Ceasing Lexapro....

[Botley]

Dear Dr.,

First of all, I would like you do know a bit about my situation I am on 10 mg of Lexapro daily and would like to stop taking this medication.  Currently, I am under some stress my Mother is ill and I am the sole caregiver but feel that the Lexapro has zapped my zest for life.  Please describe the best way to taper off this medication as I think I can get through this situational depression by exercise and other outlets.  Your thoughts and opinions are sincerely appreciated.

Regards,
Botley

[Roger Gould, M.D.]

You are already on a relatively low dose so it should not be too hard but I always think it is best to be conservative so wean yourself off over a three week period but doing what you can to reduce the dose itself, then the frequency ( like every other, then every third day, etc.).

[sdc1213]

Honestly I'm on lexapro also I tend to get a foggy daze in the morning and feel as if I can't concentrate.

I WOULD NOT STOP TAKING THE MEDICATION RIGHT NOW SINCE THE STRESS IN YOUR LIFE. If you tamper off the medication your side effects will be worse then when you were on the medication. Honestly at this point the only thing you could probably do is switch to a different medication. The only time you should stop taking your medication is if it causes suicidal tendencies or if your doctor gives you the okay because you've been stable for long enough.

I'm not a doctor, but as a buddy from being on the medication I can try and give you some sort of heads up.

Good luck with your family,
Steve

[TaintedSeraph]

While I was on Lexapro, I had run out and didn't get my prescription filled until a week later (I was strapped for cash at the time). The days I was off of it, I felt as though I was slowly going insane. For the first time in my life I found myself a threat to others. I knew that, had I a gun at my disposal, I would have wanted to use it on somebody. I was paranoid out of my mind and raving about like a lunatic. Normally I am a very reserved person and my need to harm is only directed inwards. It was extremely frightening and I thank God I was slowly weened off Lexapro by my psychiatrist a few months afterwards. Especially considering that the drug didn't seem to have any affect on my mood at all while I was on it.

[holly27th7]

Hi I am on Lexapro for Major Depression and GAD. I have been on it for several months and all the side effects I had in the begining have gone away. I don't know if that helps you at all. I do think you should see your Doc. before stoppinhg this med. It is very powerful.