Lexapro Withdrawal: Symptoms, Timeline, & Treatment

Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsOverviewWithdrawalSymptomsCopingWarningsLong-Term TreatmentAdditional Resources

Table of ContentsView All

View All

Table of Contents

Overview

Withdrawal

Symptoms

Coping

Warnings

Long-Term Treatment

Additional Resources

Close

Lexapro (escitalopram)is in a category of drugs that have long been associated with withdrawal symptoms after stopping their use.While physicians refer to these symptoms asantidepressant discontinuation syndrome, many believe that this name minimizes the seriousness of the effects experienced.

For patients who’ve decided (with their care provider) to come off this medication, the quitting process can be difficult. Common symptoms of Lexapro withdrawal include dizziness, muscle tension, chills, crying, and brain fog.Here’s what to expect in terms of the timeline, as well as how to wean off Lexapro with as few withdrawal symptoms as possible.

Overview of Lexapro

In the U.S., Lexapro is a brand name for the generic drug escitalopram. In the U.K. and several other countries, escitalopram is sold under the namebrand name Cipralex.

Antidepressants are among the most commonly prescribed medications in the United States. In a 2020 survey it was found that just over 13% of adult Americans report taking anantidepressant medication in the last month.For one in four people taking this type of drug, they’ve been doing so for 10 years or longer.

Causes of Lexapro Withdrawal

SSRIs affectserotonin levels, a type of mood-regulating neurotransmitter in the brain. When a person stops taking them, it takes their brain a while to get used to the drug’s absence, resulting in Lexapro’s withdrawal.

SSRIs take time to effect changes in the brain; that’s why people typically don’t notice a reduction insymptoms of depressionand anxiety for a few weeks after starting on it. Likewise, abruptly stopping a medication doesn’t give the brain enough time to adjust to the sudden change.

According to one study, more than half (56%) of people whoquit antidepressants experience withdrawal symptoms.

What Are Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs)?

2:05Click Play to Learn How To Wean Off Lexapro

2:05

Click Play to Learn How To Wean Off Lexapro

Symptoms of Lexapro Withdrawal

Different SSRI medications may affect the brain in somewhat different ways. People who experience withdrawal symptoms can expect those symptoms to range from mild to severe. On a range of lowest to highest chance of severe withdrawal symptoms, Lexapro sits around the middle.

Some research showed that, on average, about 46% of people experiencing SSRI withdrawal symptoms described them as severe. Severe symptoms indicate that withdrawal can potentially interfere with one’s ability to meet responsibilities at home and work.

TheDiscontinuation-Emergent Signs and Symptoms Scale(DESS) is a checklist for measuring the severity of antidepressant withdrawal.

Most Common Symptoms

According to one Japanese study, the most common symptoms of Lexapro withdrawal—occurring in more than one in four people—are:

Dizziness, muscle tension, and chills each affected about 44% of people discontinuing Lexapro. Many people also experience confusion and difficulty concentrating.

Less Common Symptoms

Lexapro withdrawal can be difficult, both physically and emotionally. The following is a more complete list of symptoms associated with SSRI withdrawal:

How Long Does Lexapro Withdrawal Last?Lexapro withdrawal symptoms typically begin one to three days after the last dose. Although, rarely they can start sooner (within hours) or later (more than a week). Symptoms generally resolve within a week to two, but may continue for longer.

How Long Does Lexapro Withdrawal Last?

Lexapro withdrawal symptoms typically begin one to three days after the last dose. Although, rarely they can start sooner (within hours) or later (more than a week). Symptoms generally resolve within a week to two, but may continue for longer.

Coping With Lexapro Withdrawal

The best way to find relief from Lexapro withdrawal is to avoid it altogether.Quitting cold turkeymay increase the likelihood of severe withdrawal. Instead, schedule an appointment with the prescribing physician to discuss a strategy to get off of medication as safely as possible.

In addition to efforts to avoid discontinuation or withdrawal symptoms coming off of Lexapro, there needs to be a consideration for the continued treatment of any underlying depression or anxiety symptoms. Your doctor may want to transition you toanother antidepressant medicationor other medications if appropriate. Here are a few additional options that can help reduce or ease Lexapro withdrawal.

Taper Off Medication Slowly

A New Approach to TaperingIn the past, it was common to taper the dosage of SSRIs relatively quickly. However, more recent research suggests that a very longer medication taper, sometimes lasting months and continuing well past the minimum therapeutic dose may be better tolerated.

A New Approach to Tapering

In the past, it was common to taper the dosage of SSRIs relatively quickly. However, more recent research suggests that a very longer medication taper, sometimes lasting months and continuing well past the minimum therapeutic dose may be better tolerated.

Practice Good Self-Care

Taking good care of one’s health as they stop taking Lexapro can also help them better manage any withdrawal symptoms that they experience. Some steps they can take include:

5 Types of Self-Care for Every Area of Your Life

Warnings for Lexapro Withdrawal

When a person stops or reduces their dose of Lexapro, there is a risk that they may begin tofeel suicidal. Large-scale research studies have found a clear association between the discontinuation of antidepressants and suicide attempts.

