Weaning from Lexapro

[friendlymamma]

I have been on Lexapro 10 mg since August, and it worked. I've been great for months now. The thing is, my husband changed jobs and my OB (who delivered both DS's) is not covered under our new plan and I don't have a new doctor yet, and even if I did, they wouldn't know me and my history. I have only one refill left on my Lexapro, and I'm not sure if my OB will give me more refills without seeing me, and I can't really go see her without coverage. So, I'm thinking I should just start weaning myself off the Lexapro and then I wouldn't have to worry about it.

So, who here has successfully weaned? How did you do it? I did buy a pill cutter so I could reduce my dosage by 1/2 instead of just going cold turkey. How do I know if I'm ready to wean? Any thought, suggestions?

I'm so scared of coming off the meds. I was so depressed and screwed up before I got on them. But, I don't want to be on them forever, either.

I appreciate hearing your advice and experiences.

[guestmama9916]

My ex tried weaning off Lexapro twice with his doctor's help. Both times were horrible. IMO, I don't think you should try this on your own. I think it would have been better for my ex if he had gotten liquid Lexapro to wean more slowly so he could go from 10 mg to 9 mg, etc. The first time he tried to wean off, he hit our child. The second time was even scarier because he started having suicidal thoughts. Both times he had pretty bad dizziness. I would explain your situation to your OB and see if he can give you some free samples to get you by until you get coverage.

[friendlymamma]

Thank you for the input. I'm sorry that your ex had such a hard time. I certainly hope that I don't have that hard a time. For now, I'm still on the Lexapro.

Anyone out there have any other weaning stories (from meds) after PPD? Just wondering what others have been through.

[rlcross77]

Hi,
I resepct your situation. However, know that even though Lexapro is not suppose to be additvie or habit forming they do have disconinuation side effects. Each individual is effected differently. I would recommend not doing it alone. Get anew doctor inform them of your history. The sooner you can get all this set up. The better you will be. Sometimes having a plan with a doctor to discontinue a medication is the best way to get off a prescibed drug. Best of luck.

[friendlymamma]

Originally Posted by rlcross77

Hi,
Get anew doctor inform them of your history. The sooner you can get all this set up. The better you will be. Sometimes having a plan with a doctor to discontinue a medication is the best way to get off a prescibed drug. Best of luck.

I think I am going to do this. I've heard this over and over, and I suppose it is the thing to do. I do want to be healthy and do this safely. Thank you.

[YogRasFam]

3 Weeks Off Lexapro Now

Hi,
So I have been on Lexapro for 3 years. 20 mg. It's been 3 weeks offnow. I started from 20 to 15(for 1 week), then 15 to 10(1 week), and 10 to 5(1 week), and 5(1 week). I am taking 1200 mg omega 3's daily. My side effects have been:
rating from 1-5:
-exhaustion (4-5)
-sleepiness (3)
-anxiousness (3)

I can tell it has effected my overall mood- more agitated then before.
But, I feel centered enough to deal. I did call my doc and get the dosages right before weaning. Having a supportive husband and therapist helps too!
I am in a sit and wait mode for the next 3 weeks to see how everything plays out. So, we will see. It's easy to go back on- harder to sit and be with all that comes up.

I'll keep you updatd if you would like.
Thanks...
Blessings on your journey...whatever you chose,
Kim