Starting on my journey of coming off of SSRI's (Lexapro)

the title pretty much says it. i was prescribed lexapro roughly 10 years ago for OCD and depression. my depression and anxiety have been the result of my OCD. anyway, i know when i was a kid there we times when i was a kid when my ocd would be bad and then go away. this has never happened on these meds. i've also experienced side effects (loss of libido depending on dose). anyway, i would appreciate all the advise i could get from anyone out there. thanks guys

I'm interested to know what CS's (and others) opinion of SSRI's is. I know several people who are on them. One of my friends is on Propecia and an SSRI and wonders why he has to take a low dose of Viagra in his 30's. I've told him that he might want to consider getting off of the Propecia at least but he won't listen.

Work closely with your Doctor. You've been on them for quite awhile. Could take a really long time to
wean off without some disturbing withdrawl effects. There's several good sites on the web which can
help you as well.

Good luck.

If you haven't already, try to find a forum that specialises in this.

One thing I have heard is that Prozac has a longer half life and is easier to come off than many other ADs. If you can transition to that first then wean off the Lexapro, it could be easier.

Decide how slow you think you'll need to come off, then go even slower than that...

The side effects could be from it being dosed too highly. If you find it helps with your symptoms, maybe you could get away with a lower dose until you can find an effective alternative.

good on you HiIilikeyoubeard.

CS thinks ssri's are crap and I agree. I've held off using any pharma meds for depression/anxiety/adhd because they are pretty nasty. I've heard effexor causes horrible withdrawal symptoms from a friend so exercise caution.

You must try high multiple does Niacinamide if you have not already. This felt like a natural valiam/xanax for me. Also cut out grains and increase fish oil. vits A D and Mg if you have not already. Get some probiotics stat. Let us know how it goes. Also Jarrow brand curcumin and ashwaganda are pretty awesome for me when it comes to these things.

NYJets wrote:good on you HiIilikeyoubeard.

CS thinks ssri's are crap and I agree. I've held off using any pharma meds for depression/anxiety/adhd because they are pretty nasty. I've heard effexor causes horrible withdrawal symptoms from a friend so exercise caution.

You must try high multiple does Niacinamide if you have not already. This felt like a natural valiam/xanax for me. Also cut out grains and increase fish oil. vits A D and Mg if you have not already. Get some probiotics stat. Let us know how it goes. Also Jarrow brand curcumin and ashwaganda are pretty awesome for me when it comes to these things.

pharma drugs suck man. there have been a number of occasions when i have forgot my meds a few days and literally almost offed myself. withdrawals from these type of pills will destroy you. first you go nuts, have a breakdown etc. it's terrible!

is niacinamide just niacine? or are they totally different things? also what dose? what's mg? sorry i'm new to the sups. been trying to incorporate slowly over time. thanks for the reply

also if anyone could recommend supplements i start asap for health in general i would appreciate it. also any additional diet changes. i've cut out all soda so far and limited my meat and dairy intake. other than that i haven't done much! i've been sick this last week too which has slowed me down a bit. thanks again guys, love this forum.

I would say go slow and come off (taper) gradually, you can get liquid versions of the ssri you are on usually to help with this. I have been on most ssri's and quit them all cold turkey but this did not go well with Effexor (suicidal thoughts and hospital stay-I was taking it for two weeks and quit as no beneficial effects but was not told I needed to taper if coming off it by the doctor when prescribed.) That said I think it is only Effexor and paxil that you need to be extra careful with the tapering.
High dose omegas really help come if the ssri. I would say shoot for about 1gram daily of EPA from fish oil.

You could also try going gluten free strictly for a month and see if that helps with the ocd. Also magnesium is good for us in so many ways and usually we are deficient and some people have success with lithium orotate for ocd and mood issues. Good luck and let us know how you get on.

http://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/drugs-and-treatments/medication-stopping-or-coming-off/planning-withdrawal/

hiilikeyourbeard

I'm slammed with school work but wanted to jump in and add these two smart/safe "novel' drugs as something to look into. A lot of times supplements are not enough for us. I'd like to experiment with these:

Tianepitine
Deprenyl


Also, try and get as much sleep if possible even if you feel like shit.

Good luck and keep us posted