Langison: Trying to quit Lexapro

[Langison]

Hello all, I've lurked around this site for a couple months now and decided to finally post and introduction.

 

As you can see in my signature, I recently tried to taper off Lexapro but didn't find out until it was too late that I was tapering too quickly. The first couple months after my last dose weren't too bad; I got through the acute withdrawals without much struggle.  Then the fatigue/lethargy started creeping in. After that, depression like I've never experienced in my life and practically no libido. I can't concentrate at work and I constantly feel stupid and inadequate at my job. On top of all that, I've been intending for quite some time to find a new job and relocate this year, but I haven't had the confidence or motivation to achieve that.

 

Reinstating the Lexapro has helped some, but I'm nowhere near the energetic, confident, positive person I was before/during the taper and I feel like I can't take it anymore. I'm not suicidal but I constantly think about quitting my job and staying home all day.

 

Question: Could it be worth a try going up to 7.5 or 10 mg to get back on my feet? 20 mg if that doesn't work? I still want to be off the drug eventually, but for now I feel like I just need my old self back before I can start a slow taper the way this website suggests.

 

Thank you!

[Gridley]

With all the changes in 2017, and then the drop to zero and the recent RI to 2.5 and 5, you system has gone through a lot of destabilizing changes.  The central nervous system craves stability.  Your brain has changed wth all the changes, and it doesn't need any more tinkering.  I would hold where you are at 5mg for several months (at least three but more likely six)

to let your system calm down and catch up.  It is encouraging that the RI has helped.   Don't expect tinkering with your dosage to bring back your previous state.  You need to stabilize.

[Langison]

On 8/2/2018 at 6:10 PM, Gridley said:

With all the changes in 2017, and then the drop to zero and the recent RI to 2.5 and 5, you system has gone through a lot of destabilizing changes.  The central nervous system craves stability.  Your brain has changed wth all the changes, and it doesn't need any more tinkering.  I would hold where you are at 5mg for several months (at least three but more likely six)

to let your system calm down and catch up.  It is encouraging that the RI has helped.   Don't expect tinkering with your dosage to bring back your previous state.  You need to stabilize.

Thank you!