Lexapro Withdrawal

Most people may not be aware as to what exactly does Lexapro do? The drug is prescribed for patients suffering from major depression and anxiety disorders. Such disorders set in when there isn't enough production of serotonin (it is a neurotransmitter involved in inducing sleep depression and memory recollection) in the brain. So what Lexapro does is, it helps the brain to begin the production of this very neurotransmitter and that is the reason why it acts as a Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor (SSRI). Also, the drug prevents the reabsorption of serotonin by some nerves. So what happens when someone suddenly makes up his mind to stop using this drug?

Lexapro Withdrawal Side Effects

A sudden episode of Lexapro withdrawal causes a disruption in the regulation of the neurotransmitter serotonin production. What happens is, with time, as you are taking this drug, your brain becomes used to high levels of serotonin. But a sudden withdrawal, the nerved cells are known to suck up a good amount of this neurotransmitter in the body. It may even happen that you may have lesser serotonin in your brain than before you start administering Lexapro. Common symptoms which people come across include fever, sweating, discomfort in the abdomen, chills, flu-like symptoms, dizziness, headache and fatigue.

Other side effects that may occur include pain in muscles and joints, insomnia, vomiting, nausea, tremors, diarrhea, weakness and lethargy. The affected person may feel that his memory and concentration are getting worse with time and so does his vision, which may appear blurry. Nightmares and vivid dreams have also been reported to have appeared in some people who were withdrawing from Lexapro. Irritability, vertigo, aggression, dry mouth, anorexia, agitation, restlessness, tingling sensations and hallucinations, and even suicidal tendencies may occur. All these symptoms may stay for 1-10 days after stopping this medicine.

Treatment Plan

One must never stop administering Lexapro, without discussing the possible repercussions and solutions for it, with his/her physician. What the physician will do is, he/she would wean the patient gradually, so as to minimize the side effects. There are chances that despite this method, the side effects may reoccur. And if they do, the patient will again be put on his usual Lexapro dosage and then weaned off even more slowly.

Apart from following what the doctor recommends, you can take a few measures at home in order to manage the withdrawal symptoms of Lexapro If you are troubled with insomnia, then avoid drinking caffeine or alcohol up to 6 hours before bed time. Also avoid any kind of exercise. Keep the atmosphere of your bedroom dark and cool. It is also beneficial to have a glass of milk, just before you retire to bed. Taking a warm bath or soak also helps in inducing sleep.

For mild headaches, get help from over-the-counter medications. But for severe ones, it would be wise to discuss with a doctor. Prolonging headaches may signify something grave. Lexapro and weight gain seem to be inter-related in the case of withdrawal of Lexapro. Inculcating a balanced diet and regular exercises, provide a great deal of help in countering this symptom. People can take care of the dry mouth symptom by sipping water now and then, chewing gum, avoiding salty foods, alcohol and tobacco and taking sugarless hard candy.

To conclude, one of the severe side effects that may be triggered by Lexapro withdrawal, is suicidal tendency, especially among teenagers. So, if someone has been reported to attempt suicide in the past, then extra caution must be exercised if the person is to be administered with this antidepressant drug.