What Happens If You Stop Taking Lexapro?

If you stop taking Lexapro (escitalopram) suddenly, you may develop discontinuation symptoms such as dizziness, irritability, trouble sleeping, and electric shock-like sensations often called “brain zaps.” These symptoms are usually temporary, but they can be uncomfortable. Stopping also raises the chance that the anxiety or depression you were treating comes back. That’s why the FDA label recommends lowering the dose gradually with your prescriber’s guidance instead of stopping all at once.

Key takeaways

Discontinuation symptoms are fairly common. A large 2024 meta-analysis estimated that about 1 in 6 or 7 people who stop an antidepressant experience symptoms caused by the medication itself, and most cases are mild.
A gradual taper is the recommended approach. Your prescriber can lower your dose step by step and slow the process down if symptoms become hard to manage.
Don’t let an empty bottle make the decision for you. If you’re running out and can’t reach your provider, request a refill before your last dose rather than stopping abruptly.

What happens when you stop taking Lexapro suddenly?

Your body notices the change. Lexapro is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI), a type of medication that increases the availability of serotonin, a chemical messenger involved in mood, sleep, and anxiety. Over weeks of daily use, your brain adjusts to having the medication present. When it’s removed quickly, that adjustment takes time to reverse.

According to the FDA prescribing information for Lexapro, escitalopram has a half-life of about 27 to 32 hours. That means it takes a little over a day for half the medication to leave your body. The drop is gradual enough that one missed dose rarely causes trouble, but steady enough that stopping completely can lead to symptoms within days.

You may see this called either “discontinuation syndrome” or “withdrawal.” Researchers still debate which term fits best, as discussed in a commentary in the British Journal of Psychiatry. Either way, these symptoms reflect your body readjusting to the medication’s absence. They’re different from addiction, and experiencing them doesn’t mean you did anything wrong.

Lexapro withdrawal symptoms: Common side effects of stopping

The Lexapro label lists symptoms that have been reported after stopping Lexapro and other SSRIs, particularly when stopped abruptly:

Dizziness: Lightheadedness or a feeling of unsteadiness, sometimes worse when you move your head quickly.
Sensory disturbances: Tingling, prickling, or brief electric shock-like sensations (“brain zaps”).
Mood changes: Irritability, agitation, anxiety, low mood, or emotional ups and downs.
Sleep problems: Insomnia or vivid dreams.
Physical symptoms: Headache, nausea, and low energy.
Confusion: Trouble concentrating or feeling mentally foggy.
Hypomania: An unusually elevated or “wired” mood, which is less common but worth reporting to your provider.

The label notes that these reactions are generally self-limiting, meaning they tend to resolve on their own, though serious discontinuation symptoms have been reported.

How common is Lexapro withdrawal?

Estimates vary depending on how studies were designed. A 2024 systematic review and meta-analysis in The Lancet Psychiatry pooled data from 79 studies and found that about 31% of people who stopped an antidepressant reported at least one discontinuation symptom. However, about 17% of people who stopped a placebo also reported symptoms. After accounting for that, the researchers estimated that roughly 15% of people experience symptoms caused by stopping the medication, and about 1 in 35 experience severe symptoms.

Other researchers have argued that some earlier estimates were higher and that symptoms may last longer for some people, as summarized in the Therapeutics Letter on antidepressant withdrawal. The takeaway is that many people stop without major problems, but some don’t, and there’s no reliable way to know in advance which group you’ll be in.

Can you stop taking Lexapro cold turkey?

It’s not recommended. The FDA label advises a gradual dose reduction whenever possible. If symptoms become intolerable during a taper, the label says your prescriber may consider going back to your previous dose and then lowering it more slowly.

Stopping suddenly can also make it harder to tell what’s going on. Discontinuation symptoms and a return of anxiety can feel similar, which can lead to unnecessary worry or confusion about next steps.

What if you stop Lexapro after 1 week?

A gradual approach still applies even if you’ve only been taking Lexapro for a short time, such as a week or two, or if you’re on a low dose. Your prescriber will factor in how long you’ve been taking it, your dose, and your history when deciding how quickly to taper.

Lexapro withdrawal or relapse? How to tell the difference

This is one of the most important questions to sort out with your provider, because the right response is different for each. Discontinuation symptoms tend to show up soon after stopping or lowering a dose and often include physical sensations like dizziness and brain zaps. According to a review of SSRI discontinuation syndrome in PubMed, these symptoms typically resolve when the medication is reintroduced.

Relapse means the original condition is returning. It often develops more gradually and looks like the anxiety or depression you had before treatment. Research shows the risk is real:

For anxiety disorders: A 2017 meta-analysis in The BMJ of relapse prevention trials found that about 36% of people who switched from an antidepressant to placebo relapsed, compared with about 16% of those who continued their medication.
For depression: In a randomized trial published in the New England Journal of Medicine, primary care patients who felt well enough to stop their antidepressant had a 56% relapse rate over one year after tapering off, compared with 39% of those who stayed on their medication. The trial included citalopram, a close relative of escitalopram, along with other antidepressants.

