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Lexapro Withdrawal

People who suddenly discontinue treatment with Lexapro may experience Lexapro withdrawal symptoms, which can include confusion, tiredness, agitation, and a burning sensation. If you are planning on stopping treatment with Lexapro, your healthcare provider will gradually decrease your dosage in order to prevent withdrawal symptoms from occurring.

 

Lexapro Withdrawal: An Introduction

Lexapro® (escitalopram oxalate) and other selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs for short) are known to cause withdrawal symptoms in those who quickly stop their medicine.
 

Lexapro Withdrawal Symptoms

Lexapro withdrawal symptoms can include but are not limited to:
 
  • Irritability
  • Agitation
  • Dizziness
  • A burning or tingling sensation
  • Anxiety
  • Confusion
  • Headache
  • Insomnia
  • Tiredness.
     
In most people, these Lexapro withdrawal symptoms improve with time, without the need for any treatment.
 

Limiting Lexapro Withdrawal

When a person is going to be discontinuing Lexapro, the doctor will wean him or her slowly to minimize the chances of developing Lexapro withdrawal symptoms. If withdrawal symptoms do occur, the doctor may return the person to his or her original Lexapro dosage and then wean him or her even more slowly.
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;