivers of the pill so I didn't go down too quickly. I still felt like shit!!! Even when I was totally off it it took along time for I felt that I was actually free of the effects of Paxil. It was so bad I was along time before I would go and get help again. It took along time before I would start Lex and I kept telling myself but you need it..... --------- Re: Withdrawl > Since no one responded to both my missives...I'll respond to this one - > I've been on the highest does of prozac, paxil, desipirimine, > imiprimine, etc...and they did nothing and I stopped cold turkey on all > of them with absolutely no withdrawl...so, again, the prevalent > awareness of SSRIs (effexor is not an ssri by the way) and tricyclics > (believe it's one of those)is that " everybody does respond differently " > depending on brain chemistry and diagnosis...takes awhile (too long) to > get a correct one but it's worth it when you do...for then you can > perhaps be put on the proper medication(s) and start to feel like a > real person. I'm the one on lexapro and am stil having intense dreams > and side effects that are " tolerable " but I just might look into > effexor in a couple of months if lexapro doesn't quell my anx. and stop > with the tapering off again and on again with my head...there > are " horror " stories with all medications - just have to find > the " right " ones. Was also put on restoril for sleep as dalmane wasn't > working as well and am insomnic...but it's worse than the dalmane as I > only get about 3 hrs of sleep instead of 7-8 and I need those hours. > > take care all > tori > > p.s. am not recommending that anyone EVER stop cold turkey - prudent > thing to do is to taper off with doctor's help since no one knows what > cause some to go through withdrawl and some not... > > > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 28, 2006 Report Share Posted January 28, 2006 Topamax and Wellbutrin are not SSRI's. Topamax is for migraines primarily although it may be used for other conditions as well. Wellbutrin is an AD that is works differently than any of the other AD's out there. That would explain little or no withdrawal. Paxil, I've heard different things. Some people can come off it no problem and others have a hard time. I know, personally, people that have come off Effexor no problem and heard horror stories from others. From reading the Topamax info, was your doctor giving you the Topamax to counteract some of the possible sides from the Wellbutrin? Or do you have migraines? There are other uses for the drug, such as in bi-polar and some cases of depression. From reading info on Topamax withdrawal by quitting cold turkey you were risking seizures even if you never had one before and taking it with Wellbutrin increases this risk. During my research I came across an interesting site I think might be useful for everyone. As with anything else, YMMV. :-) http://www.crazymeds.org/index.htm Barbara Re: Withdrawl > > >> Since no one responded to both my missives...I'll respond to this one - >> I've been on the highest does of prozac, paxil, desipirimine, >> imiprimine, etc...and they did nothing and I stopped cold turkey on all >> of them with absolutely no withdrawl...so, again, the prevalent >> awareness of SSRIs (effexor is not an ssri by the way) and tricyclics >> (believe it's one of those)is that " everybody does respond differently " >> depending on brain chemistry and diagnosis...takes awhile (too long) to >> get a correct one but it's worth it when you do...for then you can >> perhaps be put on the proper medication(s) and start to feel like a >> real person. I'm the one on lexapro and am stil having intense dreams >> and side effects that are " tolerable " but I just might look into >> effexor in a couple of months if lexapro doesn't quell my anx. and stop >> with the tapering off again and on again with my head...there >> are " horror " stories with all medications - just have to find >> the " right " ones. Was also put on restoril for sleep as dalmane wasn't >> working as well and am insomnic...but it's worse than the dalmane as I >> only get about 3 hrs of sleep instead of 7-8 and I need those hours. >> >> take care all >> tori >> >> p.s. am not recommending that anyone EVER stop cold turkey - prudent >> thing to do is to taper off with doctor's help since no one knows what >> cause some to go through withdrawl and some not... >> >> >> >> >> >> >> Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 11, 2009 Report Share Posted May 11, 2009 http://www.steadyhealth.com/Lexapro_withdrawal_help_t75285.html  http://wiki.answers.com/Q/How_long_do_Lexapro_withdrawal_symptoms_last   http://www.medhelp.org/posts/Mental-Health/withdrawal-from-Lexapro/show/268402  Best Wishes  Tim Wahl  Intelligence is no substitute for information  Enthusiasm is no substitute for capacity  Willingness is no substitute for experience  A meeting is no substitute for progress From: Jim <terpfan1979@...