Tapering off Lexapro: How to Do It, Symptoms, & FAQ

Tapering off Lexapro, rather than coming off it cold turkey, is the best way to stop using this drug. However, it’s important that you do not come off any prescribed medication without the supervision of your prescribing doctor.

Lexapro, an SSRI antidepressant, is primarily used to treat major depressive disorder and generalized anxiety disorder by increasing serotonin levels in the brain. While Lexapro can be beneficial to a number of people struggling with mental health, it can also cause physical dependence that results in antidepressant withdrawal symptoms if you discontinue use too fast.

If you decide to discontinue your antidepressants, it is best to have a discussion with your healthcare provider about gradually reducing your dosage to zero rather than abruptly stopping the medication. The process of tapering off of Lexapro is designed to prevent severe withdrawal symptoms.

Read on to learn more about these issues and more:

• What does successful tapering off Lexapro involve?
• How to taper Lexapro
• What are the benefits of tapering off Lexapro?
• Is there pain from tapering off Lexapro?
• How to connect with addiction treatment in Southern California. 

How to Taper Off Lexapro

Tapering off Lexapro (escitalopram) should be carried out under the guidance and supervision of a healthcare provider [1].

The specific tapering schedule will depend on individual factors, including the current dosage, how long you have taken the medication, and your response to the tapering process. Here are some general steps often involved in tapering off Lexapro:

• Consult your healthcare provider: Initiate a conversation with your doctor or psychiatrist about your desire to discontinue Lexapro. They will evaluate your specific situation and determine the most appropriate tapering plan.
• Gradual reduction: Typically, a healthcare provider will recommend a gradual reduction in dosage over several weeks or months. This allows your body to adjust to the changes and minimizes the risk of withdrawal symptoms.
• Follow medical advice: Adhere to the tapering schedule provided by your healthcare provider strictly. Do not modify your dosage without their guidance.
• Monitoring: Throughout the tapering process, your healthcare provider will monitor your progress and address any emerging symptoms or concerns.
• Lifestyle support: Incorporate healthy lifestyle practices, such as regular exercise, a balanced diet, and stress management techniques, to support your mental health during the tapering period.
• Psychological support: Consider therapy or counseling to help manage any emotional or psychological challenges that may arise during the tapering process.

Lexapro Taper Schedule

Tapering off Lexapro involves gradually reducing the dosage you’re taking on a predetermined schedule in order to mitigate withdrawal symptoms. Using a Lexapro tapering schedule under the supervision of your prescribing physician is the safest and most comfortable way to come off of this medication [2].

However, the right tapering schedule will vary for each individual. Factors such as current dosage, length of use, and individual physiology will impact this schedule.

Symptoms of Tapering Off Lexapro

The side effects of tapering off Lexapro can vary among individuals and may include the following antidepressant discontinuation syndrome symptoms [3]:

• Flu-like symptoms: Withdrawal can cause fatigue, muscle aches, headaches, and sweating, making you feel as if you’re coming down with the flu.
• Mood changes: Sudden shifts in mood, such as increased irritability or sadness, are common during withdrawal as your brain adjusts to changes in serotonin levels.
• Dizziness: A frequent symptom during withdrawal, dizziness can lead to balance issues and feelings of lightheadedness or vertigo.
• Nausea: Many people experience nausea or vomiting as their body adjusts to the dose reduction of Lexapro.
• Diarrhea: Gastrointestinal issues, including diarrhea, can occur during withdrawal due to the body’s response to lowered serotonin levels.
• Stomach discomfort: Cramping, bloating, or general stomach discomfort may arise as your body adjusts to the absence of Lexapro.
• Sleep disturbances: Withdrawal often disrupts sleep, leading to insomnia, vivid dreams, or nightmares.
• Electric shock sensations (brain zaps): These shock-like sensations, often felt in the brain, are a hallmark of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRI) withdrawal.
• Physical sensations like tingling, numbness, or heightened sensitivity: Abnormal sensations, such as tingling or numbness, can occur as the nervous system adjusts.
• Difficulty concentrating: Cognitive issues like difficulty focusing or concentrating are common.
• Memory issues: Some individuals may experience short-term memory problems during the withdrawal process.
• Mental fogginess: A sense of confusion or cloudiness, often called “brain fog,” can make thinking clearly more difficult.
• Mood swings: Emotional volatility is common, with sudden changes in mood, ranging from positive to negative.
• Irritability: Increased irritability or short temper may emerge as emotional regulation becomes more challenging during withdrawal.
• Anxiety: Anxiety may intensify or return as serotonin levels fluctuate while tapering off the medication.
• Rebound symptoms of depression or anxiety: Symptoms of depression or anxiety that Lexapro was treating may return or worsen if tapering is too rapid.

Communicate any distressing or severe symptoms to your healthcare provider during the tapering process. They can provide guidance, adjust your tapering plan if necessary, and offer additional support to manage these symptoms effectively.

