Please share some of your thoughts, The doctors seem to think tapering off by 5 I can off in two weeks after being on for a year. I do not see in any way how this is possible. The withdrawals i have are, headaches, extreme tiredness, dizzy spells, shocks, stomach cramps.. and that just the withdrawal part, never mind all the fun weight gain I had from this drug. I wish I never started. It did help but will i be on this forever?
What is the best way to taper off Lexapro?
Question posted by j1091 on 26 Jan 2012
Last updated on 29 July 2022
The information on this page reflects personal experiences shared by our community members. It is not reviewed for medical accuracy and should not replace professional medical advice.
33 Answers Page 2
j1091
30 March 2017
Hey everyone. It's been along time since I wrote this question but glad to see that people responded and hopefully all doing well.
I am currently on .5 of Lexarpro and I started welbuturtin. I take the 150 x 2 a day- but I only take one a day in the morning.
So I did get down to .5 of lexapro and I just did it very very slowly at my own pace. The doctors: more and more I feel like they just don't know- ESP what you experience so it is really something you have to feel comfortable with and go as slow as you need to. When I taperered there were some days where I could feel symptoms and my head got really foggy and those zaps, I do not like them, they make me feel almost like I am loosing my balance... the best way I can explain them. So on those days... instead of taking .5 I would take .10... and so I started to spread them out more and more.. I went from .20 to .5 with minimal symthoms... but I went very slow...
it's my body and I am not going to taper off in a way that I feel like crap every day. That worked for me...
Now I will be going off the welbutiran and I am going to approach that the same way. Hopefully it will go well.
I should also note: I take daily supplements and I try to make smoothies in the mornings(this help a lot! Because I add protein powder to the smoothie ) a multi- vitamin, B-12, Garlic, Coq10, Probiotics,Biotin.
On the days I do this ^^^^^^^^^^, overall I feel much better.
BGIAM
20 Feb 2017
Taper of slowly. I tapered of too fast and was in agony for weeks until I realized I had to go back tothe Doc and get back on the Lexapro.
I'm tapering again, real slow this time.
Pam71
8 Feb 2017
Hi has anyone used liquid lexapro? I have just got some to taper off slowly by 2mg increments each week
I have the bottle and now have no idea how to measure it out!
BGIAM
20 Feb 2017
Please ask your pharmasist
Flowersforyou
30 Oct 2019
Eye dropper
Flowersforyou
30 Oct 2019
Eye dropper
TJ32
9 Jan 2017
I wanted to respond with my experience weaning off Lexapro, as I have read several negative experiences with this process. I have been on 7.5mg for approx 8 months. While this may seem "low dose", keep in mind that this is a much stronger medication than most SSRIs. I have been taking the medication for panic attacks and depression. I do feel like this medication has helped me over the past few months tremendously (ie: panic attacks in public places are nonexistent, depressive episodes minimal), however, I hate the way my brain feels on this medication. The best way to explain it is a "fuzzy to racing" feeling at any given point of the day. Bottom line, I didn't feel like myself and had lack of emotion entirely (not to mention the dreaded weight gain I experienced).
That being said, I have been working with my psychiatrist and therapist to work with my depressive/anxiety symptoms in the process of weaning off the medication. For the first two weeks, I decreased my dose from 7.5mg to 5mg. After two weeks on that schedule, I alternated between 5mg and 2.5mg every other day for two more weeks. I did not feel any side effects until this transition, and I have felt a little more irritability and a little more emotional (nothing drastic though). I currently take Omega 3 supplement as well during this entire transition. I still have not experienced depressive thoughts or panic attacks like before. I am on my first week of taking 2.5mg every day, and I will be decreasing to 2.5 every other day next week.
Everyone has different side effects, but I hope to give some insight and hope to some that not all experiences are horrible and drastic. Hope this helps!
Nalts
29 March 2017
Thanks for details. I've been dropping very slowly from 20 for months. One tip I learned is when the pill is too small to split, you take one every other day. Weirdly I didn't notice the 20-to-5 but now that I've gone from 5 to 0 I'm short tempered and getting the brain zaps (little electronic pulses like lightning in your head). Tempted to go back to 5 but I don't want to prolong this either. It definitely helps with depression but I can't fit into my clothes so I'd like a spring/summer break.
j1091
30 March 2017
I hate those brain zaps!
