Testimonials

My Lexapro Story

By Dr. Erika M. Karohs

The prelude to my Lexapro story was being diagnosed with hypothyroidism and being treated by a well meaning but horrifically misinformed doctor with Levothyroxine, today’s standard thyroid treatment. I was told that I would be taking this for the rest of my life because, from a thyroid standpoint, there was nothing else a doctor could do.

Unfortunately, at that time, I was completely naïve about the thyroid and especially the dangers of thyroxine (T4) treatment only. I didn’t know about desiccated thyroid like Armour or Naturthroid (which could have provide the same hormones that a healthy thyroid would give). Otherwise, my four-year nightmare might never have started. As it was, I went from one uninformed doctor to another, only to be left undertreated, tired, miserable, anxious, and exhausted to the bone.

One of my greatest roadblocks was my doctors’ overreliance on the inconclusive TSH (Thyroid Stimulating Hormone) test results. In 2007, my doctor concluded that my TSH tests were within range; accordingly, my symptoms could no longer have anything to do with being hypothyroid. Consequently, I needed other medications to treat these “non-thyroid” symptoms. I was started on Clonazepam and 10 mg of Lexapro and, as fatigue and anxiety kept getting worse, Lexapro was raised to 20 mg. That was the start of four years of plain hell.

At the start of the Lexapro treatment, I was fatigued and anxious, yes, but basically, I was living a normal life and doing all of my everyday things.  I was walking and driving, and my cholesterol, glucose, and blood pressure were all in the normal range. At 5’2”, I weighed in at 110 lbs.; however, almost with the first Lexapro dose, my weight started to climb. By the end of 2010, I had gained 45 lbs. - and I had never had a weight problem in my life. The doctor’s condescending advice was to exercise more or eat less, or see a nutritionist.

 Then other troubles raised their ugly heads. Within a few months, blood pressure was high, and I left the doctor’s office with a prescription for Bernicar. When cholesterol crept upwards, first one, then two statin drugs were added. Because anxiety got worse rather than less, the next prescription was for Buspar (without a warning that combining multiple Serotonin inducing agents creates the risk of Serotonin Syndrome, a potentially life-threatening condition).

Other things were going downhill. I had crippling fatigue. All my life, I had been an energetic walker, but now I could barely drag myself to a bench under a tree in the backyard. There were other terrifying symptoms, such as dizziness, blurred vision, light-headedness, incessant loss of breath, and horrific heart palpitations. I felt “unreal,” had ringing in my ears, dry hair and skin, and periods of uncontrollable sweating. My mental and physical health deteriorated from day to day. I could no longer drive, and I could not go shopping by myself. I could not do any of the things I enjoyed to do; in fact, I could not enjoy anything. My feelings were flat, gone.

Because I could do nothing else, I became obsessed with Internet research. One day in early 2011, on a whim, I Googled “Lexapro.” It was one of those “Oh my God!” moments. Nearly every one of my symptoms was described - and they were all due to Lexapro! At the beginning of my treatment I had asked the doctor about Lexapro side effects and he had assured me that it was so safe that he would give it to his own mother!

I knew at that very moment that I had to get off Lexapro but little did I know the price. I tapered down by 2 mg every two weeks. With every lowering of the dose, the withdrawal symptoms got worse, especially the “brain zaps.” I suffered migraine headaches, extreme nervousness, dizziness, frightening nightmares and insomnia, and I was extremely irritable with everyone around me. I had shock-like sensations when I took a step too quickly, or even turned my head. When I reached 10 mg, the side effects had gotten so bad that I simply could not stand them. I was hearing things that weren’t there, and I had speech difficulties.

I took a full dose again and broke down crying, feeling like the greatest failure.

About a month later, in March 2011, my weight had reached 159 lbs.

When I stepped off the scale that morning I knew that I had to get off Lexapro, no matter what. I also realized that it would be extra difficult the second time around because of the knowledge of having failed before in the back of my mind.

In desperation, I continued haunting the Internet, searching for some kernel of hope, for some kind of supplement, or person, or group, to help with this horrible ordeal.

And then it happened. I don’t remember how I got on the web page, but suddenly my eyes were glued to a testimonial, “JNK has saved my life!” and “I am Klonopin free!” and “After years of frustration I am off Lexapro!” With tears streaming down my face, I read every single testimonial on that site, telling myself this couldn’t be true, and hoping, praying, that it was.

 I learned that all the people were following “The Road Back” program. This program includes taking specific supplements from TRB Health. (The Road Back Program is a non-profit organization; they are not selling supplements themselves.)

I ordered the supplement the very same day. They arrived a few days later in the afternoon, and I took three Omega 3 pills right away (against instructions which prescribe a morning dose). Within 10 minutes, all the “head things” stopped, including the dreadful brain zaps. I had read of such miracles in the testimonials but I did not really believe in my heart until one happened to me.

I started with the full program on May 6, 2011. On May 9, I wrote into my journal: “Took 1 package JNK, 3 Omega3 pills, 1 Admax pill at 8 a.m. Had brain zaps getting up, stopped after taking Omega3. And I lost 2 pounds!!!!”

On July 25, 2011, I took the last 1 mg dose of Lexapro. Today, I am totally Lexapro free! I have lost a total of 11 lbs., and I know I am on my way to losing more.

