The process of getting off Lexapro can vary greatly depending on factors like your current dose, how long you've been taking the medication, and your personal health history. In most cases, tapering off Lexapro takes several weeks to a few months, but it should always be guided by a healthcare provider.
This plan typically involves gradually reducing the dose of Lexapro over a period that may range from several weeks to months, depending on factors such as the duration of treatment, the current dose, and the presence of any symptoms of withdrawal.
The main cause of Lexapro withdrawal is the sudden decrease in serotonin levels that the brain has gotten used to during treatment. Over time, the brain adapts to having Lexapro around, and stopping it all of a sudden can throw things off balance. This imbalance is what causes withdrawal symptoms.
The hardest antidepressants to come off are typically those with short half-lives, meaning they leave the body quickly, leading to more intense withdrawal (discontinuation syndrome); prominent examples include Paroxetine (Paxil), Venlafaxine (Effexor), and Fluvoxamine (Luvox), with Venlafaxine often cited for particularly severe withdrawal. In contrast, Fluoxetine (Prozac), with its long half-life, is generally considered the easiest to stop due to its gradual exit from the body.
Individual factors including treatment duration, genetic variations, specific medications used, and discontinuation methods all influence the recovery trajectory. While some people may experience relatively quick normalization of brain function, others may require extended periods for full recovery.
Side effects are typically mild and go away on their own. However, stopping antidepressants may lead to improved mental clarity, weight loss, and restored sexual function. Anyone interested in learning more about stopping antidepressants should speak with a healthcare or mental health professional.
Yes—many people take Lexapro for years. Some even stay on it for most of their lives. Medical research shows that SSRIs are safe for long-term use when monitored by a healthcare provider. There is no official time limit that says you must stop the medication after a certain number of years.
Some of the hardest drugs to quit are:
Escitalopram and sertraline stand out.
Bupropion, citalopram, escitalopram, and sertraline were better tolerated than the other antidepressants. Escitalopram and sertraline were found to have the best combination of efficacy and acceptability.
Antidepressant discontinuation syndrome (ADS) can happen if you stop taking your antidepressant medication, especially suddenly. It causes a variety of symptoms like nausea, insomnia, fatigue and achiness. Because of this, it's crucial to go off an antidepressant under the guidance of your healthcare provider.
Withdrawal symptoms can begin within 24–72 hours after stopping Lexapro. Flu-like symptoms, irritability, mood swings, difficulty concentrating, and sleep disturbances may start to appear. Some may begin to feel a sudden drop in emotional stability, with increased anxiety symptoms or depression symptoms.
Missing doses of escitalopram may increase your risk for relapse in your symptoms. Stopping escitalopram abruptly may result in one or more of the following withdrawal symptoms: irritability, nausea, feeling dizzy, vomiting, nightmares, headache, and/or paresthesias (prickling, tingling sensation on the skin).
Among the SSRIs paroxetine seems to be the worst offender and fluoxetine the least while sertraline and fluvoxamine tend to be intermediate. However, the most serious discontinuation reactions came from the SNRI venlafaxine.
The worst results were for patients addicted to fentanyl, methamphetamine, cocaine or heroin, only 29% to 31% of whom were reachable and not using any non-prescribed substances one year later.
Therefore, this article defines the most addictive substances as substances that greatly affect dopamine levels and are most likely to cause addiction.
TL;DR: After stopping antidepressants, the brain can gradually adjust back to its pre-medication state, but this process and its outcomes can vary significantly between individuals. Some people may return to their previous mental state, while others may experience lasting changes or improvements.
Propranolol is a beta blocker first approved by the FDA in 1967 to treat heart conditions and high blood pressure. Today, many clinicians also prescribe it off-label for short-term, situational anxiety because it calms the body's stress response.
An anti-anxiety medicine with a milder effect is Buspirone (Buspar). Buspar is good for mild anxiety but doesn't appear to have an effect on panic attacks.
How do I know if I'm ready to taper off Lexapro? You might be ready to reduce Lexapro if you've experienced stable mental health for at least six months, completed therapy addressing underlying issues, or find that side effects outweigh the medication's benefits.
Some of the more common supplements that might be an effective alternative to Lexapro for anxiety or depression may include:
Escitalopram is thought to work by increasing the levels of a mood-enhancing chemical called serotonin in your brain.
Generally, symptoms might last between 1 week and several months after discontinuing use, but it's really crucial to note that everyone's experience with Lexapro withdrawal differs. Some will take longer than others to recover fully after they stop taking Lexapro.
Common Lexapro side effects include nausea, headache, and diarrhea. It can also cause trouble sleeping and sexual problems. Some of these side effects eventually go away as your body gets used to the medication. More serious Lexapro side effects include abnormal bleeding and suicidal thoughts.