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Lexapro Withdrawal Symptoms: How Long Do They Last?

Lexapro (Escitalopram) has emerged as one of the most popular antidepressant drugs in the United States. It works as an SSRI (selective-serotonin reuptake inhibitor) and has approval to treat major depression in individuals over the age of 12. In addition to being utilized for depression, it is also prescribed for generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). It is strikingly similar to the drug “Celexa” in the fact that it contains just the (S)-stereoisomer (without the (R)-stereoisomer).

There is controversial evidence suggesting that Lexapro may be slightly more effective than Celexa. In some cases, Lexapro is used to treat social anxiety disorder, OCD (obsessive compulsive disorder) and panic disorder. This is one of the most prescribed SSRI’s in the United States due to the fact that it has been found as one of the most effective. Most people stay on this medication until it either stops working or they are compelled to quit.

When a person quits, they may not expect to experience any significant withdrawal symptoms – especially if this is a person’s first SSRI. If you plan on stopping this medication, it is important to know what you should expect and prepare yourself for the symptoms. Most people experience a pretty severe withdrawal period when they come off of Lexapro, which goes to show the power of this drug.

Factors that influence Lexapro withdrawal

There are a few factors that are thought to influence the severity of withdrawal from Lexapro.  These include things like: time span (i.e. how many months or years you were on this drug), the dosage that you took, whether you quit cold turkey or tapered, and your individual physiology.

1. Time Span

How long were you taking Lexapro? In the event that you were on it for years, the withdrawal process is likely going to be longer for you than someone on it for months. In general, the longer you take Lexapro, the more intense the withdrawal process.

2. Dosage (10 mg to 20 mg)

Most people take anywhere from 10 mg to 20 mg of Lexapro. The recommended starting dose is 10 mg, but for some people this isn’t quite strong enough. Therefore most doctors continue increasing the dose to achieve the desired effect. Doses tend to increase up to 20 mg, and then it is up to the patient and doctor whether 20 mg needs to be exceeded. Keep in mind that the higher the dose you are on, the greater the difficulty of the withdrawal process.

3. Cold Turkey vs. Tapering

It is never recommended to quit Lexapro “cold turkey.” Although some have done it, quitting cold turkey leaves your brain in a state of chemical disarray. Some people do not have the patience to taper because they feel so crappy on the drug. If you are able to taper, try to work with your doctor to gradually reduce your dosage. The higher the dose you are on, the longer the tapering process should be.

4. Individual Physiology

To a lesser degree than the other factors, your individual physiology will play a role in determining how quickly you bounce back from the discontinuation symptoms. Some people find that they feel normal within a few months of quitting the drug, while others find that it takes months to start feeling a little bit better. Everyone responds differently and heals at a different pace.

Lexapro Withdrawal Symptoms: List of Possibilities

Below are some symptoms that you may experience when you stop taking Lexapro. This is a collective of some common symptoms that people experience when they withdraw from this drug. You may only experience some of the symptoms listed below, but in any event, it is better to be mentally prepared for what you may experience so that you don’t become overwhelmed.

  • Anxiety: Most people will experience anxiety to a significant degree when stopping Lexapro. This is a drug that inhibits the reuptake of serotonin. If you have been taking it for an extended period of time and discontinue, your serotonin levels are likely lower than average – causing severe anxiety.  This is because your brain had become reliant upon the drug to increase serotonin and is no longer receiving it.
  • Appetite changes: You may experience changes in appetite when you first quit taking this drug. Some people notice that they aren’t quite as hungry and/or aren’t eating as much, while others regain appetite. Usually changes in appetite are opposite to your experience while on the drug.
  • Brain Zaps: It is common to experience “brain zaps” or sensations of electrical shocks throughout your brain when you stop taking Lexapro.  This is a common symptom that occurs when withdrawing from many different antidepressants.  These usually subside within a few weeks.
  • Concentration problems: One thing that most doctors will not tell you is that your concentration may be extremely poor during withdrawal. You are experiencing a ton of withdrawal symptoms which naturally detract from concentration, but the neurotransmitter levels are imbalanced – creating a state of brain fog.
  • Depersonalization: This involves feeling unlike your natural self. Most people feel depersonalized and when they try to describe it to someone else, the other person may just not understand what they mean. It can feel as though all natural emotions have been sucked out of the body and the person is lifeless. The emotions will eventually return as the person stays off of SSRI’s for awhile.
  • Depression: It is common to experience “rebound depression” when you quit taking Lexapro. It is a drug that was created to treat depression, so when you stop it, the depression will likely return. Many people notice that their depression is actually worse when they stop this drug – this is because the brain has become even more chemically imbalanced after taking this drug.
  • Dizziness: Many people report feeling dizziness, in some cases to the point of having “balance” issues. This dizziness can last for an extended period of time and may make life difficult to deal with. Recognize that this is a result of your brain trying to cope without stimulation from the drug.
  • Eye floaters: Some people report seeing “floaters” when they come off of Lexapro. Floaters are small shapes that “float” in and out of your field of vision. These are harmless and do not indicate that anything is wrong with your vision. Do your best not to panic and think that you are doomed if you see these.
  • Fatigue: It is very common to notice that you feel excessively tired throughout the day. The lethargy, tiredness, and fatigue may become so difficult, that you think it’s never going to end. This is likely due to your brain trying to restore itself to homeostasis.
  • Headaches: This is another extremely common symptom to experience when you withdraw from any drug – especially SSRI’s. If headaches are intense, do your best to relax – as many can be caused by tension. Also make sure that you are drinking plenty of water and consider taking headache relief medication if they become too difficult to deal with.
  • Insomnia: Some people are unable to fall asleep at night when they first stop Lexapro. This is usually a result of sleep pattern changes and increased anxiety. Some people find that taking a little melatonin supplement helps.
  • Irritability: If you are becoming increasingly irritable, do your best to control it without lashing out on others. It can be extremely difficult to control yourself when you feel as crappy as you do, but keep trying.
  • Libido changes: Most people notice that their sex life improves when they stop taking antidepressants. Lexapro is known to cause delayed orgasm and in some cases, inability to orgasm. When you stop taking this drug, your sex life should bounce back.
  • Mood swings: It is common to experience crazy mood swings when quitting this drug. One minute you may feel as though you’re going to recover and the next you may feel as if there is no hope. People may notice that you are acting especially irritable and angry. Realize that you don’t have much control over these during withdrawal.
  • Nausea: It is common to feel nauseated when you first stop taking an antidepressant. In some cases it may lead to vomiting. Do your best to deal with it and understand that it will go away.
  • Suicidal thoughts: When coming off of SSRI’s like Lexapo, it is very common to feel suicidal and experience suicidal thoughts. Although you may have felt suicidal before going on this drug, the intensity of these thoughts will likely be higher when you withdraw.
  • Sweating: Many people sweat more than average during the withdrawal period. You may sweat more than usual throughout the day and/or notice that you sweat excessively during your sleep.
  • Weight changes: Most people experience some degree of weight gain on Lexapro and other SSRI’s. When they come off of the drug, they may notice that they experience weight loss.