The road was not always smooth. The weight loss fluctuated, but eventually, the scale would always dip again. There were minor symptoms off and on, but they were just annoyances that were outweighed by the feelings of hope. Today, my soul and spirit are soaring because at last, I am free from this horrible drug. I have been at the very bottom of a pit, but I have climbed out. I can do again what I love to do, I can walk, run, drive. I can sit at my computer and write, I can look at the beauty all around me, and I can shout: “I AM FREE!”

“Today is day 15 without any Effexor.  After 8 years I often found it hard to believe that I would ever reach this point.  I'm still having some ups and downs, mostly anxiety-wise, but we've had a lot of family and friend related events (3 deaths in 2 weeks) and a rush to get my mother-in-law into assisted living.  All in all, I think I held up pretty well.  A good friend pointed out to me today, that EVERYONE has ups and downs.  It's amazing to think that I might be reacting like a "normal person"! 

Sleeping, and especially falling asleep, is now a delight instead of a dread and my brain feels like it has a lot more room in it.

There are tasks around the house that have been avoided for years, that now I just stop and take care of, while I'm busy thinking of what I'm going to do next.  It's almost like I have a new toy, but I am trying not to push myself too much.

A dream come true after 8 years on 75mg.  I've had no more vertigo since day 2.  That with the concurrent vomiting was pretty brutal, but looking back, it was only a couple of hours-seemed like forever.  Today I stopped the second round of JNK and dropped the afternoon dose of Omega 3 to two.   

Every day I have had some dizziness off and on.  The Omega 3 seems to have really helped, and today for hours at a time I really forgot that there was anything bothering me!!!  The last couple of nights I have slept better than I can even remember.  I almost wish that I woke up a couple extra times just to enjoy how great it was going!! 

At the start of this week I had decided to take everything easy and not push myself, but strangely enough, it almost seems that the busier I am, the better I feel.  This is so totally new to me!  Without the TRB program, the supplements for the taper and withdrawal, and your timely help I never would have felt this well and optimistic in only a week after my last Effexor. 

I have been following your plan diligently since last December when tapering on my own without supplements I hit a wall.  I knew I would never get past that point without real help.  I'm kind of explaining this backwards, but in 2006 I had found TRB website when even then I knew that I needed to stop the antidepressant.  For several years we cut the dose following your guidelines and sometimes stayed at one level for as much as 6months, feeling fine.  In November of 2009 my husband received a heart and kidney transplant and I could see that he was feeling better than I was, and we decided to get serious about the taper  The dose dropping was probably pretty appropriate, but without the supplements I couldn't continue.  I smile when I take TRB supplements.  It had been a loooong time since I had smiled at my Effexor.  I will let you know how I continue to recover.  Thank you is not enough to say.”

N.G.

"The JNK supplement has saved my life! Thank you. My anxiety was at an all time high and I could not take it any more. Somehow I found your web site and I just ordered the JNK. You were my last hope. The day it came I took it in the afternoon even though you say to take in the morning. One hour later I could feel myself calming down and that helped me get some sleep the first night. The next day I took the JNK in the morning and again at noon and my anxiety and panic attacks were completely gone. I had been trying to get off the last amount of Ativan for several months and I am now happy to say, NO MORE ATIVAN!!! It has been 3 weeks now without Ativan and I am still doing good!!. WOW!!! Thank you for making this available for all of us." Trish

“I feel calmer, and life is more like reality the way it should be. While on the medication I felt like a zombie, and actually felt more emotional about everything. While going off of Paxil @ 10mg and before the supplements I did not feel good. I had nausea, brain zaps, headaches, anxiety and etc. Once I read The Road Back I was able to put things into perspective and deal with what my mind and body was and is going through right now. I'm taking the supplements religiously and doing much better with the withdrawals. I went from 20mg to 10mg March 22nd and on April 4th I went down to 5mg. Once this withdrawal calms down in a week or two I will stop all together with Paxil but not the supplements. I am anxious to feel normal again and to lose the 40 pounds I gained while on it. I started taking Lexapro and later switched to Paxil 12/2004. I thought it would help me deal with a dying relative that I was executor for - and it did help. But, its time to join the real world now.

Thank you so much for your informative research and supplements. I plan on passing this information onto my doctor so that she can share this with her other patients. I have also passed this information onto my friends and family who are or have dealt with the same medications.” Thank you, Ann

“I read through this site for about one month before trying the products myself. I must say, all of the oh God's in your testimonials made me wonder if this could really be true. I was told not to really expect a change for 3 to 7 days. After day 1 I had to call TRB Health and tell them what they had here. The oh God statements I have read now make sense. I am taking an antidepressant and a benzodiazepine and reached the state of no energy, a grinding anxiety during the day, could not sleep at night and more. The Power Barley Formula and the cherry blew me away. You guys have a spokesperson when you want one. Thank you.”

“When I first called you I was in tears. I did not know what I was going to do. I had quit Effexor too fast but was not going back on it again. The head feeling I had were extreme, I could not sleep and the entire list of withdrawal side effects I think I had. At the end of week one using your supplements I felt there was hope but I still could barely function. By the end of week 2 I knew there was hope. I had improved immensely. You let me call whenever I wanted and you walked me through it. When to increase each supplement and how much to increase. 3 weeks later I feel normal again. I know this would never had happened to me if I had not found your site and had your guidance. If you only knew of the lives you must be saving. God Bless You.”

