1 minute ago, overthepill said:

Its weird though because it's not just light sensitivity, things look visually weird I'm pretty sure I'm having some type of vestibular issues or dpdr or a combination of the two. Do you know what I'm talking about?

Overthepill, can you describe a bit more of what your experiencing as far as vestibular issues so I have a better understanding?

8 minutes ago, overthepill said:

Thank you I will try these exercises, I've noticed that when I'm with my wife and daughter it's easier to distract myself because I am actively engaging with them. But when I am alone I feel like the thoughts and ruminations consume me alive.

This tells you just how weak the dark thoughts are. Something as simple as spending time with your family decreases their power. The more you can practice distraction, the weaker the feelings will become.

12 minutes ago, Bernadette said:

Overthepill, can you describe a bit more of what your experiencing as far as vestibular issues so I have a better understanding?

Like my eyes default to a soft gaze and have trouble focusing on things I feel like I'm looking through things instead of at them. So when I'm in wide open spaces and look around things feel overwhelming.

11 minutes ago, overthepill said:

Like my eyes default to a soft gaze and have trouble focusing on things I feel like I'm looking through things instead of at them. So when I'm in wide open spaces and look around things feel overwhelming.

Yes Overthepill, I experienced this for several months after I tapped to zero, it did clear up,. I even went in to my eye doctor everything was fine. So for me anyway it was another one of those WD symptoms, I know, annoying right! But when in doubt check it out. If you have any further questions about anything feel free to ask . I've went through so many WD symptoms I've lost track. I'm currently coming up on 22 months since zero, and find myself in a beautiful place, happy, joyful and smiling a whole lot more. Healing is happening every minute and every day, we just need to let it be and things will absolutely heal. Overthepill, you are so strong and resilient and doing a amazing job letting your CNC heal, be gentle with it when it get aggravated. I am here for you in any way I can to answer questions or just need some encouragement through the rough patches. Hugs for now xxx Bernadette

20 minutes ago, Bernadette said:

Yes Overthepill, I experienced this for several months after I tapped to zero, it did clear up,. I even went in to my eye doctor everything was fine. So for me anyway it was another one of those WD symptoms, I know, annoying right! But when in doubt check it out. If you have any further questions about anything feel free to ask . I've went through so many WD symptoms I've lost track. I'm currently coming up on 22 months since zero, and find myself in a beautiful place, happy, joyful and smiling a whole lot more. Healing is happening every minute and every day, we just need to let it be and things will absolutely heal. Overthepill, you are so strong and resilient and doing a amazing job letting your CNC heal, be gentle with it when it get aggravated. I am here for you in any way I can to answer questions or just need some encouragement through the rough patches. Hugs for now xxx Bernadette

I genuinely appreciate all of the kind words, you truly make a difference for a lot of people on here, myself included. I'm at day 15 off 2mg of Lexapro after an abrupt stop due to an adverse reaction that just kept getting worse, and the symptoms that caused me to stop taking it just seem to be getting worse by the day, each day I hope that it will plateau but it just keeps intensifying. The majority of my symptoms are head related, dizziness/lightheadedness, brain fog, cognitive impairment, head pressure, DPDR, and headache. The most concerning part is that my symptoms are constant, I haven't had a moment without them in 11 weeks now. I'm sure the abrupt stop aggravated my already kindled Nervous System, but it's just like please stop getting worse, my head is so miserable. Sorry I know I'm just venting it's just a lot to deal with and I don't get a moment of reprieve.

48 minutes ago, overthepill said:

Sorry I know I'm just venting it's just a lot to deal with and I don't get a moment of reprieve.

Mo need to apologize, @overthepill . These symptoms seem unstoppable and unmerciful, but they will pass with enough time and if you give yourself the space to practice coping--and permission to fail if sometimes coping doesn't work. You will get better.

