Re: Time to get off Lexapro?

[Guest guest]

At this point you can try quitting. But if you have withdrawal try going

back on it and weaning down to every other day for a week, and then every 2

days etc. When you're down to one day a week for a week then quit.

Barbara

Time to get off Lexapro?

>

>

> I'm down to .25 mg of Lex every other day now for a few weeks. I'm

> feeling okay. Do you think it will be okay for me to just quit now,

> or do you think there would be many side effects at this low dose?

>

> Kathy

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

Doesn't anyone in this group like Lexapro? Terry

[Guest guest]

I'm not sure if I like it or not. This is the first type of this medication

I've ever taken. I'm taking it for anxiety, but I feel it's the Xanax XR that's

doing the job for me.

I take Alprazolam (generic of Xanax) 3 years now at 1 1/2 mg and it works for

me, but I really need something to help with my obsessive thoughts and

agoraphobia, I hope the Lex does this. Terry

[Guest guest]

Hi Terry. Have you ever tried Xanax XR? I just got them last week, and it sure

makes a difference. My dr. did have me on 0.5 mg 2 x day, then after a month I

called in for a refill, and the doc wrote it for 0.5 mg 1 x day. I'm not sure

why. But when I saw him a couple weeks ago I told him how great the Xanax was

working for me, and asked him about Xanax XR. He told me sure. Mine are 0.5 mg

and last for 12 hours. He told me to take one every 12 hours, as needed. So

far just one a day is working great for me.

Take Care,

terry <terry120953@...> wrote:

I'm not sure if I like it or not. This is the first type of this medication

I've ever taken. I'm taking it for anxiety, but I feel it's the Xanax XR that's

doing the job for me.

I take Alprazolam (generic of Xanax) 3 years now at 1 1/2 mg and it works for

me, but I really need something to help with my obsessive thoughts and

agoraphobia, I hope the Lex does this. Terry

[Guest guest]

Hi Terry,

There are roughly 900 members of this group, most of whom are doing

well on Lexapro. As meds for depression and anxiety go, it has the

lowest side-effect profile of all the meds on the market.

For a small percentage of people, lexapro doesn't work as well.

In addition, there's a larger number of folk who have substandard

medical supervision of dosage administration. That can be confusing

and discouraging to patients who sometimes blame the drug for

something that's really a physican's problem.

Mike

On Tue, 22 Mar 2005 14:57:06 -0500, terry <terry120953@...> wrote:

> Doesn't anyone in this group like Lexapro? Terry

>

>

[Guest guest]

The thing is with a support group you're more likely to hear the negatives

rather than the positives. People who are feeling better, more normal don't

tend to keep posting. ;-)

Barbara

Re: Time to get off Lexapro?

>

> Doesn't anyone in this group like Lexapro? Terry

>

>

[Guest guest]

Hi Terry,

There are roughly 900 members of this group, most of whom are doing

well on Lexapro. As meds for depression and anxiety go, it has the

lowest side-effect profile of all the meds on the market.

For a small percentage of people, lexapro doesn't work as well.

In addition, there's a larger number of folk who have substandard

medical supervision of dosage administration. That can be confusing

and discouraging to patients who sometimes blame the drug for

something that's really a physican's problem.

Mike

Thank you very much for answering! That's good to know. Terry

[Guest guest]

The thing is with a support group you're more likely to hear the negatives

rather than the positives. People who are feeling better, more normal don't

tend to keep posting. ;-)

Barbara

That makes sense. I intend on staying on my Alprazolam for awhile even if the

Lexapro works. Terry

[Guest guest]

not I ,but I am still stuck at 3mg even after 6 months. alison

On Tue, 22 Mar 2005 14:57:06 -0500 " terry " <terry120953@...>

writes:

>

> Doesn't anyone in this group like Lexapro? Terry

>

>

[Guest guest]

agreed...since I seem to be a master at taking myself off this

stuff...you may also, take one if the withdrawls get too

uncomfortable and then continue your way off...sounds to me like

your ready...good luck!

> At this point you can try quitting. But if you have withdrawal try

going

> back on it and weaning down to every other day for a week, and

then every 2

> days etc. When you're down to one day a week for a week then quit.

>

> Barbara

>

>

> Time to get off Lexapro?

>

>

> >

> >

> > I'm down to .25 mg of Lex every other day now for a few weeks.

I'm

> > feeling okay. Do you think it will be okay for me to just quit

now,

> > or do you think there would be many side effects at this low

dose?

