Lexapro is an antidepressant that’s helped many individuals manage mood disorders and anxiety. Yet, despite the many perks, you may encounter difficulty once it’s time to stop the medication. So how do you wean off of Lexapro safely?
Like other prescription drugs, Lexapro requires a careful tapering process to minimize withdrawal symptoms. In this article, you’ll find a step-by-step guide to weaning off Lexapro. Read on for safety tips that can help reduce withdrawal symptoms and relapse risk.
What Is Lexapro?
Lexapro, also known by its generic name escitalopram, is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI). It’s a type of medication that works by boosting the serotonin levels in your brain. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter in your brain that regulates your emotions and gives you a better mood.
Doctors commonly prescribe Lexapro to treat:
- Major depressive disorder
- Generalized anxiety disorder
- Panic disorder
- Mood-related symptoms
Although Lexapro is considered safe and effective for many people, stopping it suddenly can cause uncomfortable physical and emotional symptoms. For this reason, gradual tapering is recommended.
How Long Does It Take To Wean Off Lexapro?
Once you stop taking Lexapro, you begin to see the effects within a few days. The timeline varies based on how long you’ve taken the medication, your dosage, and how your body responds to dose changes. Some people start to feel improvement within one to three weeks, while others may take months to wean off Lexapro safely.
If your withdrawal symptoms worsen or symptoms of depression return during tapering, you should seek medical guidance right away.
General Tapering Schedule for Weaning Off Lexapro (5 mg)
It’s important to emphasize that tapering schedules should always be tailored to individual needs by a healthcare provider, as factors like duration of use, individual response, and any withdrawal symptoms can vary. This taper is an example only:
| Week | Daily Dose |
| 1 | 5 mg every day |
| 2 | 2.5 mg every day |
| 3 | 2.5 mg every other day |
| 4 | 1.25 mg every other day |
| 5 | Discontinue |
Important notes:
- If withdrawal symptoms appear, it may help to slow the taper or remain at a dose longer.
- Some people benefit from reducing by smaller increments, such as 10 percent every few weeks.
- Always discuss tapering changes with your doctor before adjusting your dose.
Why People Wean Off Lexapro
Below are common reasons why an individual may discontinue taking this prescription medication.
- Side effects: Nausea, dizziness, fatigue, weight changes, or sexual side effects
- Symptom improvement: Mental health symptoms have stabilized
- Pregnancy or family planning: Lexapro may not be appropriate during pregnancy
- Alternative treatment plans: Therapy or other lifestyle-based approaches
- Financial Difficulties: Medication costs may also influence the decision to stop
While many people stop Lexapro for valid medical reasons, problems can arise when prescription medications are misused, adjusted without guidance, or stopped too quickly.
Why Is Prescription Drug Misuse on the Rise?
Prescription drug misuse is a growing public health concern driven by increased access, overprescription, and the belief that prescription medications are safer than illicit drugs. Many people misuse prescription drugs to cope with pain, stress, anxiety, or untreated mental health conditions.
Overuse of prescription drugs can lead to dependence and withdrawal, especially when medications are taken in higher doses or stopped without guidance. Understanding what causes prescription drug abuse reinforces why antidepressants like Lexapro should only be adjusted under medical supervision using a gradual tapering plan.
Potential Lexapro Withdrawal Symptoms
When medications are reduced too fast or used outside medical guidance, the body may react with uncomfortable or even severe withdrawal symptoms. Because SSRIs affect brain chemistry, stopping Lexapro can cause withdrawal symptoms, also called antidepressant discontinuation syndrome.
Common symptoms include:
- Headaches and flu-like feelings
- Insomnia or vivid dreams
- Mood swings, anxiety, or irritability
- Nausea, diarrhea, or appetite changes
- Sensory disturbances, such as “brain zaps”
- Return of depression or anxiety symptoms
Symptoms are usually temporary but should be monitored closely.
How to Wean Off of Lexapro: A Step-By-Step Guide
Regardless of your reason for stopping Lexapro, it’s essential to prepare yourself for the withdrawal symptoms. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you wean off of antidepressants like Lexapro.
1. Consult a Professional
Whenever you’re weaning off of antidepressants, it’s always wise to consult a healthcare professional. First, you should ask your doctor whether you can stop the medication. Your doctor will assess your medical history, current symptoms, risk factors, and response to the medication. Afterward, your doctor will give you the proper dosage adjustments.
