Discontinuing Escitalopram

Monitoring and Managing Withdrawal Symptoms

• The American Academy of Family Physicians recommends assessing patients within 1-2 weeks after each dose reduction to evaluate for withdrawal symptoms, including dizziness, vertigo, paresthesias, flu-like symptoms, mood disturbances, insomnia, vivid dreams, and gastrointestinal symptoms, with a strength of evidence based on clinical experience 1
• The American Academy of Family Physicians suggests continuing monitoring every 2-4 weeks throughout the taper and for several months after complete discontinuation, as relapse can occur weeks to months later, with a moderate level of evidence based on observational studies 1