Lexapro is the brand name for a prescription medication known as escitalopram. It is an antidepressant medication that belongs to the class of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). It increases serotonin in the brain to reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety.[1]
While Lexapro is generally considered a safe medication to take, you should not quit it suddenly. After taking it regularly, your body becomes dependent on it to function properly. While this does not mean you are addicted, you will experience withdrawal symptoms.
Lexapro withdrawal can last for up to 2 weeks. You might experience flu-like symptoms and adverse mental health reactions like mood swings or suicidal thoughts. As a result, you should always consult your doctor before you stop taking Lexapro.
You do not have to attend detox to deal with Lexapro withdrawal. Instead, your healthcare professional will put you on a tapering schedule where you gradually take less over time. This prevents you from experiencing withdrawal and keeps you safe during the process.
In this article, you will learn:
- Can you abruptly quit Lexapro?
- What are the symptoms of Lexapro withdrawal?
- What is the Lexapro withdrawal timeline?
- How is Lexapro withdrawal treated?
Should You Quit Lexapro Cold Turkey?
Lexapro (escitalopram) is a prescription medication that is used to treat depressive disorders like major depression. Doctors might also use it to manage generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), and even eating disorders.
Lexapro is intended to be taken every day. Over time, your brain becomes adjusted to the presence of the substance, leading to physical dependency.
Stopping Lexapro abruptly can result in withdrawal symptoms. As a result, doctors recommend that you gradually reduce your dose until you no longer need it. It is important to note that this must be done under the direction of a doctor.
What are the Symptoms of Lexapro Withdrawal?
Escitalopram withdrawal might also be referred to as antidepressant discontinuation syndrome. According to a study, this occurs in “approximately 20 percent of patients after abrupt discontinuation of an antidepressant medication that was taken for at least six weeks.”[2]
The symptoms of Lexapro withdrawal can begin within 1 day and include:[3]
- Dizziness and drowsiness
- Sweating and chills
- Confusion and difficulty concentrating
- Muscle aches
- Memory problems
- Increased symptoms of anxiety or depression
- Suicidal thoughts
- Mood swings
- Nausea
- Appetite and weight changes
- Brain zaps (sensations of electrical shocks in the brain)
As you can see, discontinuing Lexapro without a tapering schedule can be incredibly difficult. While the symptoms are not usually life-threatening, the mental health effects can be devastating. Instead of abruptly stopping the medication, consult with your doctor first.
How Long Does Lexapro Withdrawal Last?
Understanding the withdrawal timeline for Lexapro might prevent you from stopping it on your own. By adhering to a tapering schedule provided by your doctor, you can ensure you never experience a withdrawal symptom.
The Lexapro withdrawal timeline is as follows:
- 1 to 3 Days- Lexapro withdrawal can begin within 1 day of your last dose. Initial symptoms tend to be mild and may include headaches, muscle aches, low mood, and slight nausea. You could also experience brain zaps.
- 3 to 7 Days- From the 3rd to the 7th day of withdrawal, your symptoms will peak. In other words, they will be at their most severe. You will experience a variety of symptoms, from brain zaps and muscle aches to significant symptoms of depression like suicidal thoughts.
- 1 to 2 Weeks- Sometime between weeks one and two, your symptoms will begin to subside. Because Lexapro is intended to treat anxiety and depression, your mental health symptoms might not go away. Your doctor can find another medication to manage these symptoms if you are not taking Lexapro anymore.
How is Lexapro Withdrawal Treated?
Lexapro is not addictive, so it isn’t necessary to attend a detox center to stop taking it. Instead, you should go to the doctor who prescribed it and let them know you’d like to discontinue the medication. They will provide you with a tapering schedule to help you avoid withdrawal symptoms.
According to the National Library of Medicine (NLM), “Guidelines recommend short tapers, of between 2 weeks and 4 weeks, down to therapeutic minimum doses, or half-minimum doses, before complete cessation.”[4]
You should be able to stop taking your Lexapro after two to four weeks of tapering. If you are still experiencing severe depression or anxiety, your doctor might help you find an alternative medication to treat your symptoms. You might also be referred to therapy, as this can help you manage your mental health naturally.
Find Help for Drug and Alcohol Abuse
If you or a loved one suffers from substance abuse, it’s time to seek professional help. Whether you are abusing drugs or alcohol, an addiction treatment center can help you recover. These programs offer a combination of medical detox, evidence-based therapies, and relapse prevention planning.
Contact New Jersey Addiction Interventions today to get connected with a top-rated drug and alcohol rehab program in your area.
References:
- The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI): Escitalopram (Lexapro)
- The American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP): Antidepressant Discontinuation Syndrome
- Lippincott Journals: Characteristics of Escitalopram Discontinuation Syndrome
- The National Library of Medicine (NLM): Tapering of SSRI treatment to mitigate withdrawal symptoms
Medically Reviewed: October 12, 2024
All of the information on this page has been reviewed and verified by a certified addiction professional.