Gwen: How should I taper? Should I stop this already? Or Can i take this for the rest of my life?

[Gwen]

I took escitalopram for 3 years already with 10mg dose. I am planning to wean it off but I am afraid of the horrible widrawal symptoms.

The first few weeks of taking it actually gave me other anxiety and panic symptoms that I did not have before taking it.

I took it for my panic disorder that is too awful, constantly anxious, can't sleep, can't stop the mind thinking about being anxious and more things.

Thinking about it now makes me not want to stop the meds. But I don't want to stay on this for my lifetime. I actually consider staying for the lifetime but something inside me says I should get out of here.

Please help me. I still sometimes feel anxious but manageable. It's just this med gave me symptoms I didnt have before taking it.

Edited February 22, 2020 by manymoretodays
moved to introductions from S and S care, added name to title

[Gridley]

Welcome to SA, Gwen.  I'm glad you contacted us before tapering.  

 

Antidepressants were not intended to be taken forever, and so, yes, it's a good idea to start getting off.  Also, at some point these drugs poop out (stop working) and tapering is more difficult then

 

We recommend tapering by no more than 10% of your current dose every four weeks. Please read:

 

Why taper by 10% of my dosage?

 

An alternate method that we also recommend is four weekly 2 1/2% reductions followed by a two-week hold.  This method takes a little longer but is gentler.

 

The Brassmonkey Slide Method of Micro-tapering

 

This link is specifically about tapering Escitalopram, including information about how to get the nonstandard doses you'll need for your taper, basically weighing tablets with a digital scale or making your own liquid.

 

Tips for tapering off Lexapro (escitalopram)

 

This is your Introduction topic, where you can ask questions and connect with other members.  We're glad you found your way here.