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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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What Causes Excess Sweating,dizziness And Headache After Withdrawing Lamictal And Lexapro?

I have been on lamictal 100 mg and lexapro 20 mg for about 6 years. In March, I stopped taking them cold turkey (I will never ever do this again) anyway, I ve been really ill for th last few months and the sickness started when I stopped taking my meds. I was too afraid to tell anyone and too embarrassed and didn t want anyone to force me back on them. Anyway, I ve been getting lots of bloodtests for hormone imbalances, lymes, mono, Etc and absolutely nothing is wrong with me. It recently hit me that I may be in withdrawal. I am so sick and miserable. Sweating all the time, hot flashes, dizzy, headaches- it s like menopause, and it s constant. Anyway, I told my dr and he said to start my lexapro and lamictal again but cut the doses in half.. Well it s day 5 back on my meds and I don t feel better. I m wondering if 1) could this be withdrawal? My doctor says these meds don t usually have withdrawal symptoms, but he doesn t know that I stopped cold turkey for 3 months, and 2) if this sickness is withdrawal, wouldn t I feel better after 5 days? Should I keep waiting it out or get more tests done for other things? Thank you so much for your help, I am so desperate to feel better.
Thu, 10 Sep 2020
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General & Family Physician 's  Response
Hi,

You are absolutely right. Lamictal is Lamotrigine in therapeutic class which acts as an anti-convulsant medication. Lamictal withdrawals can be mild, moderate or severe. Withdrawal symptoms of Lamictal are mood swings, anxiety, irritability, headache, dizziness, sweating etc. While discontinuing treatment or decreasing dosage, you should work with your doctor to gradually taper the level of medication over a minimum of 2 weeks' time. Stopping Lamictal suddenly can cause serious health problems that you have already mentioned.

Similarly, Lexapro is Escitalopram in therapeutic class acts as an anti-depressants. Stopping Lexapro abruptly may cause irritability, nausea, dizziness, nightmares, depression, headache etc., which usually start within 2-4 days after stopping and can last for 1-2 weeks. I think you should start your medications again; that will help subside your present sufferings. Later, try to stop them gradually according to your doctor's advice.

Take care. Hope I have answered your question. Let me know if I can assist you further.

Regards,
Dr. Zubayer Alam, General & Family Physician
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What Causes Excess Sweating,dizziness And Headache After Withdrawing Lamictal And Lexapro?

Hi, You are absolutely right. Lamictal is Lamotrigine in therapeutic class which acts as an anti-convulsant medication. Lamictal withdrawals can be mild, moderate or severe. Withdrawal symptoms of Lamictal are mood swings, anxiety, irritability, headache, dizziness, sweating etc. While discontinuing treatment or decreasing dosage, you should work with your doctor to gradually taper the level of medication over a minimum of 2 weeks time. Stopping Lamictal suddenly can cause serious health problems that you have already mentioned. Similarly, Lexapro is Escitalopram in therapeutic class acts as an anti-depressants. Stopping Lexapro abruptly may cause irritability, nausea, dizziness, nightmares, depression, headache etc., which usually start within 2-4 days after stopping and can last for 1-2 weeks. I think you should start your medications again; that will help subside your present sufferings. Later, try to stop them gradually according to your doctor s advice. Take care. Hope I have answered your question. Let me know if I can assist you further. Regards, Dr. Zubayer Alam, General & Family Physician