Zipocal: Lexapro - tapered off in September, now strong withdrawals

[Zipocal]

New member here - I was curious to see if anyone has had issues with Post Acute Withdrawal Syndrome (PAWS)?

 

I was on Lexapro for the second time in my life.  First time I successfully tapered off.  The usual withdrawals for the first two months.  This time around I tapered slowly for four months, and took my last dose in September.  

 

Recently I have been getting daily headaches.  I wake up with a little tingle in my head which slowly turns into a headache the same time everyday.  Pain, dizziness, nausea.  I had blood work and getting a CT scan later this week.  The doctor things its too long for withdrawal but it feels very familiar.  Has anyone experienced this?  If so, will this go away long term?  Ironically the preventative treatment for tension headaches / migranes is... lexapro.

 

Thank you in advance.

Edited April 19, 2021 by Gridley

[Gridley]

Welcome to SA, Zipocal.

 

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.

 

Account Settings – Create or Edit a signature.

 

Many members here have had or have issues with PAWS.  Google "SurvivingAntidepressants.org PAWS" to read more.

 

Every time you taper a drug your system becomes sensitized.  This would explain why you didn't have problems with your first taper but do with your second.  A four month taper is  fast, and withdrawal symptoms can be delayed.  The symptoms you describe are typical 

withdrawal symptoms.  Yes, you will heal, but it can take some time.  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

 

Here is some information about headaches and withdrawal.  I had severe back of neck pain beginning months after I started tapering (now gone).

 

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 are 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.