Lexapro taper after 10 years

[Maclaughlinj]

Hello,

 

I’m new to this. 
I’m currently tapering off Lexapro after being on it consistently for ten years. Around 3 years ago I noticed it no longer had the same affect and I was becoming increasingly anxious. 
I have been on 30mg of Lexapro, at the beginning of the month I began to follow the direction of my psychiatrist by reducing my dose by 5mg every 5 days. I have gone okay and I am still going okay, despite some episodes of panic throughout the day. 
I have only just found out about tapering off by 10%. 
I was prescribed Clonazepam to assist with withdrawal symptoms but I really do not want to take a benzodiazepine to assist, particularly when they are addictive in nature. 
 

Any advice would be great. 
 

Thank you 💕

Edited January 31, 2023 by Frogie
took out real name in 1st paragraph

[Frogie]

@Maclaughlinj

 

Welcome to SA. We are a volunteer ran site helping people 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 you only have one introduction page so we can keep all your information in one place.

 

 

Please add a signature.  Include drugs, doses, dates, and discontinuations & reinstatements in the last 12-24 months. Also include supplements. This will help us give you the most accurate advice we can. 

• Any drugs and supplements prior to 24 months ago can just be listed with start and stop years. 
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I'm sorry to hear about the panic you are having, but that can be normal for tapering way too fast. Unfortunately most dr's know very little about these drugs and the implications they cause by not tapering properly. 

 

 

 

Here is some important information about how these drugs actually work.  This explains why we get symptoms from going off of these medications:

 

How Psychiatric Drugs Remodel Your Brain

 

 

This helps you understand what withdrawal syndrome is: 

 

Video on Recovery from Psych Drugs

 

 

Stability is really important when we are tapering off psych meds.  Please read the link about stability:

 

Keep It Simple, Slow, and Stable

 

Why taper by 10% of my dosage?

 

Tips for tapering off escitalopram (Lexapro)

 

The Brassmonkey Slide Method of Micro-tapering

 

 

At this time, I would hold on your taper and allow your body to stabilize. Then resume tapering after you feel WD normal as explained in the link below.

 

Stabilising After a Reduction - What Does That Mean?

Withdrawal Normal Description

 

 Waves and Windows in SSRI Withdrawal

 

 

You are smart for not wanting to start the Clonazepam as our bodies become dependent on it in just a couple of weeks. If you can do your taper without the Clonazepam that would be wonderful for you.

 

 

We don't suggest a lot of supplements on here as they can be stimulating to the central nervous system (CNS), except 2. If you would like to try one, try a small amount and wait a few days before introducing the other.

 

Magnesium

Omega 3 Fish Oil

 

After you have read the links provided, please reach out with any questions you may have.

Edited January 31, 2023 by Frogie