How long does Lexapro withdrawal last?

It really depends on a number of different factors including how long you’ve been on the drug and the dosage that you were taking. If you conducted a gradual taper, the symptoms that you experience during withdrawal may be less intense and last for a shorter duration than if you quit cold turkey. Unfortunately there is no exact timeline for determining how long you are going to experience withdrawal symptoms. It is important to recognize that most withdrawal symptoms persist for much longer than professionals think.

I have taken Lexapro and know that the withdrawal process is certainly not as trivial as most people make it out to be. If you withdraw from this medication, you can expect to experience some discontinuation symptoms. These symptoms may only last a few weeks, but in many cases they end up lasting months after the person has taken the last dose of their drug. I would suggest that if you used Lexapro for a year, used 90 days (i.e. 3 months) as a checkpoint.

Most people notice that their severe discontinuation symptoms tend to subside after about 90 days. If yours continue to persist beyond 90 days, just know that it’s most likely that your brain is still in disarray after SSRI usage for an extended period of time. One individual reported that he never fully returned to feeling like “himself” until 48 months had passed (4 years). Although most people will feel “normal” before a three year term, it is important to recognize that withdrawal effects can last months and in some cases, it takes over a year to fully recover.

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703 thoughts on “Lexapro Withdrawal Symptoms: How Long Do They Last?”

  1. Hi all, just an update. In the final taper period of my dosage at 5mg every other day. Was on 10 mg daily for 2 years. Currently pretty depressed and high level of anxiety. Will see my doctor and psychologist this week to assess plan of attack. Really would prefer not to go back onto it as I really felt I didn’t need it anymore. J

    Reply
  2. I have Generalized Anxiety disorder. I started taking Lexapro in 2013. Prior to that, I leaned very heavily on a very strenuous physical exercise regimen in order to help cope with severe and unrelenting bouts of anxiety.

    My Grandfather passed away that year, and I almost killed myself because anxiety and depression was so severe. I started taking Lexapro, and it did help. Over the years, I have increased the dose. About three years ago, I increased to 20mg, which is considered the maximum dose before benefits are no longer prevalent.

    About two years ago, I noticed that Lexapro was largely no longer helping me. While clearly chemically dependent on it, my body no longer responds to it. I have looked into tapering versus quitting cold turkey. However, due to insurance reasons, it is now too expensive for me, and I decided to quit once I ran out.

    I am roughly seven days off of it. The brain zapping is pretty horrible. I’ve been experiencing bipolar type of mood swings, nausea, rage, disturbed sleep. A couple of nights ago, I woke up several times gasping for air because I stopped breathing.

    I have read pretty extensively on different remedies to combat or manage the withdrawal. Mine includes, green tea with honey about six times per day, six turmeric root capsules daily, my usual centrum multivitamin, and Cannabidiol (CBD) taken sublingual or vaporized, meclizine for the severe dizziness, and occasionally aspirin for the headache.

    However, I am figuring out that there isn’t much that really touches the headache. The dizziness and nausea quickly returns. At the very least, I have been able to keep the severe emotional changes and anxiety to a minimum. Every once in a while, it overcomes me.

    I’m planning on seeing this through, though, it is not without struggle. Otherwise, I would not be adding this comment at 2:21 in the morning with a sickening headache and broken sleep. I will say that this sucks, but I will keep seeing this through.

    Reply
  3. Appreciate all of your comments. My last Lexapro pill was almost 2 weeks ago. I am finding the weird dizzy feeling when I walk or turn my head the most challenging. My mood is a little lower, however I am using 5-HTP to hopefully help. I am having a moment of wanting to give up and take it again, but will try exercising after work to see if that helps!!!

    Reply
    • Andrea, I have been off Lexapro now for 4 weeks and also have that weird dizzy feeling when I move around. I also have an odd trance-like feeling when driving that I think may be caused by the same weird feeling when moving around. It was really bad at first but it seems to have gotten better the past week so hopefully it will get better for you soon.

      Reply
  4. I can’t stress this enough – taper slooooooowly, and take twice as long as your doctor recommends. Some side effects of withdrawal don’t kick in until after a month or more. You think you’re ok and then you get hit hard. This is my second attempt to withdraw and it’s taken me nine months so far and I’ll be at 1.25 for another month before I cut down again. It’s tough.

    Reply
    • Sarah, what dose did you start from? And, how do you get such a small dose? How much are you cutting down by each time and for how long? Thanks for any help!

      Reply
      • Hi, I was on 10mgs for about five years. I used a pill cutter and took 7.5mgs for over six months. Then 5mgs for six months, then 3mgs for six months (by scraping away some of the 5mg half-tablet.

        I’m now down to 2.5mgs (quarter of a tablet) and I’ll stay on this for three months. Not sure how I’ll reduce after that. Possibly every other day. I had to do this slowly as I had awful withdrawal symptoms when I tried to do it quickly.

        Brain zaps, anger, insomnia, etc. – but not until after three or four weeks. I thought I’d got away with it!

        Reply
  5. This is a great website!I am 1 week into no longer taking it. I took myself off Lexapro because I was experiencing high liver enzymes and I read an article that Lexapro could cause this condition. I was on 10 mg for 3 years after having been diagnosed with generalized anxiety.

