weaning off medicine

[crissy1981]

ive been on Lexapro started on 10mg, then was upped to 20mg about 2 months ago. I would like to start weaning myself off of it and would like to know how to start. Thanks

[tina0214]

Hello,

I myself just got off lexapro, i started on 10mg and went down to 5mg on my own bc i couldnt stand the side effects of feeling more anxious then when i wasnt on it. So for the past 4 months ive been on it and recently have gone back to work after having our last child with going back to work and being more busy then usual theres been days i have forgotten to take it so i decided i wanted to get off, i figured with such a low dose it wouldnt be as hard, so i took my pill every other day for about 2-3 weeks and 5 days ago was the last time i took it... I feel ok, im a little moody and emotional but im thinking it might be women issues LOL. I must tell you though before our last daughter i was on 20mg lexapro and when i found out i was pregnant my doc wanted to ween me off and had me dooevery other day, have a pill every other day then half a pill every 2 days for a week, then every 3 days for a week then finally every 4 days for a week then down to 5mg every 5 days for a week then stop.

[Paxiled]

I think the taper should be as long as suits you, not something generalized for everyone -- we all react differently.  Make sure your psychiatrist understand this before you start.

[Roger Gould, M.D.]

Jaquta gave you good advice, especially about talking to your doctor.  I usually recommend a three week weaning period that goes like this...Get to the lowest dose you can tolerate in the first week, and stay on that dose for a week. the second week take that dose every other day; the third week, every third day; then stop...but talk to your doctor about covering you short term with klonopin to avoid seizure possibility.

[Jaquta]

The doctor has a taper he usually recommends.
I also recommend that you discuss this with your own doctor.