41 minutes ago, overthepill said:

I genuinely appreciate all of the kind words, you truly make a difference for a lot of people on here, myself included. I'm at day 15 off 2mg of Lexapro after an abrupt stop due to an adverse reaction that just kept getting worse, and the symptoms that caused me to stop taking it just seem to be getting worse by the day, each day I hope that it will plateau but it just keeps intensifying. The majority of my symptoms are head related, dizziness/lightheadedness, brain fog, cognitive impairment, head pressure, DPDR, and headache. The most concerning part is that my symptoms are constant, I haven't had a moment without them in 11 weeks now. I'm sure the abrupt stop aggravated my already kindled Nervous System, but it's just like please stop getting worse, my head is so miserable. Sorry I know I'm just venting it's just a lot to deal with and I don't get a moment of reprieve.

@overthepill , venting is absolutely o.k. here, it does help and I am glad I can give you any kind of comfort or advice to help you through this process. Yes, stopping at 2mg is an abrupt stop, and it has destabilize your system, and I'll be truthful with you, it will feel very uncomfortable for awhile. Lexapro is more potent than citalopram, so yes my friend it my at times get worse before better but your CNS in time will heal itself. I had headaches for about a year, sometimes more intense and then less, depending on how much I pushed my CNS, try to be gentle with it as much as possible. Truthfully the toughest for me were the first 7 months, like you, I abruptly stopped at 1mg of citalopram because I didn't know any better but it does get better. I did have windows for brief times here and there during my first 7 months but only 20minutes, or maybe a hour or two at a time. @overthepill those are the times I held onto because that's when I'd see the old Bernadette back. So in difficult moments remember the window and hold on to that, because it's truly beautiful when you get there. I did a lot of grounding, which I mean, walking in the grass barefoot, or laying on it. Feeling the breeze in my face, smelling the different scents outside. I pretty much just distracted as much as possible. I've learned over time to not let my thoughts get the best of me, I remind myself there not my thoughts it the medication/Wd processe. It also took a bit to learn this but with practice when your in a wave, I've told my self " It's just a symptom, a feeling it can't hurt me. Let the feeling come and let it go and try not to overanalyze it, it loses its power. I know it my sound difficult, but with time and patience it gets easier. Our bodies are amazing machines and believe me when I say it gets better they know exactly how and when to heal. Hugs for now my friend xxx Bernadette

On 8/2/2026 at 5:05 PM, Bernadette said:

@overthepill , venting is absolutely o.k. here, it does help and I am glad I can give you any kind of comfort or advice to help you through this process. Yes, stopping at 2mg is an abrupt stop, and it has destabilize your system, and I'll be truthful with you, it will feel very uncomfortable for awhile. Lexapro is more potent than citalopram, so yes my friend it my at times get worse before better but your CNS in time will heal itself. I had headaches for about a year, sometimes more intense and then less, depending on how much I pushed my CNS, try to be gentle with it as much as possible. Truthfully the toughest for me were the first 7 months, like you, I abruptly stopped at 1mg of citalopram because I didn't know any better but it does get better. I did have windows for brief times here and there during my first 7 months but only 20minutes, or maybe a hour or two at a time. @overthepill those are the times I held onto because that's when I'd see the old Bernadette back. So in difficult moments remember the window and hold on to that, because it's truly beautiful when you get there. I did a lot of grounding, which I mean, walking in the grass barefoot, or laying on it. Feeling the breeze in my face, smelling the different scents outside. I pretty much just distracted as much as possible. I've learned over time to not let my thoughts get the best of me, I remind myself there not my thoughts it the medication/Wd processe. It also took a bit to learn this but with practice when your in a wave, I've told my self " It's just a symptom, a feeling it can't hurt me. Let the feeling come and let it go and try not to overanalyze it, it loses its power. I know it my sound difficult, but with time and patience it gets easier. Our bodies are amazing machines and believe me when I say it gets better they know exactly how and when to heal. Hugs for now my friend xxx Bernadette

On 8/2/2026 at 5:05 PM, Bernadette said:

