A Medical Disclaimer
The following article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional before making any decisions about your medication. Stopping or changing your dose of Nexito 20 without medical supervision can lead to significant withdrawal symptoms and other health risks.
Understanding Nexito 20 and Escitalopram
Nexito 20 is a brand name for a medication whose active ingredient is Escitalopram (20mg) [1.2.2]. It belongs to a class of antidepressants called Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs) [1.2.3]. SSRIs work by increasing the levels of serotonin, a chemical messenger in the brain, which helps improve mood and relieve symptoms of depression and anxiety [1.2.3, 1.2.1]. Nexito is commonly prescribed for major depressive disorder, anxiety disorders, and obsessive-compulsive disorder [1.2.2, 1.2.4].
What is Antidepressant Discontinuation Syndrome?
When you stop taking an SSRI like Nexito, especially abruptly, your brain needs time to adjust to the absence of the medication [1.5.7]. This adjustment period can trigger a range of symptoms known as antidepressant discontinuation syndrome [1.3.2]. These symptoms are not a sign of addiction but a physiological response to the change in brain chemistry [1.2.3]. The incidence of this syndrome is common, affecting a significant portion of patients who discontinue antidepressants [1.4.3]. Symptoms typically begin within one to five days of stopping or reducing the dose and can last for a few weeks or, in some cases, longer [1.3.8, 1.5.5].
Common Withdrawal Symptoms of Nexito 20
Withdrawal symptoms can be both physical and psychological. The experience varies from person to person.
Physical Symptoms
Many individuals report flu-like symptoms during withdrawal. Common physical effects include:
- Dizziness and Imbalance: Feeling lightheaded, unsteady, or experiencing vertigo is very common [1.3.2].
- Nausea and Digestive Issues: This can include nausea, vomiting, cramps, and diarrhea [1.3.2].
- Flu-like Symptoms: Headaches, muscle pain, weakness, chills, and fatigue are frequently reported [1.3.2, 1.3.9].
- Sensory Disturbances: A very distinct symptom is "brain zaps," which feel like brief electrical shocks in the head [1.3.2, 1.3.6]. Others might experience ringing in the ears (tinnitus) or a heightened sensitivity to sound [1.3.2].
- Sleep Problems: Insomnia, vivid or unusual dreams, and nightmares are common sleep disturbances [1.3.2, 1.3.6].
Psychological and Emotional Symptoms
The brain's chemical re-adjustment also leads to emotional and cognitive changes:
- Mood Swings: Increased anxiety, agitation, irritability, and anger can occur [1.3.2, 1.3.4].
- Depression and Suicidal Thoughts: There can be a return or worsening of depressive symptoms. It is critical to seek immediate medical help if you experience any thoughts of suicide or self-harm [1.3.2, 1.3.3].
- Cognitive Difficulties: Some people experience confusion, difficulty concentrating, and memory problems, often described as "brain fog" [1.3.2].
- Crying Spells: Unexplained crying is another reported symptom [1.3.2].
Factors Influencing Withdrawal Severity
The intensity and duration of withdrawal symptoms can be influenced by several factors:
- Dosage and Duration: Higher doses (like 20mg) and longer-term use are associated with a higher risk of more severe withdrawal symptoms [1.4.5, 1.6.6].
- Pace of Discontinuation: Stopping the medication abruptly ("cold turkey") leads to more intense symptoms than a gradual reduction [1.3.4]. The FDA explicitly recommends a gradual dose reduction instead of abrupt cessation [1.6.7].
- Individual Physiology: Every person's body chemistry is different, leading to varied reactions [1.2.4].
Comparison: Abrupt Cessation vs. Gradual Tapering
| Aspect | Abrupt Cessation ("Cold Turkey") | Gradual Tapering |
|---|---|---|
| Symptom Severity | Often intense and debilitating [1.3.7] | Minimized and more manageable [1.5.2] |
| Symptom Onset | Rapid, within 1-2 days [1.3.9] | Delayed or less noticeable [1.5.5] |
| Health Risks | Higher risk of severe mood changes, including return of depression and suicidal ideation [1.3.3] | Lower risk; allows for monitoring and adjustment [1.5.6] |
| Medical Guidance | Strongly discouraged by medical professionals [1.6.6] | The universally recommended method under a doctor's supervision [1.6.7] |
How to Safely Manage Nexito Withdrawal
Never attempt to stop taking Nexito 20 on your own. The safest method is a slow, gradual dose reduction planned and monitored by your doctor. This is called tapering [1.5.2].
- Consult Your Doctor: Before making any changes, discuss your desire to stop the medication with your healthcare provider. They will create a personalized tapering schedule for you [1.5.6].
- Follow a Tapering Schedule: The doctor will likely reduce your dose in small increments over several weeks or even months [1.6.1]. For a 20mg dose, this might involve stepping down to 15mg, then 10mg, 5mg, and even smaller doses before stopping completely [1.6.1, 1.6.2].
- Monitor Symptoms: Keep your doctor informed about any withdrawal symptoms you experience. They may need to slow down the taper if symptoms are severe [1.5.6].
- Lifestyle Support: Certain lifestyle adjustments can help manage symptoms during the withdrawal period:
- Stay Hydrated and Eat Well: A balanced diet and plenty of water support overall health [1.5.1, 1.5.7].
- Get Regular Exercise: Physical activity can boost mood and reduce stress [1.5.2, 1.6.8].
- Prioritize Sleep: Maintain a regular sleep schedule to help with emotional regulation [1.5.1].
- Seek Support: Talk to friends, family, or a therapist. Support groups can also be very helpful [1.5.1, 1.5.2].
Conclusion
Withdrawal from Nexito 20, or antidepressant discontinuation syndrome, is a common and manageable condition characterized by a range of physical and psychological symptoms. The most critical factor for a safe and successful discontinuation is to never stop the medication abruptly. Always work with a healthcare provider to create a slow, gradual tapering plan tailored to your specific needs. This approach, combined with supportive lifestyle measures, minimizes the discomfort of withdrawal and ensures a safer transition off the medication.
For more information on antidepressant discontinuation, one authoritative source is the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI), which houses numerous studies on the topic, such as this review on managing the syndrome: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4722507/