“When I first found your site I could hardly read the print. I had tried to come off Effexor before without success. Every time I got down to the 37 mg dosage the side effects were to severe to continue so I had to go back up again to 75. This time I made it. Whew. I am sleeping again at night, anxiety is gone, that gnawing agitation feeling left and I am back. My children have a mother again and my husband has a wife that can once again show affection.

I went a little faster than your book says to go but you worked with me in such a way that allowed me to get off fast. Thank you James.”

“I am now Klonopin free!!!!! I got down to .5 over the past months but could never make it off. Using the program it was like taking a stroll in the park. Unbelievable. Thank you. I never thought I would ever see this day.”

“I am like many others. I decided to come off Prozac by myself in one week. Long story short, you saved my life. Deepest gratitude.”

“I made the mistake and quit Paxil cold turkey. The side effects were nausea, constant headache, anxiety, no sleep, that brain zap and a whirling in my head. James, your assistance and guiding me through the first days has made all the difference. Nausea is gone, headache is gone, brain zaps quit within one hour like you said, and the remaining side effects are so small I can deal with them. I do not know how I can ever repay you for saving my life. Unless someone has been through this they may not know what I am talking about.”

“I read through your testimonials with a curious eye. Doubting they could be real. I decided to try your method any way. The people that started their sentence with "My God" I now understand. I am on Xanax and had been trying to get off it for 8 months and suffering along the way. One night, one night is all it took to finally have a restful sleep and the next day my normal anxiety was gone. I see a light at the end of the tunnel. Thank you.”

“I am now more than half way off Paxil using the program. I was able to reduce a little bit of the medication with my naturopath but we reach a standstill after the second reduction. The side effects started and we could not get rid of them. The omega 3 got rid of the brain zaps within a few hours and they never came back. The cherry has been amazing at helping me stay calm during the day and with my sleep. And that barley did just what you said it would do for my energy and complete feelings. I can't thank you enough.” K.W.

“When I first read your web site I thought no way. This is too simple. Barley? Give me a break. I figured I really didn't have anything to lose, I felt like crap warmed over anyway. 2 weeks later, I mean 2 weeks later, I am a new man! The fog has cleared, the depression is gone, and my wife has a husband again. Barley, who would have thought. Needless to say I was not surprised when the Omega 3 and vital sleep did exactly what you said they would. Thank you from the bottom of my big Texas heart.

However, I just found out you are from the LA area. Texas is going to kick XXXXX over USC!!!”

“My God! I took the Power Barley and Omega 3 this morning and it is if thousands of pounds of weight were just lifted from my body. I feel bright, energetic but not hyper, this is truly amazing. I read the testimonials on your site and thought, maybe for other people this works but I have tried supplements before. Your wording of well-being now makes sense. I can say for the first time ever I know what it feels like to have the feeling of well-being.

It is Christmas morning where I am and I can't think you enough for the unexpected present.”

"I did not know where I would be the next week, in an institution or dead. I had been on 4 meds for too many years and they had quit working a long time ago. The side effects were to gruesome to even write here. It took me 3 weeks following the program in the Road Back book and I began to feel a change. At the end of week 4 I was not only out of the house but driving again for the first time in months. I have now reduced my first med by 50% without withdrawal side effects. I do not even know how many times I tried to reduce a med in the past and had to stop due to the withdrawal."

"I cannot even begin to tell you what a burden you have lifted right now." "thank you so much for your time and unconditional help and support.  This goes so far beyond service or healthcare - you are truly saving lives - thank you." 

"I was on Lexapro for 4 years. I'm an aerobics instructor and previous to taking Lexapro I was very skinny. I had a metabolism of a horse. Over the years I gained 40 lbs. That is a lot for a 100 lb women. I tried every diet, nothing worked. After years of frustration and reading the website, I got off Lexapro. Within the first month, I lost 10 lbs without doing anything different. Since then, I have lost an additional 20 lbs."

“I suffer from mixed-mania, rapid cycling bi-polar, but because of your wonderful products, it didn’t take anywhere as long this time (about a half hour) before the episode stopped, and I took all of your products religiously, and by evening, I was O.K.

This morning, I made absolutely sure that I was taking everything on time, and I’m feeling much better now.  So—I’m truly grateful that your products helped me so much that I was able to get my bipolar disorder under control!  You have no idea how grateful I am that I found your website, you’ll never know!

I can honestly say this without hesitation that I was so bad that if I didn’t have your products I might have ended up in a psychiatric ward.  It’s going on 17 years since my last hospitalization, and I’m determined that I’m not going to break that record!”  Tillie P

“Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!

I feel 100% better!!!! Oh My Gosh. I cannot believe how great I feel. I’m actually getting "ME" back. I can see my personality, my spunk, my spark increase gradually each and every day more and more. This has changed my life dramatically!

Please let me know how I can help to talk with others, to educate them, encourage them on getting their lives back and not depending on these drugs.

I know I still have a long way before I am completely healed. I look at it like this though. If I feel this great now and I’ve only been off these 2 drugs (Klonopin and Effexor) for about 2 1/2 weeks, I cannot wait to see how I'll be feeling a month from now. I thought I’d never get over that dizzy, lightheaded, floating feeling in my head, with the lack of concentration and the agonizing pain in my joints and muscles.