    I started taking half of my 10mg pill 5 mg in July and now I am experiencing symptoms such as itching, ringing in my ears and buzzing sounds in my head. I hope these symptoms are over soon. Blessings to you all to get and stay off this drug.

    Reply
  6. I am on week one of getting off 20 mg lexapro that I’ve have been taking on and for 5 years. I once quit cold turkey I went through a week or so of mild nausea and headaches. I just shrugged the symptoms off popped a few ibuprofen and kept about my life.

    This time I’m being forced to quit is because my doctor would not call in my meds due to of a insurance verification issue. So when the current prescription ran out I started getting withdrawal symptoms approximately 3 to 4 days later.

    I woke up with severe anxiety that was a fearful uneasy feeling in the pit of my stomach on the verge of a full on panic attack. I find myself pacing a room panicking. I am also experiencing severe nausea to the point the smell of any food makes me ill.

    I have also experienced fatigued, excessive cold sweats, body aches and tremors, vomiting, diarrhea, and forgetfulness. It is far worse than any flu or virus I’ve ever had. This feeling leaves me feeling crippled.

    Reply
    • I too am quitting for about the third time. I’ve also taken 20mg for 5 years. I quit cold turkey after the prescription ran out and I thought I could supplement with a natural, plant supplement instead. The withdrawal symptoms are downright brutal.

      I’m almost a week in and am experiencing nausea, extreme headache, dizziness, fatigue, drastic mood swings, etc. I completely agree that the symptoms are worse than any flu virus. I’d love to hear from someone else how long before these severe symptoms subside.

      Reply
  7. I have been on Lexapro 10mg daily for 2 years now. Now I exercise daily, eat healthy, work a less stressful job. Life is not perfect but I feel I honestly don’t require antidepressants anymore.

    Started tapering down a good 2-3 months ago at 10mg/5mg/10mg/5mg. Now currently on 5mg/5mg/5mg/5mg until end of month, then will go to 5mg/0mg/5mg/0mg then off completely.

    My doctor has said to do one month of each dosage cycle (3 months total) but I have extended this due to things happening in my life. I am experiencing heightened anxiety, some minor suicidal ideation at times, and feeling crap with big changes in mood and (more than usual) poor concentration.

    This maybe be my mental illnesses coming back, however with such well known withdrawal effects, it could very well be the SSRI leaving my system. Lexapro saved my life 2 years ago so I don’t regret it at all, but yes good to know that what I am experiencing is likely side effects.

    Good luck all.

    Reply
    • Hi James, I have read in numerous spots that the every other day is not that good for you and its easier to decrease by 10% then drop again after any symptoms pass – if any. I cut my 5mgs to 2.5mgs to try to make the coming off easier. I did okay, but started Remeron as I didn’t get much help from the Lex. Good Luck.

      Reply
      • Thanks Mike. I will have a chat to my Doctor this week about it. Currently experiencing depression and anxiety at high levels again. J

        Reply
  8. Thank God for this website. I am posting because reading the comments on this site has given me hope and I want to help another stranger like everyone here has helped me by just giving their experience. I was 10 mg lexapro for about 5 months.

    It did help me get through a rough period in my life as I was experiencing extreme anxiety and some depression after recovering from a heart attack. I quit cold turkey about 10 days ago. I felt that the drug was hindering me more than helping me about 2 weeks before I went cold turkey.

    Since discontinuing the medication I have increase resolve but I get dizzy spells every day. This is day 11 and the dizziness is the worst it has been since. I have decided after reading the posts here that I will not go back to taking it.

    I probably should have tapered off. That is currently my only regret. It’s good to see that I am experiencing a normal response and there is light at the end of the tunnel.

    Reply
  9. I was on 30mg/day for about 4.5 years. I just stopped cold turkey because I got new insurance, and they decided that my dosage exceeds the “limit” and won’t pay for it. At first, they changed me from one prescription for 30mg to 2 different prescriptions – one for 20 and one for 10 to get around that stupid rule, but over time, I exceeded their limit of dosage.

    So I got fed up and just quit. I am now experiencing huge discomfort in my eye sockets when I move my eyes with the “brain jolts”. It’s so loud in my head that sometimes I think someone is knocking on the door. I see lots of black dots flying into vision from the sides.

    Also, it is difficult to recall words I want to use. It feels like my brain is just misfiring, and my thought process is muddy and slow. I started taking the medication post-partum after my third child because of the “mom rage”. Not for depression or anxiety. It was a lifesaver and huge difference maker.

    I wish I had known about this option after my first child 8 years earlier. Now I’m torn between wanting to start back up again and just riding it out so I am not dependent on it anymore. I am worried about the long term effects it will and would have on my brain, especially because my withdrawal symptoms are so intense now.

    Reply
  10. I have been completely off Lexapro the past 2 weeks after being on 10mg for 5 years. I did a 4 week taper and I have had a few issues but consider myself fortunate based on other folks withdrawal nightmares. The most bothersome for me has been the fatigue and what some have called “brain buzzing with ear sizzling”.

    That is an accurate description and it has shown no signs of letting up. I have had a few anxiety episodes but they have been minor and manageable so far. I do get irritated more easily but I do my best not to direct it at others.

    At this point I have hope the worst may be behind me and I’ll be able to finally get off Lexapro for good. Best of luck to everyone going through this ordeal.

    Reply
  11. A friend’s son was taking Lexapro and stopped. I don’t know if he tapered or stopped cold turkey and I’ll probably never know. He jumped in front of a NYC subway train and killed himself on 9/7/2018. He was 33. He left his wife, his Mom and his friends in a lot of pain. Be very careful if you stop taking Lexapro or any SSRI.

    Reply
  12. I went cold turkey before thinking it through. Last pill was 11 days ago. I had been on 20 mg for 10 years. I have all of the symptoms listed above. Reading all of the comments helped a lot. I am taking some B supplements, exercising and drinking a detox tea 3-4 times a day. I really thought I had the flu, then I thought I was having menopause, then I realized it was withdrawals.

    I feel like I have been doing pretty good. I only scream at bill collectors whom I have already paid and I feel like crying at he drop of a hat. I noticed that talking to people and being social helps a lot. Not huge events or going out, just talking at work, at the store, to my family.