> Subject: Withdrawl Lexapro Date: Monday, May 11, 2009, 2:10 PM I have been on Lex since March, 20mg. I was misdiagnosed with GAD when actually I have pernicious anemia. So now I try to stop and it is hell. Brain zaps, freezes, sweats, nervous, tremors, on and on. When will this stop? It is pure hell. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 11, 2009 Report Share Posted May 11, 2009 Have you talked to your physician? It is very important to taper off lexapro and not stop suddenly. Make sure you are under a dr. supervision while tapering off. From: Jim <terpfan1979@...> Subject: Withdrawl Lexapro Date: Monday, May 11, 2009, 3:10 PM I have been on Lex since March, 20mg. I was misdiagnosed with GAD when actually I have pernicious anemia. So now I try to stop and it is hell. Brain zaps, freezes, sweats, nervous, tremors, on and on. When will this stop? It is pure hell. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 11, 2009 Report Share Posted May 11, 2009 Seeing the doc Thursday. What a mess........... From: Jim <terpfan1979> Subject: Withdrawl Lexapro@groups .com Date: Monday, May 11, 2009, 3:10 PM I have been on Lex since March, 20mg. I was misdiagnosed with GAD when actually I have pernicious anemia. So now I try to stop and it is hell. Brain zaps, freezes, sweats, nervous, tremors, on and on. When will this stop? It is pure hell. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 11, 2009 Report Share Posted May 11, 2009 I'm sorry to hear what a hassle its been for you trying to get off. I was taking lexapro for about a year and then i took myself off it and also experienced horrible withdrawal systems. I was determined to quit cold turkey though and I'm proud to say I was able to do it. What really helped me and made a huge difference was taking SamE while coming off of lex. Honestly, it made a world of difference for me and I didn't suffer from those horrible effects. Maybe its worth giving it a shot, you never know. Either way good luck to you! Withdrawl Lexapro@groups .com Date: Monday, May 11, 2009, 3:10 PM I have been on Lex since March, 20mg. I was misdiagnosed with GAD when actually I have pernicious anemia. So now I try to stop and it is hell. Brain zaps, freezes, sweats, nervous, tremors, on and on. When will this stop? It is pure hell. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 11, 2009 Report Share Posted May 11, 2009 Until you get to see a dr., I would suggest taking at least half of the original dosage you were prescribed. It will help significantly with your withdrawl symptoms and give the dr. a point to start the tapering off process. Also, it should help you sleep, which will also help with your symptoms. I am so sorry to hear about this difficult period. From: Jim <terpfan1979> Subject: Withdrawl Lexapro@groups .com Date: Monday, May 11, 2009, 3:10 PM I have been on Lex since March, 20mg. I was misdiagnosed with GAD when actually I have pernicious anemia. So now I try to stop and it is hell. Brain zaps, freezes, sweats, nervous, tremors, on and on. When will this stop? It is pure hell. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 11, 2009 Report Share Posted May 11, 2009 I have been on Lex for over 5 years. 20mg. A couple weeks ago the Rx got messed up. Previously my dr got the samples and gave them to me. Since Jan 1, no samples so the Rx is $130 a month, which, as a widow struggling I can't afford. So I didn't get them.... for over a week, and...I felt better!!!!!! Last time I went cold turkey I felt awful. This time I am ok. And it makes no sense. I have awful things going on in my life. I just got approval from Forest who makes the drug for FREE prescriptions..anybody who is having financial problems - you can get them for absolutely FREE!!!! check Forests' website or your own state for assistance.... so anyway 10 days ago I got the Rx filled for 14 days and took one. I thought I was going to die. I felt awful! So I'm off now. But maybe will try to do 5 mg....it IS a great drug however I feel more " alive " now.....BUT also am dealing with anger issues...my work sucks and a couple co-workers are making me crazy. Anyway, just wanted to put my perspective in....good luck everyone..it sucks!