Weaning off Medication

[bel_hope]

Hello everyone! I don't write much, but read all your posts and sometimes give you my input. You really keep me going and I feel you like my friends. I was taking Lexapro for more than 10 years! But I was always fearful in weaning off. I made the decision to gradually wean off about a month ago, but it hasn't been easy. Can you share with me your experience weaning off your medication? Thank you for all your care and support. You're the best!🌥

[Agora1]

bel_hope, that's always so nice to hear in that the forum is like a family of friends. I did wean off my benzo medication under the direction of my psychiatrist. Done both slow and safe. It is never easy but well worth the outcome. My suggestion is always be consistent. Never go backwards and up the med. When cutting back, I used every 2 weeks in reducing small amounts at a time. If I felt it was too difficult, I would stay on that cut dose 1 extra week rather then up it. 3 weeks on the weaned dose should be the max. Then it just becomes a grin and bear it approach.

The feeling of going forward is an uplifting sensation. Staying positive with your mind set is all important. Don't allow any doubts or what ifs to take over. Having support is always advised. I didn't which may have made it a little harder but than again I wasn't given any ill advice by someone not completely understanding what it was like.

After I took the last tiny piece of my benzo, I sat back in satisfaction in knowing that any time soon I would be healed. It takes a little time for the brain to heal and get use to manufacturing what the drug was giving it. Be patient, you cannot rush it. Everyone is different in how long it may take.

One day I felt something different and knew I had finally gotten to the light at the end of the tunnel Oh happy days. I was once again clear minded, focused and looking forward to what lies ahead for me. I was so impressed that I have continued to count the days since being off my med. It's now up to 2,060 days. And I love every minute of being back in control once again.

Good Luck bel_hope, let me know how it goes for you. My best to you xx

[bel_hope in reply to Agora1]

Agora1, you always have a word of comfort and encouragement. Thank you for sharing your experience. I don't have anyone to share these thoughts. Nobody understand it. So thank you for being there. ❤️

[CaptianInsano]

I just got off lexapro. I was on it for 10 plus years. My Dr. had me take 10mg of lexapro once a day and 5mg of Busipar twice a day for 2weeks. Then I took 5mg of lexapro once a day and 10mg of Busipar twice a day for two weeks. This worked so well that Im almost speechless. I got off my lexapro once before years ago and it was horrible. I had brain zaps and twitches etc.. Busipar is a cleaner drug that you can stop and start slot easier than other ssri's. I do get a bit dizzy from the Busipar but expect this to go away in a few months. Complex vitamin B12 from New Chapter Organics has helped as well. Best of luck and stay in touch.