    It also helps to get out of the house, go for a walk, a swim, a bike ride, anything just move. Positive Self-talk (not to be confused with talking to yourself…) has gotten me through a really rough week. Finally, I want to ask, did anyone else find it strange that SO many of us would have the same reasons for going on the med. to start with, and experience the same feelings coming off of it?

    What’s the epidemic here? And more importantly, how can we help the next generation not go through this?

    Reply
    • I started weening myself off Lexapro in May a little at a time every 3-4 weeks. I was on 20mg for 2 years then went up to 30mg for a year. I’ve always wanted to get off of it and the side effects finally out weighed the benefits. It’s been 21 days since my last dose.

      It didn’t seem so bad at first because of the gradual process and each step down I would have withdrawal symptoms for a short time and then they’d go away. Last week I cried about everything and still feel very emotional. I also am having some anxiety, which is why I went on it in the first place.

      It’s not unbearable and I can breathe and talk myself through it. Staying occupied is my saving grace. Any down time I have, I focus on how I’m feeling and that isn’t good. Overall, I am fine and I know that but it is a struggle some days.

      I am happy to be off off Lexapro but wish happiness didn’t take so much effort. Looking forward to simply being happy and enjoying life.

      Reply
    • It’s not an epidemic. Lexapro saved my life and helped me find the strength to fix myself. I’m slowly tapering now and haven’t had any obvious symptoms. I would 100% support anyone who had the depression and anxiety I had to go and take Lexapro…. and to taper SLOWLY if they ever wanted to stop taking.

      Reply
  13. Hi Everyone, I was on Cipralex (same as Lexapro) 10 mg for about 5 years. I wanted to wean off because I could no longer tolerate some of the side effects I was experiencing (loss of libido, weight gain, and hair loss/thinning being the worst of them).

    I first tapered to 5 mg for a couple weeks, and then switched to 5 mg every other day for another 2 weeks or so. At that point I don’t remember feeling many withdrawal symptoms other than trouble getting to sleep. About three weeks ago I started going completely without and that is when the symptoms really kicked in.

    My mood became unpredictable (could cry at the drop of a hat), I was foggy (often losing my thought mid-sentence with my mouth agape like a damn fool), lack of sleep (I would average 4-5 hours per night during this time which is much less than I’m used to), irritability, brain zaps that usually lasted a few seconds at most, and headaches.

    There are also a few strange ones that have cropped up like seeing black spots in my peripheral vision often throughout the day, and a twinge in my leg that leads to an involuntary and very dramatic jerk. There were a couple nights in this period where I had a fever with aches and chills and woke up with the bed soaked in sweat, but I may have come down with something.

    I made the mistake of looking at a few forum discussions on Lexapro withdrawals and was absolutely terrified by what I was reading. So I’m here to tell you that now after about 3 weeks of no pill, I feel MUCH better. There really is light at the end of the tunnel, I promise you.

    I’ve been making sure to get a lot of fresh air and limit the junk food. I have been using the gym to supplement. When I feel a little low I make sure to get to the gym and punish the treadmill and its working. Some weight has also slid off which is a nice bonus.

    I still experience the black spots in my vision, some trouble sleeping, and I definitely am still irritable, which leads to me snapping at some of the people in my life here and there but most of the heavier symptoms are gone.

    If you are midway through your journey and are scared I just want you to know you CAN do this, try and push through!

    Reply
    • Erica, I have stopped taking Lexapro after a long wean and now it is going on a week of no Lexapro. I cannot take anything else for depression like so many other people do. I am depressed and crying, anxiety is bad, I cannot sleep more than 1 hour and I get nightmares in that hour. I really hope this will pass. I’m scared. I would appreciate your help. Thank you.

      Reply
      • Hi Katie, Are you taking any essential oils or vitamins? There are plenty of things out there that will help you with depression and anxiety. I am on year 10 of 20mg of lexapro and had gotten off of it for 2 years only to go back on after a death in the family.

        I am gradually weaning myself off. Eat super healthy, know your anxiety is your anxiety and nothing more and don’t let it overcome you. I listen to positive music, pray, walk, get sunshine and eat as healthy as possible.

        I do get moody right around my menstrual cycle and have gone on a birth control pill to help with the mood swings. This helped dramatically. If it gets to be to much find a counselor or a homeopathy person that can help you with your side effects. Hang in there!

        Reply
  14. Hi All – I wanted to reach out to you and see if any of you have experienced this during your lexapro withdrawal experience. I was prescribed lexapro for anxiety and took it about for two weeks but immediately stopped it because the weight gain and sugar cravings began to give me more anxiety.

    So I tapered off it very fast, went from 10 mgs one week, to 5 mgs the next then zero the week after that. It has been 30 days since I have taken my last pill and I have experienced constant bloating in my stomach and gas. Many of clothes do not fit me anymore and it is uncomfortable to the point where I can not be social because it hurts to stand.

    There have been many sleepless nights because my stomach is so bloated and then I have anxiety that I will never return to normal. I’ve also recently been experiencing extreme constipation without any relief from laxatives.

    I’ve really starting to get nervous I will not get back to my normal self…

    Reply
  15. I just went off Cipralex (similar/same as Lexapro) 15 mg by accident/on purpose. I forgot my meds at home when leaving on a weeklong camping trip, came home afterwards and stayed off of it. My doctor and I are in touch about it weekly, in case I change my mind.

    I’ve had some of the symptoms listed on this page, but one thing not listed was that now I don’t get this weird full body twitch when I’m falling asleep. Has anyone ever had that twitch/body spasm? Also, my dreams are a lot less vivid: this is good, because it was sometimes hard to tell during the day if I actually experienced something or just dreamed it.

    Reply
    • I also have that problem with dreams and I dream so much it feels so real. I was on 20 mg and now I am down to 15mg. Trying to wean off Lexapro slowly.

      Reply
    • I had the same experience with the full body tic/twitch when I accidentally went off Lexapro for a week about 6 months ago. Even though I went back on them after a few days, the twitch remains to this day. Only now it’s turned into a weird tic where I make involuntary grunting sounds that go with the twitch. It goes away once I fall asleep.

