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.
Verywell / Hilary Allison
Causes of Lexapro Withdrawal
SSRIs affectserotonin levels, a bang out of mood-regulating neurotransmitter in the brain.
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.
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.
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.
Many people also experience confusion and difficulty concentrating.
Less Common Symptoms
Lexapro withdrawal can be difficult, both physically and emotionally.
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.
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.
The prescribing physician can create a dosing schedule and carefully monitor the process to avoid severe symptoms.
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 you or a loved one are in immediate danger, call 911.
For more mental health resources, see ourNational Helpline Database.
This may include trying different antidepressants or other combinations of medications.
This may involve trying out a few different therapists before finding the right fit.
Individuals with health insurance can search the companys list of local providers who accept that insurance.
TheSubstance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA)has a searchabledirectoryof qualified providers.
you could also call them at1-800-662-HELP (4357).
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).
2016;85(3):171-179. doi:10.1159/000442293
Mayo Clinic.Suicide and suicidal thoughts.
A meta-analysis.J Affect Disord.
2018;28(3):268-274. doi:10.1017/S2045796018000355