None of this means you have to take Lexapro forever, but it does mean the decision to stop is best made deliberately, with a plan, rather than because of a missed refill or a busy week.

How to stop taking Lexapro safely

If you and your provider decide it’s the right time to stop, a structured approach helps. Here’s what the process typically looks like:

Talk to your prescriber first. Share why you want to stop, whether that’s side effects, feeling better, pregnancy planning, or something else. There may be alternatives worth considering.
Agree on a taper schedule. Your provider will lower your dose in steps. There’s no single standard schedule, so it’s tailored to your dose, how long you’ve been on it, and how you respond.
Time it thoughtfully. Many people find it easier to taper during a relatively stable period rather than during a major life change or high-stress stretch at work.
Track how you feel. Note any symptoms, when they started, and how intense they are. This helps your provider decide whether to continue, pause, or slow the taper.
Keep support in place. Therapy, sleep routines, regular movement, and staying connected with people you trust can all help during and after a taper.
Stay in touch afterward. Relapse can show up weeks or months later, so check in with your provider if old symptoms start returning.

Missed a dose of Lexapro? What to do

Missing one dose is different from stopping. According to MedlinePlus, take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it’s almost time for your next dose, skip the missed one and continue your regular schedule. Don’t take a double dose to make up for it.

A single missed dose usually doesn’t cause noticeable symptoms because of escitalopram’s long half-life. Missing several days in a row, however, can lead to the same discontinuation symptoms described above.

If you’re missing doses because you’re about to run out and your regular provider isn’t available, a board-certified physician can review an escitalopram refill request online so you don’t have to stop unexpectedly. This service is designed for people who are already stable on their medication. It doesn’t refill controlled substances, including benzodiazepines such as those sometimes prescribed for panic or short-term anxiety, and it doesn’t diagnose or treat new conditions.

When to call a doctor about stopping Lexapro

Contact your prescriber or a healthcare provider if:

Discontinuation symptoms are severe or interfere with work, driving, or daily life.
Symptoms last longer than a couple of weeks or keep getting worse.
Your anxiety or depression is returning, especially if it’s affecting your sleep, relationships, or ability to function.
You notice an unusually elevated mood, racing thoughts, or a decreased need for sleep.
You have new symptoms or want to change treatment. If you can’t see your regular provider, virtual primary care through HealthSource Medical Associates can help you talk through options.

If you’re having thoughts of suicide or self-harm, call or text 988 to reach the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, available 24/7. The Lexapro label includes a warning about suicidal thoughts and behaviors, especially in young people, and any sudden mood changes while starting, stopping, or adjusting treatment deserve prompt attention.

Call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room if you or someone else is in immediate danger. This is not an emergency service.

With the risks and warning signs covered, here are answers to the questions people ask most often.

Stopping Lexapro FAQs

How long do Lexapro withdrawal symptoms last?

For many people, discontinuation symptoms are mild and ease within a few weeks. Some people have symptoms that last longer, and research on duration is still evolving. If symptoms are dragging on or getting worse, contact your prescriber, since restarting your previous dose and tapering more slowly is one option they may consider.

What do Lexapro brain zaps feel like?

People often describe brain zaps as brief, electric shock-like jolts in the head, sometimes triggered by moving the eyes or head. The Lexapro label lists these sensations among reported discontinuation symptoms. They’re uncomfortable but are generally not considered dangerous.

Can I stop taking Lexapro if I feel better?

Feeling better is a good sign that treatment is working, but it’s not the same as being ready to stop. Research on anxiety and depression shows relapse is more likely after stopping. Talk with your prescriber about timing, and if you decide together to stop, follow a taper plan.

Is Lexapro addictive?

Lexapro isn’t considered addictive in the way substances that cause cravings or compulsive use are. It’s also not a controlled substance. Your body can still become used to it, which is why stopping suddenly can cause discontinuation symptoms.

Can I get a Lexapro refill online?

If you’ve been stable on escitalopram and your symptoms haven’t changed, you may be eligible for an online refill after a physician reviews your request. If you’re experiencing worsening symptoms, side effects, or want to adjust your treatment, a visit with a provider is the better next step. You can also learn more about managing anxiety medication refills.

Get a Lexapro refill before you run out

If you’re close to running out of Lexapro and can’t get in with your regular provider, My Med Refills can help you avoid an unplanned stop. Complete a short online form, a board-certified physician reviews your request, and approved prescriptions are sent electronically to your preferred pharmacy, usually the same day. Request your escitalopram refill to get started.

Sources

This is not an emergency service. In an emergency, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room.

This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice.