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JAG

Tapering: Lexapro

researching

11 posts

Newport, Rhode Island

(Lexapro) Escitalopram Oral Solution...what ELSE is in it?

August 19, 2026··
taper update
Escitalopram oral solution, USP contains 1.29 mg/mL escitalopram oxalate, USP equivalent to 1 mg/mL escitalopram base. It also contains the following inactive ingredients: anhydrous citric acid, glycerin, malic acid, methylparaben, natural peppermint flavor, non-crystallizing sorbital solution, propylene glycol, propylparaben, purified water and sodium citrate dihydrate. * switching from tablet to liquid has been a huge adjustment. The PROs: truly the only way you can practically metabolically taper. The CONs: the inactive ingredients are majorly artificial, inflammatory, and cause adverse physiological effects. Personally, I have gone to great lengths to remove artificial additives from my supplements and food, also, I do not consume alcohol. I have a history of GI upset linked to artificial sweeteners (such as sorbitol). Sorbitol is an osmotic laxative that draws water into the intestines to soften stool, which can lead to common side effects such as diarrhea, abdominal cramping, bloating, nausea, vomiting, and stomach pain. Dry mouth may also occur in some people. Since my FIRST liquid dose of Lexapro 6 days ago, I have had gastrointestinal distress. It's very frustrating, but so fitting, that these pharmaceutical companies lace our active ingredients with artificial & harmful additives.

JAG’s taper progress

Dose (mg)
Mood (/10)

Lexapro — 10mg — 8 years — researching taper | without clinician

1 Reply

Catina
CatinaStaff4d ago
Community AnchorEffexor
Sorry to hear about this JAG! Did you do a cross-taper or a direct switch? When you did your 25% reduction, was that with tablets or liquid? Just the reduction alone can cause GI distress. I agree that ingredients need to be considered if something is causing a bad reaction. I wonder if there is another manufacturer out there that puts less (or different) ingredients in their solution. It might be worth doing some research about.

Venlafaxine (tapering) - Current dose 17.92 mg
Trazodone - 50 mg
Levothyroxine - 25 mcg

“Your brain and body know how to heal. Trust the process and keep going.”

Please Note: I am not a healthcare professional. Any advice given is based on personal experience and that of others in the lay withdrawal community.

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