If one is on a 5mg Lexapro which is the lowest dose on the market, how does one taper off from this drug after using it for a long time?
Tapering from a 5mg Lexapro?
Question posted by cheongwee on 29 March 2022
Last updated on 3 April 2022
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Answers
Marla82
29 March 2022
I am also thinking of tapering off of 5 mg of Lexapro and was wondering the same thing. Has your doctor given you any advise on how to taper? Would like to hear what your progress is like once you start.
cheongwee
30 March 2022
No i just ask for knowledge, I have just started on this lexapro for a week only, But i google that it need to taper, so i ask here to get more info.
How long have u been on this lexapro? What make u want to quit? Because of side effect or is this lexapro is giving u problem now. Hope u can share.
cheongwee
31 March 2022
short term it already creating havoc, what do u think if taken for long term?
Once the drug is remove your problem return. Thew drug artificially hold u up.
Try to avoid of u can.
WildcatVet
29 March 2022
Hi, cheongwee!
Ask your doctor for a script for liquid Lexapro so that you can reduce your dose more easily. Also ask for a tapering dose schedule to follow under their supervision. Don't try to do this on your own... even though 5mg is a low dose your system is dependent on it and too fast a taper may cause uncomfortable discontinuation symptoms.
cheongwee
30 March 2022
I google that lexapro cause brain damage
WildcatVet
30 March 2022
You can find anything you want to believe on the Internet!!!
I've taken high doses of escitalopram for over seven years and I am certifiably not brain damaged. The drug CORRECTS imbalances in the brain's neurotransmitters and receptor sites which cause the disorder's symptoms.
This is from NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness):
"To date, there are no known problems associated with the use of escitalopram. It is a safe and effective medication when used as directed."
cheongwee
31 March 2022
short term it already creating havoc, what do u think if taken for long term?
Once the drug is remove your problem return. Thew drug artificially hold u up.
Try to avoid of u can.
cheongwee
31 March 2022
Those guy have been taking for 15 years. A drug is a drug, all drug have long term side effect. I will stop it since i only took it for a week. I will go for meditation and do yoga. Thank for all yr reply.
WildcatVet
31 March 2022
I wish you good luck. I hope you find that your disorder is situational and that all your problems won't return.
cheongwee
3 April 2022
I am on this for a week only, 5 days 5 mg and last 2 days on 10mg and stop, i did not have any side effect. But i still take valium 5mg on and off for insomnia.
I wonder what make u take lexapro for some 7 years, That is a long time, I am 67, and maybe my body is weak, so cannot take the initial side effect. But so far i am feeling OK without this lexapro. I wonder why my doctor ask me to take this drug in the first place?
Thanks, I am fine, i dont feel as depress as last month on passing away of my mother. We have to move on, this is life.
God bless you.
WildcatVet
3 April 2022
The only reason I stopped Lexapro when I did was because of unrelated medical emergency. My disorders are clinical and I'll need to take medication for the rest of my life. So be it... they've saved my life... literally.
Take good care of yourself!
Related topics
Further information
- Lexapro uses and safety info
- Lexapro prescribing info & package insert (for Health Professionals)
- Side effects of Lexapro (detailed)
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