Each day has gotten easier and easier. I had some very hard ones in there though but I am so happy I have done this.

The other day I was teaching a Boot camp class and I had a coat on that I hadn't wore since last fall, I put my hand in my pocket and there was a Klonopin in there. I looked at it and It really made me think, a month ago if I was in that stressful class situation I would have taken a small bite out of that little pill...instead I threw it away!!!!!

I really am serious about wanting to spread the word about these drugs. I think everything happens for a reason and there's a season for everything. This was the right time for me to stop taking them. I just want others that depend on these medications to be aware and know more of what the doctors are not telling us.

Again thank you for helping me get my passion back,”

In Health, Patti S

“Today has been the 5th day on the supplements. 10 days with no Klonopin! 12 days with no Effexor!

I am feeling a lot of relief from the dizziness/brain zaps and concentration or lack of.  Thank God because that is the worst withdrawal symptom!!

I'm sleeping better, very deep and feel very rested. my appetite has  decreased YEAH!!!  Thank you!!!”  

“I was on Prozac for 10 years and just could never withdraw. Every time I tried, the pain was too much and I'd always start the drug again.  Your program was so easy and worked just like you said it would!  Your personal support has been unbelievable! Thank you! 

Now I have to face all the emotions I blocked for the last decade and I have to tell you, it feels very strange.  But it is wonderful to finally feel again.

Thank you for making this available to the world.  You guys are the best!  I'll be forever grateful.”
Lisa M.

“I started your program two weeks ago and what a difference!  I didn't think you were telling the truth about the products, but I feel like a new woman.  Can I stay on the products for life after the taper is over?? Thank you for your efforts. You all are a godsend.” Love, Lauren L

“6 days Paxil free !!!!!!! Feeling good. I really have feelings now. Not missing a dose of the supplements. If I'm not on time with them the electric shocks and brain zaps remind me to take them. But they are less as the days pass. Thank you so much.” Yvette

“I am doing great on the Taper Program.  I have successfully gotten off of Elavil.  I had been on it for about 10 years.  I have tried in the past to go off cold turkey and I got so sick each time that I had to go back to it.  I finally realized it wasn't the new medications making me sick, it was withdrawal from Elavil.  (No dr. recognized my symptoms as withdrawal and I went to 3 different ones trying to get off of it and onto something with fewer side effects.)  I have followed the program as indicated and have had no withdrawal effects.  I am amazed.  I have been completely off for 10 days now.  Thank you for making this solution known to the general public.” 
 V. Mitchem

“I used the program to successfully taper off Klonopin very successfully with minimal problems. Am sleeping wonderfully without it. My brother is also using your program to titrate off methadone very slowly.  I've alerted him to contact you.” Thanks, Donna.
 

“The program was extremely successful for me.  I have completely tapered off  Zoloft after being on it for  3 years.  The omega 3 and vitamin E are part of my daily routine.”  Thanks.  Kelly

“Thank you for all your help! I’ll continue taking your products because they are fabulous.  The Cherry Juice also is helping with inflammation from two bursas, in both my right and left hip.  The Omega-3 fatty acid is helping smooth out my bipolar moods.” Millie

“Thank you for inquiring.  I can't believe how much better I feel.  I have only taken the barley juice for a couple days now and I feel so much better.  I still don't feel great but at least I can function.  I am slowly getting off the Wellbutrin and very grateful.” 
Cathy

“I have been tapering off Paxil for several weeks now. I had been taking 20 mg a day for years. It has been going extremely well for me. I have followed the program diligently. I am now down to about 3 mg. a day & I am so excited that I am about off of it completely. I tried in years past to get off on my own without success. I am taking the Cherry Extract at night for sleep & it works great. I did not have to add additional Omega 3 capsules. I have been able to stay with just taking 2 in the morning along with one Vitamin E capsule. You folks are fantastic to have come up with this program. I'll let you know when I am off the Paxil entirely but I'm almost there.....YEAH....” sincerely, Judy M

“I have now been off of Effexor for 2 months.  I would not have been able to do it without this program.  It has also stabilized my depression which is now controlled thru the "Amino Acid" combo.   Thank you so much.  I called a couple of times and the women on the other end were so compassionate and caring.

The barley gives me the energy I need to feel "normal." Michele S

“6-29-05 started the program. Went from 20mg Paxil now down to 5mg. The program is wonderful I feel better than I have in years.”

“I'm doing very good on the program and sleeping well. I'm OFF Haldol after years of trying. Thank you!!  Before, every time I tried to taper I heard many voices, now the only voice I hear is mine.  Thank you - forever, thank you!”

“I thank God for you guys everyday!  I've tapered off Paxil using your program and feel better than I have in years.  Your support is terrific and just knowing another person knows what I'm talking about is heartwarming. Thank you for your efforts!”

Lisa B.

“I am taking Klonopin. After one week on your program I do not even feel like I am taking a benzo. I am sleeping better than I ever have in my life. Vivid dreams have vanished and if I wake up in the middle of the night I can go right back to sleep.

I will be starting the taper next week and I am very nervous. Every time I have tried to quit in the past the withdrawal was too much.

Everything you have in your book has been true so far so I probably should not be nervous. I do feel wonderful.” J.F.

“This taper is going better than I dreamed possible.  I tried many times to come off the Remeron unsuccessfully. 