@overthepill , venting is absolutely o.k. here, it does help and I am glad I can give you any kind of comfort or advice to help you through this process. Yes, stopping at 2mg is an abrupt stop, and it has destabilize your system, and I'll be truthful with you, it will feel very uncomfortable for awhile. Lexapro is more potent than citalopram, so yes my friend it my at times get worse before better but your CNS in time will heal itself. I had headaches for about a year, sometimes more intense and then less, depending on how much I pushed my CNS, try to be gentle with it as much as possible. Truthfully the toughest for me were the first 7 months, like you, I abruptly stopped at 1mg of citalopram because I didn't know any better but it does get better. I did have windows for brief times here and there during my first 7 months but only 20minutes, or maybe a hour or two at a time. @overthepill those are the times I held onto because that's when I'd see the old Bernadette back. So in difficult moments remember the window and hold on to that, because it's truly beautiful when you get there. I did a lot of grounding, which I mean, walking in the grass barefoot, or laying on it. Feeling the breeze in my face, smelling the different scents outside. I pretty much just distracted as much as possible. I've learned over time to not let my thoughts get the best of me, I remind myself there not my thoughts it the medication/Wd processe. It also took a bit to learn this but with practice when your in a wave, I've told my self " It's just a symptom, a feeling it can't hurt me. Let the feeling come and let it go and try not to overanalyze it, it loses its power. I know it my sound difficult, but with time and patience it gets easier. Our bodies are amazing machines and believe me when I say it gets better they know exactly how and when to heal. Hugs for now my friend xxx Bernadette

Thank you Bernadette, your positive mindset and attitude are refreshing. I'm having trouble doing the same when everyday seems worse than the last, today is day 17 off of the medication and my head just keeps kicking my ass, from the moment I wake up to the moment I go to sleep it's dizziness, head pressure, brain fog, cognitive impairment, DPDR, visual issues. I tried playing guess who with my 9 year old daughter for a bit and had to stop after a couple rounds. I hate to see her heart broken, this whole ordeal has been so hard on her she misses me so much I'm pretty much in bed most of the day and she's always worried about me. My wife has Elhers-Danos so shes going through her own health struggles and suffers from presyncope among many other things due to her condition so our daughter sees her almost passing out all day and then me stuck in bed for nearly 3 months now since starting the medication. I want to push myself to start getting out of bed more but I don't know how much is too much, I want to recover as quickly as possible but also don't want to live my life in bed. 😔 This is such a difficult experience to navigate.

On 8/2/2026 at 4:42 PM, mstimc60 said:

Mo need to apologize, @overthepill . These symptoms seem unstoppable and unmerciful, but they will pass with enough time and if you give yourself the space to practice coping--and permission to fail if sometimes coping doesn't work. You will get better.

I feel like all I'm doing is failing at the moment 😔 I try to distract myself and be positive but on day 17 off the medication it's like every day is worse than the last, really hoping for at least a plateau and for no new symptoms. The last few days have brought intense muscle tension in my chest neck and back along with the air hunger sensation. Is this something that everyone deals with?

@overthepill , yes, what you are experiencing is absolutely withdrawal. I won't lie to you, it will get more uncomfortable, but this is your CNS trying to stabilize after being destabilized from the medication. You are very early in WD so distract as much as you can and do as much as your body can tolerate. Nobody really knows how much is to much, you just have to listen to your body, and be gentle to yourself when the waves are stronger. If you can muster getting out of bed more often it may help with rumination and distraction, but do listen to your self.. what you are feeling physically is normal in WD, chest tightness or tension, headaches, head pressure, jaw stiffness or clenching, upset stomach/muscle spasms. You may experience more less, but everyone is different. I myself truly had so many WD symptoms I can't keep track. The further out you things will settle, we just don't have time frames. Please remember, time, patience, and distraction are your friend. You did drop to zero at a higher dose than recommended but in time my friend you will heal. If you have further questions or concerns feel free to ask, that's what were all here for. Hugs for now xxx Bernadette

39 minutes ago, overthepill said:

I feel like all I'm doing is failing at the moment 😔 I try to distract myself and be positive but on day 17 off the medication it's like every day is worse than the last, really hoping for at least a plateau and for no new symptoms. The last few days have brought intense muscle tension in my chest neck and back along with the air hunger sensation. Is this something that everyone deals with?

Hi @overthepill I'm so sorry to hear that you are struggling atm, it's extremely tough but I can assure you that you are not alone, we all have a full plate in the process with more or less common symptoms.

I experienced the tight muscles, chest pain, air hunger for a while along with strong sinuses pressure and dizziness and just when I thought it was going to be permanent it was gone.. these are the nature of the symptoms, to emerge, put on a grand show and leave and although it is very hard to bear when it is present it's all temporary.

