I quit Lexapro

[melissarene]

I went against my doctor's orders and stopped taking my Lexapro. I have been seeinga counselor at the same time and have been waiting and waiting to get in to see the psychiatrist so that he can evalute my meds. I originally made the appointment for May 26, but the office called me to reschedule for June 9th!! AUGH! Apparently, the guy wanted to go on a three week vacation or something. Whatever.


I'm sorry, but I have gained 10-15 pounds since beginning to take Lexapro -- in December of 2005. I am miserable. No matter what I do, I can't lose the weight. On top of it, my sex life is dull and boring for me. It doesn't excite me the way it used to -- point blank: I can't orgasm. FRUSTRATING.


It is day three of my weaning period and so far, things are ok. From quitting meds in the past, I've learned that the first couple of weeks can be very difficult, but after that, you're free and clear...


I just hope that I don't get yelled at by the counselor this week...

[japa]

Well, you're an adult, and it's completely your choice to take meds or not, and I'm sure that the counselor recognizes that. Does your counselor really have a tendency to yell, or was that just a figure of speech you used in relation to him/her?

[melissarene]

Oh, no, just a figure of speech. Yelling = Lecturing.

[shiva]

I say good for you...

I gain weight on every medication that I take for anxiety, and no it's not "I'm happy now, so I can eat" weight, it's "my metabolism and liver is now f***ed up and cannot burn my fat" weight.

I will share with you what I have done to help feel better without the use of meds and maybe you can utilize some of the stuff, helping with your anxiety and at the same time drop some of the weight from the meds.

I work out for an hour every morning before work. I do 1/2 hour of cardio and 1/2 hour of weight training. Then I go for a walk after dinner and do an hour of yoga before bed. A little excessive, probably.. But, I am getting married in 5 months and HAVE to take off this seroquel weight. Let me just tell ya. The natural endorphins that have kicked in with the working out are amazing. I feel great. It helps a lot with anxiety. Even now, if I feel anxious.. Instead of popping a zanny, I go for a walk. Works even better, I swear.

The other thing I have done is modify my diet. I took out sugar and preservatives. I also take supplements. (vitamin D, the B vitamins and magnesium are great for us). I cut caffiene and drink at least a gallon of water a day.

The last two mentionable things I have done are 1) I started working with a bio identical pharmacist to become hormonally balanced. and 2), I work daily to stop ANY negative thought patterns. I try very hard not to let them in. They do sneak in occasionally.. That's when I come on here and ask for support and help with logical thinking. With the great people and support on here, it always does the trick.

I am happy for you! And I hope you feel that you have made the right decision. Sorry about the rant, I hope something I said might help.

[mjewell]

Wow Shiva, you have a lot of will power!! That is so awesome! SO have you lost weight? I too have gained about 15 pounds on Lex and am having a really hard time losing it. But, it does help my anxiety a LOT, so i am not ready to give it up yet. My dr. prescribed me wellbutrin to help with the weight loss, so I am hoping that will help. I definitly am not as tired (I've gotten up at 6 am two mornings in a row, what???) and my appetite has decreased.

[melissarene]

Well, it's day four and I'm feeling especially fatigued, but I am in good spirits because my anxiety levels are at an all time low. I'm beginning to exercise more and eating right again, so I'm hoping that the combination of those two should be helpful.


He he...Didn't Mr. Tom Cruise say mental disorders could be alleviated with diet and exercise versus meds?? He might be crazy, but he might be just a tad bit right...(At least for some people who CAN live without meds...)

[kutekim1217]

Did you suffer any side effects Melissa from the Lex? Kim

[melissarene]

Did you suffer any side effects Melissa from the Lex? Kim

Mainly weight gain and sexual side effects. NOthing else. I adapted to it pretty well.