> >

> > Kathy

> >

> >

> >

> >

> >

> >

> >

> >

[Guest guest]

what is Xanex XR ? just longer lasting or stronger? I just got changed to

flourazapam 2 times a day. ,,I think that is also long acting. is it

equivelant? alsion

On Tue, 22 Mar 2005 18:26:50 -0500 " terry " <terry120953@...>

writes:

>

> Hi Terry. Have you ever tried Xanax XR? I just got them last week,

> and it sure makes a difference. My dr. did have me on 0.5 mg 2 x

> day, then after a month I called in for a refill, and the doc wrote

> it for 0.5 mg 1 x day. I'm not sure why. But when I saw him a

> couple weeks ago I told him how great the Xanax was working for me,

> and asked him about Xanax XR. He told me sure. Mine are 0.5 mg and

> last for 12 hours. He told me to take one every 12 hours, as

> needed. So far just one a day is working great for me.

> No I havent tried it, I get Alprazolam, generic of Xanax because I

> dont have insurance. In what way does it help you and if you don't

> mind, what is it that you suffer with? Terry

>

>

[Guest guest]

Hi Terry. Have you ever tried Xanax XR? I just got them last week, and it sure

makes a difference. My dr. did have me on 0.5 mg 2 x day, then after a month I

called in for a refill, and the doc wrote it for 0.5 mg 1 x day. I'm not sure

why. But when I saw him a couple weeks ago I told him how great the Xanax was

working for me, and asked him about Xanax XR. He told me sure. Mine are 0.5 mg

and last for 12 hours. He told me to take one every 12 hours, as needed. So

far just one a day is working great for me.

No I havent tried it, I get Alprazolam, generic of Xanax because I dont have

insurance. In what way does it help you and if you don't mind, what is it that

you suffer with? Terry

[Guest guest]

OOps spelled it wrong flurazepam . it is a benzo.. alison

On Tue, 22 Mar 2005 15:41:17 -0800 (PST) Long <ioperate_1@...>

writes:

>

> Yes, Xanax is an extended release pill. It keeps a steady dose of

> (5mg) meds in you for about 12 hours. It's much easier than having

> to carry them around with you. I've never heard of flourazapam.

>

> Take Care,

>

>

>

> alisonjoan@... wrote:

> what is Xanex XR ? just longer lasting or stronger? I just got

> changed to

> flourazapam 2 times a day. ,,I think that is also long acting. is

> it

> equivelant? alsion

> On Tue, 22 Mar 2005 18:26:50 -0500 " terry "

> <terry120953@...>

> writes:

> >

> > Hi Terry. Have you ever tried Xanax XR? I just got them last

> week,

> > and it sure makes a difference. My dr. did have me on 0.5 mg 2 x

>

> > day, then after a month I called in for a refill, and the doc

> wrote

> > it for 0.5 mg 1 x day. I'm not sure why. But when I saw him a

> > couple weeks ago I told him how great the Xanax was working for

> me,

> > and asked him about Xanax XR. He told me sure. Mine are 0.5 mg

> and

> > last for 12 hours. He told me to take one every 12 hours, as

> > needed. So far just one a day is working great for me.

> > No I havent tried it, I get Alprazolam, generic of Xanax because I

>

> > dont have insurance. In what way does it help you and if you don't

>

> > mind, what is it that you suffer with? Terry

> >

> >

[Guest guest]

Yes, Xanax is an extended release pill. It keeps a steady dose of (5mg) meds in

you for about 12 hours. It's much easier than having to carry them around with

you. I've never heard of flourazapam.

Take Care,

alisonjoan@... wrote:

what is Xanex XR ? just longer lasting or stronger? I just got changed to

flourazapam 2 times a day. ,,I think that is also long acting. is it

equivelant? alsion

On Tue, 22 Mar 2005 18:26:50 -0500 " terry " <terry120953@...>

writes:

>

> Hi Terry. Have you ever tried Xanax XR? I just got them last week,

> and it sure makes a difference. My dr. did have me on 0.5 mg 2 x

> day, then after a month I called in for a refill, and the doc wrote

> it for 0.5 mg 1 x day. I'm not sure why. But when I saw him a

> couple weeks ago I told him how great the Xanax was working for me,

> and asked him about Xanax XR. He told me sure. Mine are 0.5 mg and

> last for 12 hours. He told me to take one every 12 hours, as

> needed. So far just one a day is working great for me.