Long bright windows will surely come just hang on.

8 minutes ago, Fullhealing said:

Hi @overthepill I'm so sorry to hear that you are struggling atm, it's extremely tough but I can assure you that you are not alone, we all have a full plate in the process with more or less common symptoms.

I experienced the tight muscles, chest pain, air hunger for a while along with strong sinuses pressure and dizziness and just when I thought it was going to be permanent it was gone.. these are the nature of the symptoms, to emerge, put on a grand show and leave and although it is very hard to bear when it is present it's all temporary.

Long bright windows will surely come just hang on.

I think the part that concerns me is that the symptoms started when I started the medication and have just gotten worse since stopping, and my symptoms are constant from the moment I wake up to the moment I go to sleep so my head has been miserable for 11 weeks now total and I haven't seen any glimmer of improvement or even a plateau so one starts to worry that I am just in a permanent decline and/or stuck like this, it's hard to try to be positive.

35 minutes ago, Bernadette said:

@overthepill , yes, what you are experiencing is absolutely withdrawal. I won't lie to you, it will get more uncomfortable, but this is your CNS trying to stabilize after being destabilized from the medication. You are very early in WD so distract as much as you can and do as much as your body can tolerate. Nobody really knows how much is to much, you just have to listen to your body, and be gentle to yourself when the waves are stronger. If you can muster getting out of bed more often it may help with rumination and distraction, but do listen to your self.. what you are feeling physically is normal in WD, chest tightness or tension, headaches, head pressure, jaw stiffness or clenching, upset stomach/muscle spasms. You may experience more less, but everyone is different. I myself truly had so many WD symptoms I can't keep track. The further out you things will settle, we just don't have time frames. Please remember, time, patience, and distraction are your friend. You did drop to zero at a higher dose than recommended but in time my friend you will heal. If you have further questions or concerns feel free to ask, that's what were all here for. Hugs for now xxx Bernadette

If it wouldn't have been for the adverse reaction to the med I would have tapered much slower, it was not an easy decision to stop my taper abruptly at 2mg as I know that it can wreak havoc on your CNS. Hearing that it might get worse is a hard pill to swallow (no pun intended) seeing as every day is a struggle to just make it to the end of the day. I really hope I start seeing some type of plateau soon because feeling like I am in a fog while my head is in a vice 24/7 is not a life.

19 minutes ago, overthepill said:

I think the part that concerns me is that the symptoms started when I started the medication and have just gotten worse since stopping, and my symptoms are constant from the moment I wake up to the moment I go to sleep so my head has been miserable for 11 weeks now total and I haven't seen any glimmer of improvement or even a plateau so one starts to worry that I am just in a permanent decline and/or stuck like this, it's hard to try to be positive.

I understand your concern, it is difficult to remain indifferent to harsh prolonged symptoms but from the experience of everyone who goes through this process the symptoms are temporary and although some can be very stubborn they always eventually go away.

There is no time frame that can be said unfortunately, it can certainly take much longer than we expect and in the meantime, out of lack of choice, we have to learn to bear it with distractions, acceptance or anything you think might be helpful.

I'm so sorry, I hope it leaves very soon.

11 minutes ago, Fullhealing said:

I understand your concern, it is difficult to remain indifferent to harsh prolonged symptoms but from the experience of everyone who goes through this process the symptoms are temporary and although some can be very stubborn they always eventually go away.

There is no time frame that can be said unfortunately, it can certainly take much longer than we expect and in the meantime, out of lack of choice, we have to learn to bear it with distractions, acceptance or anything you think might be helpful.

I'm so sorry, I hope it leaves very soon.

Thank you for your kind words ❤️

9 minutes ago, overthepill said:

Thank you for your kind words ❤️

We are all here for each other 🤍

1 hour ago, overthepill said:

If it wouldn't have been for the adverse reaction to the med I would have tapered much slower, it was not an easy decision to stop my taper abruptly at 2mg as I know that it can wreak havoc on your CNS. Hearing that it might get worse is a hard pill to swallow (no pun intended) seeing as every day is a struggle to just make it to the end of the day. I really hope I start seeing some type of plateau soon because feeling like I am in a fog while my head is in a vice 24/7 is not a life.

