BDFL: tapering off Lexapro

[BDFL]

I have been on lexapro for a short time of 1 month taking 5mg. Over the past few days maybe 5 days I have reduced this to 2.5 mg. I’d like to know if I’m tapering correctly for this short time period and if not how should I approach doing so?  
 

I’m also taking 1mg of lorazepam for sleep for the past 1 month which I’d eventually like to taper. 
 

thanks

[Frogie]

@BDFL

 

Welcome to SA. We are a volunteer ran site helping members taper off psychiatric medications, or have tapered off and are now healing.

 

This is your introduction page where you will receive information, ask questions and meet other members. We ask that each member only have one introduction page so we can keep all your information in one place.

 

First can you please create a signature.

 

Instructions:  Withdrawal History Signature

 

Even though you have been on Lexapro only a month, you are tapering way too fast. Your body has become dependent on it within a few short weeks. If it has only been 5 days since you cut it in 1/2, I would go back to the 5mg and hold until you are stable again. We don't suggest more than 10% a month taper and some go much slower than that.

Preparing to taper

 

Tips for tapering off escitalopram (Lexapro)

Dr. Joseph Glenmullen's withdrawal symptom checklist

 

Keep it Simple, Slow and Stable

 

Here is some information that you may find interesting also.

 

The Windows and Waves Pattern of Stabilization - Symptoms and self-care - Surviving Antidepressants

 

What is happening in your brain? - Symptoms and self-care - Surviving Antidepressants

 

How psychiatric drugs remodel your brain - Symptoms and self-care - Surviving Antidepressants

 

You will want to stay on the Lorazepam while you taper off of Lexapro. And your body has become dependent on it already. It takes 2-4 weeks for your body to become dependent on a benzo. Lorazepam is a brake and Lexapro is an accelerator. We alway suggest tapering off the accelerator before the brake. We can address that after your Lexapro taper is complete.

 

We don't suggest supplements on here as they can be stimulating to the nervous system. Some member do find magnesium and omega calming. If you would like to try these, try one in a small amount and wait a few days before introducing the other.

 

https://www.survivingantidepressants.org/topic/15483-magnesium-natures-calcium-channel-blocker/

 

King of supplements: Omega-3 fatty acids (fish oil) - Symptoms and self-care - Surviving Antidepressants

 

After you have read the above links please don't hesitate to reach out with any questions you may have.

[BDFL]

Thank you Frogie

To help explain a little more why I tapered. I began on 5mg as a starting dose and experienced heightened anxiety and a feeling of edginess that never settled. I decided during week 3 to cut down to 2.5 because of these symptoms and it seemed to help lessen the anxiety effects although not completely. If I were to go back to 5mg I’d be afraid of resuming the anxiety and other symptoms I had previously. 
 

[Frogie]

@BDFL

 

You tapered way too fast and I don't want to see you go through wd because you cut your dose in 1/2. I did the exact same thing when I began my taper and it was quite an ordeal. But I made it.

 

You could try to hold for a few more days and see if you settle down some if you want to try that. If it doesn't help, you could always go up a little and see if that helps.

 

Let me know how you feel about this?

[BDFL]

@Frogie thanks I will try holding at 2.5 as you suggested and see how I feel.

 

One other question please. My prescriber said I could do a straight transfer to 5mg of Paxil. Cutting the 10mg in half. 
does that even sound doable?

[Frogie]

@BDFL

 

No, don't change over to Paxil. That is a huge mistake. Unfortunately dr's have no clue about tapering or changing drugs. 

 

If you can stay on the Lexapro that is what you need to do.

[BDFL]

tapering Lorazepam

 

hello

Ive been on 1mg of lorazepam for about 6 weeks and primarily used at night for sleep. ld like to taper off now and have been able to reduce to .75mg but am unsure what dosage and schedule I should try. I've been stable on the .75mg for a week now, my only real symptoms are waking up a couple times during the night and some slight anxiety during the day. Was going to .75mg too much too soon? or can I stay there.

Should I reduce 10% each week? or should I maintain .75 longer. or even go back higher.

 

Thanks

 

Edited July 30, 2022 by ChessieCat
added Intro topic title before merging with intro topic