Medical Review by Jennie Stanford, MD, FAAFP, DABOM
Summary:
- Lexapro® (escitalopram) is an SSRI used to treat depression and anxiety, but stopping it suddenly can lead to withdrawal symptoms or relapse.
- Symptoms of antidepressant discontinuation syndrome can include flu-like symptoms, insomnia, dizziness, “brain zaps,” and mood changes. These symptoms typically start within 2–4 days and last 1–2 weeks, but they can last longer for some people.
- Gradually reducing your dose under a healthcare provider’s supervision allows your body to adjust and reduces the likelihood of severe withdrawal symptoms. It’s important to check in regularly during this process to manage any adverse effects that come up.
- If you and your healthcare provider decide to discontinue Lexapro® they may suggest other medications like Zoloft®, Prozac®, or Wellbutrin®. Therapy options, such as CBT, and certain lifestyle changes may also help support your mental health while you transition away from Lexapro® use.
Here’s what to know before you stop taking Lexapro® or switch medications
Lexapro® is a branded form of the medication escitalopram that helps treat depression and anxiety—but it isn’t right for everyone. If you’re thinking about stopping Lexapro®, it’s important to understand the effects that discontinuing your medication might have so that you can work with a healthcare provider to make the transition as smooth as possible.
This guide explores what happens when you stop taking Lexapro® and how to navigate the process safely. We’ll also help you learn about other treatment options for depression and anxiety so that you can continue to improve your mental health even if Lexapro® is no longer right for you.
How Lexapro® works (& why stopping can be challenging)
Lexapro® is a prescription selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI). It helps regulate serotonin levels in the brain.
Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that plays an important role in your mood, memory, and behavior. Using SSRIs to improve your serotonin levels can also help improve these functions and reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety.
But, while many people transition off Lexapro® successfully, stopping an antidepressant abruptly or without medical guidance can lead to withdrawal symptoms. It may also cause the conditions you’ve been treating with Lexapro® to reappear.
Reasons for stopping Lexapro®
There are many reasons why someone might decide to stop taking an antidepressant like Lexapro®. Understanding them can help you talk to your healthcare provider about stopping or switching your medication, so that you can work together to clarify the next steps. Common reasons include:
- Not getting results: As many as two-thirds of people with depression do not feel that the first antidepressant they take is effective.
- Side effects: Some people stop taking Lexapro® due to unwanted side effects. Learn more about Lexapro®’s possible side effects here.
- Symptoms improving: If you’ve noticed that your anxiety or depression has improved significantly since you started taking Lexapro®, you may feel that you no longer require medication.
- Switching medications: If Lexapro® isn’t working as expected or your healthcare provider believes a different medication might be more effective, they could recommend that you switch.
Whatever reasons you may have for wanting to stop or switch, you should always consult your healthcare provider before discontinuing Lexapro®. Do not stop or switch medications by yourself.
Withdrawal symptoms
Stopping Lexapro® abruptly or reducing your dose too quickly can lead to withdrawal symptoms that may be part of antidepressant discontinuation syndrome. This condition occurs in about 20% of people who stop taking any antidepressant medication after using it for at least a month.
Escitalopram does not carry as high a risk for this syndrome as some other medications, like venlafaxine or paroxetine. However, these effects are still possible—and may also be more likely the longer you use the medication. They could include:
- Flu-like symptoms: Fatigue, headache, sweating, and achiness.
- Insomnia: Difficulty sleeping, often accompanied by vivid dreams or nightmares.
- Nausea: Sometimes accompanied by vomiting.
- Dizziness or imbalance: Light-headedness, vertigo, or feeling unsteady.
- Sensory disturbances: “Brain zaps” (electrical shock-like sensations) or tingling.
- Mood changes: Irritability, anxiety, or increased agitation.
When does withdrawal start (& how long does it last)?
If you do experience antidepressant discontinuation syndrome after stopping Lexapro®, your symptoms will normally start within 2-4 days and typically last one to two weeks—although some cases have lasted for up to a year. The length and severity of your symptoms can vary from one person to another, which is part of why it’s important to approach stopping Lexapro® carefully and follow your healthcare provider’s advice.
Managing withdrawal symptoms
To minimize withdrawal symptoms and ensure a smoother transition off Lexapro®, your healthcare provider may recommend gradually tapering off, instead of stopping all at once. This can make it easier for your body to adjust as the medication leaves your system—but you should still check in with your healthcare provider regularly during the process, especially if you notice withdrawal symptoms as you decrease your dose.
Making certain lifestyle adjustments can also improve your mood while you come off of medication like Lexapro®. Certain diets (like the Mediterranean diet) have been associated with better physical and mental health.
Therapy may also provide tools for handling withdrawal symptoms. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT) can be combined with tapering to reduce the risk of relapse after stopping an antidepressant medication.
Remember, regular check-ins with your healthcare provider ensure that your plan to stop taking Lexapro® meets your specific needs. Work closely with your care provider to make sure you are always following their guidance during the process.
Alternative treatments & support
If you and your healthcare provider have made the decision for you to stop taking Lexapro®, your provider may recommend alternative treatments to support your mental health. Your options could include:
Other medications
Your provider might recommend a different antidepressant or anxiety medication, such as:
- Zoloft® (sertraline): Another SSRI that can be used to treat depression, anxiety, and obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD).
- Prozac® (fluoxetine): An SSRI that is used to treat various conditions related to serotonin, including depression, anxiety, and panic disorder.
- Wellbutrin® (bupropion): A norepinephrine-dopamine reuptake inhibitor (NDRI) that is sometimes used to treat depression, help people stop smoking, or manage seasonal affective disorder (SAD).
Therapy
Therapeutic approaches (like CBT) have been shown as effective ways to address the root causes of anxiety or depression. They may be able to help you develop effective coping strategies. Using CBT with medication has also been shown to achieve better results than using medication alone.
Lifestyle changes
Incorporating regular physical activity, maintaining a healthy diet, and practicing mindfulness or meditation can improve mental health outcomes. These are not necessarily a replacement for medication, but they may be useful ways to complement your treatment. A comprehensive treatment plan often combines multiple approaches for the best results.
Making an informed decision about Lexapro® with Lemonaid Health
Stopping Lexapro® is a decision that should be made with careful planning and medical guidance. Withdrawal symptoms, relapse risks, and emotional challenges are all potential hurdles, but with the right approach, you can navigate them successfully.
If you’re considering discontinuing Lexapro®, consult your healthcare provider to create a plan that prioritizes your safety and mental health. Remember, support is available to help you manage this transition and maintain your wellness progress.
Lemonaid Health can help by connecting you with US-based medical practitioners for private online consultations. You’ll be able to talk with an expert, have your questions answered, and get help creating a personalized plan for better mental health that may involve appropriate medication if it’s clinically indicated. Get started today.
Lexapro® is a registered trademark of H. Lundbeck A/S. Prozac® is a registered trademark of Eli Lilly and Company. Zoloft® is a registered trademark of Viatris Specialty LLC. Wellbutrin® is a registered trademark of GlaxoSmithKline LLC.
