Updated on 1 December 2025
Stopping Lexapro can affect your body and mind in ways you may not expect. Many people experience symptoms such as dizziness, brain zaps, stomach discomfort, night sweats, anxiety spikes, and changes in sleep or appetite. These reactions are common and happen because your brain is adjusting to lower serotonin support.
In this updated guide, you’ll learn exactly what Lexapro withdrawal feels like, how long symptoms usually last, which signs are normal, and when withdrawal can become risky. We’ll also cover a safe tapering plan, cold turkey dangers, symptom-specific advice, and a clear timeline so you know what to expect day by day and week by week.
If you’re thinking about reducing your dose or stopping Lexapro, this guide will help you make informed, safe decisions with the right medical support.
Lexapro (escitalopram) is an SSRI antidepressant commonly prescribed for depression, anxiety, panic disorder, and mood-related symptoms. It works by increasing the availability of serotonin, a chemical that helps regulate mood, sleep, digestion, and emotional stability.
When taken regularly, Lexapro creates a steady serotonin balance in the brain. This is why many people feel calmer, more stable, and more emotionally regulated while using it. Because the brain adapts to this steady support, stopping Lexapro suddenly or reducing the dose too quickly can lead to withdrawal symptoms, also called SSRI discontinuation effects.
Lexapro withdrawal happens when the body and brain begin adjusting to lower levels of serotonin support after the medication is reduced or stopped. This reaction is common and does not mean you are addicted. It simply reflects a temporary imbalance as your nervous system recalibrates.
You’re more likely to experience withdrawal if:
Withdrawal symptoms can affect both emotional and physical functioning. Some people experience only mild discomfort, while others may feel noticeably unwell for days or weeks. The intensity depends on your dosage, duration of use, and how gradually you taper.
Lexapro withdrawal can affect both the body and mind. Symptoms usually appear when the medication is reduced too quickly or stopped suddenly, and they vary from mild to uncomfortable depending on dose, duration, and taper speed. Below is a complete list of symptoms people commonly report during withdrawal.
Brain zaps feel like brief electrical shock sensations in the head.
They are one of the most common SSRI withdrawal symptoms.
Why they happen:
A sudden drop in serotonin levels affects how brain signals fire, leading to these short bursts of electrical-like sensations.
How long they last:
They often last a few days to a few weeks, depending on how quickly the dose was reduced.
What helps:
Many people feel dizzy, unsteady, or slightly “floaty” during withdrawal.
Why it happens:
Serotonin is involved in balance and spatial orientation.
A sudden reduction can temporarily disrupt the inner ear and nervous system.
When to see a doctor:
If dizziness causes falls, fainting, or severe imbalance.
Withdrawal often affects the digestive system because serotonin receptors also exist in the gut.
Common issues include:
When it usually improves:
Within 1–3 weeks for most people.
Sudden sweating, overheating at night, or waking up drenched are common.
Why it happens:
Serotonin influences body temperature regulation; a sudden drop can confuse the system temporarily.
When to worry:
If night sweats come with fever, severe chills, or intense weakness.
Feeling unusually tired or heavy is a typical part of withdrawal.
Causes include:
Fatigue usually improves gradually as your brain adjusts.
You may feel:
This does not always mean your original condition is returning. It is often a temporary serotonin imbalance.
Many people report sudden emotional shifts, frustration, crying spells, or feeling overwhelmed. This is normal during SSRI adjustment.
Withdrawal can sometimes feel like a mild flu, with:
These symptoms generally settle as serotonin levels stabilise.
You may experience:
Sleep tends to improve with consistent tapering.
Some people notice changes such as:
These changes are usually temporary.
A small number of users also report:
These are uncomfortable but generally fade as adjustment continues.
Lexapro withdrawal does not follow the exact same pattern for everyone, but there is a typical timeline that most people experience. The timing depends on your dose, how long you were on the medication, and whether you reduced the dose slowly or stopped too quickly.
Most people begin noticing symptoms between 24 hours and 3 days after lowering their dose or stopping completely.
Withdrawal may start earlier if:
Withdrawal may start later if:
For many people, symptoms last:
✔ 1–3 weeks — most common
✔ 4–6 weeks — if the dose was higher or suddenly stopped
✔ Several months (rare) — usually due to very fast tapering or long-term use
Individual symptoms have their own duration patterns:
This timeline is a common experience but not universal.
