You’ve been taking Lexapro to help manage your anxiety and depression, and it’s doing its job. You’re feeling better, so your doctor advises you to come off them.

The problem with coming off any medication is, your body has to readjust to living without it.

Chemicals and hormones in your body will have been affected by Lexapro, so when you stop taking it, your brain will have to work out how to do without. The symptoms you experience are called discontinuation symptoms or, more commonly, withdrawal symptoms.

Keep reading to understand 4 possible Lexapro withdrawal symptoms you might experience.

1.) Rebound Depression and Anxiety

We’ll deal with this one first because it’s probably the one that’s most upsetting.

You’re taking Lexapro to manage your depression and anxiety, and now you’re feeling much better. But you’re worried that, without the medication, it’ll come back.

It is possible that you’ll experience some ‘rebound depression’, or the effects of your body’s hormones readjusting to life without Lexapro. You may even feel the depression is worse than before. This is because the chemical balance in the brain has been altered by Lexapro, so it’ll need time for the balance to be restored.

You should only feel this way for a few weeks, so if you still feel bad after a month, you should see your doctor.

2.) Tiredness and Poor Concentration

As your body rebalances from not taking Lexapro, it may sap you of energy, and your ability to concentrate.

Your brain may feel like it’s underwater, and it might take a lot of time and brainpower to focus.

It’s difficult to hear, but give it time. These effects may be intense at first but, as your body readjusts and finds its balance, these symptoms should lessen.

3.) Headaches

Headaches are a common symptom when coming off any anti-depressant medication. Again, these are thought to stem from your brain readjusting to the change in chemicals.

Headaches can also come from stress and tension, and if you’re feeling anxious, that will contribute. We know it’s easier said than done, but try and relax, and let go of the stress.

Drinking lots of water is also a good way to up your levels of hydration and flush out unwanted toxins. You can also try some natural headache-relief remedies if you don’t want to throw more chemicals into the mix.

4.) Weight Changes

We’ll end on a positive, because many people find an unwanted side-effect of taking Lexapro is weight gain.

When coming off the medication, your body may let go of this extra pudge that you gained while taking Lexapro, so you may end up losing some weight.

While the Lexapro withdrawal symptoms you may be facing can be unpleasant, rest assured that they’re most likely more intense immediately after you stop taking them.

In that vein, weight loss will slow down as your body readjusts to not having the drug within your system.

The Takeaway on Lexapro Withdrawal Symptoms

When coming off Lexapro, your body will have to figure out how to work without it. Give it time, and keep in mind some of the symptoms you might experience in the interim.

It’s good to remember that, though you’ll be experiencing some things that are different to usual, these Lexapro withdrawal symptoms are normal and nothing to be overly concerned about.

To be forewarned is to be forearmed, so keep our handy guide in mind, and rest assured that you should feel a lot better within a few weeks.

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