HealthCareMagic is now Ask A Doctor - 24x7 | https://www.askadoctor24x7.com

Get your health question answered instantly from our pool of 18000+ doctors from over 80 specialties
159 Doctors Online

By proceeding, I accept the Terms and Conditions

Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

HCM Blog Instant Access to Doctors
HCM BlogQuestions Answered
HCM Blog Satisfaction

Are There Any Withdrawal Symptoms For Lexapro?

Hello.I have been taking 10mg of lexapro for 8 months and want to come off it as has not stopped my worrying about everything and thought I would try something else, but am freaking out about withdrawals. Only took 5mg this morning to start it but I gather this is not the way but how do you reduce by 10% when taking a tablet?
Thu, 28 May 2015
Report Abuse
Psychiatrist,  's  Response
Hello thanks for asking from HCM for your health related queries

I can understand your concern. Lexapro is Escitalopram and the drug is a SSRI drug. The drug helps to improve serotonin neurotransmission in brain and thus help to improve the symptoms of depression and anxiety. The drug causes change at receptor levels so if the drug is stopped abruptly after prolonged regular intake there occur severe withdrawal syndrome. In most cases patients are advised to reduce the doses by about 20-25% every two weeks and then stopping completely at about 6-8 weeks. Tapering the doses in this manner prevent any withdrawal syndrome. Start with 7.5 mg doses and then reduce the doses accordingly. Please discuss with your psychiatrist before making any change in your prescription.

Thanks, Hope this helps you. Take care.A
I find this answer helpful
Note: For further follow up on related General & Family Physician Click here.
Disclaimer: These answers are for your information only and not intended to replace your relationship with your treating physician.
This is a short, free answer. For a more detailed, immediate answer, try our premium service [Sample answer]
Share on
 

Related questions you may be interested in


Loading Online Doctors....
Are There Any Withdrawal Symptoms For Lexapro?

Hello thanks for asking from HCM for your health related queries I can understand your concern. Lexapro is Escitalopram and the drug is a SSRI drug. The drug helps to improve serotonin neurotransmission in brain and thus help to improve the symptoms of depression and anxiety. The drug causes change at receptor levels so if the drug is stopped abruptly after prolonged regular intake there occur severe withdrawal syndrome. In most cases patients are advised to reduce the doses by about 20-25% every two weeks and then stopping completely at about 6-8 weeks. Tapering the doses in this manner prevent any withdrawal syndrome. Start with 7.5 mg doses and then reduce the doses accordingly. Please discuss with your psychiatrist before making any change in your prescription. Thanks, Hope this helps you. Take care.A