Weaning off Lexapro

charmcitygirl

Has anyone done this?  I'm currently on 20mg that I take in the evening.  My doc is going to tell me, at my next appt next week, to cut down to 10mg.  And then stop using it all together (depending on how I'm feeling, obviously).

What kind of side effects did you have from weaning?  Any of those old feelings come back?  

I also gained about 15lbs in the past 6 months.  I attribute some of that (not all) to Lexapro.  Any chance that I could drop that med-weight when I stop taking Lexapro? 

Gina418

I had no weight issues with Lexapro, but I weaned off with no issues. Went from 10mg every day to 5mg every day for a week, then 5mg every other day for a week, then I stopped. No issues/side effects at all.

GL!

melissabo

The first time I weaned off (not post partum) was easy.  Very gradual (Started at 10mg, then 10/5 alternating days, then 5 every day, then 5 every other day, each for a week at a time). 

Postpartum, I was on 20 and went with a similar weaning schedule.  It took me 3 months total because the old feelings of worthlessness would come back and I would go back up a level.  Eventually I got off but with counseling at the same time.  Right now I am med free for 4 months and doing well. I do need to remember my coping strategies from counseling to prevent a downward spiral.

Hang in there!  I do like having the full range of my emotions back.  I felt a bit numb on Lexapro, but I know I needed it.