It is important to keep this in mind during the withdrawal experience. If the person begins noticing any signs of increasing depression or if there are any safety concerns it is imperative to seek help immediately.

If you or someone you love shows any of the following signs or symptoms after stopping Lexapro, get help right away:

When to Get HelpIf you are having suicidal thoughts, contact theNational Suicide Prevention Lifelineat988for support and assistance from a trained counselor. If you or a loved one are in immediate danger, call 911.For more mental health resources, see ourNational Helpline Database.

When to Get Help

If you are having suicidal thoughts, contact theNational Suicide Prevention Lifelineat988for support and assistance from a trained counselor. If you or a loved one are in immediate danger, call 911.For more mental health resources, see ourNational Helpline Database.

If you are having suicidal thoughts, contact theNational Suicide Prevention Lifelineat988for support and assistance from a trained counselor. If you or a loved one are in immediate danger, call 911.

For more mental health resources, see ourNational Helpline Database.

Long-Term Depression Treatment

Over 50% of people who recover from depression will have more depressive episodes in their lifetime.If Lexapro doesn’t help or is stopped because ofunwanted side effects, it’s important to develop a long-term plan to manage your depression or anxiety. This may include trying different antidepressants or other combinations of medications.

Talk therapyis also an effective treatment for certain types of depression and anxiety.Finding the right therapist requires taking the time to locate one who you are comfortable working with. This may involve trying out a few different therapists before finding the right fit.

How to Find the Best Therapist for You

If your current mental health treatment isn’t adequately helping, consider seeking consultation or finding a new psychiatrist or therapist. Individuals with health insurance can search the company’s list of local providers who accept that insurance.

In addition to physicians and mental health professionals, there are also many online resources that can offer support during Lexapro withdrawal.Support groupscan be a helpful source of information and peer support during recovery.

TheSubstance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA)has a searchabledirectoryof qualified providers. You can also call them at1-800-662-HELP (4357).

12 SourcesVerywell Mind uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Fava GA, Gatti A, Belaise C, Guidi J, Offidani E.Withdrawal symptoms after selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor discontinuation: A systematic review.Psychother Psychosom. 2015;84(2):72-81. doi:10.1159/000370338Yasui-Furukori N, Hashimoto K, Tsuchimine S, et al.Characteristics of escitalopram discontinuation syndrome: a preliminary study.Clin Neuropharmacol.2016;39(3):125-7. doi:10.1097/WNF.0000000000000139U.S. Food and Drug Administration.Lexapro (escitalopram) label.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Antidepressant use among adults: United States, 2015-2018.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Antidepressant use among persons aged 12 and over: United States, 2011-2014.National Alliance on Mental Illness.Escitalopram (Lexapro).Davies J, Read J.A systematic review into the incidence, severity and duration of antidepressant withdrawal effects: Are guidelines evidence-based?Addict Behav.2019;97:111-121. doi:10.1016/j.addbeh.2018.08.027Horowitz MA, Taylor D.Tapering of SSRI treatment to mitigate withdrawal symptoms.Lancet Psychiatry. 2019;6(6):538-546. doi:10.1016/S2215-0366(19)30032-XBraun C, Bschor T, Franklin J, Baethge C.Suicide and suicide attempts during long-term treatment with antidepressants: A meta-analysis of 29 placebo-controlled studies including 6,934 patients with major depressive disorder.Psychother Psychosom. 2016;85(3):171-179. doi:10.1159/000442293Mayo Clinic.Suicide and suicidal thoughts.Steinert C, Hofmann M, Kruse J, Leichsenring F.Relapse rates after psychotherapy for depression - stable long-term effects? A meta-analysis.J Affect Disord. 2014;168:107-118. doi:10.1016/j.jad.2014.06.043Munder T, Flückiger C, Leichsenring F, et al.Is psychotherapy effective: A re-analysis of treatments for depression.Epidemiol Psychiatric Serv. 2018;28(3):268-274. doi:10.1017/S2045796018000355

12 Sources

Verywell Mind uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Fava GA, Gatti A, Belaise C, Guidi J, Offidani E.Withdrawal symptoms after selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor discontinuation: A systematic review.Psychother Psychosom. 2015;84(2):72-81. doi:10.1159/000370338Yasui-Furukori N, Hashimoto K, Tsuchimine S, et al.Characteristics of escitalopram discontinuation syndrome: a preliminary study.Clin Neuropharmacol.2016;39(3):125-7. doi:10.1097/WNF.0000000000000139U.S. Food and Drug Administration.Lexapro (escitalopram) label.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Antidepressant use among adults: United States, 2015-2018.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Antidepressant use among persons aged 12 and over: United States, 2011-2014.National Alliance on Mental Illness.Escitalopram (Lexapro).Davies J, Read J.A systematic review into the incidence, severity and duration of antidepressant withdrawal effects: Are guidelines evidence-based?Addict Behav.2019;97:111-121. doi:10.1016/j.addbeh.2018.08.027Horowitz MA, Taylor D.Tapering of SSRI treatment to mitigate withdrawal symptoms.Lancet Psychiatry. 2019;6(6):538-546. doi:10.1016/S2215-0366(19)30032-XBraun C, Bschor T, Franklin J, Baethge C.Suicide and suicide attempts during long-term treatment with antidepressants: A meta-analysis of 29 placebo-controlled studies including 6,934 patients with major depressive disorder.Psychother Psychosom. 2016;85(3):171-179. doi:10.1159/000442293Mayo Clinic.Suicide and suicidal thoughts.Steinert C, Hofmann M, Kruse J, Leichsenring F.Relapse rates after psychotherapy for depression - stable long-term effects? A meta-analysis.J Affect Disord. 2014;168:107-118. doi:10.1016/j.jad.2014.06.043Munder T, Flückiger C, Leichsenring F, et al.Is psychotherapy effective: A re-analysis of treatments for depression.Epidemiol Psychiatric Serv. 2018;28(3):268-274. doi:10.1017/S2045796018000355