Sammyj59
31 March 2017
I want to stop lexapro , been on it half my life . I know to go slow but how??? I take 20 mg .
Lou23
23 June 2017
Remember to keep taking your supplements, B6B 12, and multiple vitamins. GABA GABA helps also. I was on 20 mg went down to 15, 10, now I'm taking 5 mg every day, eventually I'll take five every other day. the brain zaps continue, the fuzziness continues, I'm dealing with the anxiety and the depression. It comes and goes. Im tired of the weight gain. Still waiting for emotions to come back. Daily life is just one day at a time taking life in stride and try not to get stressed out. I figured out that I probably was depressed my whole life, and no amount of antidepressant is going to change how things turned out, I'm in charge now. It takes a while for your brain to start producing the right chemicals again but it will, not dwelling on negative things but rewiring your brain to be more positive helps.
G1678gg
20 Dec 2016
I was on Lexapro for about 8 months. I just simply started taking half my dose for two weeks and then also took St. John's Wort halfway through the day to supplement. After the two weeks I continued to take 1/4 my normal dose w/ St. John's Wort for another two weeks. When I was completely off, I had one day of sadness, (nothing I couldn't handle), and I've improved every day since. Lexapro is one of the worst drugs on the market to take, especially if you are taking it for anxiety - made mine 10 times worse. It will make you lose weight at first but messes up your thyroid and you will gain weight. And I was almost "too happy" on the drug. Perhaps I was never depressed to begin with but if you are considering getting off, do it. Therapy and St. John's Wort on days I feel stressed is all I need. The longer you take Lexapro the harder it is to get off, and withdrawals are honestly not that bad.
Rachy67
21 Nov 2016
I have been on lexapro for 5 years.
Been on 30 mg for two years.
Reduced to 20 last two days.
Plan with GP is
20 for 1 week
10,20, 10 etc for one week
10, zero, 10, zero etc for 1 week and STOP.
I have strategies written out for low mood, depersonalisation, derealisation, suicidal thoughts.
Wish me luck.
It's time. Life is good and I'm ready to do this on my own
lesa264
18 Dec 2017
good luck to you!!
Cburke4365
9 July 2019
Just wondering if you had success with your tapper program?
Best,
treaseamclean
9 Nov 2016
What can help me I am having all these systems. .an I don't want to be on these drugs on any more
nickelSML
11 Nov 2015
I have tapered off a number of psychotrophic medications. The only word to remember is slow. I tapered Lexapro over a 4 month period from 10mg - 1/4 dose at a time. Had issues... had to start over after starting 10mg again. In my experience never cut more than 1/4 at a time. 3 months minimum between tapers. If feeling any effects from a taper whatsoever don't taper again until they subside. If effects do not subside or get worse go back up. I have felt the effect of every taper I have ever done. Sometimes you feel great and everything seems fine. Being objective is nearly impossible. Have a spouse or close friend who interacts everyday keep any eye out for changes in behavior even when under a doctor's supervision. Make sure someone like this knows what you are doing. Doctors only see snapshots during visits.
I am not a healthcare professional but have tapered off 3 out of 4 medications largely only my own. Between tapering doses of Anafrinil/Zyprexa/Klonopin and Lexapro I've decreased over a dozen times. It's taken nearly 3 years. Be patient. Never rush. How you feel is the most important thing. There is no failure ... only learning.
elefinson
20 Oct 2015
I have also been trying to taper off of lexapro. Have tried in the past and experienced withdrawals so bad that I had to start taking it again. One thing I have found really helpful when the withdrawals make me want to start back up again is smoking or vaporizing marijuana. I know that sounds like I am substituting one drug for another, but it is not the same. Using marijuana to alleviate the withdrawal symptoms of a drug much more powerful and hard to get off of than marijuana is a good use when I weigh the pros and cons. Given that I experience no withdrawal from marijuana and have been able to use it sparingly when needed as opposed to the extreme reliance and daily use of lexapro I have deemed it very worth it and a great aide in my journey of freeing myself from lexapro. Just thought I would share hope this helps!
