coming off Lexapro

[beforlife]

I have been on 10mg of Lexapro for three years.  A couple of years ago, I tried to come off of it, but was unsuccessful.  My OB told me to simply stop taking it, which I was skeptical about.  I stopped, but felt funny, so I went back on it.  I cut down to 5 mg and was on that for a year or so.  After the birth of my twins, another OB suggested I go back to 10 mg of Lexapro to help with anxiety.  What is your suggestion on how to come off Lexapro?  Thank you in advance for your help.

[Jinx857]

My doctor is weaning me off Lexapro and this is day 4.  She also is using a 3 week period to taper down my meds.  She started me taking my 20 mg every other day for one week, then I am supposed to go to 10 mg every other day for a week and then down to 5 every other day for a week.  Even weaning off on a three week schedule I am having some side effects like being dizzy and feeling like my head is stopped up and my fibromyalgia is either kicking into overtime or the withdrawal process is affecting my muscles.  I too have noticed the head jerks, but they don't happen often.  The anxiety is noticeable.  What I did notice that helped was simply using my hydrocodone that I normally use for my FMS and plain old walking to wear myself down, followed by a hot shower.  I try to get enough rest as well.  It will take some time for my body to readjust and start taking over the production of serotonin again.  When things get a little rough I tell myself this too will pass and that each day I am closer to getting this medicine out of my system.  Hang in there!

[Roger Gould, M.D.]

The best way to taper off of these kind of medications is to do it over a three-week period.  In the first week you reduced to the lowest possible dose you can take.  In the second week you take that does every other day.  In the third week you take it every third day and then you quit.  That is usually a safe and effective way to avoid the withdrawals but you should always stay in contact with your doctor when you change medications.

[nasha]

I was taking Lexapro as well.  I just found out that I tapered way too quickly and now I have unbearable withdrawal effects.  I have since found that you should taper only 5% each week to avoid side effects.  I went off of it much faster.  Go slow.  It will be worth your time and effort.