If you are trying to break free from Lexapro withdrawal symptoms, you are not alone. Many people have experienced debilitating physical and emotional symptoms when coming off the medication. Withdrawal can be difficult and overwhelming, but overcoming these challenges and reclaiming your life is possible. In this blog post, we will explore the physical and emotional impacts of Lexapro withdrawal and provide useful strategies for successfully managing your symptoms.
Understanding Lexapro Withdrawal
Lexapro belongs to a class of medications known as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). These drugs increase serotonin levels in the brain, which helps regulate mood. When someone discontinues Lexapro, their brain adjusts to function without the artificial increase in serotonin that Lexapro provides. If you or a loved one is going through withdrawal from Lexapro, it’s essential to be aware of the dangers associated with withdrawal because the process is both physical and emotional. It’s best to handle withdrawal with compassion as well as medical attention. Let’s take a look at some of the physical impacts of Lexapro withdrawal.
The Physical Impacts of Lexapro Withdrawal
The physical impacts of Lexapro withdrawal can be both challenging and frustrating. When discontinuing the medication, you may experience many uncomfortable symptoms that can make daily life difficult.
- Flu-like Symptoms: Many individuals going through Lexapro withdrawal report flu-like symptoms such as headaches, muscle aches, and fatigue. These physical discomforts can be unsettling but are typically temporary.
- Gastrointestinal Distress: Digestive issues like nausea, diarrhea, or stomach cramps are common during withdrawal. Staying hydrated and maintaining a balanced diet can help alleviate your discomfort.
- Dizziness and Balance Issues: Vertigo or dizziness is a common side effect as your brain adjusts to changes in serotonin levels. Make sure you are around supportive people while going through withdrawal and take precautions to prevent falls.
- Electric Shocks or Brain Zaps: Some patients describe a sensation of “electric shocks” or “brain zaps” during Lexapro withdrawal. These sensations can be uncomfortable and typically fade over time.
- Trouble Sleeping: Insomnia or unusual dreams may affect your sleep patterns. Establishing a bedtime routine and discussing sleep management strategies with a healthcare professional can be helpful.
Emotional Impacts of Lexapro Withdrawal
Going through Lexapro withdrawal can have a significant emotional impact on individuals. It’s important to be aware that emotional symptoms are common during this process and that they are temporary.
Anxiety and Depression
Paradoxically, withdrawal from an antidepressant like Lexapro can sometimes lead to heightened anxiety or depressive symptoms. This underscores the importance of working closely with a healthcare provider during the withdrawal process.
Irritability and Mood Swings
Emotional volatility is a common withdrawal symptom. Friends and family should be informed of the situation to provide support and understanding.
Difficulty Concentrating From Withdrawal
Many individuals experience cognitive challenges during withdrawal, including difficulty concentrating or “brain fog.” This is typically transient.
Emotional Numbness
Some individuals report feeling emotionally numb or disconnected from their surroundings. These feelings should be communicated to a healthcare provider.
Heightened Cravings for the Medication
A desire to resume Lexapro during withdrawal can emerge as you seek relief from the symptoms. It’s important to have open communication with a healthcare provider and come up with coping strategies to help you along the way.
Compassionate Coping Strategies for Withdrawal
When dealing with physical and emotional symptoms of Lexapro withdrawal, it’s essential to focus on self-care practices that can help alleviate your discomfort. Here are a couple of our best strategies for coping with withdrawal
Talk With a Healthcare Professional
Before starting the withdrawal process, consult your prescribing healthcare provider. They can offer guidance, monitor your progress, and make necessary adjustments to your treatment plan.
Tapering
Gradual dose reduction, or tapering, is a common approach to minimize withdrawal symptoms. Never abruptly discontinue Lexapro without professional guidance.
Find Your Support System
Lean on friends and family for emotional support. Having a trusted confidant can help you navigate the emotional challenges.
Incorporate a Self-Care Routine
Prioritize self-care activities such as regular exercise, a balanced diet, and stress management techniques like mindfulness or meditation.
Stay Informed About Lexapro
Educate yourself about Lexapro withdrawal and what to expect. Knowledge can empower you to cope effectively.
Practicing Breathwork Can Be Very Helpful
Remember that you deserve to live the healthy life of your dreams. Take some deep breaths, and accept yourself where you are at. Put on a five-minute timer and let your breath do the rest.
Try Yoga During Recovery
The best type of yoga for recovering from addiction is Yin Yoga. It focuses on calming and stretching the body, holding poses for more extended periods than a traditional yoga practice. This type of practice helps to relax the nervous system while providing deep stretches into the connective tissues, which can help reduce the stress that may have built up due to a substance abuse disorder.
Therapies for Lexapro Withdrawal and Recovery
At Magnolia Ranch Recovery, our team of professionals understands the challenges that individuals face to overcome Lexapro addiction and withdrawal. We combine a number of modalities to combat addiction and relapse. These therapies include the following:
- Art therapy
- Group Therapy
- Meditation
- Yoga therapy
- Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)
- Dialectic behavioral therapy (DBT)
- Trauma/PTSD therapy
- Equine therapy
It’s best to combine multiple modalities that include self-reflection and self-care with the help of licensed health professionals. Your journey towards recovery is a process, and you don’t have to go about it alone. At Magnolia Ranch Recovery, you will meet medical professionals as well as recovering addicts so that you can begin building the community you need for recovery.
Navigate Lexapro Withdrawal Successfully at Magnolia Ranch Recovery
The most effective way to cope with Lexapro withdrawal symptoms is to do it under the guidance and care of professionals. At Magnolia Ranch Recovery, we take a holistic and compassionate approach to your recovery. We provide our patients with a serene and secluded place of rest and recovery in Tennessee.
Are you ready to get your life back? Contact us today to get started on your recovery.