carm111
29 March 2015
I had a doctor back in 2009 I told her I was having family problems with my son that was very close to me, I was very sad I would cry on my way to work very tired, this doctor was real quick to write prescriptions, she tried several, the last was cymbalta, then went to another insurance company that she was not with so I stopped all the prescriptions I didn't need only with cymbalta I tapered off, but the brain saps were unbearable so the new dr put me on lexapro 10mg the brain saps automatically stopped after 1 tablet, know my son came back to me about 4 years ago, but I was taking care of my ailing parents, they both past away last year, I'm taking 1 every other day this is the second week, should I take five mg every other day for two weeks, or maybe ten mg every two days.
lexypro
29 Sep 2015
I have been on lexapro for several years. I tried several time to get off. I have been tapering for a month and a half. For the past two weeks I have had none. I have headaches, confusion, hot flashes and dizziness. As anyone successfully been able to get off of this drug. I am still hanging in but feel terrible. Will I ever be able to feel normal again. The withdrawal symtoms are terrible. I sometimes feel a shock near my temple. It is scary. Please please let me know if you have been able to get off of this.
DanetteHiten
8 Nov 2015
The withdrawal symptoms only last a month or two once you stop taking any. I tapered off very slowly. Still had the dizziness, fatigue, nausea and headaches for a month and a half but walking daily helps
Saragirl555
9 March 2017
I have been on lexapro for about 3 years. I have always had anxiety, but after my mom passed suddenly it worsened. I now want to get off the drug.
I have tried a few times before to go from 10mg to 5mg but always felt so terrible that I just took my regular dose after a few days. This time, as I taper off, I am making sure to eat healthy. I have gotten rid of dairy, gluten and alcohol in my diet. It has only been a little over a week and I actually feel okay.
Remember that if you are stopping a drug, you need to support your body in other healthy ways. I have done a lot of research the past few weeks about eating habits/stomach health/brain health and how they are all linked together. If you want to be off your medication, you have to support your body to do so!!
I hope this is helpful to you. Good luck!
6 year user
8 March 2014
I am on 10 mg and have experienced the same side effects trying to discountinue lexapro. Could I start taking it every other day, then every three days, etc and still remain safe?
lexypro
30 Sep 2015
I tapered off over a month period. I have been off totally for 3 weeks. Feel terrible .
GermaineStGermaine
8 Dec 2015
I tried multiple times to stop taking lexapro 10 mg (I had no problem going from 20 to 10). I could never get past the first three weeks after decreasing to 7.5 mg -- I would get all jumpy and irritated. I googled and read all kinds of information. Finally found an article stating that one needs to decrease by 10% at a time to avoid side effects. How do you decrease by 10%?? LIQUID lexapro! I have had NO side effects - other than feeling real again! I went down by 10% until I got to 5 mg. After that it was by I .5 mg at a time (otherwise it was going to take over a year to get to 0 and after 5mg. the decreases are so small.) also read and follow the advice in The Mood Cure as far as taking 5HTP supplements and in Dr. Weil's "Spontaneous Happiness" for other advice and supplements. I have reduced by these small amounts every three weeks. I am at 1 mg now and not even sure I need to take this, but I am keeping with the plan and will be lexapro free by the New Year! Woo HOO!!
Moe-Helen
17 May 2016
I'm on 10mg Escitolopram (Lexapro) and feel shakey, hot facial skin and hot mouth & gums. I would like taper off of this slowly & am cutting the 10mg in half. I don't know how long to stay at 5mg before reducing to a lower dose. I'm taking for anxiety and nervousness, plus depression from the nervousness. Wish I never started this as I don't like being dependent on Meds.
Jedrick
19 Aug 2016
Germaine St. Germaine, were you able to finally weane off Lexapro competely without any symptons?
GermaineStGermaine
19 Aug 2016
Yes, I was. I have been totally off for over six months. I decided to not just quit when I got down to .5, but to take .5 every other day, then every two days, etc., so it took a bit longer. Never had "brain zaps" or foggy brain or any other awful physical symptom. The VERY SLOW taper is key. Google "tapering off lexapro" and you will find the website (surviving antidepressants) that gives details on how to do this. I tried to post a link to it in a comment and it is not being posted - perhaps it is against community guidelines..
cutlery
22 Sep 2017
^ Germaine
You should NOT combine SSRIs like Lexapro with 5-HTP. This can lead to serotonin syndrome which is very dangerous. Do NOT combine these drugs.