Verywell Mind uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.

Fava GA, Gatti A, Belaise C, Guidi J, Offidani E.Withdrawal symptoms after selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor discontinuation: A systematic review.Psychother Psychosom. 2015;84(2):72-81. doi:10.1159/000370338Yasui-Furukori N, Hashimoto K, Tsuchimine S, et al.Characteristics of escitalopram discontinuation syndrome: a preliminary study.Clin Neuropharmacol.2016;39(3):125-7. doi:10.1097/WNF.0000000000000139U.S. Food and Drug Administration.Lexapro (escitalopram) label.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Antidepressant use among adults: United States, 2015-2018.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Antidepressant use among persons aged 12 and over: United States, 2011-2014.National Alliance on Mental Illness.Escitalopram (Lexapro).Davies J, Read J.A systematic review into the incidence, severity and duration of antidepressant withdrawal effects: Are guidelines evidence-based?Addict Behav.2019;97:111-121. doi:10.1016/j.addbeh.2018.08.027Horowitz MA, Taylor D.Tapering of SSRI treatment to mitigate withdrawal symptoms.Lancet Psychiatry. 2019;6(6):538-546. doi:10.1016/S2215-0366(19)30032-XBraun C, Bschor T, Franklin J, Baethge C.Suicide and suicide attempts during long-term treatment with antidepressants: A meta-analysis of 29 placebo-controlled studies including 6,934 patients with major depressive disorder.Psychother Psychosom. 2016;85(3):171-179. doi:10.1159/000442293Mayo Clinic.Suicide and suicidal thoughts.Steinert C, Hofmann M, Kruse J, Leichsenring F.Relapse rates after psychotherapy for depression - stable long-term effects? A meta-analysis.J Affect Disord. 2014;168:107-118. doi:10.1016/j.jad.2014.06.043Munder T, Flückiger C, Leichsenring F, et al.Is psychotherapy effective: A re-analysis of treatments for depression.Epidemiol Psychiatric Serv. 2018;28(3):268-274. doi:10.1017/S2045796018000355

Fava GA, Gatti A, Belaise C, Guidi J, Offidani E.Withdrawal symptoms after selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor discontinuation: A systematic review.Psychother Psychosom. 2015;84(2):72-81. doi:10.1159/000370338

Yasui-Furukori N, Hashimoto K, Tsuchimine S, et al.Characteristics of escitalopram discontinuation syndrome: a preliminary study.Clin Neuropharmacol.2016;39(3):125-7. doi:10.1097/WNF.0000000000000139

U.S. Food and Drug Administration.Lexapro (escitalopram) label.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Antidepressant use among adults: United States, 2015-2018.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Antidepressant use among persons aged 12 and over: United States, 2011-2014.

National Alliance on Mental Illness.Escitalopram (Lexapro).

Davies J, Read J.A systematic review into the incidence, severity and duration of antidepressant withdrawal effects: Are guidelines evidence-based?Addict Behav.2019;97:111-121. doi:10.1016/j.addbeh.2018.08.027

Horowitz MA, Taylor D.Tapering of SSRI treatment to mitigate withdrawal symptoms.Lancet Psychiatry. 2019;6(6):538-546. doi:10.1016/S2215-0366(19)30032-X

Braun C, Bschor T, Franklin J, Baethge C.Suicide and suicide attempts during long-term treatment with antidepressants: A meta-analysis of 29 placebo-controlled studies including 6,934 patients with major depressive disorder.Psychother Psychosom. 2016;85(3):171-179. doi:10.1159/000442293

Mayo Clinic.Suicide and suicidal thoughts.

Steinert C, Hofmann M, Kruse J, Leichsenring F.Relapse rates after psychotherapy for depression - stable long-term effects? A meta-analysis.J Affect Disord. 2014;168:107-118. doi:10.1016/j.jad.2014.06.043

Munder T, Flückiger C, Leichsenring F, et al.Is psychotherapy effective: A re-analysis of treatments for depression.Epidemiol Psychiatric Serv. 2018;28(3):268-274. doi:10.1017/S2045796018000355

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