      Reply
    • Elizabeth, I have major body spasms when sleeping. This isn’t something I’ve always done. After reading your post, I wonder if it’s actually related to the Lexapro. Very interested to see what happens over the coming weeks/months.

      Reply
  16. Very helpful article. I was on Lexapro 20mg daily for a few months and decided to wean off of as many prescription drugs as possible, especially since I recently fired my psychiatrist for her incompetence.

    I tapered off the drug by taking it every other day for 7 to 10 days, then every third day, and soon every fourth day until Rx is gone. There is no science to this, just made sense to me.

    I do notice more irritability with my mother, which is pretty bad on a good day. I talked to her about it and literally told her to tell me to f*** off when I get out of control. She doesn’t like to swear, but I know if I hear her swear at me, it will have a positive effect. (Who’s crazy now?)

    So I plan on just plowing forward, being conscious of behavior, and even will be using one of those dog-clickers attached to my wrist with a key-chain thingy to divert when I don’t like something. I’ve been working on that type of thing anyhow for over a year, but rubber bands would turn my wrist red, so the clicker is a better way to do this.

    Reply
  17. So I’m on week 1 of not taking 20mg of Lexapro. It has been hell and it’s not of my own volition. I have essentially been forced to go cold turkey because my psychiatrist hasn’t seen me in three months and doesn’t want to give me the refill, but the reason I haven’t seen her is because I haven’t in turn, seen my psychologist since July.

    It just sucks. I’m getting bouts of anxiety, crying spells, lashing out constantly. Like I’m about to starting crying in the middle of writing this because I am so frustrated at this.

    Reply
  18. I am withdrawing from 30 mg Lexapro which I took for 13 years. I have a had a very easy withdrawal so far down to 10 mg over the past 2 months. I am wondering if tapering the last third of the full dose will be harder and would like to hear the experience of others who have successfully withdrawn.

    (For those who posted here about withdrawing quickly – I understand wanting to get the drug out of your body, but it is not healthy and I imagine, set one up to fail. The safest tapering schedule is supposed to be decreasing at the most 5 mg at a time for about 2 weeks for each level).

    Lexapro saved my life when I had a terrible depression and anxiety in my early 40’s, probably related to perimenopause. Lexapro was the second medication I tried at that time. I first tried Effexor for a few months which I did not like and the withdrawal was a horrible experience.

    But, I know that Effexor is known for being difficult – one of the things I HATED about Effexor when I took it was that exactly 24 hours after taking each dose, I would develop a headache from the withdrawal effects of that single day!!! The Lexapro worked pretty quickly for me and relieved my anxiety and depression.

    In the last 5 years, I felt that the Lexapro was impacting my energy and my motivation. I had also gained a lot of weight since starting the medicine and had some health indicators that I was worried about that could possibly be related to Lexapro.

    I tried several different antidepressants over the past few years but I either I got depressed or I had intolerable side effects (stomach). I wondered if I needed to be on antidepressants and think it makes sense to at least find out. With my psychiatrist’s guidance, I was on 25 mg for 3 weeks, 20 mg for 4 weeks, then 10 mg for 4 weeks.

    I had no side effects. I did use CBD oil and perhaps that was helpful for the withdrawal process. A few days ago, I was going to go to 5 mg, but I just impulsively decided not to take the medicine at all for the past 3 nights. This evening, I felt dizzy and a little shaky.

    So, I took 5 mg, and the CBD oil. I feel better. If I get withdrawal effects, I plan to decrease my tapering even further, ie 2.5 mg at a time. If anyone has withdrawn successfully from Lexapro and can share their experience with me – I would greatly appreciate it. I’m particularly interested in hearing about whether the last part of the tapering process was particularly hard and any suggestions.

    Reply
    • Hello. Thank you for posting. I’ve been taking Lexapro 20mg for about 4 years. I’ve decided to stop, but by weaning myself off. I’m very nervous… the “brain zaps” sound awful. Your story/information was very helpful.

      Reply
    • Hey Ozzie! I’ve been on Lexapro for four years and was taking 10mg. I cut back to 5mg for awhile and now I’m at 2.5mg. I’ve been taking 2.5 for about a month and haven’t had any withdrawal symptoms. I tried taking 5mg every other day then every few days and I had withdrawal.

      But cutting down to the 2.5 everyday has been great. I actually didn’t take any last night but will tonight. I definitely need to taper. When I had withdrawal I felt a weird sensation across my forehead like I was going to pass out.

      Haven’t had any problems since cutting to 2.5. Hope that was helpful. ? Good luck!

      Reply
    • If you have a look at my recent comment (I’m Erica) you can see at least my experience with the last bit. I wouldn’t say I’ve successfully weaned off as I’ve only been done for 3 weeks, but I’m feeling pretty good. The CBD oil is a great idea and I’m happy to hear it’s been helping you.

      I have been doing the same with both THC and CBD and it has REALLY helped during this process. At least in my experience, the first week completely Lexapro free will be tough, but I hope if you take care of yourself you will come through to the other side smiling. Good luck!

      Reply
  19. I have been on lexapro for about 5 years at 20mg. I started taking them after a bad reaction to celexa. There have been times that there were issues with insurance and getting my medication and would have to be without for a little while. It was terrible!!

    I became so angry and almost violent (which I’m a pretty mellow person) and it scared to crap out of my kids. I hate being on the medication for a few reasons. I hate that my sex life sucks, I hate the fact that I never cry, and biggest one is that I recently found out that I AM NOT bipolar, it was a misdiagnosis for Hashimotos and hypothyroid.

    Why should I take medications that I don’t need, right? Well I tried tapering, that went so well that in 1 week I was back on the full dose. So I am trying again. I am completely off of them for 2 weeks now. The side effects are unreal. I have weird brain shock feelings, anger, anxiety, and just cry over anything!

    Is it possible to run away from yourself? I would love that right now. I thought in my head, “Is this who I really am?” After finding this, nope, it’s “normal” to feel this “un-normal” while detoxing of lexapro. Hang in there everyone! This to shall pass. Can’t wait!!

