Arpy: Hello, started Lexapro 3 months ago and ready to quit.

[Arpy]

Wanted to introduce myself and ask for some help. So 3 months ago I had a couple of panic attacks and was feeling in dire need of help. Doc offered Xanax and asked if I wanted to start an ssri. In my desperation I said yes. 

 

Well for 5-6 weeks just felt terrible. Eventually I was able to mostly live normally apart from needing to use the bathroom upon waking and waking up early and wired (6am).

 

Went back to doc for refill appointment. Said I wasn't interested in continuing and want to get back to drugless before considering anything else. He wasn't even planning on giving me a refill to taper with. I had to ask since I had some work travel "oh 3 months isn't that much deal with withdrawal"

 

So I got a month of 5mg. Used 5mg for a week and honestly felt pretty great. No more morning stress and found myself sleeping in longer (catch 22 if you ask me). For the next week, using mark harrowitz 7week schedule (3ng dose) I cut the pill roughly in half and would take the bigger peice. Looks like 3mg to me. Well day 2 of that rolls around and I wake with uncomfortable dreams and anxiety early in the morning. A couple hours later I took the other half of tablet and was feeling better within an hour. I repeated the same thing last night and this morning.

 

I'm feeling a little unsure at this point whether to continue or to ask for more pills. What is the general experience with 3months usage of Lexapro.

Edited October 24, 2023 by Emonda
Name to title

[Emonda]

Welcome to S.A. @Arpy

 

So the moderators can best help you, please complete your drug signature by following these instructions. Adding a signature ensures your drug history appears at the bottom of every post, making it more efficient for those trying to assist.

 

3 hours ago, Arpy said:

"oh 3 months isn't that much deal with withdrawal"

 

This sounds like a typical response from the average doctor. I think unless you have experienced WD symptoms, it is very hard to appreciate how significant they can be. Here is a list of known WD Symptoms: WD symptom checklist. I don't share that to scare you, but to make sure your eyes are wide open...and it sounds like they are, given your recent experience.

 

It is acknowledged on this site that your brain can become dependent on an AD within 4 weeks. Once you reach that stage, it is recommended to taper by a maximum of 10% per month of the most recent dose...the reductions get smaller and smaller. Why taper by 10% of my dosage?. It takes some time to taper in a way to minimise WD symptoms. There is no short-cut.

 

If you dropped from 5mg to 3mg, that's a 40% reduction and would most likely be the cause of:

 

3 hours ago, Arpy said:

uncomfortable dreams and anxiety early in the morning

 

3 hours ago, Arpy said:

I cut the pill roughly in half and would take the bigger peice

 

It is advisable to be very accurate with your dose. Your body needs consistency of dose at the same time every day. Some people use a digital scale to measure their dose accurately, and others use a liquid. Again, accuracy and consistency is important.

 

3 hours ago, Arpy said:

I'm feeling a little unsure at this point whether to continue or to ask for more pills. What is the general experience with 3months usage of Lexapro.

 

I have a personal experience with Lexapro. Based on my experience and the experience of many on this site, I would encourage you to taper by a maximum of 10% per month going forward.

 

I hope this helps.

 

Emonda...please remember to add your drug signature. 

[Arpy]

Are you familiar with Mark Horowitz work? He had guides on 10% Reduction in receptor occupation which is what he calls a hyperbolic dose reduction.

[Emonda]

Thanks for adding your drug signature, @Arpy

 

Yes, we are very familiar with Dr Mark Horowitz here. He is well respected here, too.

 

The hyperbolic reduction he refers to is the same as what I mentioned above....we are on the same page.

 

Slow and steady. I go a little slower...2% per week for 4 weeks, the a further two-week hold...repeat. I find it more tolerable than a one-off hit.

 

Emonda

[Arpy]

Ah I see. Last night I took the full 5mg and still woke up early and several times in the night. Wondering if it just took a week for the withdrawal to catch up to the new dose.

 

All in all, I'm feeling ok now 2 hrs later after getting out of bed for the day and meditating. This is the exact issue I dealt with for weeks when starting Lexapro a few months ago.

[Emonda]

The timeframe for WD to be experienced varies from AD to AD and from person to person. 

 

Sometimes, you notice a symptom within 24 hours, sometimes after one week and sometimes it hits you a few months later.