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Ashleyann20: New today


Ashleyann20

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Hello I am glad I stumbled on this forum.  I have started to withdraw from 20 mg of Lexapro after 10 years.  My dr. has me doing a fairly fast withdraw.  15 mg for 7 days, 10 mg for 7 days, 5 mg for 7 days.  It is the 2nd day and I am surviving . lol  I feel like I have the flu but that could be the start of withdrawal symptoms.  I look forward to reading more of other folks experience.  

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  • Moderator

Welcome to SA, Ashleyann20.

 

You are tapering way too fast.  Doctors invariably taper their patients too fast, putting them at risk of long-lasting and unpleasant withdrawal symptoms.  We recommend tapering no more than 10% of your current dose every four weeks.

That would mean your first decrease would be from 20mg to 18mg.  This link explains why we recommend the 10% taper:

 

Why taper by 10% of my dosage?

 

This link is specifically about tapering Lexapro, including how to get the nonstandard doses you'll need for the 10% taper.

 

Tips for tapering off Lexapro (escitalopram)

 

Withdrawal is definitely something you want to avoid.

 

What is withdrawal syndrome

 

Daily Checklist of Antidepressant Withdrawal Symptoms (PDF) 

 

When we take medications, the CNS (central nervous system) responds by making changes over the months and years we take the drug(s). When the medication is discontinued, the CNS has to undo all the changes it made. Rebuilding the neurotransmitter production and reactivating the receptor and transporter cells takes time -- during that rebuilding process symptoms occur.

 

Since you've only been at 15mg for one day,  my recommendation is that you go back up to 20mg, hold there for one week to stabilize (without withdrawal symptoms), and then begin the 10% taper.  If after one week, you're not feeling stable, hold longer until you do feel stable before tapering.

 

This is your Introduction topic, where you can ask questions and connect with other members.  We're glad you found your way here.

Gridley Introduction

 

Lexapro 20 mg since 2004.  Begin Brassmonkey Slide Taper Jan. 2017.   

End 2017 year 1 of taper at 9.25mg 

End 2018 year 2 of taper at 4.1mg

End 2019 year 3 of taper at 1.0mg  

Oct. 30, 2020  Jump to zero from 0.025mg.  Current dose: 0.000mg

3 year, 10 month taper is 100% complete.

 

Ativan 1 mg to 1.875mg 1986-2020, two CT's and reinstatements

Nov. 2020, 7-week Ativan-Valium crossover to 18.75mg Valium

Feb. 2021, begin 10%/4 week taper of 18.75mg Valium  

End 2021  year 1 of taper at 6mg

End 2022 year 2 of taper at 2.75mg 

Current dose as of Sept. 22, 2023 1.4mg

Taper is 92% complete.

 

Imipramine 75 mg daily since 1986.  Jan-Sept 2016 tapered to 14.4mg  

March 22, 2022: Begin 10%/4 week taper

Aug. 5, 2022: hold at 9.5mg and shift to Valium taper

Taper is 87% complete.  

  

Supplements: omega-3, vitamins C, E and D3, magnesium glycinate, probiotic, zinc, melatonin .3mg


I am not a medical professional and this is not medical advice but simply information based on my own experience, as well as other members who have survived these drugs.

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  • Mentor

Hi Ashley

 

I don’t have much to add to Gridley’s introduction, except to assure you that you are wise to seek help here.  More than 10 years ago I joined a similar tapering support group and found it was an invaluable source of information and help as tapered and dealt with withdrawal. Welcome!

Tim C

Started Paxil for GAD in 1999

Unsuccessful taper attempt in 2006

Paxilprogress helped with a successful taper completed in 2009

Using therapy and CBT to manage my anxiety

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  • ChessieCat changed the title to Ashleyann20: New today

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