Disclaimer: This post is long. Mainly because I was a wimp and didn’t post the first part last week, as I should have. So, two posts in one = long ass post. In fact, the first night I took the Tryptophan, I had a good night of sleep for the first time in nearly ten years. It is my new best friend. The next few weeks will be rough, I know that. But I am so excited about the future. I am incredibly happy to start getting to know my true self again, and to introduce her to all of you. Thank you for supporting me as I navigate the journey that is my life – it means so very much to me.
Nine months ago, I was suffering from depression and anxiety so severe, I felt as though I was struggling to live my life from the bottom of a deep hole.
Fortunately, I have a wonderful doctor who gently suggested that I try some medication, coupled with therapy. Just for a little while, just to make it so that I could put one foot in front of the other without feeling completely overwhelmed.
The plan, initially, was for me to start with 10mg of Lexapro and re-evaluate my situation in nine months. I have no doubt that Lexapro saved me from myself. Because of it, I was able to function, to interact with people, to care for my kids in a manner that was acceptable to me.
However… for the past few months, the side effects from the Lexapro have been outweighing the benefits. I feel myself walking through a constant fog of apathy accentuated with days of extreme sadness. Every single aspect of my life feels overwhelming, and yet I have no energy or desire to tackle even the smallest item on my to-do list. No matter what I eat, or how little I eat, I gain an average of 2-3 pounds per week. Even worse, my body fat percentage jumped six percent in four weeks.
I complain, constantly, and can’t see the sunshine in my life, even as it blinds me.
Four weeks ago, I decided that I need to either up my dosage of Lexapro, or kick it to the curb.
Me? I choose to reclaim my life, and quit the meds with a plan in place, a safety net, and my therapist on speed-dial.
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I wrote that last week. I never published it, because I wasn’t sure I would go through with it. I had little confidence in my ability to swallow that last pill and walk away.
But today? Today is day four without my meds. Today I feel amazing. Today I feel as though the fog is lifting and I can see my surroundings for the first time in a very, very long time.
And, bonus – my body fat has already dropped 2% with no exercise what-so-ever. Unless wearing my Sketchers Shape-Ups while sitting on the couch reading People Magazine counts as exercise. Doubtful.
I have experienced some negative side-effects from Lexapro Withdrawal so far. The worst, for me, is the vertigo and the muscle cramps. I have also experienced some brain zaps, a racing heart, and short bouts of rage and crying. But I know they are temporary. And thanks to an amazing therapist and an incredible book, I know how to fight them and an even mor
My saving grace has been the book Depression Free, Naturally, written by Joan Mathews Larson, PH.D. who works in conjunction with the Health Recovery Center. My friend Kelly, who is familiar with my struggles, recommended I read this book.
By the way, Kelly – I owe you, big time. This book helped me to create a plan for myself, not only for the days and weeks following my last dosage of Lexapro, but for keeping myself mentally and hormonally healthy for the rest of my life.
Currently, to combat the horrid side effects of Lexapro Withdrawal, I am taking the following supplements:
Breakfast:
3 – Amino Acid Combos
1 – B Vitamin Complex
1 – Omega 3
1 – Magnesium
1 – Chewable Vit. C
Lunch:
1 – B Vitamin Complex
3 – Amino Acid Combos
1 – Iron
1 – Zinc
After Dinner:
3 – Amino Acid Combos
1 – B Vitamin Complex
1 – Chewable Vit. C
2 – Tryptophan
And, when I need it for anxiety, I’m taking Hyland’s Nerve Tonic.
I know that seems like a lot, and it is! But without these, my symptoms would be much, much worse. Based on my research, the symptoms of Lexapro Withdrawal can be so severe that normally sane people contemplate suicide, hear voices, and go without sleep for weeks at a time. I didn’t want that to be me.
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9 replies on “Withdrawal from Lexapro: Part 1”
The source of depression and anxiety has been mysterious to me. I had my bout with depression many years ago and its was very difficult, especially with no medication. I kept a constant battle with my mind, everyday I would tell myself that I cannot be conquered by my depression. It’s my belief that depression is the physical manifestation of our inner discordance. Summoning the power of our true inner self can liberate us from the dysfunctions of our minds. 🙂
Congratulations! (I hope that doesn’t come out sounding strange.) I am so proud of you for finding an alternative to a Western drug, which, obviously, included many painful side affects. Albeit vastly different from depression, my arthritis was exponentially made worse by a Western doctor’s recommendation. Only after two years of acupuncture, homeopathy, and naturopathy can I consider myself cured. It takes longer and you’ve go to take more of it, but no with friggin’ side affects… I’m in! Keep it up, Dre. I’m behind you 110%.
Yay! I’m so happy for you. I’ve read more than once that depression, anxiety AND migraines are more likely SYMPTOMS of something out of balance in your body, and not necessarily their own disorders, and I could relate to that. While I support anyone who does choose the traditional Western medicine, I have become a changed person. After taking enough pills over the last ten years to kill a small horse, all I am waiting for is a natural birth control pill, and I won’t have a single prescription. I am also selfishly thankful that you’re trying the natural/alternative medicine approach too, because then I feel LESS like an anti-western-medicine hippie who shops at stores named “Sunflower”. Or I suppose we could both start wearing dresses made of wheat and rename our girls Rainbow and Moonbeam. Either way. Congratulations on finding a better solution for YOU.
p.s. L-Theanine is another great natural amino acid that helps with anxiety, at least for me, without side effects.
I take Lexapro and my doc just upped my dosage…it’s helping but I too want off soon. Thanks for sharing it is helpful to know what steps to take. I have put on so much weight and I thought it was cause I was lazy…maybe part is meds! Good luck with your journey. I really appreciate you sharing it makes me feel like there is hope.
very inspiring! I have considered stopping my lexapro because I’ve been feeling exactly how you described. But, I’m so worried about the withdrawal. As of right now I’m only taking my pill every 3 or 4 days because I forget it’s even there. Plus, I think the lexapro is the cause of my weight gain. Thanks for sharing, friend.
So glad to hear that things are improving for you. Also, happy to be seeing more of YOU, and less of medicated-you, soon. Here’s to a lack of apathy. 😛
I stopped taking my anti-depressants about four months ago. For about a week, I thought the brain shivers would kill me (seriously…nothing in the world like them). Now, I’m managing fairly well without them. Some days are harder than others. But the fact that I have survived the drama of the last two months in our house without them is a major victory.
If you need to commiserate, you know where to find me.
so this IS the medication you were talking about. I’m glad you found the right path for yourself. It can be scary to break out of things and into something new. Sounds like you’ve created a good plan for yourself, though. I hope you continue to feel better! 🙂