Patients Challenge Lexapro’s Safety Amid Rising Concerns

Antidepressant use in the United States continues to rise, with approximately nine million adults prescribed Lexapro, known generically as escitalopram. Although many report positive effects, a growing number of patients are voicing serious concerns about the debilitating side effects of this widely used medication, raising questions about its overall safety.

Sheila Wojciechowski, a 42-year-old mental health counselor from New York, has been taking Lexapro since she was 21. Initially prescribed after experiencing burnout and a traumatic breakup, Wojciechowski found some relief from her depression. However, after a few years, she began to experience alarming cognitive side effects that affected her daily life and relationships.

After a medical check-up, Wojciechowski expressed her struggles with work and home life. Rather than discussing her challenges or recommending therapy, her doctor suggested Lexapro. Initially hesitant, she started on a 10 milligram (mg) dose. When she did not notice improvements after a week, her doctor increased her dosage to 20 mg, the highest standard dose.

Lexapro, classified as a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI), works by increasing serotonin levels in the brain, which can improve mood and reduce anxiety. SSRIs account for nearly 70 percent of all antidepressant prescriptions in the U.S. In 2024, about 11.4 percent of U.S. adults were reported to be taking antidepressants, including SSRIs.

Wojciechowski described her experience positively at first, saying, “I did start feeling better… I became this really good patient and advocate for meds.” Yet, over time, she noticed troubling changes in her behavior, including memory loss and reckless actions. “I lost chunks of time which I don’t remember,” she recounted, adding, “I started to engage in some reckless behavior… I really couldn’t access my compass.”

While some patients report cognitive issues with Lexapro, these side effects are considered rare. Nevertheless, Wojciechowski’s concerns prompted her to attempt to discontinue the medication. Following her doctor’s advice, she tried tapering her dosage, but the experience was distressing. She reported difficulties with sleep, digestion, and intense anxiety, describing her state as “full-blown panic mode 24/7.”

Discontinuing antidepressants suddenly can lead to withdrawal symptoms, including insomnia, headaches, and mood swings, as the brain struggles to readjust to changes in serotonin levels. A gradual tapering process is recommended to mitigate these effects. Despite her efforts, Wojciechowski found herself caught in a cycle of stopping and restarting medication, ultimately managing 18 months without antidepressants at one point.

In an attempt to ease her withdrawal symptoms, Wojciechowski was prescribed Wellbutrin, another antidepressant that targets different brain pathways by increasing dopamine and norepinephrine levels. Unfortunately, the combination of medications led to severe panic attacks and akathisia, a movement disorder that causes feelings of inner restlessness.

Wojciechowski’s mental health deteriorated to the point where she considered hospitalization. In the summer of 2019, she was admitted and diagnosed with psychosis. During her stay, she received treatment with a combination of Ativan (lorazepam) and antipsychotics. After three months, she transitioned to a high dose of Zoloft, another antidepressant. Initially, she found some relief but continued to struggle with cognitive issues, particularly exacerbated by the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic.

After getting sick with a mild flu, her cognitive problems worsened. Wojciechowski experienced severe mood swings and found it increasingly difficult to function. In a bid to regain control over her health, she turned to dietary changes, specifically a high-fat, low-carbohydrate diet. This adjustment reportedly helped alleviate some of her symptoms, but she remains cautious about discontinuing her medication.

Now, Wojciechowski continues to take Zoloft and reflects on the toll these medications have taken on her life. She states, “The medication stole the best years of my life and prevented me from having a child.” Despite her struggles, she emphasizes the importance of maintaining her responsibilities, saying, “I will not die on these medications, but I’m not tapering anytime soon because I have to work. I have to contribute to my family.”

As the debate surrounding antidepressant safety continues, patient experiences like Wojciechowski’s highlight the complexities of managing mental health conditions and the potential consequences of long-term medication use. The conversation around SSRIs like Lexapro calls for further investigation and consideration of patient perspectives to ensure that mental health treatment remains effective and safe for those who rely on it.