UnDecided: question about tapering off Lexapro

[UnDecided]

Hello, I am rather new to this group.  I was on benzos for 30+ years and wasn’t aware of the awful withdrawal symptoms.  I was cutting the med. in big chunks, going back on it, etc. for several years.  I finally came off of it but my world shrunk completely due to all the terrors and symptoms I got from the withdrawal.  During the heightened symptomatic period, I was convinced to go on Lexapro.  I had been on it for 6 years and decided to taper off of it even though I could barely do this, due to all the symptoms of protracted benzos.  I started reducing by 10% even though I couldn’t tell what my withdrawal symptoms were other than dizziness, and vertigo.  I got down to 2.5 mgs and decided to hold there.  Since doing this since March, (3 months) I have been having so much more fear. My mind has crazy thoughts  etc.  These are new symptoms even from the protracted benzo symptoms, so I am assuming this is withdrawal from the Lexapro.  Would you suggest I continue on the 2.5 mg. And wait it out, or should I uptake up to 5 mgs and hold?  There is the issue with my Dr.  She knows I am withdrawing and only gave me 15 pills of 10 mg. of Lexapro.  I am thinking I have 4 months+ of 2.5.  If I uptake I will need to go see her.  I only assume she will give me more, not sure.

thanks for thoughts suggestions.

[Frogie]

@UnDecided

 

Welcome to SA. We are a volunteer ran site helping member such as yourself taper off psychiatric medications, or have tapered off and are now healing.

 

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You have tapered Lexapro much to quickly. It is a very hard antidepressant to taper off of and takes many years. It took me almost 5 years to taper off of 10 mg and my taper was not perfect by any means.

 

 

Preparing to taper

 

Dr. Joseph Glenmullen's withdrawal symptom checklist

 

What is Withdrawal Syndrome?

 

Brain Remodelling

 

At this point, since you have been on 2.5 mg since March I would not increase my dosage at this point. I would hold for quite a while to stabilize and then taper slowly.

 

Why taper by 10% of my dosage?

 

Tips for tapering off escitalopram (Lexapro)

 

Unfortunately dr's don't know how to taper you off of these medications and most don't believe in wd symptoms. You will need to get a running prescription to do this properly.

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

 

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