Lexapro Withdrawl

[linkinparkchick20]

Hello-
I have recently decided to ween myself off of Lexapro after being on it for 6 years. I have a wonderful life coach, and many supportive friends and family members who have help me get through my two tough bouts with panic attacks. I am scared though of the withdrawl symptoms as I have heard many numerous horror stories regarding weening off of an anti depressant. With my entire spout with lexapro, I have gone from 10mg, 20mg, 10 and 20 alternating, and then just 10mg. My doctor told me to do 5mg for about a month or so and see how it goes. Since I have been on Lexapro for so long is this the safe way for me to do it? How can I prevent or lessen the withdrawl symptoms as I begin my withdrawl process?

[tweetypie89]

HI just thought that you should see a doctor when you with draw of medication
however i notice you have seen doctor and he has given you the best advice i guess
with any long term user of a drug it is a bad affect to the system and somewhere the
poision thats gone in has to come out.I guess with proper guidence from the doctor
he will give you any back up medication,if needed.I am longterm user of all types of
drugs prescribed and st,now prescribed.I know the second half of withdrawl is being
as strong as you feel each day bringing your med down.But please dont do it on your
own.

[Paxiled]

The important thing is that you know what might happen so you can deal with it by slowing the taper, not that you take the information and make it into an expectation.  It sounds like you have a psychiatrist who is looking after you, tapering you slowly, understanding you've been on it a long time, playing it safe.  

[linkinparkchick20]

that is what I am doing to myself real bad. I went from 20mg to 10mg without any problems. I think I am just being my own worst enemy about trying to get off of Lexapro. I am willing to give it time though since I have been on it for so long, but yes the internet is full of horror stories. I think I'll see how I handle it myself :) thank you so much

[sid3]

You could start by taking the 10mg every other day for a few weeks, then switch to the 5mgs every day for a few weeks and when you feel ready take the 5 mg every other day. There are far more horror stories on the web than there are easy/ painless tapers. You'll do fine, just don't psych yourself out that it's going to be horific, cause if you do, than your more than likely going to have a horrific experience.