    Reply
  20. This all checks out. I was on 20mg for just a little under a year. I stopped cold turkey 10 days ago. I’ve been having dizziness especially when moving around a bit, definitely short to temper. In fact everything listed above except perhaps the sweat.

    After the first week it seemed a little less of the symptoms every day. Day 10 I think I have a bit of concentration back, I’ve been sugaring up quite a bit to overcome the dizziness and fatigue. Not good, but it helped. Actually I recommend stay away from coffee, I could feel the part of my head (top left rear) that would be kind of lightheaded feeling when throwing down a lot of coffee.

    I went after co-workers, hailed a few drivers (their fault not mine, I normally blow that stuff off). I think I’m better today. Watch out especially for the suicidal feeling, it was definitely more intense.

    If you can take some time off when you start weaning I recommend it – and spend more time sleeping it off if you can. It wasn’t insomnia but the every day demands of everyone making sleep short but it intensified everything else when being short on the sleep. Yes Melatonin helped.

    Reply
  21. Wow. I was on Lexapro 10mg for 8 months. I had no side effects. I tapered down to 5 mg for 2 weeks then zippo. It’s ben a week completely off.

    I feel a little dizzy, but I constantly feel tempted to flip off all my coworkers and tell them precisely how I feel about them. (Spoiler alert: It ain’t positive.) Thanks for letting me know it’s a side effect.

    Reply
  22. Has anyone had trouble with withdrawal going from 20 mg to 10? Lexapro is making my blood sugar too low. I am diabetic. Does anyone have an easy time doing the weaning?

    Reply
    • I’m doing that right now. It’s been 2 weeks, and I am having nightmares, feeling anxious and irritable, and experiencing brain fog. It’s tolerable, though. When I tried going off cold turkey, it was awful, and I had my first panic attack. Tapering is only a tiny fraction as bad.

      Reply
  23. I’m so pleased I found this website and have read the posts. I took 5mg for 7 months before the side effects were so awful and increasing the longer I took the drug (including an increase in suicidal thoughts). I decided I couldn’t take it any more, let alone increase to a therapeutic dose.

    I reduced to 2.5mg for 2 weeks and felt much better, except for one day when I was so dizzy & nauseous – I had to rest all day. With GP’s advice I stopped completely 5 days ago. Withdrawal is horrendous: extreme dizziness, nausea, constant headache, hallucinations, loss of appetite, sleep disturbance, out of body experiences, suicidal thoughts.

    I am unable to function… Now reading that this is ‘normal’, I feel I may be able to cope and see it through. Thank you everyone who has taken the time to write. If I’d known withdrawal would be so bad, I would have never started taking the drugs…

    Reply
    • I’m sorry to hear that Suzanne. I took 5 mgs for about 42 days and had a pretty bad start up but kept on (wish I would have quite after 6 days). Well, after listening to everyone saying give it time, I stayed on. I either had to go up or off so now that I am educated more on this, it was off.

      I lost 7lbs, had brain fog, bad insomnia to start up for days, developed tinnitus, and my anxiety just increased to daytime as well (I was having nocturnal anxiety when I started the meds). I saw basically no benefit but don’t think I had as many problems as you.

      I have been reducing since late June and its been fun to say the least… I went from 5mgs to 2.5mgs over 7 days (probably too fast). Basically I took the bigger pieces I had over those over 7 days then stayed on 2.5 mgs for 21 days. I had one rough day here and there over those 28 days.

      My brain fog seemed to lift and I started to get better sleep. On July 31st, I dropped to ~1.5mgs for 3 days then got ansy and went every other day over and 8 day period and I crashed on August 10th or so (way too fast again). Crashed meaning I developed really bad insomnia, nausea, headaches, flu like symptoms, and extreme fatigue.

      Over that 10 day period, I slept 2 – 3 hours total for about 7 of the 10 days. Well, since August 11th, I have stayed on 1.5mgs for a few days then increased to 2.5mgs and then got liquid lex (easy to measure/accuracy) and have settled on 2.3mls for a while.

      Today is day 10 since I crashed and the first day I have been able to eat breakfast and lunch and I am hoping I am changing course to get past what I think is withdrawal. I say that as I’ve thought many nights as I lie awake if this is returning anxiety or withdrawal effects.

      Most are withdrawal with the insomnia the only one I question because that symptom is what put me on lex to start with. Best of luck and ask you doctor about tapering slowly which may help with the severity of what you are dealing with.

      My plan was to get off of Lex but since this setback, I’ll just have to take longer coming off tapering more slow and accurate with the liquid. Good Luck and keep us posted.

      Reply
      • Hey Mike, your situation sounds so similar to mine, but I’m on Zoloft. I can’t tell if trying to get off it (I did not succeed in that and basically lost my mind due to no sleep, which is what triggered my anxiety from no sleep with a baby) so I can’t tell if I’m actually more anxious and have insomnia now from the meds and withdrawal, or is it me?

        It’s a really mind trip. I’m scared I’ll be stuck on this Med forever, or do I actually really need it? My heart deep down tells me no and I’m just stuck now. But who knows! Best of luck to you.

        Reply
  24. Hi all. I’m a newbie to commenting online, but really need some reassurance that I’m not going crazy. I was prescribed Lexapro (5mg) and took for 6 days. Unfortunately I had to stop – as I couldn’t eat, was vomiting continuously and generally felt worse than I did before I took them.

    My doctor said I could stop straight away which I did. I am now onto Day 5 off them and thankfully the nausea/vomiting has slowed down and I am able to eat a little – the only thing is, I have suddenly developed this excruciating knee pain (like an electric shock) that comes and goes throughout the day.

    Is this a withdrawal symptom? I would really appreciate hearing from others who are out the other side of withdrawing. It’s scary that I only took such a small amount for such a short time and it’s affecting me this way.

    Reply
  25. I am having trouble with insurance authorization of 40 mg of Lexapro. (The generic kind.) I didn’t know I was suppose to have it reauthorized every year in July. I have been on this amount for a number of years so I thought it would be automatic authorization.

    It is like all kinds of red tape. Any way I take Bupropion too but I have been without Lexapro close to 2 weeks. Lexapro has basically made me feel like a zombie and kept me from crying all the time. The side effects of withdrawal I have already.

