Re: Started up my escitalopram (Lexapro)
Originally Posted by
Golden
I weaned off at the end of summer because we are Trying to conceive #3.
You probably didn't need to go off escitalopram. With the exception of paroxetine (Paxil) it is unclear that antidepressants significantly increase the odds of birth defects or complications. Studies have reported slightly higher incidents of defects, but there doesn't seem to be a common pattern to them which may indicate the studies aren't showing a real issue, but just reporting statistical noise. The problem is that the number of patients in each study tends to be low, the defects tend to be mostly the rare ones and the increases they report are often small.
If planning to breastfeeding then sertraline (Zoloft) may be the better bet as very little, if any sertraline is expressed in the milk (Pinheiro E, 2015).
To complicate matters, maternal anxiety and/or depression can also affect the baby, both during gestation and later in life. Unfortunately, antidepressants and pregnancy is an issue where there is no clearcut 'right' answer. It needs to be thoroughly discussed with the family doctor and obstetrician and/or gynecologist.
So 3 nights ago I decided to start it again. I want to know if ANYONE remembers when they started lexapro. Did you have nausea/fluttery stomach feelings? I vaguely remember having some gastro issues with it at the beginning
Nausea and gastro issues are common initial side-effects of serotonergic antidepressants. Serotonin isn't only a brain neurotransmitter, it has many roles in the body, nor is the brain the most significant maker and user. It is in fact only a minor player accounting for less than 2% of all the serotonin made/used. By far the most serotonergic organ is the gut, particular the enteric nervous system, the mini brain which controls it (and via the vagus nerves has a major influence on the heart, lungs and brain, it seems to be the 'tail' that wags the brain 'dog'). It makes around 50 times as much serotonin as the brain and thus can be much more affected initially by SSRIs, SNRIs and some TCAs. It usually adapts within a couple of weeks, but symptoms may return for a short while after dose increases.
Ginger and/or vitamin B6 supplements are usual effective for nausea (B6 is apparently also great for morning sickness, btw), and loperamide (Imodium) should help if diarrhoea becomes an issue, however, seek medical advice before taking it if pregnant.
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The opinions expressed above are based on my observations and, where applicable, interpretation of cited data and are general in nature. Consult your physician before acting on anything stated.