2. Create a Tapering Plan
Creating a tapering plan is necessary to give your brain time to adjust to the lower serotonin levels. Tapering plans involve gradual dose reductions until your body is fully adjusted to lower doses of the medication. A good tapering schedule will outline the Lexapro dosages you must take over months. For instance, your dosage may lessen by about 10% every few weeks, depending on your body’s response.
3. Watch Out for SSRI Withdrawal
When weaning off Lexapro, there is no one-size-fits-all tapering schedule, and some people experience more withdrawal symptoms than others. Studies show that over 20% of people have a negative experience when they stop taking antidepressants. If you’re struggling with antidepressant discontinuation syndrome, tell your doctor. A healthcare professional can adjust your tapering plan as needed.
4. Find a Support System
Having a strong support system can ease Lexapro withdrawal symptoms and reduce anxiety. Let trusted friends or family know you are tapering so you do not feel isolated. Online support groups and therapy can also provide reassurance, guidance, and practical strategies for managing symptoms during the tapering process.
5. Make Lifestyle Adjustments
Lastly, lifestyle adjustments can help prepare your body for Lexapro withdrawal. Regular exercise may reduce anxiety, stress, and cravings while supporting emotional balance. Meditation and breathing exercises can calm your nervous system and improve sleep. Exploring new hobbies may also help distract from symptoms. Prioritizing self-care, balanced nutrition, and relaxation can better equip you to manage the stress of stopping medication.
The Benefits of Stopping Lexapro
Stopping antidepressants like Lexapro can have health benefits for some individuals. According to Medical News Today, it can alleviate tiredness and lightheadedness. Ending your medications may make your head clearer and restore your energy levels. It can also stop symptoms like diarrhea, sweating, and dry mouth.
Stopping may also restore your libido and help you regain a healthy weight. The long-term use of Lexapro will make it harder for you to wean off. For this reason, some people may choose to stop the medication while it’s still early.
Tips for Managing Lexapro Withdrawal
Withdrawal from any chronic medication is difficult, but not impossible with the right help and guidance. Below is a list of helpful tips for managing the withdrawal effects of Lexapro.
1. Avoid the Cold Turkey Method
A study by Harvard Medical School found that patients who discontinued the use of Lexapro in less than seven days had a higher chance of relapse. Meanwhile, those who gradually decreased their dosage over a few months were more likely to avoid depression. In short, don’t go cold turkey on your medication to avoid the symptoms of withdrawal!
2. Ask About Substitutes
You can ask your healthcare provider about substitutes for Lexapro. Some antidepressants are milder and take longer for the body to absorb. These types of medication cause fewer problems upon discontinuation.
3. Drink Plenty of Water
Drinking water can help you flush the medication out of your body. It can also replenish the water you lose from side effects like diarrhea and sweating.
4. Join Counseling Sessions
Counseling allows you to build your skills and confidence for recovery. By joining counseling sessions, you become equipped with evidence-based methods of coping. Your therapist can guide you through the challenges and support your overall well-being. Cognitive-behavioral therapy is one option that helps you challenge negative thought patterns and reduce the risk of depression during recovery.
5. Seek Medical Advice
Don’t be afraid to approach your doctor for every issue you encounter. Always seek medical advice whenever you feel a side effect, and follow the tapering plan set by your doctor.
6. Explore Natural Remedies
Ask your doctor about natural remedies you can take to alleviate your withdrawal symptoms. Learn about FDA-approved herbs and teas that can boost your mood. Additionally, you may practice yoga, mindfulness, and exercise to control your emotions. Focus on your nutrition and start eating a healthy diet!
7. Be Aware of Relapses
Be aware of the symptoms of depression. It also helps to ask your loved ones to remind you about the chance of relapsing. If you feel any suicidal thoughts, call a helpline immediately and consider going back to the medication!
8. Don’t Rush It
In case you experience discontinuation symptoms after lowering a dose, consider adding back half or all of the dose. Know that there’s no fast way to wean off Lexapro, and your reaction may be different from others. Just take it slowly, and over time, you can overcome the symptoms!
Ending Your Lexapro Journey Safely
The safest way to wean off Lexapro 5 mg is under medical guidance with a personalized tapering plan. Pay attention to your symptoms, prioritize self-care, and lean on your support system.
If you are struggling with medication changes or underlying substance use concerns, professional support can help you stay safe and stable during recovery.
Call us at 888-527-1508 or verify your insurance to learn how Live Free Recovery can support your next steps.