    I actually want to get off the meds but not sure if I should contact psychiatrist tomorrow or continue on my own. I have a lot of serious medical issues. (Kidney transplant). The meds cause depression, diabetes, and osteoporosis plus several other issues. Anyway Lexapro just adds to the side effect issues.

    Reply
  26. Hi everyone!! I wanted to add my response to this forum because I read all of these responses before and during my Escitalopram/Lexapro taper and withdrawal, and I wanted to give my 2 cents. First off, you are all troopers, and I hope your loved ones know how difficult the process can be!

    My husband was incredible and it helped a lot to be able to vent and have someone support me. I took 20 mg of Escitalopram for four years due to panic attacks. I tapered from 20 mg to 10 mg for two weeks, no symptoms. Then I tapered from 10 mg to 5 mg for two weeks, no symptoms.

    Finally, two weeks ago, I went from 5 mg to nothing. I know this is a SUPER fast taper, but just wanted to be transparent about what I did. No symptoms on day #1 without my pill, but definitely got hit with them midday on day 2. They were pretty unbearable on day 3-5. I was extremely nauseated, dizzy, zappy, all of the general symptoms you see listed.

    However, I work from home and was able to complete all of my work, so I wasn’t totally out of commission. I noticed that I would feel OK in the mornings and then dizzy and awful by evening. My insomnia was also pretty gnarly. For a full week, I spent every night googling my symptoms and crying about the terrible outcomes I saw on various websites and forums.

    By one full week after my final dose, I felt fine. I had braced myself for a full month or two of crappiness, but my symptoms were basically half gone by one week and totally gone by two. I wanted to post my story because if you’re in the midst of horrible withdrawals right now, YOU GOT THIS.

    There IS a light at the end of the tunnel and many people on these forums are outliers. Brace yourself for about a week of basically feeling like you have the flu, but don’t feel hopeless and expect it to never go away. It DOES go away. The two things that I can’t recommend highly enough are exercise and hydration.

    There was one day I felt too dizzy and nauseated to workout, but I forced myself to go to the gym every day after day #2. I truly felt like a new woman after running a few miles and getting a good sweat on. I also drank water like nobody’s business (and I drink a ton of water in my day-to-day life already). If you can’t workout strenuously, at least go for a walk in the sunshine. I swear it helps.

    I also took a variety of supplements that I heard were helpful during this phase. I took fish oil, B12, and iron during my taper, and then I added magnesium and B6 once I stopped taking the pills completely. I’m not sure if they helped or not, but I never say no to a good placebo effect.

    Anyway, I just wanted to add my own POSITIVE outcome getting off Escitalopram. I know how hopeless and awful this process can feel, but I am so thankful I just buckled down and did it. Sweat, supplement, drink water, mediate, and I promise you’ll get through it and be glad you did!

    Reply
    • Hi there, I was just wanting to know if you spread the supplements throughout the day or all at once? And if you took anything to sleep at night… Thank you.

      Reply
      • Hi Shari – I am so sorry for such a delayed response. All of these emails were being sent to my junk mail folder! I spread out my supplements throughout the day, taking them at breakfast, lunch, and dinner. It may have only created a day-long placebo effect, but I’ll happily take that!

        Reply
    • Thanks so much for your positive outlook & feedback – it takes great strength to wean off these meds. I’m just about to start a 6 month taper agenda this week – glad to hear exercise helps.

      Reply
      • Hi Siobhan! Good luck to you. I sincerely believe that exercise and endorphins help! And remember, when you feel the crappiest, keep going.

        As much as I hated the really bad days, it was comforting to know that if I pushed through, I wouldn’t have to experience that crappy day ever again.

        I hope you’re doing well in your first month of tapering!

        Reply
    • THANK YOU for posting this! I was on 10mg for 3 years, tapered to 5mg for 4 weeks and am on day 4 on none. Glad to know the dizziness will subside, and you are right – working out helps tremendously!

      Reply
  27. I was on Ativan and lexapro. I have been off Ativan for over a month now. Withdrawal was hell. Was only on it 7 months. Now in week 2 of tapering off lexapro. Withdrawal not severe now, but the sweating is like someone is following me with a water hose and I’m a little dizzy. I am on 5mg now doing 2.5 next week. Then going to do every other day of 1.5 for 2 weeks, then off.

    Reply
  28. Was on cipralex (escitalopram) which I believe is Lexapro for 5 years. Was up to 40mg a day and quit completely a week ago. Made it through the worst of it I think. Now just to get rid of these brain shocks…

    Reply
    • Did you wake up feeling like you were going to vomit every morning? I feel so sick to my stomach every morning. Until around 1 PM. It’s been right at a month of stopping.

      Reply
  29. Hi. My physician suggested I try to taper off Lexapro 10mg and I am on day 4 of a 2 week process. This will be my third attempt to stop Lexapro in the past 2-3 years. I have been on it since 2013. I am a male in my upper 50’s and started taking it due to stress at work.

    I am now working in another job with less stress so I want to try stopping once more. Both of my previous attempts to stop were not successful since the withdrawal symptoms were too much to take. The brain zaps were a bit scary at first since that is a very unusual sensation until you get used to the feeling.

    Luckily for me they only lasted a few seconds each time. But what has forced me to go back on Lexapro are the anxiety attacks that come over me and it’s very intense with little or no warning. I feel like I am hyper-ventilating and can’t catch my breath and my insides feel like they want to climb out.

    That may sound odd but when it happens it’s about the only way I can describe it. It really scares my wife when she sees me going through those since she feels helpless. I have some anxiety meds I can take (if I have them with me) at the time that will help temporarily, but I don’t want rely on those for a quick fix.

    Without knowing how many attacks I may have to deal with or when they show up is what has pushed me back on the Lexapro each time. I am hoping 3rd time is the charm.

    Reply
  30. I was on 20mg for three years. Tapered down to 10mg and the symptoms were fuzziness, and insomnia. However it was not very bad and was over in a little over a weeks time. Now I’m 6 days into stopping altogether and a lot more insomnia.