JohnBrown58
2 Jan 2019
See a medical professional about taking it every other day for advise on that one. For withdrawal I can tell you from personal experience. Make your cuts small like 2.5 mg or smaller and spread it out over a month or more as an example. Do what you feel really comfortable with on your withdrawal. There is no rush except for a medical reason. I send you good wishes and luck. PS most folks in my opinion withdraw too fast.
cantelourd
19 Feb 2013
Last August I was on 20mg of Lexapro and my gynecologist changed the lexapro over to another antidepressive drug. That's when I realized the withdrawal symptoms of lexapro. Even with the new drug, I had the withdrawals. That's when I realized how awful lexapro was. Anything that would cause that kind of feelings when stopping couldn't be good so I decided to taper off of it.
I have been tapering very slowly and was down to 1.25mg (cut a 5mg tablet in fourths). I then ground some tablets to powder because I couldn't cut the tablet any smaller. Had to do all this because my Dr. wouldn't prescribe me the Lexapro Oral Solution.
Anyway, I stopped doing this and after a week started having the worst withdrawals ever. I felt like I had the flu, my body felt like it was on fire, had "burning headaches" - feelings that didn't even feel human.
I went to the Dr. and he said I felt like this because of coming off of the Lexapro so I started back on the 1.25mg. I still feel awful. Guess my body still hasn't adjusted. I called my Dr. this morning to ask if he would prescribe the Lexapro Oral Solution so I can taper more slowly. I read on another post on here that tapering on the lower doses was even worse than the tapering from the higher doses.
I believe it! I didn't have that bad of withdrawals on the tapering of the higher doses even though I had some.
I think your brain just needs to adjust before going completely off of this.
Has anyone else had this much trouble with getting off of the lower doses?
When can I expect to feel better? I'm still waiting to hear from my Dr's. office if they called in the prescription for Lexapro Oral - have my fingers crossed!
charlie1921
20 Feb 2015
I have been going through hell.after 2 months of tapering .I also thought once I got to 2,5 of the lexipro it would be easier but last night had another attack of flu like symptoms ..extreme shaking..thought I was going into a convulsion... after taking a second ativan which I have never done before I was able to fall asleep... I have been on antidepresents for 14 years and tried so many times to get off..the weight gain... low labido and tremour have been a big part of wanting off of this ... I am so worried that these symptoms will never go away... I can not cut the pills any smaller. I tapered off lexipro last year and 2 months later started having this delayed symptoms ... so I went back on 5 ml.and ststarted the taper again... is there any one who has actualy been able to do this.? I was put on this for panic and what they said was depression. ..but I wasnt depressed ..wish I had never started !
bellsinca
18 May 2015
Can you tell me if you successfully tapered off Lexapro? I gave it a month and couldn't do it. I want to try again. I couldn't take the brain zaps.
Pam71
8 Feb 2017
I just picked up the oral lexapro to begin taper
Doc suggested the following
Week one 15 mg (tablet) 3mg liquid total 18mg
Next week 16mg and so on to zero
So cutting down by 10% using tablet and liquid to get the amounts required
Will take 10 weeks to complete
Now I just don't know how to dispense the liquid lol
Any ideas? There was no syringe
David Hudson
21 July 2017
I have completely got away from it for bout 2 yrs i have bad anxiety so i take 4 1mg Xanax daily my worst time for anxiety is when i wake up i get hit so doc put me back on 20mg lexapro again i take it to keep him happy cause i would die without my Xanax and its hard to find a good dr anyway i just stopped talking the lexapro i was on 20mg didn't bother me i work alot of hrs so i stay busy and i never thought twice about it 9i hope u believe me its true i wouldn't have took the time to write this so my advice stay active dont dwell over it before u know it ur done with it again this was me i have never met any of yaw im just 40yr old WV boy that wouldn't Bs u good luck people Davey
Pam71
4 Nov 2017
I successfully camemoff lexapeo this year after 15 years
I did it over a three month period and used oral lexapro when the dose size for too small for pill cutting
It wasn’t easy and I had two friends who really supported me through it - this is a must because I still struggle with self doubt and if they weren’t encouraging me I think I woild have panicked and went back on it
ashimaly
12 Dec 2017
I have been cutting my 5mg in fourths for months and still can’t kick it. I feel awful with headaches, dizziness and fatigue... hopeless. This post was from a couple years ago. Any successful updates? I am going to ask my doc about liquid lexapro.
