In a short doctor visit, prescribing an SSRI can take a few minutes — but the consequences of poorly managed Lexapro withdrawal can linger far longer. Often, the discussion doesn’t include what to do if you don’t get the results you want, and you want to wean off Lexapro safely.
Unless you are being treated by a professional who is familiar with Lexapro withdrawal, and helpful alternative treatments, you may feel you are left on your own to deal with the fall-out. You aren’t alone in your struggle, and we are here to help.
Tired of broken promises in treatment?
We attribute our high rates of success to the continuing refinement of treatments we have used over the last nearly 20 years. Our approach involves designing a program that is individually tailored to meet both the individual’s immediate needs as well as long-term goals. There is no need to struggle with suppressing unwanted symptoms with medication, if you can find and address the root causes. Drug-free alternatives to Lexapro are also extremely good strategies to reduce the discomfort during the withdrawal process. That is how we help our clients reach a successful outcome with great consistency.
15 Years Experience by Professionals Who Understand Your Journey.
One might think that the more SSRIs and other antidepressant drugs come on the market, and the more people start to use them, there would be an overall improvement in mental health. The first SSRIs were launched in the 1980s, followed by a parade of new-improved, faster-acting, “better”, and “novel” antidepressants each year.15-17 Not to further depress the reader, NIMH statistics show that such improvements in mental health have NOT occurred. Statistics available for SSRI use from 2015 – 2022, show a rising # of prescriptions and a rising number of consumers for each successive year.12-14
None of this could be called a success story. In fact, the situation looks to be spiraling out of control, underscored by a 2020 CDC report showing that both diagnoses of depression AND antidepressant use significantly increased in the youth population, and these numbers have increased even more, with age.1,2
So it appears that more consumers are using antidepressants, and the number of people suffering is also increasing. Clinical research has begun to question whether antidepressants even work? 18 At the very least, it can be stated that antidepressants are not stemming the tide of impaired mental health. In fact, antidepressants do not appear to be nearly as effective as has been claimed. So if these drugs aren’t working, why don’t people just stop taking them? There is a reason.
If you buy a toaster that doesn’t work, you can take it back to the store and get one that does. It’s not so easy with antidepressant medications. Many side effects are associated with taking SSRIs and this may well cause a person to want to stop. Like many other prescription drugs, Lexapro may become habit-forming. And when you stop taking Lexapro, new complications typically arise in the form of Lexapro withdrawal symptoms. Also, any original symptoms that the drug may have suppressed can also begin to re-surface, often intensified. This morass is the struggle many face with attempting Lexapro withdrawal. To sort this out, let’s first have a look at the most common withdrawal symptoms when coming off Lexapro.3,4
Common Lexapro Withdrawal Symptoms
Lexapro withdrawal symptoms are often misdiagnosed as a relapse of mental illness. Physicians who are not familiar with SSRI tapering may miss the mark on managing Lexapro withdrawal, which can lead to further complications. Be as informed as you can so you and your caregivers can work together successfully as a team.
Lexapro withdrawal symptoms can include:
Rebound of original symptoms, i.e., depression, often intensified
Suicidality
Electric shock sensations (parasthesia, brain zaps)
Mania
Psychosis (visual, auditory or other sensory hallucinations)
Insomnia, vivid dreams, sleep disturbance
Amnesia
Agitation, mood swings, hyperarousal
Anxiety
Irritability
Sexual dysfunction
Tremor, muscle tension, ataxia (loss of muscle control)
Impaired cognitive abilities, inability to focus, confusion
Nausea
Headache
Dizziness, lightheadedness, can lead to falls or other injuries
Fatigue
Flu-like symptoms, i.e., chills, general malaise, muscle aches
Gradually weaning off Lexapro is the recommended approach to getting off the drug to reduce the intensity of Lexapro withdrawal symptoms.5,7
Additionally, there are many drug-free Lexapro alternatives that can make the transition safer and much more comfortable. We’ll discuss these in more detail below.
What is Lexapro?
Lexapro, generic escitalopram, is classed as an SSRI. That means it interferes with the transmission of a chemical called serotonin. When serotonin is blocked from re-uptake it is temporarily activated. This is the “chemical imbalance theory” that sold SSRIs to the FDA and the rest of the world.7 The drug ads tell you that SSRIs increase serotonin levels in the brain, and this is therapeutic for depression, anxiety, and other unwanted mental health symptoms.
However, it’s a short-sighted view. SSRIs spend available serotonin, and do not create more of it. Just like taking money out of your bank account, this results in a deficit. This may explain why your drug “stops working” after a time. You’re stepping on the accelerator, but the gas tank eventually empties. And the chemical imbalance theory has not actually been clinically proven.6
There can be many causes for depression and other mental health symptoms. Alternative treatments that don’t involve drugs might be the superior route to improvements, and additionally, have been found helpful to ease the discomforts of Lexapro withdrawal without the need for substitute or multiple prescription drugs.
What is Lexapro Prescribed to Treat?
