What is the safest way to stop taking Lexapro?

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Overview

Lexapro, a brand-name version of the generic drug escitalopram, is an antidepressant that’s commonly taken for major depressive disorder (MDD) and generalized anxiety disorder (GAD).

It’s a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) that increases serotonin levels in your brain. This can positively affect your mood, emotions, and sleep.

SSRIs take time to buildup in your body so your brain can adapt to changes. However, stopping them abruptly may not give your brain enough time to adjust, which could cause withdrawal symptoms.

The intensity of withdrawal symptoms will depend on the dosage and period you have been taking the medication.

How to wean off Lexapro

It is important to always speak with your doctor or healthcare professional before stopping Lexapro. They can help you wean off Lexapro by putting together a tapering plan to help minimize possible withdrawal symptoms. A tapering plan involves gradually reducing or weaning off a drug dose under a healthcare professional’s guidance. 

Your doctor will devise a tapering plan that’s tailored for you based on the following:

• how long you’ve been taking Lexapro
• your current dose
• if you have stopped other medication previously and experienced withdrawal symptoms

Research indicates that short tapers typically cause fewer withdrawal symptoms. A short taper involves decreasing the dose gradually for 2 to 4 weeks to either a minimum dose or half a minimum dose before stopping completely.

However, your doctor may use smaller dose reductions depending on how you respond. They may also prescribe a different SSRI to ease short-term symptoms while you are weaning off Lexapro.

Tapering may not be necessary or suitable for everyone who comes off Lexapro. For instance, you may not need to wean yourself off Lexapro if:

• you’ve been taking it for less than 4 weeks
• you experience a severe side effect to the medication
• you switch directly from one antidepressant to another in the same drug class

What are the most common Lexapro withdrawal symptoms?

Withdrawal effects differ from person to person. For some people, these effects can be severe, whereas others may not experience any symptoms.

Some of the most common emotional withdrawal symptoms include:

• anxiety
• problems concentrating
• feelings of detachment
• depression
• mood changes, such as irritability
• suicidal thoughts, which may return or intensify for those who experienced them before taking Lexapro

As serotonin levels decrease, physical withdrawal symptoms may include:

• appetite changes
• dizziness, fatigue, or confusion
• headaches
• insomnia
• fever
• nausea or indigestion
• sweating
• weight changes
• dry mouth
• changes in smell or taste

If withdrawal symptoms persist after you’ve come off Lexapro, or your symptoms are severe and involve suicidal thoughts, contact a healthcare professional immediately.

If you or someone you know is considering suicide or self-harm, please seek support:

• Call or text the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline 24 hours a day at 988.
• Text “HOME” to the Crisis Textline at 741741.
• Not in the U.S.? Find a helpline in your country with Befrienders Worldwide.
• Call 911 or your local emergency number if you feel it’s an emergency.

While you wait for help to arrive, stay with someone and remove any weapons or substances that can cause harm. You are not alone.

How common are withdrawal symptoms?

According to research, over 56% of people who try to quit antidepressants experience withdrawal effects. Additionally, 46% of people who experience SSRI withdrawal symptoms describe them as severe.

People who have been taking Lexapro for a long time are more likely to develop withdrawal symptoms.

How long do withdrawal symptoms last?

There is no definitive timeline for how long withdrawal symptoms may last if you stop taking antidepressants. Many people will see relief in 2 weeks, while for others, withdrawal symptoms may last for months.

If your tapering plan is not working well for you, let your doctor know so they can revise a plan or possibly put you on a different SSRI to minimize your withdrawal symptoms.

What strategies may help when weaning off Lexapro?

The following lifestyle strategies may be helpful while you’re tapering off Lexapro:

• Seek support from family, friends, or support groups: Reach out to your family and friends to share what you’re going through. A doctor can recommend a support group if necessary.
• Eat a balanced and nutritious diet: Try to eat regular meals and choose slow energy-releasing foods, such as fresh fruit and vegetables, to help keep your blood sugar stable. This can also help with mood and energy levels.
• Exercise: Moving your body can help reduce stress, anxiety, and negative emotions.
• Follow a doctor’s tapering off recommendations: If you find it difficult to wean off Lexapro, reach out to a healthcare professional about changing your tapering plan.
• Tracking mood changes: Keeping track of details such as when you started tapering off the medication, doses you have been taking, and the effects these have had on your emotional and physical well-being. This can help you notice any patterns or early warning signs. This can help ensure you get the help you need.

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Summary

Always speak with a doctor or healthcare professional before stopping Lexapro. They can create a personalized tapering plan for you, which may include a schedule to help you wean off the drug. However, this may not be necessary if you haven’t been taking Lexapro for longer than 4 weeks or if your doctor switches you to a different antidepressant medication.

Pay careful attention to any withdrawal symptoms you may experience when tapering off Lexapro. Get help right away if your withdrawal symptoms are severe or worsen over time.