Lexapro, known generically as escitalopram, is a commonly prescribed antidepressant belonging to a class of medications called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). It is widely used to treat various mood and anxiety disorders by adjusting the balance of serotonin in the brain. While effective for many, Lexapro can produce a range of side effects. This article explores the specific experience of dissociation in relation to Lexapro use.
Understanding Dissociation
Dissociation describes a mental state where a person feels disconnected from their thoughts, feelings, memories, identity, or surroundings. It can feel like being an outside observer of one’s own life, or as though the world around them is unreal or dreamlike. These experiences can vary in intensity and duration.
Two common forms of dissociation are depersonalization and derealization. Depersonalization involves feeling detached from one’s own body, thoughts, or emotions, as if watching oneself in a movie. Derealization, on the other hand, makes one feel disconnected from their surroundings, perceiving people and objects as unreal, foggy, or lifeless. Dissociation can occur for various reasons, including stress, trauma, or other medical conditions.
Lexapro and Dissociation: The Connection
Dissociation, while not universally experienced, has been reported in individuals taking Lexapro. Some users have described feelings of emotional numbness or a sense of being disconnected from their emotions and reality while on the medication. While Lexapro is primarily used to treat anxiety and depression, which can co-occur with dissociative experiences, some anecdotal reports suggest it might increase dissociation in certain individuals.
Lexapro works by increasing serotonin levels in the brain by blocking its reuptake into nerve cells, thereby making more serotonin available. While the exact mechanism linking SSRIs like Lexapro to dissociation is not fully understood, some theories suggest it might involve the complex ways serotonin affects brain circuits related to executive functions, learning, and emotional regulation.
While some individuals report increased dissociation, Lexapro is also sometimes tried in communities where dissociative disorders are present, though its effectiveness for core dissociative symptoms is not well-established. The occurrence of dissociation as a side effect appears to be an individual sensitivity or a paradoxical reaction in some users, rather than a universal outcome for all Lexapro users.
Recognizing and Addressing Dissociation
Individuals who suspect they are experiencing dissociation related to Lexapro should monitor specific symptoms. These might include a persistent feeling of being detached from oneself or one’s body, a sense that the world around them is unreal or foggy, or emotional numbness. Keeping a log of when these feelings occur, their intensity, and any accompanying circumstances can be helpful.
If these symptoms emerge or worsen after starting Lexapro, communicate these concerns with a healthcare provider. Abruptly stopping Lexapro can lead to withdrawal symptoms, so any medication changes should occur under medical supervision. A healthcare provider may consider adjusting the Lexapro dosage, switching to a different antidepressant, or incorporating psychotherapy to manage the dissociative experiences. Addressing dissociation often involves a collaborative approach with your medical team to find the most suitable and safest path forward.