    This time there is some crankiness as well but again not so bad as to be uncontrollable. One of the things I see consistently is a whole host of symptoms regarding withdrawals, but I really think a lot of them can be chalked up to insomnia.

    Reply
  31. Hello. I have been on 5 mg of lexapro for two months and I got the ok from my doctor today to begin tapering. My taper schedule is 2.5 mg for two weeks and then 2.5 mg every other day for two weeks and then I can stop.

    I was originally prescribed this medicine for events in my life that culminated and became too much for me to handle all at once. I was having panic attacks multiple times a day. I have never taken any sort of drug like lexapro before and did not know what to expect.

    So my doctor prescribed me the 5 mg with the knowledge that I would be on it only a month or two, or until I could get a grip on what was happening in my life and let my brain settle.

    I currently take a liquid multivitamin which has the B12 and B6. I’m thinking about taking the omega fish oil and wondered what dose to take for that and also what brands do you guys like? Also, do you think I would need any extra B12 or B6 where my multivitamin has these already?

    Thank you so much and God bless all the people out there right now dealing with withdrawal, depression, and anxiety.

    Reply
    • Hi Heidi, Your situation sounds a lot like mine – General Anxiety Disorder (GAD). I was in a bad way with work and two teenage children and started with the warm flushes and lack of staying asleep, etc. It became common and being sleep deprived, I was desperate for relief and started Lexapro one week after filling my script and being diagnosed.

      (All of my blood work was clear with respect to blood sugar, thyroid, hormones, PSA, etc). I went the 5mg route in mid may as well to “see” how I did and it was not pleasant. Insomnia, lost 7lbs, more anxious, tired, no sex drive (after 40 days on 5mgs). I did get hydroxyzine for sleep help and it also seems to help a bit with my anxiety.

      I am on day 12 of my taper to 2.5. I did not do what the doctor recommended which is the same as yours. I broke my 10 mgs to 5 and then halved again. Some were inconsistent so I took the “bigger” ones and have a few nights of ear ringing and some vivid dreams and insomnia but not terrible.

      I was scared to go directly to 2.5 mgs immediately since I had a pretty harsh reaction to 5mg which what is supposedly a “low” dose. I probably should have stayed at 3.5 to 4 for more than a few days as around day 10-12 I got some withdrawal.

      That has passed and I am on now about 3 days of just 2.5 trying to assure I’m over this initial withdrawal. I’ll decide how to finish to get to none. I’m hoping I can manage my anxiety with hydroxyzine after I am off of the Lex. Good luck and keep me posted on how you do.

      Reply
      • Hi Mike, On July 3rd I started with halving my 5 mg lexapro tablets. So I was taking roughly 2.5 mg every day for two weeks. My plan was to see how I felt after two weeks on 2.5 mg to decide if I would drop to 1.25 mg. I had a couple of days with bad headaches and like you I also had vivid dreams and little bit of dizziness.

        That started to straighten out after the first week and I felt ok. So on week two, I felt good enough to go ahead and break my 2.5 mg into 1.25 mg. I had a pill cutter – the thing sometimes cut the pills ok and sometimes it didn’t do such a good job and I wound up with a slightly larger pill.

        So what I did was take the larger ones in the first three days, and then the rest of the time I took the smaller cut ones. So I did a two week taper from July 3rd to July 16th at 2.5 mg. Then from July 17th to July 30th, I did another two week taper at 1.25 mg. On July 31st (last night) I decided to go ahead and not take anymore lexapro.

        It has been a full 24 hours since my last 1.25 mg dose and so far so good. I am keeping myself occupied and other than a tiny bit of dizziness, I feel pretty good. And honestly I am not sure if I am a bit dizzy because of not sleeping too well. But that is another story for another blog.

        I have hot flashes due to going through menopause, so I am not really sure if my dizziness is withdrawal or tiredness. But all in all so far so good. How are you doing? I go to see my doctor tomorrow to give her an update of how things have gone.

        Everyone’s physiology is different. Are you under the care of your doctor while you are doing your taper? Keep me posted and take care. – Heidi

        Reply
        • Hi Heidi, Great news, and yes, I am under the care of my GP. I have leveled out nicely after some withdrawal a few weeks ago as described in an earlier post. I am now doing exactly what you are doing (a little over a week into reducing to 1.25mg) and am now every other day with about 1.25 or so and have 3 doses left.

          By this weekend I will be completely off. Since my insomnia and rough nights ~3 weeks ago after dropping to 2.5, I have been really doing great. I have had no problems whatsoever other than a little bit of dizziness here and there. I’ve had little no anxiety in about 10 days and my appetite is back fully.

          As I progress off of Lex, I really think it was making my anxiety worse for the 40-50 days I was on it. I am really back to my old self and my anxiety has for the most part disappeared. I’ll be curious to see what happens, if anything, once I’m off totally.

          I am hoping that I am helping with taking Mg and a multivitamin daily and also exercising as much as I can (walk 2 – 3 miles a day). I’ve changed the way I deal with my kids and have smoothed a few things out at work. I have been in counseling over this period which has helped and I’m actually seeing a psychiatrist this Friday.

          I figured since I’ve been through this only bout of anxiety over the past 4 months (first time in my life), I’d get as much help as I can. If I continue on like this, I hopefully will have all of this past me. I am also taking Advocare Clear Mood and I have tapered off of Lex.

          Reply
          • Well, I got to Friday night on 1.25mg and had a rough night. Insomnia, sweats, anxious, nausea, etc. Stayed off and on through Sunday so after 8 nights off 1.25mg (4 nights) and 0 (4 nights).

            I’ve decided to stay on the 1.25mg nightly to see if I settle then go back to every other night to finalize to that last dose. Not sure if this is anxiety returning or it’s withdrawal from the last 6 weeks just popping up – hopefully the latter.

  32. I have been off Escitalopram for 3 weeks now and it’s been a fight. I’m not giving up, as I no longer want to take this medication. Sad part is, my own provider has given up on me doing this, therefore I’m looking for a new provider.

    See, one thing I’ve learned in this life – people will give up on you way quicker than you will give up on yourself. The best part about coming off this medication, is my bad days aren’t as bad anymore… if you hang in there, it will get better. ?

    Reply

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