A person taking Lexapro may feel some initial relief, followed by an unchanging set of symptoms that remain stubbornly stuck. But Lexapro withdrawal can cause severe and uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms, especially if you stop abruptly. This article discusses how Lexapro works, why it stops working, and what to do if you are suffering and want help with Lexapro withdrawal treatment.
Did Lexapro leave you stuck?
When it comes to successful antidepressant withdrawal treatment, our published evidence shows the effectiveness of our treatment methods. We can provide the necessary “missing links” in your recovery journey such as improving the diet, deep tissue cleansing of neurotoxins, safe gentle weaning, healing the gut microbiome, and a wealth of comfort therapies. While some people can come off Lexapro with little difficulty, others would benefit from compassionate and precisely individualized help. We want to make the goal of natural mental health truly achievable, despite these difficulties.
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Please keep in mind that SSRI antidepressant withdrawal can be severe, and in some cases can causing suffering to linger for very long time. Also please remember that trying to quit all on your own is NOT recommended, as outcomes can be unpredictable and very challenging without attentive care and guidance to help you.5,6,19
IMPORTANT NOTES:
As mentioned above, Lexapro withdrawal, as in any SSRI antidepressant drug won’t be the same for everyone. You may experience symptoms that are mild or severe, can come and go, may ease and also may intensify. And, you may experience some that may or may not be on the following list.& All SSRIs carry a black box warning for suicidality. Although the black box limits this risk to the pediatric/youth population, studies on adults have been neglected and this risk should not also be neglected.20 The timeline for your particular symptoms may be different than the “few weeks” predicted for some, and may persist much longer for others. More details on what to expect and how to manage your unique Lexapro withdrawals is further detailed below the list of commonly reported symptoms.
Lexapro withdrawal symptoms can include:
Flu-like symptoms
Brain zaps (electric shock sensations)
Headaches
Nausea
Dizziness
Burning sensation
Numbness or tingling in feet or hands
Shaking
Tiredness
Psychological withdrawal symptoms may include:
Nightmares or vivid dreams and insomnia
Anxiety
Hallucinations
Excited mood or mood swings
Confusion
How Long Do Lexapro Withdrawal Symptoms Last?
The antidepressant withdrawal timeline for Lexapro can differ from person to person. Some people will experience symptoms within a few hours of their last dose, while for others there may be a lag of up to a week before Lexapro withdrawal symptoms emerge. The severity of the symptoms and the timeline depend on many factors. These can include how long you took Lexapro, the dose, general health, age, and other factors unique to each person.7
Lexapro has a longer half-life (27 to 32 hours) than some other antidepressant medications. A longer half-life means the drug exits the body slower. So some people may have less severe symptoms that don’t last as long compared to an SSRI with a shorter half-life. The psychological and physical symptoms may last one to two weeks for some, while others may experience lingering, and even worsening symptoms for months. Discuss your options with your healthcare provider to get the medical advice you need for Lexapro withdrawal help.
What Is Lexapro (escitalopram) Used For?
The FDA approved the antidepressant, Lexapro, for the treatment of MDD (major depressive disorder) for persons 12 and older, and GAD (general anxiety disorder) for adults 18 and older. However, doctors prescribe Lexapro for many off-label uses such as eating disorders, premature ejaculation, pain associated with rheumatoid arthritis, and hot flashes.2-4
Drug regulators classify Lexapro (generic escitalopram) as an SSRI. In fact, Lexapro is considered the “most serotonin-selective” of all drugs in its class.14 SSRI antidepressants are designed to target the neurotransmitter, serotonin, in the brain. Lexapro blocks the reuptake — or reabsorption — of this neurotransmitter by receptors in the brain. Disabling the transport mechanism causes a build-up of serotonin outside the synapse. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter (natural chemical) whose function is to soften the impacts of stimulation, impulsivity, rumination, and mood dysregulation. So the theory is that a build-up of serotonin will be therapeutic. And many find it is, but only temporarily. This is because of a compensating change that occurs in the CNS & brain as a reaction to chronic use of medication.1
SSRIs alter brain chemistry (neuroplasticity) over time. This change is why experts recommend that you not stop taking the drug “cold turkey” as you could encounter untenable symptoms of withdrawal. Always seek the advice of a medical professional before you stop taking escitalopram. In fact, never ever abruptly stop an antidepressant medication, and always ask your prescriber or chosen healthcare personnel for adequate Lexapro tapering help to minimize the symptoms of withdrawal.
