Hello,
You are correct in that you should not stop lexapro or any other antidepressants "cold turkey". Rather they should be weaned off gradually. Stopping the medication too quickly may cause fatigue, nausea, muscle pain, insomnia, anxiety, agitation, dizziness, blurred vision, irritability, tingling sensations, vivid dreams, sweating or electric shock sensations.
Generally, the longer you have been on the medication and the higher your dose, the more gradual the weaning period should be. This usally ranges between 1 month and 3-4 months, but may vary from person to person.
I would strongly recommend that you discuss any plans to wean off the medication with the doctor who prescribed it for you, so that you can discuss the weaning schedule and also whether or not you need to replace the Lexapro with another medication.
I hope this has been helpful.
Doctor
Board Certification by American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology