Hello everyone, I am just looking for anyone who has or is going through something similar. I currently take 10mg of lexapro, used to take klonopin but was able to wean off it with no problems I have been on the lexapro for a year now. My husband and I have decided to try to have a baby....yeah! So I have to wean off my lexapro tonight was my first night of 5 mg. My doctor has be taking .12mg of klonopin to help with any side effects. I have completed the program and am very good with my relaxation, I also meditate. I am a bit nervous coming off the medication, my fear is not side effects but instead its of panic attacks returning. I have been panic free for a year, it allowed me to make positive life changes, and work through this program. I guess I am scared of that horrible anxiety monster, any one else in the same boat? My husband also takes lexapro and he too is weaning off of it for the same reason.
Laura

quote:

I am a bit nervous coming off the medication, my fear is not side effects but instead its of panic attacks returning. I have been panic free for a year, it allowed me to make positive life changes, and work through this program. I guess I am scared of that horrible anxiety monster, any one else in the same boat?

nomoreanxiety,
If you fear panic attacks, they could reoccur just for the fact that you are afraid of having them! You have been panic free for a year because you have been on medication for a year.
You haven't really had a chance to deal with your symptoms of panic and anxiety and because of this, you are still afraid of the symptoms.
This is part of the reason Lucinda talks deeply and truthfully on the "Truth about Medication and Alcohol" tape. ( Lesson 11 )

If you are very good at using your skills of positive self-talk and you are taking good care of yourself, then you will be well prepared to handle an attack if one should occur.

Remember, panic is caused by you. It isn't an "it" or "thing".... It's you fearing your symptoms and looking too deeply within yourself.
It isn't a monster waiting to jump at you or creep up from behind. It's something you do to yourself and you have the power to stop it by using your skills with or without medication.

You may want to work through this fear of panic before you get pregnant. And there is no better way to overcome the fear by feeling the fear and working through it.

I would seriously review Lesson 11.

I wish you well !!

Hello no more anxiety. Congrulations to you on both issues. I too am on Lexapro and have no more anxiety. Wonderful thing. I can't say you've dealt with your issues or not as you didn't state that so I will not assume that. I think just because you're coming off medication doesn't mean you haven't dealt with your issues. I think it's a normal "what if" for anyone to half so don't feel guilty about that. But all I can suggest is to make sure you lower your dose exactly as directed by your dr. This will decrease the chance of problems and then use the skills in the program for the "what if's". How about "so what if" replacement. If you'd like more support I'd be happy to do that. You can email me directly if you'd like.

Think positive even if you need notes in front of you. Take out those blue cards. I still use them myself. Remember though, the medication has helped you face a lot of fear so your mind is already used to facing them. that's what is nice about having taken the meds. It sounds like you have done that so that is a plus so focus on that too. Good luck and take care. You will be fine.

Brigitte

Hi no more anxiety,
I read your post about your panic attacks returning after going off meds. I myself have had anxiety on and off for about 12 yrs now. And I been on and off meds for about 8. In my experience, Ive done the MOST healing when I'm going thru a "growth spurt". I too am always a little fearful when I decide to get off meds, but I know that If and when panicky feelings return , it really forces me to look at whats really bothering me. What am I doing, thinking that is making me fel this way. And every time I have a new realization. Its really amazing!!
And I then work on that part of me and change it for the better. I was thinking or behaving in a way thats not healthy, and I become aware of that and I DO something about it. I guess what I'm saying is, and its sooo hard to believe and accept sometimes but, thats the best way to grow. AND PREVENT FUTURE ANXIETY!!! Its just a lot of hard work but the payoff is a wiser you. You wont get yourself in trouble because you're too aware, you wont repeat neg,. patterns. Plus, you feel so much stronger. This is how I manage my scary feelings about going off meds, hope it helps you. Good luck!!!

