How long should i expect to take an ssri (specifically, lexapro) for generalized anxiety disorder? i am engaged in counseling and other strategies.

Variable: Some people with generalized anxiety d/o continue supportive medications like Lexapro (escitalopram) indefinitely; others for more limited time depending on their work in psychotherapy and life practices. Lexapro (escitalopram) has good anti-anxiety effects, and is relatively safe in that it does not build tolerance like benzodiazepines & specific sleep medications do. Please discuss your personal situation w/your own doctor.

Everyone's different: If counseling is effective, you may not need an ssri at all. Only you and your counselor and doctor can decide what makes sense for you-- talk to them. There's no harm tapering off to see how things go without it, especially if you aren't sure it's still helping. If your anxiety worsens, you can restart it. The most important thing is to discuss your concerns and preferences with your providers.