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Withdrawl Lexapro@groups .com Date: Monday, May 11, 2009, 3:10 PM I have been on Lex since March, 20mg. I was misdiagnosed with GAD when actually I have pernicious anemia. So now I try to stop and it is hell. Brain zaps, freezes, sweats, nervous, tremors, on and on. When will this stop? It is pure hell. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 11, 2009 Report Share Posted May 11, 2009 yes it's not good normally to go cold turkey!! actually physically dangerous Withdrawl Lexapro Date: Monday, May 11, 2009, 3:10 PM I have been on Lex since March, 20mg. I was misdiagnosed with GAD when actually I have pernicious anemia. So now I try to stop and it is hell. Brain zaps, freezes, sweats, nervous, tremors, on and on. When will this stop? It is pure hell. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 12, 2009 Report Share Posted May 12, 2009 Proud is not the word I would use. Dangerous is more like. It can be dangerous to quit any SSRI cold turkey. One must *always* wean off these kinds of drugs. Some doctors don't seem to be aware of this. Please do your research. :-) No need to suffer needlessly or endanger oneself. Barbara Withdrawl Lexapro@groups .com Date: Monday, May 11, 2009, 3:10 PM I have been on Lex since March, 20mg. I was misdiagnosed with GAD when actually I have pernicious anemia. So now I try to stop and it is hell. Brain zaps, freezes, sweats, nervous, tremors, on and on. When will this stop? It is pure hell. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 12, 2009 Report Share Posted May 12, 2009 I agree. :-) Barbara Withdrawl Lexapro@groups .com Date: Monday, May 11, 2009, 3:10 PM I have been on Lex since March, 20mg. I was misdiagnosed with GAD when actually I have pernicious anemia. So now I try to stop and it is hell. Brain zaps, freezes, sweats, nervous, tremors, on and on. When will this stop? It is pure hell. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 12, 2009 Report Share Posted May 12, 2009 Very little makes sense about these drugs sometimes. Once in a great while there is an instance of someone being able to quit cold turkey. That's the exception rather than the rule. Barbara Withdrawl Lexapro@groups .com Date: Monday, May 11, 2009, 3:10 PM I have been on Lex since March, 20mg. I was misdiagnosed with GAD when actually I have pernicious anemia. So now I try to stop and it is hell. Brain zaps, freezes, sweats, nervous, tremors, on and on. When will this stop? It is pure hell. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 12, 2009 Report Share Posted May 12, 2009 Took a 10mg yesterday at 1 pm to halt the symptoms. So far today no Lex and no issues. Doctor on thursday....... From: Jim <terpfan1979> Subject: Withdrawl Lexapro@groups .com Date: Monday, May 11, 2009, 3:10 PM I have been on Lex since March, 20mg. I was misdiagnosed with GAD when actually I have pernicious anemia. So now I try to stop and it is hell. Brain zaps, freezes, sweats, nervous, tremors, on and on. When will this stop? It is pure hell. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 12, 2009 Report Share Posted May 12, 2009 Proud is the right word for me. While I understand the dangers of quiting cold turkey, I am still extremely proud of myself for being able to stop taking any kind of anti deppressant. I am not advertising that its the right thing to do and that everyone should follow my lead and do it, I know it doesn't work for the majority of people to just stop suddenly. But at the same time you can't take away my pride for what I did. I've been off of lex for over a year now and I am so happy to be off of it. I felt much worse being on lexapro then I did before I started taking it. It was horrible for me and caused me to gain 30 pounds which is enough to depress anyone even more. Everyone is different, everyone reacts to meds differently in their own way and yes I am proud to have been able to stop because my doctor never listened to me when I begged her to help me stop taking them, she wanted me to stay on it. I helped myself out and thankfully it was not dangerous for me, I am perfectlly fine and happy now. Re: Withdrawl Proud is not the word I would use. Dangerous is more like. It can be dangerous to quit any SSRI cold turkey. One must *always* wean off these kinds of drugs. Some doctors don't seem to be aware of this. Please do your research. :-) No need to suffer needlessly or endanger oneself. Barbara Re: Withdrawl Seeing the doc Thursday. What a mess........... --- On Mon, 5/11/ [The entire original message is not included] Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 12, 2009 Report Share Posted May 12, 2009 