Suggest Remedy For Achy Joints And Depression When Tapering Off Lexapro

Posted on Mon, 9 Feb 2015

Question: I am tapering off Lexapro using my doctor's weaning schedule. I am down to 2.5mg every other day. I took 20mg for 2 years. I am currently experiencing many of the Lexapro withdrawal symptoms - achy joints, flu-like symptoms, and some depression. Can I take L-Tryptophan 500mg to lessen these symptoms without having an adverse reaction since I'm not completely off Lexapro for another 2 weeks?

Answered by Dr. Dr. Chintan Solanki (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
You can take L-tryptophan but inform your doctor

Detailed Answer:
Hello,

Thanks for writing to us.

You can take L-tyrptophan as it is generally available as herbal supplement.It is an essential amino acid and after reaching to brain it helps in serotonin formation.

In normal scenario there is no adverse reaction.However there are chances that some side effects may occur in some patients depending upon quality of the product and sensitivity of the body to the product. Better to inform your doctor if you are taking something with your medicines. If your doctor is aware about the drug, he can help you immediately if need arises.

Note:L-tryptophan is often sold as an herbal supplement. There are no regulated manufacturing standards in place for many herbal compounds and some marketed supplements have been found to be contaminated with toxic metals or other drugs. It should be purchased from a reliable source to minimize the risk of contamination.Better to take advice of your doctor for the best local available product.

It is unlikely that at 2.5mg you have significant withdrawal of lexapro.And achy joints and flu like symptoms are also less common symptoms at this dose. Better to take opinion of doctor to confirm that it is lexapro withdrawal and nothing else.

Hope i have answered your query, i will be happy to help further.

Regards,
Dr.Chintan Solanki.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vaishalee Punj

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Chintan Solanki (8 hours later)

Thank you for your response. I saw my doctor today. She believes my general malaise may be Lexapro withdrawal related. She agreed with taking L-tryptophan or 5-HTP. Either one would be okay. In your opinion, is there more of an advantage to one over the other given my situation?

Answered by Dr. Dr. Chintan Solanki (4 hours later)

Brief Answer:
5-HTP is more helpful

Detailed Answer:
Hello,

Thanks for follow up.

L-tryptophan ultimately converted in to 5-HTP in body and then in to serotonin. So it is better to take 5-HTP directly.It will provide faster availability of serotonin in brain and reduce/stop your withdrawal.

If still any query there, I will be happy to answer.

If not, you can close the discussion and if feasible give your feedback so I can improve service.

In future you can contact me directly on HCM if you wish with this link:
http://bit.ly/drchintansolanki

Note: For further guidance on mental health, Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Bhagyalaxmi Nalaparaju