What Happens When You Stop Taking Lexapro?
Lexapro falls into the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) category for antidepressant medications and is thought to block the flow-through of serotonin along nerve channels in the brain and the entire CNS. One way the CNS responds to this build-up of serotonin is to stop creating more serotonin and rely on the antidepressant medication to do its job. This is a simple description of the mechanics of drug dependence.13 As a result, when you stop taking the drug, your serotonin levels can drop quickly, which is a contributing factor to withdrawal symptoms.7
As your body adjusts, you can experience mild to severe withdrawal symptoms, which can intensify if you stop taking Lexapro too quickly. To minimize these discontinuation symptoms, the FDA recommends that you be monitored by your healthcare provider when discontinuing treatment, noting that a gradual reduction over time provides the best approach, rather than abruptly stopping.2
Adverse Side Effects of Lexapro
Most antidepressant medications are known to cause unpleasant side effects. These drug reactions especially if severe may motivate you or a loved one to discontinue Lexapro. According to the drug label, these reactions to Lexapro can be severe.2,11-14
Hyponatremia (low blood sodium): Too much water in the blood can cause your sodium levels to become diluted, causing your cells to start swelling. The resulting symptoms can include cramps, seizures, dizziness, lethargy, and confusion. Immediate medical attention should be sought if this occurs.
Suicidality: As with other antidepressants, Lexapro is associated with increased suicidality, especially in children and young adults. This is why the drug comes with a black box warning specifying age restrictions of 12 and older. New research (2019) in the Journal of Psychotherapy & Psychosomatics reanalyzed previous FDA data and suggested suicidality in adults is also of great concern.15
Bleeding: SSRIs such as Lexapro increase the risk of abnormal bleeding by blocking the reuptake of serotonin platelets.
Sexual dysfunction: Lexapro can cause both male and female sexual dysfunction, including impotence, inability to climax, decreased libido, and can reduce fertility/sperm potency. One study showed that antidepressants may reduce the likelihood of a woman being able to conceive naturally.
Hypomania: Studies reveal Lexapro causes heightened feelings of euphoria, excitability, delusional thoughts, erratic behavior, impulsivity, and poor judgment.
Rare Side Effect of Lexapro
Serotonin Syndrome: Serotonergic drugs can activate too much serotonin in the system. This results in a life-threatening set of reactions, though is reportedly rare. These include sudden high fever, confusion, tremors, and other reactions that can occur very quickly after taking a serotonergic drug like Lexapro. Immediate emergency hospitalization can save the life of the patient experiencing serotonin syndrome.
Seek medical advice from your healthcare provider if you experience unusual symptoms while taking Lexapro. It is safest to seek medical guidance when deciding to stop taking the drug.
