Lexapro is widely prescribed in the United States for depression, anxiety and other mental health conditions. Sadly, it’s also widely misused and abused. If you’ve been taking Lexapro for a long time, you might find yourself taking a higher dose to feel normal or mixing it with other substances to enhance its effects. Drug addiction and dependency can take over your life, making you think there’s no way out. Thankfully, there’s light at the end of the tunnel through Lexapro mental health and addiction treatment programs and centers. By calling the National Rehab Hotline today, you can learn more about the treatment options available in your area and start building a new life free from Lexapro abuse.
What Is Lexapro?
Lexapro is the brand name of the prescription medication escitalopram. If you’ve been diagnosed with anxiety or depression, there’s a good chance your doctor prescribed this medication. Lexapro is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI), which means it increases the levels of serotonin in the brain and improves mood. Besides anxiety and depression, it’s also sometimes prescribed for obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) or panic attacks.
How Common Is Lexapro Abuse?
A study by the National Library of Medicine found that 23% of people taking the medication for more than 12 months become addicted to the drug. While Lexapro doesn’t produce a euphoric “high,” abuse frequently occurs through a misunderstanding of proper dosage or when attempting to self-medicate for conditions other than anxiety or depression. In a bid to feel normal, people often take higher doses or mix the drug with other substances to enhance the effects.
The Dangers of Using Lexapro Mental Health Medication
Doctors commonly prescribe Lexapro for depression as it has fewer side effects than other antidepressants. While the drug isn’t considered addictive in itself, psychological addiction is a genuine concern.
Abusing Lexapro can lead to various dangers and health risks, including:
- Serotonin syndrome. This is a potentially life-threatening condition caused by excessive levels of serotonin in the brain. You might experience a rapid heart rate, confusion, high blood pressure, dilated pupils, sweating, shivering or, in severe cases, seizures and unconsciousness.
- Suicidal thoughts. Misuse of Lexapro can increase suicidal thoughts and behaviors, especially in children, teenagers and young adults.
- Withdrawal symptoms. Reducing your Lexapro dose too quickly or stopping the drug abruptly can lead to withdrawal symptoms. This is also known as discontinuation syndrome. You might experience headaches, dizziness, irritability, insomnia or sensory disturbances.
- Cardiovascular issues. Overdosing on Lexapro can lead to serious heart problems, including hypertension (high blood pressure), arrhythmias or hypotension (low blood pressure).
- Cognitive and motor impairment. Taking high doses of Lexapro can impair mental function and motor skills, making it difficult to concentrate, think or coordinate movements.
- Mania or hypomania. If you have been diagnosed with bipolar disorder, Lexapro abuse could trigger manic or hypomanic episodes.
- Risk of bleeding. Lexapro and other SSRIs can cause bleeding, especially in the gastrointestinal tract.
Managing Lexapro Withdrawal Symptoms
Lexapro withdrawal symptoms need to be managed carefully to keep symptoms under control. When you stop taking the drug, you might experience these symptoms:
- Excessive sweating. Lexapro withdrawal can cause your body temperature to fluctuate, leading to excessive sweating.
- Disturbing dreams. Detoxing from Lexapro can cause your blood sugar to dip significantly at night. This can lead to vivid dreams and nightmares. You might also have trouble sleeping.
- Tremors and shaking. As the Lexapro leaves your system, you may experience tremors and shaking.
- Vomiting. Vomiting is common and occurs when the body attempts to rid itself of toxins.
- Irritability and agitation. You may have trouble regulating your emotions as you detox from Lexapro.
- Confusion. Feelings of confusion are common during withdrawal.
- Dizziness. You may get dehydrated when you stop taking Lexapro, causing you to feel dizzy or a little disoriented.
- Irregular heartbeat. Detoxing can cause a rapid, slow or irregular heartbeat.
- Depression and anxiety. Detoxing from Lexapro is likely to cause the conditions it was originally prescribed to treat to come back.
Lexapro withdrawal symptoms can vary from person to person, and their range and impact will depend on the severity of the addiction and the individual. You may be tempted to start retaking Lexapro if symptoms become unbearable. This highlights the importance of following a managed treatment plan.
Treatment Options for Lexapro Abuse
Although Lexapro isn’t considered to be addictive, the statistics show it’s wide open to misuse and abuse. Twelve-step programs, like Narcotics Anonymous (NA), focus on recovery from all substance use disorders. NA programs focus on the disease of addiction rather than any specific drug and offer a structured framework for recovery. If you or a loved one is suffering from the effects of Lexapro abuse, help is available that can be tailored to the individual.
Rehab Programs for Lexapro Dependency
Rehab programs are available across the country to help you or your loved one with substance abuse. You can choose between inpatient and outpatient addiction treatment options, depending on your individual needs and the severity of your addiction.
If you opt for inpatient rehabilitation, you’ll receive intensive treatment in a residential setting. These programs typically involve supervision from professionals trained in Lexapro mental health medication dependency. Most programs in rehab take a holistic approach and include a range of therapies and treatments, such as group therapy, holistic treatments and cognitive behavioral therapy.
Some people prefer the flexibility of outpatient rehabilitation. In this scenario, you’ll continue to live at home and maintain your daily routine but attend scheduled treatment sessions at a treatment center or clinic.
When to Call the National Rehab Hotline
Is Lexapro or any other prescribed medication taking over your life? The first step toward recovery is the biggest and most important step. We’re here to help anybody facing drug dependency or addiction. You’re not alone. Contact our counselors for immediate assistance and compassionate support.