Lexapro, also known as escitalopram, is a commonly prescribed antidepressant medication. It belongs to a class of antidepressants called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). Lexapro works to increase the levels of serotonin, a chemical messenger in the brain that helps with mood regulation. When serotonin is balanced, it can help improve mood and reduce feelings of anxiety. Lexapro is commonly prescribed to treat mental health conditions like:

• Depression
• Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD)
• Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)

While Lexapro can provide relief from symptoms of a mental health condition, stopping Lexapro abruptly can cause you to experience withdrawal symptoms. In this article, we’ll discuss the symptoms of withdrawal, how long the symptoms can last, how you can cope with symptom withdrawal and steps you can take to safely come off Lexapro. 

What are the side effects of going off Lexapro?

Abruptly stopping Lexapro can cause a wide range of side effects that can affect you emotionally and physically. These withdrawal symptoms can also be referred to as antidepressant discontinuation syndrome (ADS). 

Physical symptoms of Lexapro withdrawal may include:

• Headaches
• Nausea
• Fatigue
• Insomnia or excessive sleepiness
• Sensory disturbances (these can feel like electric shocks or tingling sensations)
• Flu-like symptoms
• Digestive problems
• Sweating
• Tremors
• Appetite changes (can be the opposite of what you experienced on Lexapro)
• Weight changes
• Dry mouth
• Frequent urination
• Altered perception of senses
• Fever
• Dizziness

Emotional symptoms of Lexapro withdrawal may include:

• Anxiety
• Irritability
• Mood swings
• Difficulty concentrating
• Restlessness
• Agitation
• Depression
• Depersonalization
• Suicidal thoughts or behaviors

Not everyone experiences all of these symptoms; some people may experience all the side effects, while others may only experience a few. The severity of the symptoms can also vary from person to person. It’s also important to note that withdrawal symptoms usually begin within a few days of stopping Lexapro and resolve within a few weeks or months. 

How long do the side effects of Lexapro withdrawal last?

The length of Lexapro withdrawal can vary depending on a variety of factors, including:

• How long you’ve taken Lexapro
• Your Lexapro dosage
• Your overall health

For most people, withdrawal symptoms can start within a few days of stopping Lexapro and can become gradually better over time. However, it may take several weeks for the symptoms of Lexapro withdrawal to go away completely. Some people may experience side effects of withdrawal for several weeks or even months. It’s possible that the longer you have been taking Lexapro, the harder it is to come off it. The same can be said for a high dosage.

How to cope with the side effects of Lexapro withdrawal

If you’re experiencing the side effects of withdrawal from Lexapro, there are steps you can take to help manage the symptoms, including:

• Communicate with your doctor.
• Be patient.
• Practice self-care.
• Manage stress.
• Seek support.
• Consider other treatments.

Reasons for stopping Lexapro

Several factors may lead you to the decision to stop taking Lexapro, such as:

• Medication effectiveness
• Side effects
• Medication-free approach
• Pregnancy or breastfeeding

It’s important to discuss these reasons with your mental health professional or health care provider to determine the best course of action and how to safely stop taking Lexapro. 

Steps to take to safely stop taking Lexapro

Abruptly stopping Lexapro can significantly increase your risk and severity of withdrawal symptoms. It’s crucial to taper off the medication gradually under the guidance of your prescriber. 

Your prescriber will create a personalized tapering schedule based on your specific situation. This schedule will typically involve gradually reducing your dose over the span of several weeks or months, depending on your personal dosage and how well you tolerate the step-down.

Be sure to talk with your prescriber before making any changes to your medication regimen. They can provide you with the best advice based on your individual situation and closely monitor your progress throughout the taper or possible withdrawal process. 

During the tapering schedule, there are some steps you can take to help manage and minimize withdrawal symptoms. These steps can include:

• Monitoring your health — Make sure you have regular check-ins with your health care provider. These appointments allow your prescriber to make adjustments to your plan as needed and also give you the opportunity to discuss any concerns or symptoms you may be experiencing. 
• Practicing self-care — It’s important to practice self-care during this time. Try to do activities that promote your physical and emotional well-being. These activities can include exercises, meditation, and spending time with friends or loved ones.
• Seek support — Remember that you aren’t alone during this process. Reaching out to your friends and family, a support group, or a therapist can be beneficial. 
• Prepare for emotional changes — It can be natural to experience a wide range of emotions as you adjust to a lower dose of Lexapro. You can consider using strategies like journaling or therapy to process your feelings. 
• Explore other alternatives — As you wean off Lexapro, it can be beneficial to look into other treatments for managing your mental health. 

By following these guidelines and working closely with your medication prescriber, you can manage your possible Lexapro withdrawal more effectively and minimize your discomfort. 

Lightfully Behavioral Health can be your partner in managing and overcoming Lexapro withdrawal

Stopping Lexapro abruptly can lead to uncomfortable and potentially challenging withdrawal side effects. At Lightfully, our compassionate experts can guide you through the process of safely discontinuing Lexapro and developing other strategies to manage your symptoms, such as through lifestyle modifications or therapy using our unique framework of components from evidence-based techniques. We are committed to supporting your overall well-being through whole-person-centered care. 

Change is possible. When you’re ready to take the first step, contact us. We’ll take the next steps together, toward the fullest, brightest version of you.