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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 6 of 6. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by Keko on November 6, 2004, at 14:54:15
Been on SSRIs for 10 years, and first time I'm off them, so I desparately need your input/support.
Can't stand myself, and I'm secluding myself from others so they don't have to deal with me either! I'm like a cat caught out in an electric storm--every hair (nerve) feels like its standing up on end whenever I encounter the slightest bit of stress. Can't stand in lines, and I get that dizzy/spacey, off-balance feeling I used to get w. panic attacks in public places (not because of anxiety--but there's something about standing in line and being in public places that causes a focusing problem w. an off-balance feeling). Two days ago, I felt like my brain was doing spasms (like contracting), sort of like brain-heartbeats (no, I don't think those were brain zaps, were they? Didn't feel like electrical shocks, just brain spasms).
My irritating nature is rubbing off on others--I've been moved to tears whenever frustrated and want to (and privately do) throw things--slipped on wet pavement in heavy traffic, almost got run over, mixed up my appointments--called my stockbroker 5 times yesterday, because I kept getting mixed up, or suddenly remembered *one more thing* -- it's like I have ADD with irritability, and then when I'm alone I SCREAM (really)!
I tapered down very slowly over the past 2 months from Lexapro, so is this happening because I withdrew from SSRIS and my brain is adjusting, or the *real me* as so many here ask. I tapered all the way down to l/8 of lowest dose Lexapro (only 1.25mg of a 10mg tablet). However, right after I went off it, I got some really bad, shocking news that a close friend of mine died from liver cancer (yes, both sudden news and shocking). I was distraught (and yes, felt my feelings strongly for the first time in years, as though someone just removed condoms from my brain cells). I've been taking ativan or valium in between just to keep myself from going back on an SSRI. I want to feel like *me* again, but today I am so tired as well as irritable. I've been fatigued for so long--beautiful out, but too tired and irritable to go outside.
Pdoc wanted me to switch from to Zoloft when I went off Lexapro, but I didn't. It's sitting on the kitchen counter. But I decided to experiment* and find the *real me* again while he went away on vacation, hoping that maybe I could toss away the SSRIs. But again--this *raw me* is terrible . . . my nerves often do feel like that of a cat caught out in an electric storm, with the slightest bit of stress zapping those nerves.
Because Lexapro was too activating (got me hyper/manic/irritable), and Celexa was too sedating (because it effects the histamine receptors), we decided on Zoloft(because it was familiar to me).
But, yes, I'm scared and feel defeated. What do I do? Will the irritation pass? I have such a low tolerance for frustration that I was snapping at everyone the other day, and I'm really such a nice person.
So, suggestions? Throw in the towel and start on Zoloft? I don't want S/E's, so maybe start at 12.5mg? Sorry if this isn't the most succinct and easy to read message--like I said, I have low tolerance for frustration, feeling ADDish.
Posted by linkadge on November 6, 2004, at 16:19:50
In reply to Need ADVICE! Off SSRIs Lex--so irritable, crazy!, posted by Keko on November 6, 2004, at 14:54:15
Sounds exactly like the withdrawl I have (and am having) from celexa withdrawl.
The only thing I can suggest is going back on some and withdrawing slower. Or try something like lithium to calm your impulses.
serotoinin is involved in impulse control. Withdrawl is hell on earth.
Linkadge
Posted by theo on November 6, 2004, at 17:06:42
In reply to Need ADVICE! Off SSRIs Lex--so irritable, crazy!, posted by Keko on November 6, 2004, at 14:54:15
I'm surprised you can tolerate Zoloft if you can't tolerate Lexapro.
Zoloft can also be very activating similiar to Lexapro.
Posted by jujube on November 6, 2004, at 17:33:43
In reply to Need ADVICE! Off SSRIs Lex--so irritable, crazy!, posted by Keko on November 6, 2004, at 14:54:15
Keko,
Sorry to hear that you are going through such a difficult time withdrawing from Lexapro. A lot of people have posted on how they managed to survive their withdrawals from Effexor by using things such as Benedryl, Dramamine (for dizziness), etc. Those remedies may also be effective for Lex withdrawal as well.
Have you thought of adding high doses of niacinimide (Vitamin B-3) to help relieve the anxiety and nervousness? Niacinimide is supposed to be very good for anxiety and irritability. I think the suggested dosage is 500 mg, three times a day. Larry Hoover, Tealady or Raybakes on the Alternative Board can probably give you some guidance in that area. They are extremely knowledgeable about all things natural!
Try to hang in there. I know it must be hard, considering that you had such a hard time when you were on the drug. Just keep reminding yourself that this too shall pass.
Take care.
Tamara
> Been on SSRIs for 10 years, and first time I'm off them, so I desparately need your input/support.
>
> Can't stand myself, and I'm secluding myself from others so they don't have to deal with me either! I'm like a cat caught out in an electric storm--every hair (nerve) feels like its standing up on end whenever I encounter the slightest bit of stress. Can't stand in lines, and I get that dizzy/spacey, off-balance feeling I used to get w. panic attacks in public places (not because of anxiety--but there's something about standing in line and being in public places that causes a focusing problem w. an off-balance feeling). Two days ago, I felt like my brain was doing spasms (like contracting), sort of like brain-heartbeats (no, I don't think those were brain zaps, were they? Didn't feel like electrical shocks, just brain spasms).
>
> My irritating nature is rubbing off on others--I've been moved to tears whenever frustrated and want to (and privately do) throw things--slipped on wet pavement in heavy traffic, almost got run over, mixed up my appointments--called my stockbroker 5 times yesterday, because I kept getting mixed up, or suddenly remembered *one more thing* -- it's like I have ADD with irritability, and then when I'm alone I SCREAM (really)!
