How to manage my depression after stopping Lexapro?

Question

Hi doctor,

When my father passed away, I was diagnosed with major depression and had been on medication Lexapro for about a year. My psychiatrist recently stopped my medications as I was feeling rather normal. Shortly, I came for holidays overseas hoping to become more relaxed and at ease. But, I am feeling more agitated, having sleep paralysis and constantly feeling down. I do not have any friends here to hang out. I am also stressed out because people call me thin and I am trying very hard to gain weight. I am now 94 pounds, and my ideal weight should be 110 pounds. I also feel down because of this. What can I do to help myself?

please advice,

Thank you.

Answer 1

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I can understand your situation.

You were taking Lexapro, which contains Escitalopram, since a long time. Sudden stopping of this drug causeswithdrawal symptoms like poor sleep, low mood, loss of interest in cheerful activities, etc.

I will suggest you make yourself busy and take some sleep medicines like Clonazepam, Zolpidem, etc., for a week to overcome withdrawal effects of Lexapro.

If symptoms persist, then I will suggest you restart the medicine and slowly taper its dosage and then stop it completely. It is the actual scientific way to stop this medication.

For further information consult a psychiatrist online.

I hope I have answered your question.

Let me know if I can assist you further.

Thank you.