Dean: Ssri cipralex

January 25, 2021

I wanted to ask anyone if they have experienced head nodding coming off ssri? I stopped the drug cold turkey and my head knods for no reason it has become better but is so embaressing for me does anyone else have this symptom does it ever stop and what can i do thanks Dean

January 26, 2021

Welcome to SA, Dean.

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. When did you cold turkey the Lexapro and at what dose?

Account Settings – Create or Edit a signature.

Odd movements of the body are typical symptoms of antidepressant withdrawal. Nodding of the head would be one example.

Tremors, shaking, body vibration, internal trembling - Page 2 ...

Depending on how long ago you cold turkeyed the drug, reinstatement of a very small dosage of your drug is the only known way to reduce withdrawal symptoms. Sometimes it works and sometimes it doesn't. The alternative is to wait until your system stabilizes. You will heal but there is no way to predict how long it will take. Please read:

About reinstating and stabilizing to reduce withdrawal symptoms. -- at least the first page of the topic

If reinstatement of a very small dose is something you are interested in, please let us know and e'll suggest a dosage. Do not reinstate without letting us suggest a dosage. Reinstating too much can destabilize you further and make things worse.

So that you have a better idea of what you're experiencing, 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, ask questions and connect with other members. We're glad you found your way here.

January 26, 2021

I quit the drug cold turkey last november and have never taken it since i was only 10 mg of cipralex. I also have issues with sleeping at night as well i think everyone is different symptoms are different with each person.