Coming off of Lexapro

[JakeFish]

After 3 years on Lexapro 10-15mg I decided it was time to try life without it. My reason for going on it was strictly anxiety issues. During college I began having panic attack’s and needed help.

I decided to taper even slower then my doctors suggestion. I’ve started the last 2 weeks by taking ~7.5mg instead of 10mg.

I didn’t notice much change until the last few days where I’ve had a very upset stomach, moderate dizziness, exhaustion and increased anxiety.

Has anybody had a similar experience when coming off Lexapro? Are there any supplements or techniques that can help make this transition easier? My plan is to start taking 5mg now for a few weeks then 2.5mg before I’m down to 0 within a month or two.

[Senior70]

Lexapro flat lined me, no ups or downs. I got tired of that and just stopped taking it. I had similar withdrawals but nothing really bad. Now, however I’m on Prozac. Have to be on something I guess.

[JakeFish in reply to Senior70]

Yeah that’s how I feel. Kinda like life was stalled because I was on this drug that was not letting my personality come through.... did you switch to Prozac immediately or were you off everything for a while?

[Senior70 in reply to JakeFish]

I was off everything for almost 2 years, then came retirement, money issues, boredom and a return to D&A. Was having suicidal thoughts so doc Rx the Prozac. Not really thrilled by the side effects but I feel better I guess. Afraid to stop taking it.

[Snowyowl23]

Hi Jakefish - you may want to discuss your symptoms with your doctor - not sure if it could be related to the meds or the underlying anxiety. I took Lexapro for several months but stopped for the same reason Senior70 did - it flatlined me and I hated feeling that way. I did not have any significant withdrawal symptoms that I can recall. However everyone processes medication differently, and just because several people haven’t had any symptoms going off the meds doesn’t mean they don’t happen. Again I’d start with talking to your doctor and go from there. I hope your decrease goes smoothly and you transition safely off your medication. 🦉🦉

[JakeFish in reply to Snowyowl23]

Thank you for your response! I tend to be on the sensitive side for all drugs, (and my personality haha) I’m sure I’ll get through the physical sensations. My doctor said it’s perfectly safe to stop taking it, so I just have to trust in the process I guess 👩🏼‍🔬