Lexapro Withdrawal Symptoms
When discontinuing Lexapro withdrawal symptoms can be experienced. Particularly, if you stop taking the medication abruptly and you don’t wean yourself off of it over a period of time. There were several studies done prior to marketing the drug and reports were made of withdrawal symptoms. Some of the withdrawal symptoms were more severe than others.
Keep in mind, these withdrawal symptoms occur primarily when you stop taking the drug by going “cold turkey”. It is never a good idea to just stoo taking any antidepressant! Ironically, it increases the risk of suicide and the withdrawal symptoms can be serious and severe.
When you stop taking an antidepressant, you need to wean yourself off slowly to minimize the horrible side effects that result. Usually you'll wean off of the meds over the course of a couple of weeks. Nonetheless, here are some of the withdrawal symptoms that have been reported:
If you have decided to stop taking the medication then get advice from your physician on how to gradually reduce the dose over time so that you can minimize your chances of experiencing these things. If your experience become worse and worse, to the point where you can’t tolerate it, then consult your doctor. Your doctor will tell you how to stop taking Lexapro so that you can stop taking the drug successfully.
Switching To or From an MAOI
An MAOI, as described on my Depression Medications page, is monoamine oxidase inhibitor. Examples include Nardil, Parnate and Manerix.
If you are switching to or from an MAOI, it is important that you allow 14 days between taking one or the other so that you can clean out your system. Findings indicate that if the switch happens within the 14 day window serious, even fatal, Lexapro withdrawal symptoms can occur. Examples include:
So use caution if you are switching between an SSRI, like Lexapro, and an MAOI, like Nardil.
Are you thinking about discontinuing Lexapro because you are pregnant? Take a look at my Lexapro and Pregnancy page.
Perhaps you are experiencing some adverse Lexapro side effects that you are concerned about? If so, you should consult your physician. This would include Lexapro sexual side effects.
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