How to stop Lexapro withdrawal symptoms?

Lexapro, or escitalopram, is one of the most widely used selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) for depression and anxiety disorders. It can be hugely beneficial for mental well-being; however, the opposite occurs if you suddenly stop taking it, as this triggers withdrawal symptoms known as SSRI discontinuation syndrome.

 

 

The symptoms can range from mild to unbearable but are manageable in most cases. Be aware of these possible withdrawal symptoms and prepare accordingly, which can help ease the transition.

What Are Lexapro Withdrawal Symptoms

Lexapro withdrawal symptoms are your body getting used to not having the medication in it. SSRIs such as Lexapro function by increasing serotonin in the brain, so when the medication is stopped abruptly or tapered too quickly, there is an immediate lack of serotonin stewing around in the brain to keep everything balanced. Symptoms may include:

1. Dizziness or faintness

2. Irritability and changes in behavior

3. Fatigue or lethargy

4. Nausea and stomach problems Missed Facts Of medicine In the body

5. Headaches

6. Disturbances in sleep: difficulty falling asleep, dreams of dubious or semi-authentic nature

7. Flu-like symptoms (muscle aches)

8. Brain zaps (short and quick sensations of brief electrical shock in the brain).

Rapidly getting off this drug can lead to withdrawal symptoms that can occur within days and last weeks, depending on the individual and how they went off the medication.

The principal means to mitigating symptoms is the gradual tapering.

Gradual tapering is perhaps the best way to mitigate or eliminate withdrawal symptoms. This includes tapering off the dose of Lexapro slowly—over the course of weeks or even months if directed by a healthcare provider. Tapering enables the brain to adjust to less and less serotonin gradually, so there is less shock to the system. Your physician will personalize a tapering schedule with you, considering your dose, time on the drug, and response.

Talk openly with your healthcare provider

It is important that you stay in close communication with your doctor when you are looking to come off Lexapro. A doctor can:

Keep track of how you’re feeling and the progress you’ve made

Modify the taper timetable as required

Reassure Mind and Help Them to Get Rid Off Concerns

Order other therapies if withdrawal symptoms startoff to be serious

Do not discontinue Lexapro cold turkey without your doctor’s consent because it can make withdrawal symptoms feel worse and put you at a higher risk of relapse.

How to Manage Withdrawal Symptoms: Lifestyle Strategies

Lexapro withdrawal symptoms can be soothed with various lifestyle changes and coping mechanisms. These include:

Maintain a Healthy Diet

Nourish: Healthy, balanced meals filled with vitamins and minerals are essential to overall health as well as the functioning of the brain. Salmon and other foods with omega-3 fatty acids (walnuts, flaxseeds) can help mood regulation.

Stay Hydrated

Hydration helps get rid of physical symptoms like headaches and fatigue. Drink at least eight glasses of water every day while minimizing caffeine and alcohol intake, as they worsen anxiety and irritability.

Exercise Regularly

Endorphins, natural painkillers released in the brain due to physical activity, promote a feeling of well-being. Light activities like walking and yoga can uplift moods and help ease stress.

Prioritize Sleep

Add to that the fact that withdrawal can completely disrupt sleep, and it makes sense why sticking to a strict bedtime routine is so important. Reduce pre-bed screen exposure, foster a soothing atmosphere, and practice any relaxation exercises such as meditation or deep breathing exercises.

Manage Stress

Use stress-reduction techniques like mindfulness, meditation, or journaling. This can prevent emotional fluctuations and ease anxiety through the process of withdrawal.

Medications and Supplements for Symptom Relief

Depending on the unique symptoms and signs a woman may be encountering, her health care provider may prescribe medications or vitamin supplements to help control those specific signs. For example:

Antihistamines that work without a prescription could help with the nausea.

Melatonin or herbal supplements such as valerian root can help improve sleep quality.

SOME PRACTICE: Add Omega-3 Fatty Acids or Magnesium Supplements to Your Diet to Support Brain Health and Reduce Mood Swings

So be sure to check with your doctor before starting any new medication or supplement to make sure you are cleared for it.

While this is a process, it does not have to take place in isolation.

It can be difficult both mentally and physically to withdraw, and a support system is the most valuable set of tools one could have. For example, just take a look at the following:

Management of mood swings, anxiety, or depressive symptoms that might develop while withdrawing can be alleviated by working with a counselor or therapist.

Find Support Groups: Sharing with others who have experienced similar loss can provide reassurance and advice on ways to cope.

Family & Friends Tell your family and friends about the situation so they can be ready to support you.

Note Down and Respond to the Relapse

One of the risks when stopping Lexapro is that depression or anxiety symptoms may return. It may be challenging to tell withdrawal effects from a relapse; however, symptoms that last more than some weeks—or amplify over time—should not herald strong healing regression. Contact your clinician or health care provider right away if you think you are experiencing a relapse, so that they can provide potential treatments.

THE ROLE OF PATIENCE

Some time passes until your body adapts to the absence of Lexapro. Occasionally, it could be an indication of withdrawal symptoms after stopping this type of drug while the body gets used to operating without it. This process requires patience and self-care, as well as professional help.

When to go to the doctor

In not-so-common cases, you might end up with serious withdrawal symptoms, which can cause a lot of distress or prevent your normal day from functioning. If you experience:

Thoughts of suicide or extreme mood changes

o Symptoms that are not going away or getting worse

Physical signs that get in the way of your functioning

Romanova felt that the main takeaway from her study is that individuals should inform them right away. They have intervention ways to control your case and avert complications.

Conclusion

Lexapro should never stop suddenly and is used for the treatment of anxiety and depression. It works on serotonin levels, so if you are aware of some effective ways, nothing can work better. Although the process is tough, the majority find symptoms diminish over time and ultimately become manageable. Moving away from Lexapro—and toward healing with a little bit of work, encouragement, & the right approach—is totally achievable!