> No I havent tried it, I get Alprazolam, generic of Xanax because I

> dont have insurance. In what way does it help you and if you don't

> mind, what is it that you suffer with? Terry

>

>

[Guest guest]

WOW I am the same with driving..that has gone on many years for me before

I actually got panic attacks. I consider the driving a phobia but i guess

it is panic too. The thought of it also gets me all upset. I gave it up

after only 2 tears of trying. alison

On Tue, 22 Mar 2005 15:50:22 -0800 (PST) Long <ioperate_1@...>

writes:

>

> My main issue is Cervical Dystonia, which mostly causes my neck to

> spasm and pull in one direction. I get Botox treatments as well as

> a long acting pain medication for it.

>

> My shrink hasn't actually told me what I have. I've had real bad

> anxiety for many many years. About two years ago I had my first

> panic attack. I was driving myself to work, and all of a sudden it

> hit me. I thought I was going to die. I pulled over, and calmed

> myself down, then proceeded on my way to work. About 1 mile before

> I got to work, it hit me again. This time I was in the left turn

> lane of a busy road. I was the only car in that lane, and all I

> wanted to do was get to this gas station that was across the street.

> Every second sitting there I kept getting worse. I contemplated

> running that red light many times. I even started banging on the

> steering wheel just to keep myself from passing out. I tried

> driving a few more times after that, then just gave up driving

> completely. I was also experiencing this in many places like

> restaurants, actually just about anywhere.

>

> After taking Xanax for about a week, I decided to try to drive

> again. Everything was fine. I drove a total of 13 miles, and not

> once did I have panic/anxiety. I remember before the Xanax I would

> almost have a panic attack just thinking about driving.

>

> If you have any other questions please feel free to ask.

>

> Take Care,

>

>

>

>

>

> terry <terry120953@...> wrote:

> Hi Terry. Have you ever tried Xanax XR? I just got them last week,

> and it sure makes a difference. My dr. did have me on 0.5 mg 2 x

> day, then after a month I called in for a refill, and the doc wrote

> it for 0.5 mg 1 x day. I'm not sure why. But when I saw him a

> couple weeks ago I told him how great the Xanax was working for me,

> and asked him about Xanax XR. He told me sure. Mine are 0.5 mg and

> last for 12 hours. He told me to take one every 12 hours, as

> needed. So far just one a day is working great for me.

> No I havent tried it, I get Alprazolam, generic of Xanax because I

> dont have insurance. In what way does it help you and if you don't

> mind, what is it that you suffer with? Terry

>

>

[Guest guest]

My main issue is Cervical Dystonia, which mostly causes my neck to spasm and

pull in one direction. I get Botox treatments as well as a long acting pain

medication for it.

My shrink hasn't actually told me what I have. I've had real bad anxiety for

many many years. About two years ago I had my first panic attack. I was

driving myself to work, and all of a sudden it hit me. I thought I was going to

die. I pulled over, and calmed myself down, then proceeded on my way to work.

About 1 mile before I got to work, it hit me again. This time I was in the left

turn lane of a busy road. I was the only car in that lane, and all I wanted to

do was get to this gas station that was across the street. Every second sitting

there I kept getting worse. I contemplated running that red light many times.

I even started banging on the steering wheel just to keep myself from passing

out. I tried driving a few more times after that, then just gave up driving

completely. I was also experiencing this in many places like restaurants,

actually just about anywhere.

After taking Xanax for about a week, I decided to try to drive again.

Everything was fine. I drove a total of 13 miles, and not once did I have

panic/anxiety. I remember before the Xanax I would almost have a panic attack

just thinking about driving.

If you have any other questions please feel free to ask.

Take Care,

terry <terry120953@...> wrote:

Hi Terry. Have you ever tried Xanax XR? I just got them last week, and it sure

makes a difference. My dr. did have me on 0.5 mg 2 x day, then after a month I

called in for a refill, and the doc wrote it for 0.5 mg 1 x day. I'm not sure

why. But when I saw him a couple weeks ago I told him how great the Xanax was

working for me, and asked him about Xanax XR. He told me sure. Mine are 0.5 mg

and last for 12 hours. He told me to take one every 12 hours, as needed. So

far just one a day is working great for me.

No I havent tried it, I get Alprazolam, generic of Xanax because I dont have

insurance. In what way does it help you and if you don't mind, what is it that

you suffer with? Terry

[Guest guest]

It gets pretty scary while driving when that happens. Have you tried to drive

after taking Xanax? My shrink told me he now wants me to start driving more.

I'm going to give it a shot again soon.

