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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Could Anxiety Be The Withdrawal Symptom Of Lexapro?

I gradually weaned off of Lexapro 20 mg, and have been completely off for 19 days. I feel lethargic, and highly anxious ( I began taking the drug 18 years ago for anxiety attacks. ) Is there a chance that this anxious feeling is my body adjusting to the lack of drugs - will it settle down eventually so I feel good again?
Wed, 2 Aug 2023
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Anesthesiologist,  's  Response
Hello,

The following are few symptoms caused due to withdrawal of Lexapro:
1) Anxiety
2) Agitation
3) Dizziness
4) Mood disturbances
5) Confusion
6) Headache
7) Electric shock like sensations
8) Difficulty in sleeping

All the symptoms are self limiting and decrease as the time passes by. If intolerable symptoms occur after discontinuation, consider resuming previously prescribed dose and subsequently decreasing dose at a more gradual rate. So, please wait for 1 week for the symptoms to wane off. If they persist, you may need to start Lexapro and discontinue very very slowly.

Take care. Hope I have answered your question. Let me know if I can assist you further.

Regards,
Dr. Pallavi M., Anesthesiologist
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Could Anxiety Be The Withdrawal Symptom Of Lexapro?

Hello, The following are few symptoms caused due to withdrawal of Lexapro: 1) Anxiety 2) Agitation 3) Dizziness 4) Mood disturbances 5) Confusion 6) Headache 7) Electric shock like sensations 8) Difficulty in sleeping All the symptoms are self limiting and decrease as the time passes by. If intolerable symptoms occur after discontinuation, consider resuming previously prescribed dose and subsequently decreasing dose at a more gradual rate. So, please wait for 1 week for the symptoms to wane off. If they persist, you may need to start Lexapro and discontinue very very slowly. Take care. Hope I have answered your question. Let me know if I can assist you further. Regards, Dr. Pallavi M., Anesthesiologist