neir1648: tapering Lexapro - headaches

[neir1648]

Seeking advice on getting relief from pressure tension headaches

 

I just started to try to taper off Lexapro and have been experiencing terrible tension pressure headaches.  Occasionally these headaches go away for like 15-30 minutes and if anything my head then feels super light, but they then always come back with a vengeance. 

 

I’ve been taking Magnesium, Omega – 3, and Vitamin D3 but nothing seems to be helping. Would greatly appreciate any suggestions of any other supplements I can take or anything else I can do.

 

Thank you!

Edited October 21, 2022 by ChessieCat
added topic title

[manymoretodays]

Hi neir1648 and welcome,

How have you been tapering your Lexapro?

Headaches can be a pretty common WD(withdrawal) symptom and may be a sign that your taper is too fast.

When did they begin?  How frequent are they?

Have you found anything to relieve the headaches?

 

Here's is our topic on: Migraine, headache, neck pain, and head pressure

You can read about other members experiences with this symptom, and there may be tips for coping as well

 

We need you to create a signature for us:  Please put your withdrawal history in your signature.(just click on the underlined passage, and scroll to the first post if need be, then follow the instructions to do that. thank you)  And this is different from information given at registration in your confidential profile.  It will appear below your posts once done.

 

Are you on any other medications/drugs?  Include those in your signature if so.

 

Information for you:

Here at Surviving Antidepressants, it is recommended that a person taper by no more than 10% of their current dose with at least a four week hold in-between decreases.  The 10% taper recommendation is a harm reduction approach to going off psychiatric drugs.

*Why taper by 10% of my dosage?

 

*Tips for tapering off Lexapro

 

More about what happens when we taper, and WD(withdrawal)

Brain Remodelling

What is withdrawal syndrome.

 

Dr.Glenmullen’s withdrawal symptom list.

 

The Windows and Waves Pattern of Stabilization

 

When we take 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.  The CNS likes stability. Rebuilding the neurotransmitter production and reactivating the receptor and transporter cells takes time -- during that rebuilding process symptoms occur.

 

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.  However, start with one or the other, start low, go slow, and do observations along the way so you know how you respond to any new addition or change.

 

Magnesium, nature's calcium channel blocker 

Omega-3 fatty acids (fish oil) 

 

This is your introduction/journal page where you have now introduced yourself to the community, you can ask questions here regarding your tapering, and case, give updates, and just keep a record of your journey.  One Introduction per member please.

 

Welcome again.

Love, peace, healing, and growth,

manymoretodays(mmt)

Edited October 28, 2022 by manymoretodays