Jwenrich: formula for liquid Lexapro

[Jwenrich]

If someone could offer any assistance on the formula for tapering off of liquid lexapro safely. I truly believe my family physician does not understand the dangers of weening quickly. But I did listen to her. She said once I was on 2.5 mg. I could now do every other day. Well I spoke up on a Facebook page ( lexapro should be illegal) and the crowd went wild. Anyway, what is the correct way to ween from 2.5 mg of the liquid.  And keep in mind I have been on the 2.5 every other day for a month. I started at 20 Mg. So I’m doing really well eating right, running and yoga;) 

thanks 

[ChessieCat]

Hi and welcome to SA,

 

I am really pleased that you did your own research.  And it is good that you have found SA.

 

SA recommends tapering by no more than 10% of the current dose followed by a hold of about 4  weeks to allow the brain to adapt to not getting as much of the drug.  Why taper by 10% of my dosage?

 

Skipping days to taper is not recommended.  The brain likes consistency.  Skipping Days vs Every Day Dosing Graph

 

The first thing you will need to do is to start taking your drug daily at about the same time.  If you are currently taking 2.5mg every second day, you will need to start taking 1.25mg every day.  Generally we would suggest doing this for several weeks before making a reduction, however, if you have been reducing faster than 10% monthly, it would be better for you to stay on 1.25mg every day for longer.  Once we have more information about how you have been reducing we will be better able to offer suggestions.
 

Please create a drug signature using the following format.  Keep it simple (NO diagnoses or symptoms please - thank you):

• details for last 2 years - dates, ALL drugs, doses
• summary for older than 2 years - just years and drug/s

Account Settings – Create or Edit a signature

 

 

These topic have information on how to get small doses:

 

Tips for tapering off Lexapro (escitalopram)

 

questions-and-answers-about-liquid-medications

 

 

You may be experiencing withdrawal symptoms which you haven't connected with reducing your drug:

 

Dr Joseph Glenmullen's WD Symptoms Checklist

 

 

These are links to some helpful topics:

 

When to end the taper and jump to zero?

 

are-we-there-yet-how-long-is-withdrawal-going-to-take

 

How do you talk to a doctor about tapering and withdrawal?

What should I expect from my doctor about withdrawal symptoms?

 

Windows and Waves Pattern of Stabilization

 

Video:  Healing From Antidepressants - Patterns of Recovery

 

Non-drug techniques to cope

 

Keep it Simple, Slow and Stable  

 

The only supplements SA recommends are Magnesium and Omega-3 Fish Oil.  Only make one change at a time.  Try a small amount, one at a time, to see how you react. 

 

There are many existing topic on this site.  I like to use google and add survivingantidepressants.org to my search term.

 

This is your own Introduction topic which is the place to ask questions about your own situation and journal your progress.