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Dr. Andrew Rynne
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Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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What Causes Heart Palpitations After Weaning Off Lexapro?

I am 36 years old. 4 weeks pregnant (just). I have been tapering off Lexapro 20mg over the last month and have not taken my medication now for 5 days. I have discovered today i have bp of 144/88. I have experienced what feels like heart palpitations. I usually have a very healthy bp of 110/60. I have been very emotional, stressed and frustrated this week, especially today. I also have been experiencing nausea and tiredness due to pregnancy. Please give me some advice.. Thankyou.
Tue, 23 Jun 2015
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Psychiatrist,  's  Response
Hello thanks for asking from HCM for your health related queries

I can understand your concern. Lexapro is escitalopram and the drug is a SSRI drug. Abrupt stoppage or rapid dose reduction of the drug after prolonged intake result in withdrawal symptoms. You are pregnant of 4 weeks so the drug should be stopped because of associated effects on developing foetus. As you are having racing heart, palpitations, stress, frustration, tiredness etc symptoms on stopping the drug so in such case I'd advise you to consult your psychiatrist and obstetrician for proper evaluation. Out of SSRIs sertraline is considered as safest to use in pregnancy. The drug can help in reducing restlessness and anxiety you are having. For immediate relief of symptoms medicines like Clonazepam in low doses can help. The medicines will help to reduce the acute symptoms. Please talk to your doctor about the problems you are having.

Thanks, Hope this helps you.
Take care

Dr. Seikhoo Bishnoi,
Psychiatrist.
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What Causes Heart Palpitations After Weaning Off Lexapro?

Hello thanks for asking from HCM for your health related queries I can understand your concern. Lexapro is escitalopram and the drug is a SSRI drug. Abrupt stoppage or rapid dose reduction of the drug after prolonged intake result in withdrawal symptoms. You are pregnant of 4 weeks so the drug should be stopped because of associated effects on developing foetus. As you are having racing heart, palpitations, stress, frustration, tiredness etc symptoms on stopping the drug so in such case I d advise you to consult your psychiatrist and obstetrician for proper evaluation. Out of SSRIs sertraline is considered as safest to use in pregnancy. The drug can help in reducing restlessness and anxiety you are having. For immediate relief of symptoms medicines like Clonazepam in low doses can help. The medicines will help to reduce the acute symptoms. Please talk to your doctor about the problems you are having. Thanks, Hope this helps you. Take care Dr. Seikhoo Bishnoi, Psychiatrist.