I was on Sinequan from 1991 to 2003 and the neurologist switched it to Remeron in 2003.  I was initially placed on Sinequan because I was sick for several yrs. with Epstein-Barr virus. They thought I had everything from MS to brain tumors to begin with.  After the infections subsided, I was left with lots of pain and the worst case of insomnia in history. So, after years of anti-depressants for the insomnia, I begged for help to get off the drugs and found none. When I said I could not quit, that I was addicted, I was told that they were not addicting and that I could quit cold turkey.   When I told them of the devastating effects I was told, “that just proved how much my body needed them.”   He then wanted me on several other drugs, Topamax and Neurontin, plus Lipitor for the tremendous increase in cholesterol and triglycerides.   I refused.

Oh I was constantly going to the eye Dr. for eye infections.  I lived on antibiotics.  What a nightmare!   My mom had a  "pill" book and I found out how all these symptoms could be attributed to the anti-depressant I had taken for so long.  I also found out that my neuropathy could have been caused by the yrs. of Sinequan.  I had to get off these drugs, but had no hope that I ever could.  Then a dear friend sent me your website.   When I first started the taper, electrical pain and the pins and needles of the neuropathy became much worse.  I feared I would go to all the trouble of coming off my drug, only to find the neuropathy would be unlivable.  

But the increase of pain is now gone.  I feel I am doing well.  In fact, my mom is now on your products just for a healthy supplement. I am one month into the taper. I am so grateful for your help and all the effort you have put into your web pages -  and the kind and quick manner in which you responded to my emails.  I will write if I run into a snag.   If not, I will write a success story.  My medical problems have been very complicated so I fear my condensed version doesn't make much sense.  Just know you have offered more help than many, many Drs. over the years.” God bless you, Linda

“I have been on your program for 31 days now.  I am taking all of your natural remedies.  I have gone from 4mg of Risperdal to 2mg now.  And I have had very little problem.  I am doing super.  This stuff must really work.  I haven't been able to lower the dosage this much in a few years.  I thank God for you.  I do not have my psychiatrists participation due to political matters with the VA.  I want to keep my disability benefits.  Once I get off Risperdal  I will begin to taper off Celexa if everything is going well.  Those are the only two psych meds that I'm on  thank God.  I have schizo-affective disorder.  But I am hoping I have recovered from the worst of this illness which happened 10 years ago.  I am hoping I will be able to manage my illness with natural methods in the future.  Can I keep you posted on my progress from time to time?”  Thanks again.  Suzanne B

“With the aid of an excellent psychiatrist who is very anti drug and the use of your book along with supplements  I was able to successfully taper off Zoloft after being on it for 3 years.  I thank you and would like to offer my time if you need it.”

Kelly H.

“This program and these products are awesome.  I am so awesomely pleased and only wish I would have started this program much, much sooner.  I feel 100% better already and have passed this program on to others.  Thank you all for your dedication, care and sincerity.” Sincerely, J. Smith

“I have been on a benzo for 5 years. One week into the pre-taper, I now feel as though I have never even suffered from a benzo side effect! Before starting the program, I could not sleep or could not sleep throughout the night and had vivid dreams as well.

My sleep is better than it has ever been in my life. This is only 5 days into the program. This is only 5 days into the program!     

My sleep is better than it has ever been in my life.” J.S. 

“Hello Everyone, My patient is doing very well with very little side effects and I'm very glad it's working. Thank you for your efforts worldwide.”
Dr. Govers, Belgium

“It is such an easy program to implement. In the past, vitamin supplements were complicated and difficult to administer and they didn’t help. This plan is so simple to follow and we have seen amazing results in such a short period of time.  In my son’s case, a mere nine weeks from now he will be drug-free. That is miraculous!  After he was labeled schizophrenic and prescribed anti-psychotics, he was sick every day and experiencing auditory hallucinations.  I wondered if we would ever have him back. It is incredible to have traits of his old personality, including his fiery spirit back!  Thank you!   Please give us a plan for life!”

Joe W.

from Joe’s son -

“My mind is calm - thank you.”

Jeremy W.

“This is day 8 tapering off Haldol and I feel better!  I have my movement back in my body and I am not stiff anymore. I can see better and my ears feel normal. My mind is so much calmer. My family even sees the improvement!  I can't thank you enough - I'm getting my life back.”
 Sonya R.

“I am on Day 4 of the taper and I'm doing Great!  I'm not Depressed at All!  I was so afraid to go off the drugs. This is the first time in 3 years and I am not depressed!  I have tons of energy. In the past I've made 3 attempts and couldn't get past day 3. I'm totally amazed. I never thought it would be so easy!”
Michelle S.

"I took Prozac for 10 years because I couldn't get off of it. I would have severe rebound depression & anxiety. The funny thing is, when my MD put me on it 10 years ago it was for insomnia & stress. Imagine that!!!!! Then the last 2 years I'd tried at little bit of everything but nothing ever worked as well as the Prozac & the side effects were excruciating. Couldn't take Wellbutrin or Serzone due to migraines, couldn't take Zoloft do to agitation, and couldn’t take Paxil because it made me want to kill myself. Took Lexapro for 4 months & gained 60lbs on it & ached like I had the flu. At the end, while when I was tapering off I took Effexor and it gave me excruciating migraines. It's been a freaking nightmare. Right now I'm completely off my antidepressant & feeling good. Now the only thing I'm taking is my Xanax & I'm in the process of weaning myself off that.

