How to Wean Off Lexapro: What to Expect During Withdrawal and How to Manage It

Lexapro (escitalopram) is a commonly prescribed selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) used to treat depression and anxiety disorders. While effective, stopping Lexapro—especially abruptly—can lead to drug withdrawal symptoms that range from mild to severe. This process makes understanding how to wean off Lexapro crucial to minimizing withdrawal effects.

The safest way to discontinue Lexapro use is to reduce your dosage under medical supervision gradually. This article explores the symptoms of Lexapro withdrawal, the duration of the process, the phenomenon of brain zaps, and why quitting cold turkey is not recommended.

What Are The Symptoms Of Coming Off Lexapro?

Weaning off of Lexapro can feel like a very scary decision, especially when patients are scared of the possibility of side effects. While this transition can feel like a turbulent time, going through a treatment program to wean off Lexapro during drug detox for prescription drugs can help ease concerns. The first step in acquiring that knowledge includes getting to know these common yet manageable symptoms:

• Headaches: Patients coming off of Lexapro often report headaches ranging in intensity from mild pain to day-disrupting migraines.
• Stomach Distress: Nausea and vomiting are very common side effects as the body readjusts to life without Lexapro. These can decrease appetite or cause irregular bowel movements and other digestive system ailments.
• Low Energy Levels: As serotonin levels drop in the brain, regular exhaustion and muscle weakness may occur. These can interfere with an individual’s daily tasks.
• Temperature Regulation Trouble: Some people weaning off of Lexapro report symptoms like excessive sweating even when it’s not hot and night chills, which is when the body struggles to maintain a stable internal temperature while sleeping.
• Sleep Issues: Nightmares and vivid dreams can feel very real, and insomnia or frequently waking up throughout the night can make achieving quality rest unattainable.
• Flu-Like Symptoms: Fevers, chills, and dizziness can all be symptoms of Lexapro withdrawal, which can feel like a common cold or flu.
• Mood Swings: Patients coming off of Lexapro can experience intense emotions. An individual can cycle between being cheerful, depressed, anxious, or easily agitated without warning.
• Brain Fog: A decrease in cognitive functions is common whenever any neurotransmitter is out of balance, leading to less mental clarity and more difficulty concentrating.
• Brain Zaps: This particular symptom is the sensation of electrical shocks in the brain, which rapid eye movements can trigger.

While these symptoms can be uncomfortable, they are typically temporary and improve as the brain gradually adjusts to functioning without Lexapro. However, for individuals experiencing severe or prolonged withdrawal effects, seeking medical guidance can provide relief and ensure a safer transition.

How Long Does Lexapro Withdrawal Last?

When considering the best way to wean off Lexapro, it’s key to understand the general timeline of the detox process and what to expect during each stage.

• Day 1-2: During the first phase, levels of serotonin in the brain begin to drop, which is when symptoms like dizziness, nausea, and headaches may start to appear.
• Day 3-5: This is typically the point where withdrawal symptoms reach an uncomfortable peak, with brain zaps, mood swings, and fatigue feeling especially intense.
• Week 1-2: At this point in the process, the brain is starting to balance back out, and physical symptoms may subside. However, many psychological disturbances, like irritability or mood swings, may persist.
• Week 3-4: Between 20 and 30 days after suddenly stopping Lexapro use, most people feel more stable, focused, and better. However, some symptoms may linger.
• Beyond 30 Days: A review published in the Journal of Affective Disorders challenges the notion that antidepressant withdrawal symptoms are universally short-lived and only last a few weeks to a month. The study found that some individuals may experience symptoms for several months after quitting Lexapro.

The length of time it takes for withdrawal symptoms from Lexapro to fade will vary depending on factors such as metabolism, dosage, the length of time taking Lexapro, and overall health. Therefore, this timeline should not be taken as an exact science, but rather as a guideline for what to expect.

Does Lexapro Withdrawal Cause Brain Zaps?

The Primary Care Companion for CNS Disorders published a study showing that 800 of over 2,000 individuals who participated in a questionnaire regarding their discontinuation of Lexapro reported negative withdrawal symptoms, with more than 42% citing brain zaps. What exactly causes these strange sensations of electrical shocks in the brain?

Researchers have yet to pinpoint an exact cause of this unusual and distressing symptom, but many believe it may be caused by dropping serotonin levels. Theories suggest this crucial neurotransmitter might play a key role in regulating electrical impulses and responses in the brain and temporarily disrupting that delicate balance of brain chemicals could be the mechanism causing these alarming jolts.

If these brain zaps happen, it’s important to know that they’re not caused by mini-strokes or anything of that nature, even if they do have the potential to interfere with daily activities. Generally speaking, these pulses are harmless, outside of some mild discomfort in the form of dizziness, nausea, or sensitivity to light.

While brain zaps can be unsettling, they are typically temporary and tend to fade as the brain adapts to functioning without Lexapro. If these sensations become persistent or disruptive, consulting a healthcare professional can help manage symptoms and ensure a smoother withdrawal process.

Can You Quit Lexapro Cold Turkey?

While it’s certainly possible to quit Lexapro cold turkey, most medical professionals strongly advise against this practice, as it can be much harder to do alone. About 20% of patients who abruptly stop use of SSRIs are more likely to experience Antidepressant Discontinuation Syndrome, according to statistics from the National Library of Medicine. When determining how to wean off Lexapro, it’s crucial to consult your healthcare provider and taper off gradually.

By slowly stopping use over time, the brain can gradually adjust to lower levels of serotonin, making withdrawal symptoms far more manageable. A common tapering schedule involves reducing the dose by 10-25% every two to four weeks, but this should always be done under medical supervision.

This gradual reduction approach significantly lowers the risk of severe withdrawal symptoms and improves overall well-being during the transition. Consulting with a healthcare provider ensures a personalized tapering plan prioritizes safety and comfort.

How to Wean Off Lexapro With Expert Help From Resurgence

Coming off Lexapro doesn’t have to be a painful, isolating experience. If withdrawal symptoms impact your well-being, professional support can make a significant difference. Resurgence Behavioral Health offers comprehensive treatment options, including:

• Medically supervised detox to manage withdrawals and minimize discomfort
• A supportive environment with access to therapy and medical care
• Continued support while maintaining daily responsibilities.
• Dual diagnosis treatment to address co-occurring mental health disorders
• Holistic therapies like yoga, meditation, and cognitive-behavioral therapy

At Resurgence Behavioral Health, our team understands how to wean off Lexapro and the challenges of SSRI withdrawal. We’re dedicated to helping individuals safely transition off medications while addressing underlying mental health needs. Don’t go through withdrawal alone—call us today at 855-458-0050 and start your journey toward healing.

External Source

• Journal of Affective Disorders – A Systematic Review Into the Incidence, Severity and Duration of Antidepressant Withdrawal Effects: Are Guidelines Evidence-Based?
• The Primary Care Companion for CNS Disorders – Triggers and Characteristics of Brain Zaps According to the Findings of an Internet Questionnaire
• National Library of Medicine – Antidepressant Discontinuation Syndrome

David Rofofsky
After growing up in New York, David chose to get help with substance abuse in California because of the state's reputation for top-tier treatment. There, he found the treatment he needed to achieve more than nine years of recovery. He's been in the drug and alcohol addiction rehab industry for eight years and now serves as the Director of Admissions for Resurgence Behavioral Health. David remains passionate about the field because he understands how hard it is to pick up the phone and ask for help. However, once the call is made, someone's life can be saved.

Research | Editorial