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Haven't posted in a while..update on natural meds/getting off Lexapro

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Posted 1/12/2007 4:41 PM (GMT 0)
So I've gone about it super slowly. I was on 20 mgs. of Lexapro for a year or so and have gradually reduced my dose. I had just gained too much weight and was tired of not giving a darn about anything.

I'm now on 1/4 of a pill and have been there for a while. I started taking Valerian (a natural supplment) 2 weeks ago and hope that will help take the edge off when I fully stop. I plan to be done w/ the Lexapro completely in about 2 more weeks.

One thing I definitely noticed, it feels like a cloud has been lifted. Yes, it helped get me through the rough times when I needed it but it sedated me into not caring about the things I needed to. My marriage still has problems and I just kept sweeping them under the rug while on the meds. Now I'm addressing them and although it's tough, it's for the better.

Posted 1/12/2007 11:23 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Riley
I have never taken Lexapro myself,but have been on numerous other meds. I can totally relate to the "cloud being lifted", As when I was on about 4 different types of meds (I felt like my doctors lab rat) and went off of them I was amazed on how clear things became.
I know you want to get thru the rough times,but then it is nice to be able to "Feel" when you need to.
Good luck,and keep in touch with your doctor as you don't want to go back into the rut again.
Posted 1/26/2007 8:58 PM (GMT 0)

Well shoot! As good as it felt to have that cloud lifted, I'm not so sure I'm liking what was under it. sad

I went through all of the hassle of very slowly weaning myself off of the Lexapro. I loved the effect until I was completely off. This is the first week where I haven't taken it at all and I'm back to my irritable ol' self. My poor husband and kiddos. I never spank my daughter and although she was being a horrible little thing the other night, I lost it. I also have been extra rough on dh, even literally gave him a swift kick in the rear last night. nono

I thought maybe it was PMS but I don't think so. I'm going to hold off another week and if it's still bad, I'll have to make another change. I hate this!!!! I just want to be med-free and normal but I don't think it's doable for me.

Any suggestions on something I could try that won't make me gain weight?? This is one of the main reasons I got off of Lexapro!

Posted 1/27/2007 2:35 PM (GMT 0)
Riley
I am not good at suggesting meds as I was on so many,and like yourself just wanted to be off all of them because of the side effects. I have been med free for 3 years now. And I feel alot better,most of the time. I still have my crying moments,I still have times to where I think everyone around me sucks and I begin to push people away.
It is so hard not to go back to the doctor and tell him I give up. I feel myself slipping all of the time,and that is one of my main worries.
I have major panic and anxiety attacks and after reading about benadryl I started taking that. I know it is not great for me,but it helps. I take probably 4 a day.... not what I should be doing but going cold turkey on anything is to hard for me.
One thing you need is a great support system.
I am sure your hubby is aware that you are not taking meds..so,talk to him and tell him what you are feeling and ask him if he could just step in when he sees you sliding and give you a hug and lots of words of encouragement.
My b/f tells me how much better I look,how much better I act. That I don't look and act like a zombie anymore. He tells me he is worries about me going back on meds because it is not good for my body ect ect.
That keeps me going.
Second phase...
Doing things for yourself that makes you feel good. Buying a new outfit,or going out to dinner anything that you enjoy.
Another thing is writing things down (like you are doing here)...and reading inspirational books.
Try to stay away from people and places that make you feel bad.
I know that it hard but it is a must.
3 years ago I chose to move to another town to get away from my ex-husband. Then I just refused to take his calls,and used my b/f to vent about it all.
I know that my therapy of getting off of meds is basically him,and I worry about what would happen to me if anything happened to us,but it is something I have to prepare myself for.
Being off of meds is just a great feeling.It is not for everyone. But,if it is for you then it is something you have to work at. Simple as that.
The pros out weigh the cons,and it is something you just have to keep telling yourself.
Good Luck!
Posted 1/27/2007 3:45 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Riley, Shyn has given you some wonderful suggestions here.  Going off of any antidepressant is difficult and you will feel some mood changes that hopefully will level out with time.  If you know that your feeling irritable and and feel yourself coming close to losing your temper try resorting to the old counting to ten before you react.  There are many people who are able to live without antidepressants it just comes down to being aware of what your triggers are and taking things day by day.  Hang in there and know we are here for you... :-)
Posted 1/27/2007 4:32 PM (GMT 0)
 Riley I hope this works for you.What are you taking naturally?I would love to be off meds one day also,as I take enough for other problems,crohns etc...Take care.I hope things are great for you right now..... :-)
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