meg321
13 Jan 2013
Its strange how people respond differently to different drugs... I was taking 20 mg of Lexapro and never thought about tapering off, after the experience I had while on it, I just wanted off of it. But then I was taking it with Cymbalta and there was an interaction between them, that could have had some effect when I went off of the Lexapro too..who knows?
sunnygirl67
4 Dec 2012
Ha! I went to the pharmacist and was told there is no need to taper on a lower dose. He said that even for zyprexa. And the doc seems to think one week is okay. I just don't get it. I think they taper you just as long as it's not deadly, but they don't care if you have rebound pain or anxiety.
j1091
1 Feb 2012
Thank you for you responses. Well I started because I was having panic attacks out of no where - )I was working myself dry and until that happened I guess I never realized how important it is to slow down. Plus family issue's I guess it all hit me at once) I started on 10 on lexapro, and clonazapham at .5 at night. To me the clonazphan at night didn't do much because it was the day time that i had all the anxiety. We than increased it to 15 which I felt much better but still was so scared to have another panic attack ( they are so scary, I never realized until I went through one what people meant by them, I always though you can just shake it off. That is def not the case) I than went to 20 but did not like it so went back down to 15 because I felt fine on that and didn't want to take more than i should. i decide to go off the lexapro because I do not want to be on any meds, Before starting this I would have to be in severe pain to even take an advil.
I went from 20 to 15 with no side effects at all. ( i went four weeks with cutting down) but recently when i went to ten... bang.. in the second week .. I could sleep all day, headaches etc. Horrible... I have decided to slow from 15 to 12.5 starting next month. I spoke to my doctor who says this is ok.
But I wonder why do they say 2 weeks when it takes about 4 to start working? I think they just hand out these pills and it really a mix and match till you find you find what works. I do have to say I am not looking forwarded to the side effects. And even though I want to be off it, sometimes i think just stay on, everything is good lol.
I do have another question... has anyone drank on this med? I don't drink but I do have a few weddings, and showers coming up and is ok to have one drink? I have read it's ok for one, and the doctor and pharmacy say its ok, just as long as it's no more than two, or when I take the clonazpham... i personally like to hear from ppl who have actually been on the medication though.
Thanks for all of your replies!!!
Stowe2015
4 Jan 2016
I have been diagnosed with Severe Panic Disorder, Severe Agoraphobia, & a Prolonged QT Interval (heart arrhythmia). I am doing much better now, but at one point was home bound for about a year. Unfortunately I went to a ignorant Dr. in the beginning who didn't diagnose me properly & could've most likely stopped the progression of my illnesses years before it disabled me. But with my new amazing GP Dr., who has worked hand in hand with psychiatrists for years, treating these conditions from a body chemistry stand point as well as a therapeutic one, he got me on the road to getting better. I currently take a low dose beta blocker (for tachycardia), 20mg Lexapro 1x per day, & 10mg Valium 3x's daily. I also previously took clonazepam, 1mg 3-4x's daily. One good thing about Lexapro is that it is the "cleanest" SSRI you're going to come across as far as toxins for your liver & other systems to filter out.
As far as having a drink, it's ok to have a drink. Just start slow to see how the alcohol is effecting you at first as it varies for everybody. Lexapro itself isn't really a major downer as far as your vitals (BP & HR) are concerned. And Klonopin (clonazepam) is the slowest metabolizing benzo you're going to get, so it packs the lightest punch, it has a gradual & longer lasting effect instead of a fast acting effect only lasting 3-4hrs like Xanax. The main thing I've mostly heard regarding tapering off, is to reduce your dosage by 20% every 1-2 weeks until you're completely off. If you can get off the Lexapro, you may actually be better off just sticking with the clonazepam as needed. Perhaps .25-.5mgs when you get up to start your day off calmly, then another .25-.5mgs later in the day if needed. Taking the clonazepam when you start your day makes much more sense than taking it at bedtime, because the pill is basically going to run its full course in 6-8hrs, so by the time you wake up, the effectiveness of the pill is out of your system.
Related topics
lexapro, depression, anxiety, generalized anxiety disorder, withdrawal, doctor, tapering
Further information
- Lexapro uses and safety info
- Lexapro prescribing info & package insert (for Health Professionals)
- Side effects of Lexapro (detailed)
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