Hi. First of all, let me say, good for you for doing this the right way. I am 6 months pregnant and I didn't think about having to quit taking my Celexa so when I got pregnant, I had to quit cold turkey. I suffered from horrible side effects. I am doing o.k. now. My anxiety is worse at times, but I'm trying to muddle through it. Someone told me yesterday just to focus on whats important. The baby you will be carrying inside of you is the greatest gift God could possibly give you. I know thinking of that helps me when I am feeling panicky. Best of luck to you. God Bless.
Becky

Hi, Nomoreanxiety,

I am in the same boat as you are. I feel like it was me talking when i read your post. I was on Lexapro for a little over a year and weaned off at the end of last year so I could get pregnant. I am now almost 4 months pregnant and I have been off meds. for 5 months now. I have struggled with the same worries about the panic coming back, but I still haven't had a panic attack. I just ordered the program to try, you have an advantage because yu have already completed the program. There are days I just have to tell myself to stop thinking those thoughts, do I Really want to make myself feel bad. The answer is no, and I don't have the option of taking Klonopin or Xanax so I can't let the anxiety even start. There have been days when I have felt that it was going to come back but I then realized that I had led myself to that point. I am hoping the program helps me get through the rest of the pregnancy, I know I am far enough that if I wanted to try to get back on one of the safer antidepressant I can. But, I want my baby to be as healthy as possible, so I try to take it week by week. The further I go without meds the better for the baby. I know you will be okay, just have a little faith in yourself. I hope this helps you.

God Bless

I am getting weaned by my physician from 10 mg daily dose of Lexapro with the following schedule to decrease/eliminate any potential side effects. Hope this helps.
Alternate 1 pill and next day 1/2 pill for 7 days, then 1/2 pill daily for 7 days, then 1/2 every other day for 7 days and then stop. This will gradually decrease the amount in your system and decrease side effects. I'll let you know how it works as so far it is going good.

I'm doing this now. I have taken 10mg of Lexapro for almost a year. I'm down to 1/4 a pill every other day. I feel very light headed throughout the day. I haven't had any panic attacks or breakdowns though. I just feel dizzy all of the time.

I was on lexapro for a year and now i have been off the lexapro for a year. The side effects eventually go away, but it was very hard. Hang in there. I am currently not on any medication to deal with the anxiety, but I am trying to work through the program. I was very dizzy when I was first weaning off, it is hard, but you can do it.

quote:

Originally posted by sammi728:
Hi no more anxiety,
... In my experience, Ive done the MOST healing when I'm going thru a "growth spurt". I too am always a little fearful when I decide to get off meds, but I know that If and when panicky feelings return , it really forces me to look at whats really bothering me. What am I doing, thinking that is making me fel this way. And every time I have a new realization. Its really amazing!!
And I then work on that part of me and change it for the better. I was thinking or behaving in a way thats not healthy, and I become aware of that and I DO something about it. I guess what I'm saying is, and its sooo hard to believe and accept sometimes but, thats the best way to grow. AND PREVENT FUTURE ANXIETY!!! Its just a lot of hard work but the payoff is a wiser you. You wont get yourself in trouble because you're too aware, you wont repeat neg,. patterns. Plus, you feel so much stronger. This is how I manage my scary feelings about going off meds, hope it helps you. Good luck!!!

You have it explained it so well. I was taking medication for anxiety several years ago. I started eating extremely healthy food, no junk, and running every day faithfully rain or shine. Now, I "let" myself become stressed out and my body let me know it.. OOps here comes a panic attack! Since I went so long without one, it felt like I was having one for the first time! I "let" myself become afraid. I "let" myself go back on Meds and now .. I am starting over.
Sammi, your post was so on target about "facing your fears" NOT hiding from them. You almost have to welcome the fear back in, get used to it and you become "desensitized" to that fear if You "let" yourself.
We have a choice every day... to change for the better and get closer to our goal...... or to suffer with it and do Nothing about it. We are afraid of our own fears.
My name is Cheryl and I have a panic disorder, but everyday I come closer to my goal of wellness, some day, it will be a thing of the past. Wow!! That felt good!!!!!