According to the label, Lexapro is approved by the FDA to treat major depressive disorder, and general anxiety disorder. SSRIs are the most frequently prescribed of all medications for off-label reasons.8,9 Off-label uses include eating disorders, premature ejaculation, PMS, menopause-related hot flashes, chronic pain, fibromyalgia, and numerous others. In fact, nothing prevents a prescriber from recommending SSRIs for anything at all.
Does Lexapro Cause Any Side Effects?
A side effect actually means an incidental, or indirect effect. Some would argue that Lexapro side effects would be more accurately described as direct effects. Nonetheless, the consensus is that yes, Lexapro causes side effects.
Side effects of Lexapro can include:
Suicidality
Seizure
Mania
Increase risk of bleeding
Cognitive and motor skill impairment
Eye disorders
Hyponatremia (low sodium plasma levels)
Chemical-driven liver damage
Nausea
Fatigue
Insomnia
Sexual dysfunction
Weight gain
Dry mouth
Side effects can be mild or severe, making a person desire to opt for weaning off Lexapro for relief. Please remember that abrupt Lexapro withdrawal is NOT recommended, except in the case of medical emergency.
The Importance of Gradual Lexapro Tapering
Managing Lexapro withdrawal symptoms is best done with a gradual, controlled and monitored taper process. Work with a professional who can guide you with specific tapering guidelines for Lexapro. If a person tries to wean off Lexapro too quickly, the withdrawals can become unmanageable, and can last for months and even years if not properly managed.
Supportive Therapies, Drug-free Alternatives to Lexapro
Before, during, and after Lexapro withdrawal, many drug-free therapies can help. Discovering root causes for the original troublesome symptoms is a very good place to start. Since we know nutritional factors play an important role in mental health, lab testing for deficiencies is a key example. There is also a direct association between toxic accumulations over a lifetime, and unwanted symptoms like depression. Neurotoxins can and need to be be removed for relief.
Other examples of drug-free alternatives to Lexapro to explore can include:
CBT, EMDR, Equine therapy, and other types of psychological therapy
Upgrade the diet, including nutritional supplements like Omega-3s, hydration, omit sugars and refined carbs
Clear out toxic substances from the home and workplace
Promote gut health with fermented foods, probiotics, cleansing, proper diet
Physical exercise: walking, swimming, yoga, Qigong, etc.
Lifestyle changes, de-stress the workspace, get help to solve logistical problems
Improve sleep hygiene
A thorough and broad study of alternative Lexapro treatments would be a fascinating and worthwhile study even though the subject is not well-promoted in mainstream medicine — but is a potential goldmine for relief.10-12
Alternative to Meds Center Offers Safe, Comfortable Lexapro Withdrawal
The center is located in a serene setting, nestled at the foot of the majestic Red Rocks in Sedona Arizona. Sedona is a world-renowned hub for health enthusiasts, and makes a perfect spot for natural healing. With a staff of over 40 dedicated professionals, each client receives the best in care and compassionate guidance on their wellness journey.
Please call us for more specific details on costs, insurance coverage, length of program, and what a typical day in residence looks like. Ours is a world-class orthomolecular-medicine-based program with undisputable success for our clients. Call us today and find our more about Lexapro withdrawal and drug-free Lexapro alternative treatments for you or your loved one at Alternative to Meds Center.
4. Henssler J, Heinz A, Brandt L, Bschor T. Antidepressant Withdrawal and Rebound Phenomena. Dtsch Arztebl Int. 2019 May 17;116(20):355-361. doi: 10.3238/arztebl.2019.0355. PMID: 31288917; PMCID: PMC6637660. [cited 2025 Feb 5]
5. Keks N, Hope J, Keogh S. Switching and stopping antidepressants. Aust Prescr. 2016 Jun;39(3):76-83. doi: 10.18773/austprescr.2016.039. Epub 2016 Jun 1. PMID: 27346915; PMCID: PMC4919171. [cited 2025 Feb 5]
8. Jannini TB, Lorenzo GD, Bianciardi E, Niolu C, Toscano M, Ciocca G, Jannini EA, Siracusano A. Off-label Uses of Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs). Curr Neuropharmacol. 2022;20(4):693-712. doi: 10.2174/1570159X19666210517150418. PMID: 33998993; PMCID: PMC9878961. [cited 2025 Feb 5]
9. Sigrid S. Skånland, Artur Cieślar-Pobuda, Off-label uses of drugs for depression,
European Journal of Pharmacology, Volume 865, 2019, 172732, ISSN 0014-2999 [cited 2025 Feb 5]
Originally Published February 4, 2025 by Diane Ridaeus
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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Medication Withdrawal Success Stories
Can you imagine being free from medications, addictive drugs, and alcohol? This is our goal and we are proving it is possible every day!
One might think that the more SSRIs and other antidepressant drugs come on the market, and the more people start to use them, there would be an overall improvement in mental health. The first SSRIs were launched in the 1980s, followed by a parade of new-improved, faster-acting, “better”, and “novel” antidepressants each year.15-17 Not to further depress the reader, NIMH statistics show that such improvements in mental health have NOT occurred. Statistics available for SSRI use from 2015 – 2022, show a rising # of prescriptions and a rising number of consumers for each successive year.12-14
CBT, EMDR, Equine therapy, and other types of psychological therapy
