Br3521: GI issues and withdrawal

[Br3521]

I tapered off Lexapro 20mg over the course of a few months with the last dose in June 2020. I started getting constipated shortly thereafter (only other time I had constipation was after weaning off for a couple years in 2011). I also started experiencing brain fog, irritability, and unintended weight loss over the course of 8 months. this year I was diagnosed with Sibo and have been treating it for months. Slow motility is a cause of Sibo and I’ve read other stories of people getting sibo after withdrawing from an Ssri also. The Sibo has brought my anxiety back with a vengeance (I’m also obsessive compulsive) and it’s been miserable. I’d like to find out from others:

1. Does anyone know why getting off lexapro would affect digestion/motility? Could it be the serotonin being taken out?

2. Will it ever go back to homeostasis or is my motility ruined?

3. For those who’ve experienced this, Is it possible to get rid of sibo and keep it gone without having to go back on the antidepressant?

Im being encouraged to go back on by several doctors including my psychiatrist and GI doctor as my anxiety is worse than it’s ever been. I have honestly been considering it but I don’t want to go through all of this again when I try to taper off again. 
 

Would appreciate any insight!!

[Gridley]

Welcome to SA, Br3521.

 

To give members the best information, we ask them to summarize their medication history in a signature -- drugs, doses, dates, and discontinuations & reinstatements, in the last 12-24 months particularly.  A list format is best.  You'll need to use a computer rather than a phone.

 

Account Settings – Create or Edit a signature.

 

We have a number of threads on sibo.  One is below.  For more, please Google SurvivingAntidepressants. org sibo

 

Gastrointestinal issues: small intestinal overgrowth syndromes ...

 

To answer your questions:

 

1.  Going off these drugs affects every aspect of your central nervous system, including digestive issues.  Digestive issues are common in withdrawal.

 

What is withdrawal syndrome.

 

See 35-39 in the following list of common withdrawal symptoms.

 

Daily Checklist of Antidepressant Withdrawal Symptoms (PDF) 

 

2.  I can't speak to non-drug withdrawal aspects of motility.  With respect to drug-caused problems with motility, it has been our experience that withdrawal symptoms resolve in time.

 

3. We don't recommend going on drugs to deal with physical symptoms.  Read through the sibo links I mentioned.

 

Here is some information on withdrawal and the healing process:

 

What is withdrawal syndrome.

 

Daily Checklist of Antidepressant Withdrawal Symptoms (PDF) 

 

The Windows and Waves Pattern of Stabilization

 

When we take psychiatric medications, the CNS (central nervous system) responds by making changes over the months and years we take the drug(s). When the medication is discontinued, the CNS has to undo all the changes it made. Rebuilding the neurotransmitter production and reactivating the receptor and transporter cells takes time -- during that rebuilding process symptoms occur.  

 

These explain the healing process really well.

 

Brain Remodelling 

 

Video:  Healing From Antidepressants - Patterns of Recovery

 

We don't recommend a lot of supplements on SA, as many members report being sensitive to them due to our over-reactive nervous systems, but two supplements that we do recommend are magnesium and omega 3 (fish oil). Many people find these to be calming to the nervous system. 

 

Magnesium, nature's calcium channel blocker 

 

Omega-3 fatty acids (fish oil) 

 

Add in one at a time and at a low dose in case you do experience problems. Get supplements that ae single ingredient (not mixed with other types of supplements).

 

This is your Introduction topic, where you can complete your drug signature, questions and connect with other members.  We're glad you found your way here.