Can lexapro stop working?

If you’ve been taking Lexapro for a while, you might be wondering whether it’s possible to become immune to its effects. You may feel as though your symptoms are worsening and that the medication is losing its potency, leading you down the path of questioning: can Lexapro stop working?

Well, my friend, that’s what we’re here to explore today! Let’s dive into what causes this phenomenon and answer some frequently asked questions about stopping or continuing use.

The Science Behind Why It Could Stop Working

To understand why a drug like Lexapro could stop being effective over time, we must delve into science; hang tight (we promise not to make this explanation boring).

Firstly, it’s essential to know how SSRIs work in the brain— Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs) do exactly what they claim by inhibiting the reabsorption of serotonin – a chemical neurotransmitter – ending up with more available in your brain. Hence why they’re prescribed for treating anxiety or depression disorders since people with these conditions usually have low levels of Serotonin.

However, despite anecdotal reports from users- which should never fully be disregarded—studies indicate that after prolonged exposure/ usage; certain individuals experience lesser medicinal efficacy than early on. Let us explain why:

Brain Adaptation

The human body is unique with its ability and tendency toward adaption- Our brains included albeit complex require constant adjustments such as neuroplasticity which happens when our neurons change their activity patterns aiding new information storage/neuronal connections formation responsible for learning and memory creation -nifty huh?

Now imagine having an influx of serotonin consistently building-up within your synapses due to SSRI intake daily ‒ our amazingly adaptive brains “see” this accumulation coming via Synaptic plasticity making neural changes/threshold adaptations slowly-but-surely resulting in drug tolerance/ineffectiveness ^(1).

Genetic Disposition

Each individual is unique and includes genetic variations that may affect how they metabolize substances such as medication leading to different results (side effects). In some cases, people’s liver may separate down drugs rapidly leading to less time of the medication’s usefulness; making them increase the dosage or worsening side effects.

Hence why it’s best to seek your doctor before restarting, reducing or stopping Lexapro intake on your own volition.

Signs that It Could Be Time To Stop Taking Lexapro

While under no circumstances should you stop taking a prescription without consulting your doctor beforehand-There are signs when discontinuing specialist guidance is essential:

  • Consistent Withdrawal Symptoms
  • Suicidal Thoughts/Suicide ‘Attempt’
  • Significant Changes In Mood
  • Mania/hypomania

Always remember Consult A Specialist if these symptoms start because discontinuing suddenly could be detrimental emotionally and physically ^(2).

What Are My Options If I Think Lexapro Is No Longer Working?

Suppose you’re starting to believe that you’re immune to the effect caused by taking lexipro – always consult first with your physician instead of “cold turkey” quitting unpremeditated – Here are a couple of likely scenarios!

Scenario 1: Alternatives Therapy May Be Required

If after consultation, You’ll still require help treating anxiety/depression-related illnesses — And this leads towards an alternative therapy path/review adjustments for LexaPro doses required – so don’t despair panic ^([3]).

SSRIs are not only treatments available out there for depression and anxiety management. Other options worth considering include Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), SSRIs/similar antidepressants (for clinical/major depressive disorder) from professional opinions. So even supposing SSRI turned out ineffective? There’s hope all around!

Scenario 2: Medication Switch (Antidepressant permutations)

You should know that sometimes to treat those unwilling symptoms -Doctors might switch your medication type or alter doses altogether which has demonstrated to be helpful in certain cases. Therefore when your specialist knows the results of genetic testing and chemical changes — They could recommend a different antidepressant.

Though never hesitate in enquiring if any natural/home remedies can be followed initially since self-awareness is key ^(4).

What Can I Do To Avoid This From Happening?

No one wants their hard-won progress with therapy go down the drain from reduced drug sensitivity. Here are several steps you can take, begining prior Lexapro ingestion/cancellation:

Step 1 – Fully disclose pertinent health history (+Family genetics)

Before any drugs prescription; Ensure transparency with Specialist therapist who’ll ask about family histories regarding mental illness or other medical issues among yourselves^([5]), this practice earns better medication call-outs suited for your needs makes deciding an easier task.

Step 2 – Steer Clear Of Alcohol & Other Substances

Drinking alcohol/Self-medicating seems tempting-options worth trying after long hard days-Despite so It’s always best to steer-clear while on SSRI use or consulting beforehand because substances may interact poorly leaving adverse effects or even rendering them ineffective (best not throw Lexus away, am i right?)!

Step 3 – Adjust At A Comfortable Pace

Suppose You ever need dosage/med changes keeping it gradual would help avoid sudden withdrawal side effects regulation (Guideline permitting) besides getting professional approval regarding anything relating to medications alterations/modifications ^([6]).

Frequently Asked Questions About Antidepressants Stopping Working

Here’s some additional information we think will benefit anyone seeking for answers related to stopping of usage:

How Long Does It Take For An Antidepressant To Stop Working?

It’s dependent/Situation since everyone reacts differently to medication, but after prolonged simultaneous dosage exposure between 10-20 weeks (roughly about six months), some could experience reduced effect/ effectiveness. Hence the significance of having more consultation.

Should I Consider Increasing My Dosage?

Increasing Dosage leads to incrementing useful-by date – This isn’t often recommended in cases where one may even need therapeutic alternatives mentioned above that provide improved results while keeping side effects at bay -All changes prescribed ought be backed by a specialist physical interaction evaluation ^([7]).

If It Stopped Working Once Can It Work Again Later On?

It depends on person-to-person and symptoms within range as well if need-reason antidepressants can begin again later — seeking expert help still necessary for this had already experienced resistance occurrences.( Never forget Transparency Facilitating With Professional Therapist)

Conclusion

Maintaining peak medicinal effectiveness when utilizing LexaPro prescriptions is not always easy with reported tolerances known to arise from situational dependencies or internal chemistries/variations; Individual adaption/ Interaction differences indicate diverse responses among people regarding drugs consumption. However, finding an effective treatment remains possible through scientific methods such as testing various meds-dosages available under Specialist’s continuous administrations alongside other alternative therapies available today.

Therefore suppose you ever doubt related questions urge inquiries from medical professionals first before taking next steps which could save lives-literally and figuratively…Remember: ‘if unsure ask‘!

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