What is Lexapro?
Lexapro, or escitalopram, is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) that boosts serotonin levels in the brain to regulate mood. Commonly prescribed for:
Major Depressive Disorder (MDD): Eases persistent sadness, loss of interest, and changes in sleep or appetite.
Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD): Reduces excessive worry, improving daily functioning.
While effective, Lexapro can cause side effects or dependence, requiring careful management. At Bonus Round Recovery, we integrate therapy like CBT and DBT to support clients navigating these challenges.
Is Lexapro Addictive?
Lexapro is not addictive like opioids or benzodiazepines, but it can lead to physical dependence. Stopping abruptly may trigger withdrawal symptoms due to the brain’s reliance on the medication. Dependence is not addiction, which involves compulsive misuse—a behavior less common with Lexapro. Our San Diego team helps clients taper off safely, minimizing withdrawal discomfort with structured care.
Risks and Misuse
In 2021, approximately 6.5 million Americans were prescribed Lexapro. While safe when used as directed, misuse can occur, increasing risks. Signs of misuse include:
Higher Doses: Taking more than prescribed to enhance effects.
Using Without a Prescription: Obtaining Lexapro from non-medical sources, risking complications.
Irregular Dosing: Skipping or doubling doses, leading to withdrawal or side effects.
Our programs address misuse with personalized plans, ensuring safe recovery in a supportive environment.
Recognizing Lexapro Withdrawal
Lexapro withdrawal symptoms can begin within days of stopping, varying by dosage, duration of use, and individual factors. Our 8:1 client-to-clinical-team ratio ensures close monitoring to manage these symptoms effectively.
Physical Signs of Lexapro Withdrawal
Physical symptoms can disrupt daily life and include:
Dizziness and Lightheadedness: Feeling unsteady or off-balance.
Headaches: Ranging from mild to severe, often persistent.
Nausea and Vomiting: Gastrointestinal distress affecting appetite and hydration.
Fatigue and Lethargy: Extreme tiredness impacting daily activities.
Flu-like Symptoms: Muscle aches, chills, and sweating.
Sensory Disturbances: “Brain zaps” or electric shock sensations in the head, often brief but unsettling.
Mental Signs of Lexapro Withdrawal
Mental symptoms can be equally challenging:
Anxiety and Irritability: Heightened nervousness or agitation.
Depression: Return of depressive symptoms like sadness or disinterest.
Mood Swings: Rapid shifts from sadness to anger.
Difficulty Concentrating: Impaired focus affecting work or tasks.
Insomnia: Trouble falling or staying asleep, worsening fatigue.
Our daily group therapy and weekly individual sessions help clients cope with these emotional challenges, fostering resilience.
Dangers of At-Home Lexapro Withdrawal
Withdrawing from Lexapro without medical supervision can be risky:
Severe Symptoms
Intense symptoms, including suicidal thoughts, may escalate without intervention. Our San Diego facility provides crisis support to ensure safety.
Risk of Relapse
Unmanaged symptoms can lead to resuming Lexapro or misusing other substances to cope. Our structured programs prevent this cycle with tailored tapering plans.
Lack of Support
Without oversight, improper tapering can worsen symptoms or prolong withdrawal. Our team offers emotional and medical support, adjusting plans to minimize discomfort.
How to Quit Taking Lexapro Safely
Safely discontinuing Lexapro requires a gradual approach, whether at home or under supervision. Bonus Round Recovery supports both paths, prioritizing your safety and comfort.
At-Home Detoxification
At-home detox involves reducing Lexapro dosage in your home environment, suitable for those with:
Mild symptoms
Strong support systems
A doctor-approved tapering plan
Not suitable for those with severe symptoms, history of relapse, or lack of support.
Steps for At-Home Detox:
Consult Your Doctor: Assess dosage, use duration, and health status.
Personalized Tapering Schedule: Reduce dosage gradually over weeks or months.
Monitor Symptoms: Track mood and physical changes in a journal.
Build Support: Rely on family or friends for emotional backing.
Healthy Habits: Maintain a balanced diet, exercise, and sleep routine.
Our team provides guidance to ensure at-home detox is safe and effective.
Supervised Detoxification
Supervised detox at Bonus Round Recovery offers comprehensive care in a medical setting, ideal for those with:
Intense symptoms
History of relapse
Limited support systems
Process and Steps:
Initial Assessment: Evaluate medical history and current health.
Customized Tapering Plan: Develop a gradual dose reduction schedule.
24/7 Monitoring: Ensure safety with round-the-clock oversight.
Symptom Management: Use medications or therapies to ease discomfort.
Aftercare Planning: Transition to outpatient therapy, support groups, or sober living.
Our San Diego facility creates a structured, distraction-free environment for healing.
Why Choose Bonus Round Recovery
Bonus Round Recovery offers a compassionate, whole-person approach to Lexapro withdrawal, blending the personal experience of our founders with professional expertise.
Comprehensive Recovery Programs
Our IOP, PHP, and transitional housing programs address physical, emotional, and social aspects of withdrawal, fostering long-term sobriety in a supportive setting.
Tailored Treatment Plans
We customize plans to your unique needs, setting achievable goals and adjusting based on progress. Our 12-week programs ensure sustained recovery.
24/7 Medical Monitoring
Our clinicians monitor vital signs and symptoms, providing peace of mind and immediate intervention if needed.
Individual and Group Counseling
Individual Therapy: Explore personal challenges with experienced therapists.
Group Sessions: Build community and share insights with peers.
Treatment Opportunities at Bonus Round Recovery
We use evidence-based and holistic methods to support recovery:
Behavioral Therapies
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Modify negative thought patterns to manage withdrawal symptoms and build coping skills.
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT): Enhance emotional regulation and resilience.
Medical Interventions
Our team may prescribe short-term medications to ease withdrawal symptoms, with regular adjustments for optimal care.
Holistic Approaches
Mindfulness and Meditation: Reduce anxiety and promote emotional balance.
Nutritional Support: Emphasize brain-healthy diets to support mood.
Physical Activity: Tailored exercise programs to boost well-being.
Take the First Step Toward Recovery
Lexapro withdrawal can be daunting, but Bonus Round Recovery is here to help. Our San Diego programs offer the professional care and empathy you need to navigate this journey. Call (866) 331-3898 to learn about our IOP, PHP, and transitional housing options, or to verify insurance benefits. Your bonus round of life starts now.