Lexapro Withdrawal Symptoms

Also known as antidepressant discontinuation syndrome, the withdrawal symptoms that occur [4] after coming off Lexapro can be uncomfortable. If stopped abruptly and not under a tapering schedule, about 20% of Lexapro users experience withdrawal symptoms. These symptoms typically begin around 2-4 days after stopping the medication. If Lexapro (or a similar antidepressant) is started again, symptoms typically resolve within 1-3 days.

In addition to these symptoms, feelings of anxiety or depression may reappear as a result of coming off the antidepressant that was treating them.

The severity and duration of these symptoms will vary for each person depending on dosage, length of use, individual physiology, and other factors.

It is not recommended to come off of Lexapro or any other prescribed medication without the supervision of your prescribing physician. Seek consultation before discontinuing the use of this medication. 

Treatment for Prescription Drug Dependence

Medical detoxification, often abbreviated to medical detox, is a structured and supervised process [5] designed to safely and comfortably manage withdrawal symptoms when discontinuing prescription drugs like Lexapro or other medications that have led to dependence. It is typically recommended for individuals who have developed physical or psychological dependence on prescription drugs.

Medical detox is conducted under the close supervision of healthcare professionals, including doctors, nurses, and addiction specialists. Their expertise ensures that the detox process is safe and tailored to individual needs.

Before beginning medical detox, a thorough assessment is performed to evaluate the extent of drug dependence, overall health, and any co-occurring mental health conditions [6]. Based on the assessment, a personalized detoxification plan is developed. This tapering off of Lexapro schedule may include medication management to alleviate withdrawal symptoms, if applicable.

After completing medical detox, individuals are often encouraged to continue their recovery journey through addiction treatment programs, such as residential or outpatient rehab, therapy, or support groups. Part of medical detox involves preparing individuals for life after detox. Relapse prevention strategies are introduced to minimize the risk of returning to prescription drug misuse.

Medical detox is a critical first step for individuals seeking to overcome prescription drug dependence safely. It provides a structured and supportive environment that can significantly improve the chances of successful recovery.

Tapering Off Lexapro | FAQs

Can tapering off of Lexapro make you crave sugar?

Similar to chocolate cravings, tapering off Lexapro may lead to changes in appetite and cravings for sugar or other specific foods. These cravings can be influenced by factors such as mood changes during the tapering process.

Does tapering off Lexapro cause sleeplessness?

Tapering off Lexapro can disrupt sleep patterns in some individuals. Insomnia or changes in sleep duration and quality may occur as part of the withdrawal or adjustment process. Consulting with a healthcare provider can help address sleep issues during this transition.

How should I wean off Lexapro 10 mg? 

Tapering off Lexapro 10 mg typically involves reducing the dose by small increments over a few weeks or months, depending on how your body reacts. Consult your doctor to create a personalized plan that minimizes withdrawal symptoms.

What is the best way to taper off Lexapro 10 mg?

The best approach to tapering off Lexapro 10 mg is to reduce the dose gradually, often by 5 mg at a time every 1-2 weeks, while monitoring for withdrawal symptoms. Always follow your doctor’s guidance for a safe tapering schedule.

How do I wean off Lexapro 20 mg safely?

To safely taper off Lexapro 20 mg, it’s usually recommended to decrease the dosage by 5 mg to 10 mg every few weeks. A slow tapering process reduces the risk of withdrawal symptoms, but your healthcare provider will customize the schedule for you.

What’s the process for weaning off Lexapro 5 mg? 

Weaning off Lexapro 5 mg might involve reducing the dose to 2.5 mg or less over a week or two before stopping completely. Because lower doses have a more significant impact, your doctor may advise tapering slowly to avoid withdrawal effects.

Get a Safe & Effective Medical Detox at Gratitude Lodge

If you are concerned about figuring out how to stop taking Lexapro, or discontinuing the use of Lexapro or any other antidepressant, we can help you achieve this with medication-assisted treatment at Gratitude Lodge in Southern California. Our pet-friendly rehab centers are conveniently located in Newport Beach and Long Beach, CA.

Streamline the Lexapro withdrawal process by engaging with our supervised medical detox program. After detox, transition directly into ongoing treatment to address the psychological aspects of addiction to antidepressants like Lexapro. All Gratitude Lodge treatment programs involve a personalized blend of the following therapies:

• Group therapy
• Individual therapy
• Psychotherapy
• Family therapy
• MAT (medication-assisted treatment)
• Holistic therapies
• Aftercare support 

For expert help tapering off prescription drugs in Southern California, call 844-576-0144.

Sources

[1] https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a603005.html

[2] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8841913/

[3] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4014033/

[4] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5449237/

[5] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4014033/

[6] https://www.samhsa.gov/medications-substance-use-disorders/medications-counseling-related-conditions/co-occurring-disorders