Antidepressant Withdrawal and Tapering Help

ANTIDEPRESSANT INTERACTIONS

The use of antidepressants has skyrocketed with one in ten people taking them on a regular basis.  And while its routine for doctors to prescribe antidepressants, its less common for the medical community to discuss the interactions of antidepressants with many common herbs, over-the-counter or foods. For instance, Turmeric interacts with many Antidepressants, causing the blood level of the drug to build to dangerous levels, whereas Gingko Biloba can cause many to feel like they are in withdrawal. Understanding and assessing interactions is an expertise of the Point of Return team – we keep you safe and the taper process more comfortable.

WHY THE GUT IS AFFECTED BY ANTIDEPRESSANTS

The link between the nervous system, brain and digestive system has been recognized due to the constant exchange of electrical messages and chemicals. This is why it’s called the Brain-Gut Axis and therefore whatever affects the gut region will also affect the brain.

SSRIs, and all Antidepressants, target Serotonin, forcing levels of this neurotransmitter higher in the brain. 95% of the body’s Serotonin lies in the digestive system and diverting supplies of Serotonin from their natural receptor sites to the brain can cause anxiety, sexual dysfunction, adversely affect the cardiovascular region and alter sleep patterns. Balancing the hotbed of Serotonin production in the gut region is essential to restoring stability and improve natural Serotonin production while the drug is removed.

Which Antidepressants Cause Withdrawal Symptoms?

Currently there are 21 different antidepressants that are known to cause a discontinuation syndrome. Antidepressants primarily target Serotonin, however many also affect Norepinephrine. Symptoms can include mood alterations; changes in sleep patterns, brain zaps, tremors, diarrhea, dizziness, vertigo, anxiety, diarrhea or stomach upset, cognitive issues and flu-like symptoms. Many reinstate the antidepressant to alleviate their discomfort. 

Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that influences multiple process, including the autonomic function, motor activity, hormones, stomach and bowel function, mental cognition and the complex processes that affect emotion and reward. One of the most important functions of Norepinephrine is its role as a neurotransmitter that affects the contractions in the heart, but it also affects the parts of the brain responsible for attention and responses are controlled. 

This explains the widespread withdrawal symptoms and why many find that even a slow taper requires relief for success. Don’t attempt this on your own, let our experts help you throughout the process.