Does anyone know what that long term effects are for taking Lexapro? I have been taking it for abouut 6 years and considering coming off after reading about the withdrawal systems. Is this something that can be taken long term? I am really worried. - Thanks, > > > > From: Jim <terpfan1979> > > > > Subject: Withdrawl > > > > Lexapro@groups .com > > > > Date: Monday, May 11, 2009, 3:10 PM > > > > I have been on Lex since March, 20mg. I was misdiagnosed with GAD when actually I have pernicious anemia. So now I try to stop and it is hell. Brain zaps, freezes, sweats, nervous, tremors, on and on. When will this stop? It is pure hell. > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 12, 2009 Report Share Posted May 12, 2009 I have discussed this issue with my dr. at length. Due to the fact that Lex belongs to a newer class of drugs, we are not totally sure of the long term effects; however, studies have been very promising. In fact, there is little evidence that lex even effects a baby in utero. So, basically, as far as anti-depressants go, SSRI's are much much safer then their older alternatives (MAOI and tricyclics). Also, the withdrawl effects are in no way connected to the long term effects of the drug. If anything your body becomes familliar with the drug and you may need more later in life. From: <ccovitz@...> Subject: Re: Withdrawl Lexapro Date: Tuesday, May 12, 2009, 5:01 PM Does anyone know what that long term effects are for taking Lexapro? I have been taking it for abouut 6 years and considering coming off after reading about the withdrawal systems. Is this something that can be taken long term? I am really worried. - Thanks, > > > > From: Jim <terpfan1979> > > > > Subject: Withdrawl > > > > Lexapro@groups .com > > > > Date: Monday, May 11, 2009, 3:10 PM > > > > I have been on Lex since March, 20mg. I was misdiagnosed with GAD when actually I have pernicious anemia. So now I try to stop and it is hell. Brain zaps, freezes, sweats, nervous, tremors, on and on. When will this stop? It is pure hell. > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 12, 2009 Report Share Posted May 12, 2009 I have been taking Lexapro since last September and have now started (on the advice of my doctor) to gradually wean myself off of it. I have been taking 10mg every day, but last month, started taking 1 pill every other day. In May, I've been taking 1 pill every 2 days. This month has been harder than last month as I'm experiencing dizziness and headaches at times. So, she is now having me take 1 pill, then 2 days later taking 1/2 a pill. That seems to be a little better. If you have been taking 6 years, I would highly recommend that you check with your doctor on what path to take to start weaning, if that is what you want to do. Good luck! Cyndee mom to Josh, Caleb, & Lexi (b. 11-23-01, a. 11-4-02 Gomel Belarus) devoted wife of Steve http://www.workathomeunited.com/Cyndee From: <ccovitzhotmail (DOT) com> Subject: Re: Withdrawl Lexapro@groups .com Date: Tuesday, May 12, 2009, 5:01 PM Does anyone know what that long term effects are for taking Lexapro? I have been taking it for abouut 6 years and considering coming off after reading about the withdrawal systems. Is this something that can be taken long term? I am really worried. - Thanks, > > > > From: Jim <terpfan1979> > > > > Subject: Withdrawl > > > > Lexapro@groups .com > > > > Date: Monday, May 11, 2009, 3:10 PM > > > > I have been on Lex since March, 20mg. I was misdiagnosed with GAD when actually I have pernicious anemia. So now I try to stop and it is hell. Brain zaps, freezes, sweats, nervous, tremors, on and on. When will this stop? It is pure hell. > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 12, 2009 Report Share Posted May 12, 2009 i did a brutal withdraw without the advice of my doctor but well the residual effect of lexapro last by two months and later when started to take again the lexapro caused me an mania status and now i am taking other medication and not taking the lexapro. hope this help Francisco Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 12, 2009 Report Share Posted May 12, 2009 I'm glad you feel better. It's not a contest. :-) You are probably one in a million people that didn't suffer horrific withdrawal. Quitting cold turkey has been linked to murders and suicides. Whether or not they've actually proven the link I can't say. Barbara Re: Withdrawl Seeing the doc Thursday. What a mess........... --- On Mon, 5/11/ [The entire original message is not included] Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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