Can anti-anxiety medications cause withdrawal symptoms?

Question

Hello doctor,

I started taking Lexapro four to five weeks ago. I have major headaches and nausea and want to stop. However, I cannot get a hold of my doctor. Can I just stop, or should I taper the medication? I am on 20 mg daily. I also take Gabapentine.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

May I know what you were diagnosed with? Was Lexapro 20 mg started directly for you without starting with lower doses of 5 mg, 10 mg, and 15 mg? Lexapro (Escitalopram) dosage should be slowly escalated at the beginning of the treatment in order to avoid headaches and nausea. As you mentioned that you are experiencing severe headaches and nausea and want to stop taking the medication, I would advise you to stop it gradually. Stopping suddenly will lead to discontinuation symptoms. I suggest you reduce the dosage of Lexapro to 15 mg for one week, followed by 10 mg for one week, and then 5 mg for one week, which can be stopped later. But I would suggest that you continue taking the medications. Drink plenty of water and exercise daily to avoid headaches and nausea.

Good luck.

Answer 2

Hello,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

Yes, withdrawal symptoms can be there at four weeks of treatment but may not be very severe. Even if there are withdrawal symptoms, they usually subside on their own within four to five days.