I myself @overthepill had stopped at 1mg, definitely not optimal but it is what it is and I just pushed through it. You would of had to of known my Dad who was a very strong and stubborn man, I guess you could say I'm a lot like him. Remember this is not forever, you will heal in time. Acceptance is important during this process. Let the uncomfortable feeling come and let them exit, try not to fight it, it sometimes axsaperates what is really happening. This process took me a while to master, but it does make it easier the further out we go. Some things that helped was telling myself, " this is just a symptom, it will pass. Or I say, " this does not get to beat, I am stronger than this, this will not defeat me." Any type of self encouragement does help, and distracts for a few minutes. We are all hear for you and you my friend will get through this. We are all stronger than this so called WD, and come out stronger and more resilient. 🤗 you will get through this

1 hour ago, Fullhealing said:

I understand your concern, it is difficult to remain indifferent to harsh prolonged symptoms but from the experience of everyone who goes through this process the symptoms are temporary and although some can be very stubborn they always eventually go away.

There is no time frame that can be said unfortunately, it can certainly take much longer than we expect and in the meantime, out of lack of choice, we have to learn to bear it with distractions, acceptance or anything you think might be helpful.

I'm so sorry, I hope it leaves very soon.

1 hour ago, overthepill said:

If it wouldn't have been for the adverse reaction to the med I would have tapered much slower, it was not an easy decision to stop my taper abruptly at 2mg as I know that it can wreak havoc on your CNS. Hearing that it might get worse is a hard pill to swallow (no pun intended) seeing as every day is a struggle to just make it to the end of the day. I really hope I start seeing some type of plateau soon because feeling like I am in a fog while my head is in a vice 24/7 is not a life.

1 hour ago, overthepill said:

If it wouldn't have been for the adverse reaction to the med I would have tapered much slower, it was not an easy decision to stop my taper abruptly at 2mg as I know that it can wreak havoc on your CNS. Hearing that it might get worse is a hard pill to swallow (no pun intended) seeing as every day is a struggle to just make it to the end of the day. I really hope I start seeing some type of plateau soon because feeling like I am in a fog while my head is in a vice 24/7 is not a life.

Hey recovery fam, quick update, last night I slept like 10 hours, I haven't slept that deeply in a long time, I had like vivid dreams which I've been having since stopping the medication, I've read that this is a REM rebound since the medication suppresses REM sleep. I had REALLY bad insomnia when I stopped the med, the first 5 days I only slept 1 night, then things kinda normalized after that. It just felt good to not have that sleep where you feel like your tossing and turning all night. My head pressure is not as strong today, still very lightheaded and spacey but I'll take my wins where I can get them. I was also able to get up and make breakfast for myself and my daughter, my wife and had already left for the gym. I know I've been in the dumps since starting my account on here so I just thought I'd share some good news. I know I'm only day 18 off the medicationband it's still early but I will continue to push forward and do everything within my power to heal. I also am following a low histamine diet which really sucks for a foodie like myself but if it helps me recover then I will do what I gotta do for now.

21 hours ago, Bernadette said:

I myself @overthepill had stopped at 1mg, definitely not optimal but it is what it is and I just pushed through it. You would of had to of known my Dad who was a very strong and stubborn man, I guess you could say I'm a lot like him. Remember this is not forever, you will heal in time. Acceptance is important during this process. Let the uncomfortable feeling come and let them exit, try not to fight it, it sometimes axsaperates what is really happening. This process took me a while to master, but it does make it easier the further out we go. Some things that helped was telling myself, " this is just a symptom, it will pass. Or I say, " this does not get to beat, I am stronger than this, this will not defeat me." Any type of self encouragement does help, and distracts for a few minutes. We are all hear for you and you my friend will get through this. We are all stronger than this so called WD, and come out stronger and more resilient. 🤗 you will get through this

Thank you for the words of encouragement, it means a lot to me that everyone in this group looks out for each other. Having a support group that understands is such a valuable tool in your recovery tool belt. I hope you are having a great day Bernadette.