>
> I tapered down very slowly over the past 2 months from Lexapro, so is this happening because I withdrew from SSRIS and my brain is adjusting, or the *real me* as so many here ask. I tapered all the way down to l/8 of lowest dose Lexapro (only 1.25mg of a 10mg tablet). However, right after I went off it, I got some really bad, shocking news that a close friend of mine died from liver cancer (yes, both sudden news and shocking). I was distraught (and yes, felt my feelings strongly for the first time in years, as though someone just removed condoms from my brain cells). I've been taking ativan or valium in between just to keep myself from going back on an SSRI. I want to feel like *me* again, but today I am so tired as well as irritable. I've been fatigued for so long--beautiful out, but too tired and irritable to go outside.
>
> Pdoc wanted me to switch from to Zoloft when I went off Lexapro, but I didn't. It's sitting on the kitchen counter. But I decided to experiment* and find the *real me* again while he went away on vacation, hoping that maybe I could toss away the SSRIs. But again--this *raw me* is terrible . . . my nerves often do feel like that of a cat caught out in an electric storm, with the slightest bit of stress zapping those nerves.
>
> Because Lexapro was too activating (got me hyper/manic/irritable), and Celexa was too sedating (because it effects the histamine receptors), we decided on Zoloft(because it was familiar to me).
>
> But, yes, I'm scared and feel defeated. What do I do? Will the irritation pass? I have such a low tolerance for frustration that I was snapping at everyone the other day, and I'm really such a nice person.
>
> So, suggestions? Throw in the towel and start on Zoloft? I don't want S/E's, so maybe start at 12.5mg? Sorry if this isn't the most succinct and easy to read message--like I said, I have low tolerance for frustration, feeling ADDish.
>
>
Posted by mcp on November 7, 2004, at 3:26:43
In reply to Need ADVICE! Off SSRIs Lex--so irritable, crazy!, posted by Keko on November 6, 2004, at 14:54:15
You are having withdrawals. You were on Lex for a long time and it will take your brain time to adjust. The hardest thing is not knowing exactly what is going on. Your talk of wondering if it is the withdrawals or if it is just you is very common, including myself.
There is no saying how long this will last. It is amazing how this varies from person to person. However, rest assured that what you are experiencing is withdrawals and your brain is just readjusting after having been on the ADs for so long. Give it time. Patience is a very hard commodity to come by, but it is your greatest weapon.
It took me 3 months to feel semi-normal again after getting off the Lex. I don't say that to scare you, but rather to let you know that there are others suffering like you and there is an end if you stay strong.
I highly advice you to take a strong look at your nutrition. Get rid of all the sugars and processed junk. Lots of veggies, fruit, and protein. THis is key. I also highly encourage you to get brisk exercise every day. I know this may sound abhorrent, but it really helped me. I did whatever I could each day no matter how horrid I felt and it helped. I also think there are some good supplement regimens to get on. The alt. board should help there. Personally, I think the best thing I have done is take a good multi-vitamin(there is a lot of junk) and good fish oil(the stuff in the stores is mostly overprocessed junk. Try Carlson's brand. Do a google for Carlson's fish oil. It is the best I have run across. Make sure to take Vitamin E with it.)
In the meantime, give yourself a break and let the healing take place. It may take time, but it will come. Stay strong and don't rush back to the ADs until you give yourself an ample opportunity to see how you do without them. Stay strong. I know you can. Hook up with that higher power. He will help you through it. Best of luck and all the best,
mcp
Posted by Keko on November 7, 2004, at 12:15:37
In reply to Re: Need ADVICE! Off SSRIs Lex--so irritable, crazy!, posted by mcp on November 7, 2004, at 3:26:43
Hi--I tried to post a message around 4:30 am (I couldn't sleep), thanking you all for your support and saying how I wished we lived closer for a *live* support group, but it never showed up. Now things like that irritate me (every little thing irritates me - I do feel like a cat caught out in an electrical storm with every hair standing up on end.
I'm often too tired to think, write and post, but when I do and it doesn't show up, well, yep, I get set off again. This board is wonderful, so I'm not complaining about the site, just wondered what happened to my post. But of course with my irritability I tend to be accident prone (or ADDish) lately, so who knows.
So, yesterday, I had a rough day again--morning anxiety upon awakening is the worst! I often awake with a rapid heartbeat and a feeling of dread and anxiety. Stayed away from SSRIs yesterday, even though the Zoloft was on the kitchen counter calling to me and saying *try me* *try me*. No, I'm not hallucinating, but just fed up with losing these precious times of my life when I should be happy.Exhausted yesterday, never went out - depressed, irritable, felt like life was passing me by, etc., etc., you know the drill.
I finally settled myself down with an Ativan around 4 a.m. and that's when I finally had a chance to gather my thoughts here and post.
I've been treated for cancer, and hope that I can stay healthy for some years to come (so scarey). But this trial and error thing with SSRIs are taking up my good time. So between the irritability from Lexapro, plus the withdrawal effects from it (and perhaps from all SSRIS for after 10 years of use, I've been a basket case. I'll read your messages more in depth when I have more time, and look into the fish oil that was recommended.So I am going to go outside and get some fresh air--perhaps a walk will help me some. I wish I could find a really good psychopharmacologist, I would even travel. Has anyone see Dr. Ivan in NY, or have any recommendations?
This is the end of the thread.
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