So, is it only me or do others think withdrawals are kind of fun? Now, I’m not talking hardcore illegal drug withdrawals. Those look pretty raw and harsh, not that I’ve ever done an illegal substance (I haven’t even tried smoking, not even once).
But years ago, I decided it was time to get on an anti-anxiety drug. I’ve always suffered from anxiety, to the point where I was so stressed and anxious that I sounded like a moron in job interviews. I can’t even begin to tell you how many jobs I lost because of it. So, it seemed like a good idea. Much of my family suffers from the “worry gene” as my doctor called it once.
Now, eight years later, I’ve gone told-curkey, wait, cold-turkey off the stuff. Oh, the stuff is Lexapro, a seratonin inhibitor that has a list of side effects that looks like Medical School 101. Not good stuff, by any means.
I didn’t start out to quit the stuff. I just forgot one day, then the next, then the next. Four days later, I’m enjoying the fun of withdrawal symptoms, from a nagging headache that is richoeting through my skull like a pinball to tingling sensations coursing up and down my legs and arms.
Frankly, I’m not crazy about the headache. But I do like the tingling sensation now and then. That’s been it so far, thankfully. A little nausea last night, but the irritability, hallucinations and confusion are absent as of now……….
Where was I? So, we’ll see how it goes. The withdrawal can take anywhere from one to eight weeks. Hoping for the shorter period, for the sake of those around me. Actually, everyone’s been great about this journey I am on to restore me to the pre-designer-drug era.
I’ll report back with a progress report now and again.
— Robb