@overthepill , I an actually having a good, I think about 2 weeks ago my system shifted for the better. I'll be 22 months on the 17th from zero, and have noticed significant improvement. Just a bit of cortisol morning's but they pass quickly, headaches from time to time, but very manageable. Upset stomach but comes and goes. If anything does come it is just a nusens and move on with my day. If you go on my page you'll see my latest update. The happy and joy has returned where I actually feel joy. One of the hardest things I've had to teach myself through this whole process is acceptance, and when I get a WD symptom, is to let it be and let it exit, and not overanalyze it. Ooh' and being my own personal cheerleader for pep talks helped 🤣🤣you are doing so well , you got this my friend.

2 hours ago, Bernadette said:

@overthepill , I an actually having a good, I think about 2 weeks ago my system shifted for the better. I'll be 22 months on the 17th from zero, and have noticed significant improvement. Just a bit of cortisol morning's but they pass quickly, headaches from time to time, but very manageable. Upset stomach but comes and goes. If anything does come it is just a nusens and move on with my day. If you go on my page you'll see my latest update. The happy and joy has returned where I actually feel joy. One of the hardest things I've had to teach myself through this whole process is acceptance, and when I get a WD symptom, is to let it be and let it exit, and not overanalyze it. Ooh' and being my own personal cheerleader for pep talks helped 🤣🤣you are doing so well , you got this my friend.

It joys me to hear that you are doing well, I go to bed every night and say a prayer for everyone on here to see improvements and healing.

14 hours ago, overthepill said:

Hey recovery fam, quick update, last night I slept like 10 hours, I haven't slept that deeply in a long time, I had like vivid dreams which I've been having since stopping the medication, I've read that this is a REM rebound since the medication suppresses REM sleep. I had REALLY bad insomnia when I stopped the med, the first 5 days I only slept 1 night, then things kinda normalized after that. It just felt good to not have that sleep where you feel like your tossing and turning all night. My head pressure is not as strong today, still very lightheaded and spacey but I'll take my wins where I can get them. I was also able to get up and make breakfast for myself and my daughter, my wife and had already left for the gym. I know I've been in the dumps since starting my account on here so I just thought I'd share some good news. I know I'm only day 18 off the medicationband it's still early but I will continue to push forward and do everything within my power to heal. I also am following a low histamine diet which really sucks for a foodie like myself but if it helps me recover then I will do what I gotta do for now.

Great to hear. I can read your mindset is perfect, you will get there, there may be bumps in the road, but this is all very positive. Together we will all succeed.

8 hours ago, overthepill said:

It joys me to hear that you are doing well, I go to bed every night and say a prayer for everyone on here to see improvements and healing.

@overthepill prayer is power, God listen when we talk to him. I truly believe he has guided me through this whole process.

Day 19 off the med, last night was rough did not sleep as deep as the night before, was very restless. Today I have this weird feeling in my stomach and chest that's hard to describe, like a buzzing in my body. I'm terrified of developing akathesia. The muscle tension in my chest back and neck is very tight, I'm hoping that it subsides some soon. This is all on top of the head symptoms I'm dealing with. The best way I can describe how I'm feeling today is a lot of anxiety manifesting itself physically in my body. I really hope this feeling leaves soon it's very uncomfortable. It's almost 1pm and I haven't wanted to get out of bed because of how I feel.

1 hour ago, overthepill said:

Day 19 off the med, last night was rough did not sleep as deep as the night before, was very restless. Today I have this weird feeling in my stomach and chest that's hard to describe, like a buzzing in my body. I'm terrified of developing akathesia. The muscle tension in my chest back and neck is very tight, I'm hoping that it subsides some soon. This is all on top of the head symptoms I'm dealing with. The best way I can describe how I'm feeling today is a lot of anxiety manifesting itself physically in my body. I really hope this feeling leaves soon it's very uncomfortable. It's almost 1pm and I haven't wanted to get out of bed because of how I feel.

Unfortunately, what you are describing is very common in WD. Anxiety-related physical tension isn't unusual, and its easy to think it will get worse or be permanent. But it doesn't have to get worse or last forever. For now, you might want to try some calming methods for your mind and body, like simple tai chi for beginners. It will focus your mind on following the movements instead of your feelings. There are several short and easy routines on YouTube. These symptoms will pass!