Withdrawal Treatment Options
If you or a loved one wish to stop taking Lexapro, discuss your options with a medical professional. Alternative to Meds Center provides many adjunctive therapies and dietary options for physical comfort, de-stressing, and relaxation that can be tremendously beneficial throughout Lexapro withdrawal and recovery. A key fundamental in our program is to isolate and remove toxic bioaccumulation, that may have been an overlooked factor in your original symptoms.9
Cessation Help
Coming off an SSRI drug such as Lexapro (escitalopram) involves gradually cutting the dose rather than abruptly stopping all at once. Adequate support can help ease withdrawal symptoms and reduce the risk of relapse.8 Seek the medical advice of your healthcare provider and seek inpatient care if that is possible for you. At the very least, choose a practitioner who is familiar with Lexapro withdrawal to help you. Don’t attempt to stop Lexapro all on your own. A healthcare professional familiar with the process can best help you cope with symptoms as you gradually withdraw from the drug. Many medical doctors lack familiarity or expertise so choose your doctor wisely.10
Where To Seek Support
Perhaps you have already tried to reduce or get off Lexapro but ran into insurmountable barriers. You are not alone. Alternative to Meds Center is a specialist in safe and gentle Lexapro withdrawal and helped thousands of clients with successfully getting off antidepressants. We are here to help you.
And, we do understand that not everyone is a candidate for inpatient treatment. Help is still available to you by reaching out to a directory you can find at IMMH.org for holistic-minded practitioners who may be able to assist you. You can search for caregivers by geographic location. The bottom line is you do not want to try Lexapro withdrawal all on your own.
Lexapro Withdrawal and Tapering at Alternative to Meds Center
If you or a loved one is interested in our inpatient treatment program, we invite you to review a wealth of information on our services overview pages that will help you understand the various protocols used in designing a uniquely tailored program.
We have over 50 staff, all licensed and accredited in their medical or therapeutic disciplines, who are dedicated to your success and recovery.
Please call us for more information on our wonderful programs and services, and get your questions answered including insurance coverage. It could be easier for you to enroll than you may have thought. We look forward to hearing from you.
3. Skånland SS, Cieślar-Pobuda A. Off-label uses of drugs for depression. Eur J Pharmacol. 2019 Dec 15;865:172732. doi: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2019.172732. Epub 2019 Oct 14. PMID: 31622593. [cited 2024 April 10]
14. Landy K, Rosani A, Estevez R. Escitalopram. [Updated 2022 Oct 24]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2023 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK557734/ [cited 2023 June 7]
This content has been reviewed and approved by a licensed physician.
Dr. Samuel Lee
Dr. Samuel Lee is a board-certified psychiatrist, specializing in a spiritually-based mental health discipline and integrative approaches. He graduated with an MD at Loma Linda University School of Medicine and did a residency in psychiatry at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center and University of Washington School of Medicine in Seattle. He has also been an inpatient adult psychiatrist at Kaweah Delta Mental Health Hospital and the primary attending geriatric psychiatrist at the Auerbach Inpatient Psychiatric Jewish Home Hospital. In addition, he served as the general adult outpatient psychiatrist at Kaiser Permanente. He is board-certified in psychiatry and neurology and has a B.A. Magna Cum Laude in Religion from Pacific Union College. His specialty is in natural healing techniques that promote the body’s innate ability to heal itself.
Diane is an avid supporter and researcher of natural mental health strategies. Diane received her medical writing and science communication certification through Stanford University and has published over 3 million words on the topics of holistic health, addiction, recovery, and alternative medicine. She has proudly worked with the Alternative to Meds Center since its inception and is grateful for the opportunity to help the founding members develop this world-class center that has helped so many thousands regain natural mental health.
Medical Disclaimer: Nothing on this Website is intended to be taken as medical advice. The information provided on the website is intended to encourage, not replace, direct patient-health professional relationships. Always consult with your doctor before altering your medications. Adding nutritional supplements may alter the effect of medication. Any medication changes should be done only after proper evaluation and under medical supervision.
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The antidepressant withdrawal timeline for Lexapro can differ from person to person. Some people will experience symptoms within a few hours of their last dose, while for others there may be a lag of up to a week before Lexapro withdrawal symptoms emerge. The severity of the symptoms and the timeline depend on many factors. These can include how long you took Lexapro, the dose, general health, age, and other factors unique to each person.7
If you or a loved one is interested in our inpatient treatment program, we invite you to review a wealth of information on our 
