tapering of 60mgm a day of lexapro

[kevingaus]

I have been on 60mgm of lexapro a day for several years and I am now tapering off it under the directions of my doctor. I have read on web sites that it can take 30 months per step down whereas my doctor is suggesting two steps down in a month. just wondering what advice about speed of decreasing people have for me?

[Paxiled]

I believe I posted a different view here, but I see it's been taken down.  I wonder why?  Having taken these meds for many years and having seen many different doctors and psychiatrists, I wanted to note that primary care physicians aren't usually the best people to do these meds with as they don't do them as regularly as psychiatrists, and that most psychiatrists aren't very good at it either.  This doctor sounds like he's being pretty cautious, however, and isn't using too quick a taper, but the speed of a taper should last as long as an individual needs it to last.  If it goes easily, the taper is quick, and if it goes with difficulty the taper takes longer.  If the poster really meant to say 30 months per step down, that's a very long time, and I've never heard of any expert recommending such a long time.  But your body and your emotional state will tell you if you're going too fast or not.  But the idea stated above that we should always follow our doctor's directions is what I really disagree with -- most doctors, as with most of any professional, aren't that great at what they do, and mistakes are rife -- this website would have a lot fewer posts if doctors and psychiatrists were right all the time.  There's a difference between respecting your doctor and having blind faith in him or her.  We do have to do our homework, but we also have to be as careful in studying that as we are in listening to our doctors -- or our plumbers, for that matter.  

[Sara_MHModerator]

Hi there.  It is always wise to follow your own doctors directions.  If you have questions about his recommendations or want to inquire about a different tapering approach than he typically recommends, we encourage you to do that.  Communication should be a two way street between patient and doctor.  But again, the best advice with tapering would come from your own physician who is monitoring your care.  good luck