Take Care,

alisonjoan@... wrote:

WOW I am the same with driving..that has gone on many years for me before

I actually got panic attacks. I consider the driving a phobia but i guess

it is panic too. The thought of it also gets me all upset. I gave it up

after only 2 tears of trying. alison

On Tue, 22 Mar 2005 15:50:22 -0800 (PST) Long <ioperate_1@...>

writes:

>

> My main issue is Cervical Dystonia, which mostly causes my neck to

> spasm and pull in one direction. I get Botox treatments as well as

> a long acting pain medication for it.

>

> My shrink hasn't actually told me what I have. I've had real bad

> anxiety for many many years. About two years ago I had my first

> panic attack. I was driving myself to work, and all of a sudden it

> hit me. I thought I was going to die. I pulled over, and calmed

> myself down, then proceeded on my way to work. About 1 mile before

> I got to work, it hit me again. This time I was in the left turn

> lane of a busy road. I was the only car in that lane, and all I

> wanted to do was get to this gas station that was across the street.

> Every second sitting there I kept getting worse. I contemplated

> running that red light many times. I even started banging on the

> steering wheel just to keep myself from passing out. I tried

> driving a few more times after that, then just gave up driving

> completely. I was also experiencing this in many places like

> restaurants, actually just about anywhere.

>

> After taking Xanax for about a week, I decided to try to drive

> again. Everything was fine. I drove a total of 13 miles, and not

> once did I have panic/anxiety. I remember before the Xanax I would

> almost have a panic attack just thinking about driving.

>

> If you have any other questions please feel free to ask.

>

> Take Care,

>

>

>

>

>

> terry <terry120953@...> wrote:

> Hi Terry. Have you ever tried Xanax XR? I just got them last week,

> and it sure makes a difference. My dr. did have me on 0.5 mg 2 x

> day, then after a month I called in for a refill, and the doc wrote

> it for 0.5 mg 1 x day. I'm not sure why. But when I saw him a

> couple weeks ago I told him how great the Xanax was working for me,

> and asked him about Xanax XR. He told me sure. Mine are 0.5 mg and

> last for 12 hours. He told me to take one every 12 hours, as

> needed. So far just one a day is working great for me.

> No I havent tried it, I get Alprazolam, generic of Xanax because I

> dont have insurance. In what way does it help you and if you don't

> mind, what is it that you suffer with? Terry

>

>

[Guest guest]

hi well I actually have not driven since 1995 . Yeah I figure it is

dangerous and I do not need to have anyone get hurt. My dr. does not

offer Xanex as I go to a county clinic and it is not on the approved

list. Anyway, the driving is the least of my problems at this point.

alison

On Tue, 22 Mar 2005 16:10:03 -0800 (PST) Long <ioperate_1@...>

writes:

>

> It gets pretty scary while driving when that happens. Have you

> tried to drive after taking Xanax? My shrink told me he now wants

> me to start driving more. I'm going to give it a shot again soon.

>

>

> Take Care,

>

>

>

> alisonjoan@... wrote:

> WOW I am the same with driving..that has gone on many years for me

> before

> I actually got panic attacks. I consider the driving a phobia but i

> guess

> it is panic too. The thought of it also gets me all upset. I gave it

> up

> after only 2 tears of trying. alison

> On Tue, 22 Mar 2005 15:50:22 -0800 (PST) Long

> <ioperate_1@...>

> writes:

> >

> > My main issue is Cervical Dystonia, which mostly causes my neck to

>

> > spasm and pull in one direction. I get Botox treatments as well

> as

> > a long acting pain medication for it.

> >

> > My shrink hasn't actually told me what I have. I've had real bad

>

> > anxiety for many many years. About two years ago I had my first

> > panic attack. I was driving myself to work, and all of a sudden

> it

> > hit me. I thought I was going to die. I pulled over, and calmed

>

> > myself down, then proceeded on my way to work. About 1 mile

> before

> > I got to work, it hit me again. This time I was in the left turn

>

> > lane of a busy road. I was the only car in that lane, and all I

> > wanted to do was get to this gas station that was across the

> street.

> > Every second sitting there I kept getting worse. I contemplated

>

> > running that red light many times. I even started banging on the

>

> > steering wheel just to keep myself from passing out. I tried

> > driving a few more times after that, then just gave up driving

> > completely. I was also experiencing this in many places like

> > restaurants, actually just about anywhere.

> >

> > After taking Xanax for about a week, I decided to try to drive

> > again. Everything was fine. I drove a total of 13 miles, and not

>

> > once did I have panic/anxiety. I remember before the Xanax I

> would

> > almost have a panic attack just thinking about driving.

> >

> > If you have any other questions please feel free to ask.

> >

> > Take Care,

> >

> >

> >

> >

> >

> > terry <terry120953@...> wrote:

> > Hi Terry. Have you ever tried Xanax XR? I just got them last

> week,

> > and it sure makes a difference. My dr. did have me on 0.5 mg 2 x

>

> > day, then after a month I called in for a refill, and the doc

> wrote

> > it for 0.5 mg 1 x day. I'm not sure why. But when I saw him a

> > couple weeks ago I told him how great the Xanax was working for

> me,

> > and asked him about Xanax XR. He told me sure. Mine are 0.5 mg

> and

> > last for 12 hours. He told me to take one every 12 hours, as

> > needed. So far just one a day is working great for me.

> > No I havent tried it, I get Alprazolam, generic of Xanax because I

>

> > dont have insurance. In what way does it help you and if you don't

>

> > mind, what is it that you suffer with? Terry

> >

> >

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 3/22/2005 7:08:38 P.M. Eastern Standard Time,

alisonjoan@... writes:

WOW I am the same with driving..that has gone on many years for me before

I actually got panic attacks. I consider the driving a phobia but i guess

it is panic too. The thought of it also gets me all upset. I gave it up

after only 2 tears of trying. alison

Alison,

Trust me, you are not alone with the driving phobia. It's actually much

more common than you might think!! Hang in there!

Margaret

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 3/22/2005 5:03:37 P.M. Eastern Standard Time,

bjarrett@... writes:

The thing is with a support group you're more likely to hear the negatives

rather than the positives. People who are feeling better, more normal don't

tend to keep posting. ;-)

Barbara

Barbara,

It's funny, but you are so right about that. Support groups, as well

intended as they are, can sometimes be even more depressing!!!! Well, except

for this group, of course!

Margaret

[Guest guest]

Hi Terry I have a license.. didn't get it until my 20's . I drove for 2

years while living by palm springs ( no traffic but I was still panic

stricken) moved back to LA..in 1992 and have not driven since. alison

On Wed, 23 Mar 2005 11:42:01 -0500 " terry " <terry120953@...>

writes:

>

> WOW I am the same with driving..that has gone on many years for me

> before

> I actually got panic attacks. I consider the driving a phobia but i

> guess

> it is panic too. The thought of it also gets me all upset. I gave

> it up

> after only 2 tears of trying. alison

> You don't drive at all ? Do you have your license? Terry

>

>

[Guest guest]

WOW I am the same with driving..that has gone on many years for me before

I actually got panic attacks. I consider the driving a phobia but i guess

it is panic too. The thought of it also gets me all upset. I gave it up

after only 2 tears of trying. alison

You don't drive at all ? Do you have your license? Terry

[Guest guest]

Hi Terry I have a license.. didn't get it until my 20's . I drove for 2

years while living by palm springs ( no traffic but I was still panic

stricken) moved back to LA..in 1992 and have not driven since. alison

You suffer with agoraphobia as I do if I remember correctly. Can I ask what you

do all day? You dont have kids right? Have you ever tried driving with your

husband/boyfriend? I have such a hard time keeping track of all you newest

people, I'm sorry. Are you on any meds? Terry

[Guest guest]

Hi terry ..yep I have agoraphobia. ( among other things)

I make jewelry to sell and read..and feel like shit a lot all day. No

kids. I live alone ( BF died) but I tried it and that was even worse than

driving alone. yep I'm on meds lexapro and flurazepam.

here is a great argument for driving right now. I have to go get an

independent exam from disability...and it is too far. either 70 dollars

for a cab..or 3 buses ( an hour trip and a walk into I do not even know

which direction but in a potentially seedy neighborhood. I am freaking

out . no one can give me a ride. alison

On Wed, 23 Mar 2005 13:14:56 -0500 " terry " <terry120953@...>

writes:

>

> Hi Terry I have a license.. didn't get it until my 20's . I drove

> for 2

> years while living by palm springs ( no traffic but I was still

> panic

> stricken) moved back to LA..in 1992 and have not driven since.

> alison

> You suffer with agoraphobia as I do if I remember correctly. Can I

> ask what you do all day? You dont have kids right? Have you ever

> tried driving with your husband/boyfriend? I have such a hard time

> keeping track of all you newest people, I'm sorry. Are you on any

> meds? Terry

>

>

[Guest guest]

I loved it, I just don't want to be on anything longer than I have to

be.

Kathy

> Doesn't anyone in this group like Lexapro? Terry

>

>