Stopping Lexapro (escitalopram) can lead to various withdrawal symptoms, such as insomnia, nausea, irritability, and headaches. Stopping gradually can help prevent withdrawal effects.
Lexapro takes time to build up in the body. As a result, it can take a few weeks before a person notices its effects on symptoms of depression or anxiety.
However, a sudden drop in the amount of Lexapro that a person is taking can lead to withdrawal symptoms.
Keep reading for more information on Lexapro withdrawal, including why it occurs and how to manage the symptoms.
Withdrawal is a set of symptoms that may occur when the amount of a particular medication or drug in a person’s body decreases significantly.
A 2019 review of 14 studies suggests that the rate of withdrawal from antidepressants is between
Due to its slow buildup in the blood, withdrawal symptoms may be less likely to affect people who take Lexapro for a short time. A 2018 article suggests that people may need to take antidepressants for 4 to 6 weeks before withdrawal symptoms become a concern.
Lexapro withdrawal symptoms may occur because of how selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) medications affect the brain. SSRIs increase the levels of serotonin, a neurotransmitter that contributes to happiness and feelings of reward.
Over time, in response to the increased levels of serotonin, the brain shuts down different receptors to prevent overstimulation.
Once a person stops taking Lexapro, the body needs time to adjust. The amount of serotonin may decrease suddenly and will need time to replenish. During this time, a person may experience withdrawal symptoms.
A person may experience several potential symptoms as a result of withdrawal from Lexapro, including:
- irritability
- unhappiness
- dizziness
- sensory disturbances, such as brain zaps
- confusion
- headache
- anxiety
- insomnia
- lethargy
- hypomania
The duration and severity of discontinuation symptoms may vary from person to person.
The timeline of Lexapro withdrawal symptoms may vary from person to person. Not everyone experiences all of the symptoms, and some people may experience no withdrawal symptoms at all.
Factors that may affect the withdrawal timeline include:
- how long a person has taken Lexapro or any other SSRI medications
- the dosage
- whether they quit suddenly or slowly reduced the dosage
Withdrawal symptoms may last for several weeks or even months.
A person should never try to quit Lexapro without discussing this decision with their doctor and developing a discontinuation plan.
In most cases, a doctor will recommend slowly reducing the dosage. They will monitor the person for symptoms. If someone has symptoms, they may suggest resuming the previous dose and tapering off more slowly.
Some general tips that may help someone manage Lexapro withdrawal symptoms include:
- eating a balanced, nutritious diet
- exercising regularly
- taking all other medications according to the prescription
- completing the tapering process
- tracking changes in mood on a calendar or in a notebook
- telling a doctor about any withdrawal symptoms
- seeking support from friends, family, or community groups
The best way to prevent withdrawal is to taper the dosage of Lexapro slowly. A doctor will help a person form a plan for doing this and monitor their progress.
There are several reasons why a person may not want or need to take Lexapro any longer. For instance, they may find that:
- they are experiencing adverse side effects
- the medication is ineffective
- their body has stopped responding to it
In some cases, a doctor may prescribe a different medication that leaves the body faster. They can then taper a person off SSRIs using the alternative medication to help prevent withdrawal.
They may also prescribe other medications, including anxiety medications or antipsychotics, to help a person manage any withdrawal symptoms they experience.
A person can find support for withdrawal symptoms by talking with a trusted healthcare professional who can suggest treatments, support groups, or specialized therapy centers.
A person may also be able to find online support groups and forums where they can post their concerns and connect with others also going through withdrawal.
Finally, talking with loved ones about withdrawal symptoms can help ease the process. They may be able to take on extra tasks to reduce a person’s stress and help the person monitor any concerning symptoms.
Lexapro withdrawal can occur when a person suddenly stops taking Lexapro, misses one or more doses, or reduces their dosage.
People can lower their risk of withdrawal symptoms by tapering off the medication slowly. However, tapering the medication does not always prevent withdrawal, so it is best to be prepared and speak with a doctor about how to manage the symptoms.
If someone experiences Lexapro withdrawal symptoms, they can also seek support from friends, family, and others who have gone through similar experiences.