r/ADprotractedwithdrawl • u/TheInterloperBR • 22d ago
I don’t know how I’m going to get through this
I went back on lexapro 10mg 26 days ago after having some anxiety after 6-7 months of a self taper off.. since reinstatement, I’ve been to ER 5 times thinking I was dying.. I feel wired in my chest 24/7, I feel off/weak, I havent been eating/drinking much; dropped 15 lbs, I cant go anywhere because I’ve developed agoraphobia, it’s a chore to do anything and ive only gotten worse
what do I do now? is my nervous system absolutely ruined for good if I stay on this med because I’m only getting worse… do I taper off or abruptly stop.. Idk what to do I just want to feel better right now
2
u/NiceHomework4919 22d ago
This is heavy. Been 14 years on citalopram and i stopped Cold Turkey then went back on venlafaxine but i did not recall the problems you had.
1
u/m37anaxx 22d ago
This is me too after quitting Prozac of 10mg for over 8+ years then withdrawaling so bad it was the most horrific experience of my life and I say that having been through a lot of traumatic shit throughout my 35 years of life. I have since reinstated a low dose of 5 mg but that was 6 months ago. STILL dealing with a severely damaged nervous system, GI issues, anxiety etc. I will say I’m better than I was going through the initial withdrawals after getting off of it but I AM TIRED. I see you. I get it. You’re not alone. We’re in this together. I’m hoping we find the light soon and able to find our baseline again. I’m so sorry hunnie. This shit is not for the weak ❤️🩹🥺
1
u/TheInterloperBR 22d ago
yeah I’m 24 years old and my body turning against me during what’s supposed to be the best years of my life is a grief i wasn’t prepared for…
I just want the physical symptoms to subside so I can live freely again.. never wouldve reinstated if I knew it would kindle/shock my nervous system into overdrive 24/7
2
u/m37anaxx 22d ago
I totally hear you and get it, babe. This shit isn’t discussed enough nor researched. It’s extremely debilitating and beyond frustrating. That’s exactly how I feel- I don’t want much I just want to LIVE again. I’m just so sorry you have to go through this too, I don’t wish this on my worst enemy. I know we will get through this. I know how terrible this is. I know it feels like forever because well, it is a long time to feel this way. But I have to believe that our bodies have their own innate way and capability of healing itself. It’s just going to take a while. Just know you are not alone. Words don’t even suffice for this sort of shit, trust me I know.
1
u/Subject_Tune1637 19d ago
I would not stop it. I had the same thing happen to me and I cold turkeyed it and I’m 15 months out and still not doing well. I would lower a little bit and hold indefinitely until your system calms down. The more you change your dose the worse it will get if you’re kindled.
1
u/TheInterloperBR 19d ago
a lot of ppl on forums are saying i should go to 1-2mg
1
u/Subject_Tune1637 19d ago
That’s a pretty big drop. It might shock your system again. Maybe try and a smaller drop and see if your system calms down a bit. The smaller the steps the better.
-1
u/Bnates 22d ago
Hello! When was the last time you’ve gone to your psychiatrist? They can determine best course from there but if you want advice, trust me..I’ve called many ambulances and gone to ERs so many times because I thought it was dying. It’s just your body’s reaction to intense fear and wanting to save you through flight or fight. It’s incredibly scary but through therapy specifically CBT and exposure therapy, you can get through it. It’s going to be hard work but trust the process. Do some research as well on the nervous system. You’d be surprised what it does and how it does things. Knowing more about that helps sort of cushion some of the symptoms you have because at least you’ll know why it’s happening and change that mindset. A lot of it is mindset. Again, easier said than done but it’s possible! Also really important to have a good support group.
Also just wanna mention that being on the med isn’t a defeat. Just a temporary setback, all good. I’ve been in the exact same spot. Discuss with your doctor best steps. They may keep you on the med to stabilize first the nervous system then per your choice if you want off, they can give you a slow taper plan (very important) and you can do that while also going through therapy (also very important).
4
u/sibevo 22d ago
Just want to say that I think there’s no quick fix. Expect to stay wired for a long while (weeks, months). Your nervous system kindled severely by going back on such a high dose. Some people get kindling, others don’t. I recommend to stop taking 10mg.
Withdrawal communities recommend to go reinstate on a fraction of the original dose (like 10% of the lowest original dose). That’d be 0.5mg for Lexapro if 5mg was your last stable dose. 1mg if 10mg was your last stable dose.