How Long Does Lexapro Withdrawal Last? Timeline and Recovery Tips
Individuals who have been prescribed long-term antidepressants like Lexapro (escitalopram) may be familiar with the unpleasant effects of missing a dose for a day or two. These unpleasant symptoms can be quite distressing and can leave individuals apprehensive about discontinuing their medication. However, understanding the Lexapro withdrawal timeline, how to manage drug withdrawal symptoms, and ways to deal with mental health symptoms without medications can help individuals feel more prepared and empowered during the transition.
Whether you’re stopping Lexapro because you feel ready to manage your mental health without it, you’re switching to a different medication, or you’re experiencing side effects, it’s important to approach the process with knowledge and support.
Knowing what to expect helps you feel less overwhelmed and more in control of your recovery process. Accessing professional support during this time, such as medical detox programs, can provide the expert guidance needed to ease or even prevent withdrawal symptoms entirely.
What Is Lexapro?
Lexapro, known generically as escitalopram, is a medication primarily prescribed for depression and generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). This antidepressant falls under the category of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), which function by enhancing serotonin activity in the brain, as noted by the Mayo Clinic.
Serotonin, a key neurotransmitter, plays a crucial role in mood regulation, and Lexapro helps by preventing its reabsorption, thereby increasing its availability to elevate mood and alleviate anxiety.
Typically, it takes between 2 and 6 weeks for Lexapro to begin showing effects, although some individuals may require up to 8 to 12 weeks to fully experience its benefits for depression and anxiety. Initial improvements in sleep, energy, or appetite may be noticed within the first 1 to 2 weeks.
Like other SSRIs, Lexapro requires the brain to recalibrate its chemical balance before the benefits are felt. As serotonin levels rise, this initiates a series of intricate changes in the brain, including adjustments in serotonin receptors, growth of nerve cells, and the establishment of new neuronal connections.
While Lexapro is effective for its intended purposes, it may also lead to some undesirable side effects, which can vary from mild and short-lived to more severe, such as:
- Nausea and digestive issues
- Headache
- Sleep disturbances
- Sexual dysfunction
- Dizziness
- Dry mouth
- Increased sweating
- Fatigue
- Appetite changes
Severe side effects may involve heightened anxiety or depression, along with a greater likelihood of suicidal thoughts and actions. It’s crucial to follow your healthcare provider’s instructions when taking the drug to reduce the risks of taking Lexapro, ensuring you don’t skip several doses or discontinue use suddenly, as this could result in withdrawal symptoms.
How Long Is the Withdrawal From Lexapro?
For those facing mental health challenges such as depression and anxiety, medications are frequently prescribed in conjunction with behavioral therapy to alleviate symptoms. Antidepressants like Lexapro facilitate long-term management of anxiety and depression symptoms due to their non-habit-forming nature.
Although Lexapro is not typically deemed addictive, physical dependence may develop over time, leading to what is known as SSRI discontinuation syndrome, often referred to as Lexapro withdrawal.
The Lexapro withdrawal timeline can vary based on personal factors such as dosage, duration of use, and the abruptness of cessation. As reported by VeryWellMind, withdrawal symptoms can start within one to three days, but usually resolve within one to two weeks. Symptoms typically peak between four and 14 days after discontinuation, but begin to diminish shortly thereafter.
A small percentage of individuals may experience prolonged withdrawal symptoms, sometimes referred to as Post-Acute Withdrawal Syndrome or PAWS, which can persist for several months and may involve ongoing mood fluctuations, difficulties with concentration, or sleep disturbances. However, gradually tapering the dosage can help mitigate the intensity of withdrawal symptoms.
What Are the Common Symptoms of Lexapro Withdrawal?
Lexapro takes time to work as it takes time for the brain to make necessary changes to adapt to the increased availability of serotonin. When someone stops taking Lexapro suddenly, the brain is left without the support it had grown used to, and the sudden drop in serotonin levels can lead to a variety of physical and psychological symptoms as the brain struggles to regain equilibrium.
Withdrawal from Lexapro can vary in severity and duration, but common symptoms include:
- Flu-like symptoms – fatigue, muscle aches, chills, sweating
- Gastrointestinal issues – nausea, vomiting, diarrhea
- Sleep disturbances – insomnia, vivid dreams, nightmares
- Dizziness and balance problems – lightheadedness, vertigo, feeling unsteady
- Sensory disturbances – known as “brain zaps,” which feel like electrical shock sensations in the head
- Headaches
- Tremors or shaking
- Anxiety, irritability, and agitation
- Mood swings
- Depression or worsening of depressive symptoms
- Difficulty concentrating and memory problems
- Restlessness
- Crying spells
Is It Safe to Stop Lexapro Cold Turkey?
Abruptly discontinuing Lexapro can pose significant dangers and lead to considerable discomfort. According to the University of Florida, stopping antidepressants suddenly may trigger a range of issues that could be as severe or even worse than the original condition they were meant to address, potentially reversing any progress made in managing mental health. Quitting Lexapro cold turkey can result in antidepressant discontinuation syndrome and withdrawal symptoms, along with serious risks.
For instance, suddenly halting Lexapro can lead to mood instability and may heighten the risk of suicidal thoughts or actions in some individuals, particularly if the underlying condition remains unresolved. Furthermore, the initial symptoms of depression or anxiety may resurface, often with greater intensity.
In rare instances, especially when combined with other medications, abruptly stopping an SSRI could lead to serotonin syndrome, a serious condition caused by excessive serotonin levels in the brain. However, this is more frequently linked to initiating or increasing serotonergic medication doses.
Lastly, while uncommon with SSRIs compared to other medications, there have been isolated cases of seizures following sudden discontinuation in vulnerable individuals.
It is crucial to never stop taking Lexapro without the guidance of your prescribing doctor. Gradual tapering, or slowly reducing the dosage over time under medical supervision, is the safest and most effective approach.
Not only does it reduce the severity of withdrawal symptoms, but it also allows the brain to adjust to lower serotonin levels in a controlled way. This method can reduce the risk of relapse into depression or anxiety and also improve long-term outcomes. Gradual tapering involves reducing the dose of Lexapro over a period of weeks or even months.
WhiteSands Treatment is Here to Guide You Through the Lexapro Withdrawal Timeline
Going through the Lexapro withdrawal timeline can not only be frightening and uncomfortable, and it also carries potential risks. Mood fluctuations, physical discomfort, and a significant worsening of mental health issues, including thoughts of self-harm, highlight the importance of not discontinuing Lexapro without professional guidance.
WhiteSands Treatment operates a network of prescription drug treatment centers in Florida, offering comprehensive care. While our facilities are typically recognized for addiction treatment, we also offer programs for those looking to discontinue prescription medications that may lead to withdrawal symptoms.
Our skilled medical team and licensed therapists are well-versed in the challenges of stopping medications like Lexapro. We deliver tailored, medically supervised strategies to assist individuals in safely managing antidepressant withdrawal, complemented by behavioral health therapy and counseling to tackle underlying mental health issues. Our services extend beyond merely helping individuals stop using Lexapro; we also focus on equipping them with long-term mental health management tools.
Whether you’re just beginning to consider coming off Lexapro or are already in the middle of the withdrawal process, we are committed to supporting you throughout the journey. Contact WhiteSands Alcohol and Drug Rehab today at 877-855-33470 to discover more about our customized recovery programs for prescription medications.
External Sources
- Mayo Clinic – Escitalopram (oral route)
- VeryWellMind – Lexapro Withdrawal: Symptoms, Timeline, & Treatment
- University of Florida – The Dangers of Stopping Antidepressants Cold Turkey
If you or a loved one needs help with abuse and/or treatment, please call the WhiteSands Treatment at (877) 855-3470. Our addiction specialists can assess your recovery needs and help you get the addiction treatment that provides the best chance for your long-term recovery.
About the Author
Jackie has been involved in the substance abuse and addiction treatment sector for over five years and this is something that she is truly eager about. She has a passion for writing and continuously works to create informative pieces that not only educate and inform the public about the disease of addiction but also provide solutions for those who struggle with drug and alcohol abuse.