This is more likely if:
A slower taper or restarting a low dose temporarily (under medical supervision) often helps.
| Withdrawal Symptom | Typical Duration | When It Lasts Longer |
|---|---|---|
| Brain zaps | 3 days–3 weeks | Fast taper or sudden stop |
| Dizziness | 1–2 weeks | High dose or long-term use |
| Stomach pain | 1–3 weeks | Gut sensitivity |
| Night sweats | 1–4 weeks | Hormonal sensitivity |
| Fatigue | 1–4 weeks | Irregular sleep |
| Anxiety rebound | Days–weeks | Taper too fast |
| Mood swings | 2–4 weeks | Emotional stress |
| Sleep changes | 1–6 weeks | Caffeine, anxiety, poor routine |
Lexapro withdrawal is usually uncomfortable rather than dangerous, but it can become risky in certain situations. The symptoms themselves like dizziness, brain zaps, nausea, or night sweats, are not life-threatening. However, the way withdrawal affects your mood, thinking, and physical stability can lead to complications if not monitored properly.
Here is what you need to know:
You cannot “die” directly from Lexapro withdrawal.
But severe symptoms can increase risks, especially if you stop the medication suddenly.
Stopping Lexapro suddenly can cause:
These symptoms can make daily functioning significantly harder and may require medical support.
Symptoms like brain zaps or head pressure can feel frightening, but they do not indicate damage to the brain or nerves. These sensations occur because serotonin signalling is temporarily disrupted.
They go away once the nervous system stabilises.
For some people, stopping Lexapro causes their original symptoms to come back, including:
If these become unmanageable, you may need professional help or a dosage adjustment.
If you’ve experienced suicidal thoughts or severe depressive episodes before taking Lexapro, sudden withdrawal can trigger those symptoms again.
This is why tapering under medical supervision is important.
Seek help if withdrawal causes:
These issues may not be caused directly by withdrawal but can be worsened by it.
Contact a doctor immediately if you notice any of the following during withdrawal:
❗ Severe suicidal thoughts or self-harm urges
This is the most important sign.
❗ Extreme dizziness leading to falls or fainting
❗ Intense confusion, disorientation, or trouble speaking
❗ Chest pain, severe palpitations, or breathing difficulty
❗ Persistent vomiting or dehydration
❗ Withdrawal lasting more than 8 weeks despite tapering
These symptoms are not typical and may indicate that your taper was too fast or your nervous system needs more support.
Stopping Lexapro safely means reducing your dose gradually so your brain has enough time to adjust. This approach helps prevent severe withdrawal symptoms and reduces the chance of anxiety or depression returning.
Below are the essential steps your doctor will usually recommend when planning a safe Lexapro taper.
Stopping Lexapro abruptly is the main reason people experience:
Cold turkey withdrawal overloads the nervous system, because the brain suddenly loses its serotonin support.
This is why sudden stopping feels dangerous, frightening or overwhelming for many people, even if they were on a low dose.
A slow taper allows serotonin levels to adjust gradually.
Doctors usually recommend reducing the dose over weeks or months, depending on:
Even dropping from 10mg to 0mg can be too fast for many people.
A typical taper might look like this:
20mg → 15mg → 10mg → 7.5mg → 5mg → 2.5mg → 0mg
Each step is held for 2–4 weeks (or longer if symptoms appear).
This is not a one-size-fits-all schedule, but it reflects how most psychiatrists taper SSRIs to prevent withdrawal.
Signs you need more time between dose reductions include:
You can pause the taper (with your doctor’s guidance) until symptoms settle.
Keeping a simple daily log helps you see patterns such as:
This information helps your doctor adjust the plan.
Alcohol, cannabis, and stimulants can:
This is important especially during the first 3–6 weeks of tapering.
These habits help reduce withdrawal intensity:
A stable routine helps your brain adapt more smoothly.
Contact your doctor if:
Most withdrawal issues resolve faster with guided support.
Tapering is the safest way to stop Lexapro. It means reducing your dose in small steps so your brain has time to adjust without sudden serotonin changes. The slower the taper, the lower the chance of withdrawal symptoms like dizziness, brain zaps, anxiety spikes, or night sweats.
Below is a clear, practical guide that reflects how psychiatrists usually manage Lexapro tapering.
