Lexapro (the brand name for escitalopram) is a psychiatric medication which is an SSRI (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor). SSRIs work by increasing the levels of certain chemicals in the brain. These medications are effective at treating conditions such as depression and anxiety because both conditions result in certain neurotransmitters reaching abnormally low levels within the brain. Because the brain adjusts to the elevated amounts of these compounds over time, cessation of Lexapro needs to be done carefully.
Step 1
Discuss the decision beforehand with your doctor. EMedExpert notes that discontinuing Lexapro should be done under the supervision of your doctor. Epocrates Online notes that cessation of Lexapro (or other SSRIs) can lead to withdrawal symptoms, which include upset stomach and GI tract, headache, fatigue, insomnia, sensations of "electric shocks," and nightmares. Other withdrawal symptoms include dizziness, agitation, tremors, anxiety, mood swings and confusion.
Step 2
Taper the dose gradually. RxList recommends against abrupt cessation of Lexapro because it can lead to intense withdrawal symptoms. The dose taken each day should gradually be dropped for best results. Your doctor may prescribe different formulations of the pill so that you can gradually decrease your dose; alternately you may need to manually cut pills into portions.
Step 3
Contact your doctor if any of the withdrawal symptoms become severe and cause extreme discomfort. This can be a sign that you are tapering your drug use too quickly and need to either slow your schedule or go back to a higher dose.