I have to tell you, your program is what saved my life. Can't wait to get off this other stuff. (The Xanax) 

I just want to say thanks & I've lost 12 lbs too YEAH!!!!!! I tell everyone I know that takes these types of medications about your site. Thanks for everything!!!! You're program has saved my life!!!"

“I've been on The Road Back program for a couple of weeks. I'm down 1/4 on my Xanax and off Excedrin PM completely!  I'm doing great!  It is working!” Pam H.

“I Feel Great!  In the past every time I tried to quit Paxil my world got dark. On your program I feel terrific every step of the way!  You guys are Gold!” Maria D.

"I had no constipation, my neck pain went away and it helped me with shortness of breath, I still watch what I do, I still have no caffeine of course I never drink or smoke, and still take no meds prescription, or over the counter. It has been about 9 months since I have been off meds, I just started a little more strenuous exercise (treadmill) 2 days ago and still a little afraid cause the last time it made my withdrawal worse! But I now know what it is and if exercise does not make me feel better (like it should) I will quit. I think from stopping and then restarting I noticed more, I do think it increased my energy level somewhat. Just wish I could have tried it during the worst of it and maybe I would have known more on what it does with the other withdrawal symptoms?! So there you are I said I would let you know!!" 

Continuing story - "HA! HA! I am trying to work 30 minutes in on the treadmill; I am not having problems there! School is out and both my children are here plus I have 3 extras. One is a baby; my nieces and neighbor had no sitter so guess who is doing it me!! It is a change. I am used to having one home and now I have 5 and on some days 6 here, trying to keep them entertained. So if I adjust to this I may find more time for myself. Today was exhausting for me I have took 2 naps. Going to take a bike ride with kids when my son wakes up."  

“Started Paxil in 1996 - switched to Prozac 1998. Off Prozac now for 4 months, was using Pamelor with Prozac. Put on Trazodone, off now for 2 months and currently taking Xanax and Neurontin. Mentally depressed, feels stressed, severe headache daily, arthritis in the hip, neck, lower back and pelvis, muscle aches, feeling as though getting worse not better, no feelings at times, feel like does not care, hate going anywhere, hardly stand to have family around, has Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, MS, FMS, seizures with convulsions, memory loss, 90% deaf, trembling, tremors, shaking so bad can hardly move legs, 2 EEG's came out negative, can't take bright lights or sunshine, 

Using pre-taper method 5 days before full taper began. “I do feel as if I have a bit more energy.  My outlook is better.  I am not sure what to look for in terms of improvement.  I do know my headaches have ceased.  I have not had any negative symptoms while taking this such as allergic reactions and such." 

Continuing story - "Today I feel really good. I actually feel happy and I almost cried this morning, which I know sounds silly.  I was thinking of my sister who passed on last Christmas and I actually had tears in my eyes.  I have not cried for quite a while which I contribute to the meds I have been on. My emotions were/are like stone and I am now starting to feel like a person again.  I ache today, but it is chilly here and our furnace went kaput and we have to buy a new one that did not help.  All in all, I feel lighthearted today and have even called people I have not talked to in a while.  Will, keep you posted."

"When you said "maybe by Wednesday you'll be feeling better. . . well let's just say that I do not believe in miracles (I'm a proud atheist and I believe in Science for one thing).  Yet having started the supplement on Saturday, I woke up Monday feeling very different.  That is to say "not bad" and in fact I felt good!

That was perhaps the best day of the week probably because it cracked the shell and I accomplished a dozen or more things that I had put off for weeks and in some cases months due to the increasing Paxil dysfunction that increasingly included agoraphobia, although I've never had the problem before.  So in one day I got a haircut, carwash, went to the pharmacy, shopping, took my aunt out to lunch, all boring to read I'm sure, but boy did it feel terrific!  Furthermore today was the fourth "not bad" day and I'm planning to begin my taper on Saturday as planned.

The bottom line is that I already feel like I owe you enormous thanks even though I acknowledge that the hard part is in front of me.  I had severe withdrawal side effects with 30mg., and now that this quack has me up to 60mg. it's gonna be a rough ride, but I'm pretty confident that the further education is going to give me the best shot to overcome this drug addiction.  And overcome I will."

Continuing story - "I'm sorry I haven't been in touch with you, and I'm sorry about all these damned exclamation points, but I feel GREAT!  Not just good but terrific, and I really feel I owe it all to you.  In fact if I had any children I'd re-name them all James Harper ........ immediately.

Really it's been an amazing process and the reason I haven't been in touch is because I knew it might be obsessively long, because I'm all of a sudden busy again doing all the things I haven't done in months, and because I'm sort of learning to communicate properly once more.  The main point is that I've been taking the supplement daily, sometimes in two batches as you recommended and sometimes all in one big batch, and I wanted to ask if the reason you suggested the two is for better absorption or some other reason, or whether it's OK to take it all at once.

But now let me tell you the taper specifically is going great.  I have 40's and 20's to take my daily 60 and I was able to cut the 20 in half but the first night was too lazy and/or unprepared to figure how to cut it into quarters, so three nights ago I began taking 50mg. The first night I had the usual nightmares and was a little dizzy in the morning though I took the supplement and it helped right away.  The second and third night I also took the 50mg. and so far I feel great with no side effects, unlike all the other times.

I had intended to cut down just 5mg. since that was closer to the 10% recommended, but ten worked like a charm and I'm gonna stay on it at least a week or week and a half before lobbing off another ten and going to 40mg.  I know you stressed it's important to feel good and not just for a day or two before moving forward.  But I'm not only feeling great but specifically in ways that mean more to me than you can't imagine.

I've had wasting disease and have had little appetite that was getting worse and worse.  In fact the few months before finding you I was down to eating barely enough to survive which is one reason I knew I had to find a solution or waste away.  Well my appetite is not only back but with a vengeance, and for somebody with an eating problem which I was beginning to think was a disorder like anorexia, this was the very best of all gifts you could have given me (after all I'm Italian and I'm not supposed to be skin and bones - no amount of "mangia, mangia" makes you eat if you have no appetite).  Now I'm hungry all the time and I feel as if I haven't eaten in a year, and in a way that's true.

Also my energy, both mental and physical have been great.  My parents are old and not overly well and I'd been faced with doing more around here and knew I had to fix myself up if that was gonna happen.  Yesterday I got the entire lawn done which usually takes me two or three days, and much more besides.  I also managed to get my E-bay business (records and comix) up and running again so that will give me a much-needed income once more, disability not quite covering much.

James, I could go on and on but you truly are my hero right now and maybe forever.  I feel like you've given me a chance at a fresh start and one I was beginning to think I wasn't going to get again.  I figured 17 years of HIV was a good run and it was time to pack it in, but now I think that I'm only 44 and I'm feeling better than I have in a long time, and most of all I have hope again not only that I won't die (which was the easy part) but that I can have a great life once more as I used to and fulfill more of the dreams I thought would remain unfulfilled such as doing more travel and going back to Europe.

Well I am a little hyper but in a wonderful way, and if I feel "speedy" it's probably because the supplement is repairing things chemically and that mega-dose of Paxil is acting like the large dose it is.  When I re-order I'm most likely going to order your vitamins as well, and I have a friend who I'm hoping will visit your site and place an order.  He's a healthy guy but has been increasingly angry and snapping (he's a postal worker!), so his psychiatrist took him off Paxil cold turkey and puts him on something else.  Last night he told me he was having bad withdrawals from the Paxil but was told the new stuff would kick in about three weeks from now.  Yikes!"

"I am officially off of all SSRIs. I have been "drug free" since Saturday and so far I feel great. This is the longest I have gone without taking either Paxil or Celexa in about four years and I have no regrets! 

I have had some trouble sleeping but I am guessing that will eventually pass. I haven't taken the supplement since I stopped tapering but I am going to begin again today and see if that helps with the sleeplessness. 

I am pleasantly surprised that it is the only side effect I am dealing with. The supplement really was the key to my success as I had tried to taper off many times before and never was able to do so. Let me know if you need a spokesperson!!! :-)”

"I had tried to taper off Paxil 4 times in the past. None successful. I've been using 20 mg of Paxil for 2 years and had been able to cut down to 15 mg a day but no further. The side effects were severe. 

I needed to function while I tapered and thought I would try the supplement. 

Are you ready? I AM NOW PAXIL FREE FOR 1 MONTH!!!!!!

There were a few mild side effects during the taper but none that interfered with my daily life. I had a few headaches but when I took the supplement and in a day the side effects went away in a matter of hours!"

THANK YOU. I HAVE A LIFE AGAIN!" 

"I met with my doctor to discuss tapering off Celexa.  While she felt I should stay on it awhile longer, she agreed that there is a possibility that a lot of my current problems/symptoms are related to the Celexa.  I have been taking 20 mg. of Celexa since Nov. 2001, but before that was on Effexor, Zoloft (very briefly), and Paxil.  Finally hit on Celexa working the best for me, but during the time (about a year), I've been on antidepressants have gained 20 lbs., am still (slightly) depressed (mostly because of the weight gain!), have no energy at all, very lethargic, kind of living in a fog, and just felt that all of the side effects were far worse than the original reason I started taking an antidepressant (depression & stress).

Anyhow, I am already feeling so much better. As others have mentioned taking supplement, my energy level is coming back, I feel more optimistic and aware, I even feel a difference in my confidence level.  I feel more in control; able to make decisions, am calmer and more patient.  I had forgotten what it felt like to feel normal.

I haven't started tapering yet; want to stay on the supplement for two weeks first.  My doctor recommended I immediately cut down from 20 mg. to 10 mg. for 1 week, then to 5 for 1 week, and then stop.  When I stopped cold turkey last year from the Effexor, I thought I was going to die.  The electric zaps were horrible, I was dizzy, disoriented, couldn't function - had to immediately get back on the Effexor.  My doctor had never told me to taper off.  Now I want to be real careful, never want to go thru those symptoms again, plan on doing it right this time! I WILL stay in touch with you throughout this process because I think that what you are doing is very commendable, people need to know.  As far as I am concerned, I think doctors are way too quick to prescribe antidepressants these days - 3/4 of my friends are on them!  Only they fail to mention the consequences.  Any drug that messes you up this bad can't be good, but I guess there are definitely people that benefit from them and need them.  I just don't think most people do."

