Lexapro--can I cut a 20 in half and call it 10mgs?

Might seem like a silly question, but I am currently on 10mgs of Lex. to help me taper off Paxil.

I got the sample packages and am about to run out of those.

I have some 20mg pills, can I cut those in half and then I will have 2 months worth of 10's?

I just lost my insurance so it would be a huge help if I can do this!

Anyone else doing this?

Thanks!
Dawnie

[dadinTN]

I did the same thing with Celexa so my hunch is that it is perfectly okay....don't know if the pill has a little 'score' across the middle which would mean it was intended to be cut in half.

[DawnieDo]

Thanks for your reply! I figured it would be ok, and that lots of people must be doing this during these tough economic times.

My dr had given me a script for 20mgs in case I needed to go up, but 10 seems to be ok for now.

I might call the pharmacist just in case!

thanks

Dawnie

[DawnieDo]

I found an article that might help others:

http://www.cordingleyneurology.com/affordabledrugs.html

[cnote]

i cut my 10mg Lexapro in half to make 5mg. So I wouldnt see the problem. But just call your Dr. or pharmasist. They will let you know for sure.

Also, you can always call Walgreens. lol. They are open 24/7, and you can ask their pharmacist any question you may have about medications.

[md135]

hey,
Yes its fine to cut the pills, i take 5mg from 10mg tablets, does nothing to you, but i would just think about (or ask your doc) if its ok to just cut your intake by half in such a short time, lexapro from what i have read can have a few bad side effects if cut out to fast, maybe take 15mg then 10 then 5 and so on?

Hope it works out, just be sure your ready to cut down by half..

[DawnieDo]

Hi! I have never taken 20mgs of Lexapro....
I have only taken 10mgs (for about 1 month now).

I was just thinking that if I can use the 20's by cutting them in half to get 10's, I can save some money now that we have no insurance.

I started slowly on the Lexapro and am slowly reducing the Paxil I am taking that no longer works.

Down to 4mgs of Paxil and up to 10mgs of Lexapro.

Thanks!
Dawnie