Stopping Lexapro cold turkey is the main cause of:
Abrupt withdrawal overwhelms the nervous system.
A slow taper prevents this.
A typical taper uses small dose drops every 2–4 weeks, adjusting based on symptoms.
Here’s a general structure (your doctor will personalise it):
Each step should be held long enough for your body to stabilise.
People who are sensitive to medication changes may need even smaller steps.
| Current Dose | Reduce To | Hold For | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 20mg | 15mg | 2–4 weeks | Larger drops are easier at higher doses |
| 15mg | 10mg | 2–4 weeks | Monitor dizziness and headaches |
| 10mg | 7.5mg | 2–4 weeks | Common stage for brain zaps |
| 7.5mg | 5mg | 2–4 weeks | Emotional sensitivity may increase |
| 5mg | 2.5mg | 2–4 weeks | Go slow: stomach issues & night sweats may appear |
| 2.5mg | 0mg | 2–4 weeks | Smallest step → symptoms often mild |
This is not medical advice but a widely used clinical tapering framework.
Your doctor will change the plan depending on how your body reacts.
Some people need extremely small reductions at the end, especially below 5mg.
Example:
5mg → 4mg → 3mg → 2mg → 1.5mg → 1mg → 0.5mg → 0mg
This is common for people who experienced strong withdrawal in the past.
These practical steps significantly reduce discomfort:
✔ Reduce dose only when you feel stable
Do not rush. Stability matters more than speed.
✔ Keep dose reductions small
Tiny reductions can prevent dizziness and brain zaps altogether.
✔ Take Lexapro at the same time daily
Maintains stable serotonin levels.
✔ Stay hydrated
Helps regulate dizziness and headaches.
✔ Limit caffeine
Caffeine worsens anxiety, jitters, and sleep issues.
✔ Maintain regular sleep
The nervous system stabilises faster with consistent rest.
✔ Avoid alcohol
Alcohol can exaggerate withdrawal symptoms.
✔ Light exercise
Walking supports nervous system balance.
Pause your taper and consult your doctor if you notice:
Pausing is normal.
It helps your nervous system fully adjust before the next reduction.
Simple daily habits can make Lexapro withdrawal easier to manage. These strategies support your nervous system and help reduce symptoms like dizziness, brain zaps, stomach discomfort, and sleep disruption.
These tips are safe for most people, but always check with your doctor if you have medical conditions or take other medications.
Dehydration can worsen:
Aim for 6–8 glasses of water a day. Small, regular sips work better than large amounts at once.
Withdrawal can disrupt digestion. Helpful foods include:
Avoid foods that trigger nausea or stomach irritation:
Small, frequent meals are easier on the stomach.
These substances can increase:
Reducing or avoiding them for a few weeks can significantly ease symptoms.
Light movement helps stabilise your nervous system.
Choose:
Avoid very intense workouts during the first few weeks if they worsen dizziness or fatigue.
Many withdrawal symptoms worsen without consistent sleep.
Helpful habits include:
If vivid dreams or insomnia appear, this usually settles within a few weeks.
Some people find relief from:
Always confirm supplement use with your doctor, especially if you take other medications.
Withdrawal temporarily heightens your stress sensitivity.
Helpful examples:
Even 5–10 minutes daily can help calm the nervous system.
Try not to make big decisions or start stressful projects during the first few weeks.
Your mind and emotions are adjusting, and stability helps recovery.
Record:
This helps you and your doctor understand whether your taper speed is right or needs slowing.
Talk to someone you trust or a professional if symptoms feel overwhelming.
Many people find reassurance and guidance helpful during tapering.
Most withdrawal symptoms are temporary and settle as your brain adjusts. But there are times when professional support is important. Speaking to a psychiatrist or therapist can help you manage symptoms safely, adjust your taper plan, and prevent emotional overwhelm.
Below are the situations where you should reach out for help.
Reach out to a doctor if:
These signs often mean the taper may be too fast.
Withdrawal can temporarily increase anxiety, but extreme or persistent anxiety needs medical attention.
It may mean your nervous system needs a slower reduction or a temporary dose adjustment.
Contact a professional if you feel:
This may be withdrawal or a return of original symptoms. A psychiatrist can tell the difference.
This is the most important sign.
Seek help immediately if you notice:
These symptoms can appear when serotonin support drops too quickly, and they require urgent support.
Most symptoms ease within a few weeks.
If you still feel unwell after two months, your taper may need adjusting.
A psychiatrist can create a slower, symptom-friendly plan.
Anyone who stops Lexapro cold turkey should check in with a doctor, even if symptoms feel mild at first. Sudden withdrawal can cause delayed reactions.
Sometimes withdrawal feels similar to returning depression or anxiety.
A mental health professional can help you understand what’s happening and guide your next steps safely.
Working with a therapist can help you manage:
Psychological support makes the process easier and reduces the risk of relapse.
If you’re finding Lexapro withdrawal difficult, you don’t have to manage it alone. PsychiCare connects you with licensed psychiatrists who understand SSRI withdrawal and can help you adjust your taper safely. They can also support you emotionally, monitor symptoms, and provide guidance through each step.
Sessions are affordable, and you can consult from anywhere.
Lexapro withdrawal often feels like a mix of dizziness, brain zaps, nausea, night sweats, mood swings, anxiety spikes, and fatigue. Some people also notice flu-like symptoms, headaches, sleep changes, or stomach pain. Symptoms vary depending on dose and how fast you reduce it.
Withdrawal usually starts 24 hours to 3 days after reducing or stopping the dose. It may appear earlier if you stop suddenly or later if you taper slowly.
Most people experience withdrawal for 1–3 weeks. If you were on a high dose or stopped suddenly, symptoms can last 4–6 weeks. A slow taper usually shortens the duration.
Lexapro withdrawal is usually not dangerous, but it can become risky if you stop suddenly or experience severe symptoms like suicidal thoughts, extreme dizziness, confusion, or chest pain. These require medical attention.
Yes. Dizziness is one of the most common withdrawal symptoms. It happens because serotonin affects balance. It usually improves within 1–2 weeks.
Dizziness typically lasts a few days to two weeks. If tapering was very fast or sudden, it may last longer and require a slower reduction plan.
Brain zaps are brief, electric shock-like sensations in the head. They happen when serotonin levels drop quickly and usually settle within 3 days to 3 weeks.
Brain zaps usually last a few days to a few weeks. Slower tapering helps reduce their intensity.
Night sweats happen because serotonin affects body temperature control. A sudden drop during withdrawal can cause overheating at night. This usually improves within 1–4 weeks.
Yes. Stomach pain, nausea, cramps, and digestive issues are common because serotonin also affects the gut. These symptoms often ease within 1–3 weeks.
Lexapro is not addictive. It doesn’t cause cravings or compulsive use. Withdrawal occurs because the brain is adjusting to lower serotonin, not because the drug creates dependence.
Stopping suddenly can cause strong withdrawal symptoms like dizziness, anxiety, brain zaps, night sweats, nausea, and mood swings. It also increases the risk of relapse. Always taper slowly.
A slower taper, staying hydrated, limiting caffeine, eating regularly, and avoiding sudden movements can help. If dizziness causes falls or lasts longer than two weeks, speak to a doctor.
No, Lexapro withdrawal itself is not fatal. However, severe symptoms like suicidal thoughts, extreme confusion, chest pain, or dangerously intense anxiety require urgent medical help.
Lexapro stays in the body for about 5–7 days after the last dose, although withdrawal symptoms may last longer as the nervous system adjusts.
Yes, some people notice mild weight loss after stopping Lexapro due to appetite changes or digestive adjustments. This is usually temporary.
The safest way is to reduce the dose slowly—usually in small steps every 2–4 weeks. A common taper is: 20mg → 15mg → 10mg → 7.5mg → 5mg → 2.5mg → 0mg. Follow a doctor’s guidance.
Common side effects include dizziness, brain zaps, nausea, night sweats, headaches, mood swings, fatigue, anxiety rebound, and digestive issues.
SSRI withdrawal happens when serotonin levels drop quickly after reducing or stopping the medication. This causes temporary symptoms like dizziness, anxiety, flu-like feelings, and sensory changes.
It means your brain and inner ear are adjusting to lower serotonin levels. This is normal and temporary unless symptoms become severe.
Reach out if you experience severe dizziness, suicidal thoughts, extreme anxiety, persistent vomiting, chest pain, or withdrawal lasting longer than 6–8 weeks.
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