I am doing very well.  The symptoms I experienced with the Celexa withdrawal are finally gone.  It took a very long six weeks."

"I've been taking supplement for about 4 days w/ 10mg. of Prozac and I feel like a million bucks!  Never better.  I was literally dancing to the meringue in the outlet mall with my friend.  This is from someone who a week ago was in bed for 2 days. I don't know what it is, but I'm a believer!  I was thinking of going down to 5 mgs. on Sunday.  I've been on antidepressants since I was 16--that's 13 years--and this is the closest I've ever come to getting off!"  

Continuing story - “It has been great.  I am completely off all meds now!  My husband is so proud of me.  He's like, "Have you had your supplement tonight?" I have sent the info to my mom and friends also.  I honestly never thought I'd be able to get off these drugs.  It is really a miracle.  (I am now drug free after nine years!!!!)"

 "I don't want to get cocky, but it’s been 22 days today without Prozac and I feel really good.  I feel I'm over the hump, the last 7 days or so have been pretty good.  Put it this way, I know I won't go back on it, I've made too much progress. I'm working well, feeling good and best of all NOT DEPRESSED except for a few minor mood swings."

"The first thing I noticed was an increase in energy. After a while, I started having pretty severe symptoms as the Zoloft was being cleansed from my system. The book advised me to split the supplement dose up, and take half in the morning and half in the afternoon, which eased the symptoms quite a bit.  It helps to follow instructions.  :-)”

Continuing story - “I've now been completely off Zoloft for a month.  I probably should have tapered a bit more slowly toward the end but I was impatient.  I paid for it though, and would never recommend to anyone that they try to hurry the process. The supplement really worked for me.  While it helped to rid my body of Zoloft, it also gave me the energy boost I needed to keep up the fight."

"Everything seems to be okay. The most noticeable improvement I have experienced so far is the cessation of the endless involved dreams I have been having. I have been sleeping much better since taking the supplement.

I am very pleased with the results so far. Unfortunately my doctor is on vacation, and therefore I haven't started tapering off the Zoloft as yet. I want to consult with her first, and will see her on the 12th of March.”

Continuing story – “I sleep so much better, and I dare say at this point in time that my irregular heart rhythms seem to have abated as well. I was hesitant at first to acknowledge even to myself that perhaps the horror that I have lived with where my heart beats were concerned, had actually slowed and diminished almost completely, but enough time has passed for me to feel comfortable enough to admit it.

Losing the 30 pounds I have gained since being on the Zoloft is my next goal, and because nothing I did seemed to work since I have been taking this medication, I will have to wait until I am tapering off to begin again in that direction.”

Continuing story – “I've had a strange day.  I haven't taken Zoloft since the night before last.  I was really dizzy earlier but since I had dinner, I feel a lot better.  I'm trying to eat less.  I put on a few pounds over the last several years and I want to get back to where I was.  I'm thinking that maybe the dizziness, although definitely related to Zoloft withdrawal, may have been worsened by not eating much today.

I also wanted to tell you that my house is clean and I enjoyed getting it that way.  I looked in the mirror today and I was happy with the face that was looking back at me. 

And I'm feeling optimistic and excited about the future. How's that for an update?

I feel like I might cry again!!!

One more thing to be optimistic about.  For me, this is like living a dream or winning the lottery. 

I'll make sure I eat enough and won't worry about my weight for the next month.  I'll keep up my walking every night, though.  It's been great!”

Continuing story – “Today is the best day I've had in a week.  I'm still dizzy and I have a headache, but the bizarre stuff I was feeling isn't bothering me.  I don't know if I can explain this so it makes sense, but... no matter how bad it got, there's an underlying strength and passion and energy that's been helping me get through it.  I honestly believe the energy is coming from the supplement and the rest is surfacing as the Zoloft cloud slowly goes away.

What an experience this is!  I'm going to put it to use eventually.  I'd really like to help this cause somehow in the future.  I've never felt this strongly about anything.  One step at a time, though.”

Continuing story – “I had a really nice day today.  I spent a lot of time in my garden and took my daughter shopping.  I'm still a bit dizzy, but it's very minor.  Mostly when I turn my head.  I have no pain, no tingling.  I've been getting up early like I used to years ago and enjoying the morning.  I go for a walk after dinner, get some work done on the computer, read a little and I'm ready for bed by 10:00 .  I love my new schedule!

Here's another change  ... I go to the door when the doorbell rings.  I'm feeling good about seeing people.  Oh, and I got a new hairstyle."

" The big picture is a good one.  Last night I had a crying spell which I can't explain, but today's been fine.  I think the biggest difference I've noticed in the last couple of weeks is that I FEEL things again.  I didn't realize how numb I was until I wasn't.  P.S.  I'm taking less than half a pill now . I had been trying to taper off Remeron for the past few months and was having the same old zaps, fatigue, crying, anxiety. This time with supplement, none of the side effects. Not one of them. I feel like I owe you my life. Thank you."

"My son's headaches have quit totally. He had lived with a headache everyday for 6 months and could hardly function because of them. Right at one month to the date my son's rash is gone. COMPLETELY. My wife and I have just realized he has not had a fever in about two weeks. I have to admit, at first when we purchased the supplement I did not believe it would help, I am a believer now. My entire family now uses supplement daily for preventive measures. Thank you."