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Where to find reliable info on tapering off Lexapro (Escitalopram)?
Hi there,
1. Where can I access reliable information for Lexapro tapering off? The leaflet contains no information about that. People use this community to ask for help about this matter, but I feel great hesitation to accept advice from anyone, even my physician. Why?
In the past, I had stopped taking Cipralex 10 mg suddenly and without consulting my physician and a relapse occured. Last week, my physician asked me to take a 10 mg dose rather than a 20 mg dose. I am a little hesitant. Should I do it?! I am looking for some reliable source for tapering off. Should I reduce the dose immediately from 20 mg to 10 mg or take it like 20,10,20..mg per day? I really need your help
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Hello @constantinos and welcome to Mayo Connect. You are asking a good question. You must realize that when you stop taking a prescription like escitalopram, also known as Lexapro, it is important to taper off the medication slowly. The length of time to taper is undoubtedly different for each person.
Here is a Connect discussion on this topic which you might find helpful:
— Tapering off Lexapro or Cipralex (Escitalopram):
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/tapering-off-lexapro-or-cipralex-escitalopram/
I see that you want to end this process in one month. Is there a specific reason for this? Please know that might not be possible. Each person is different in their tolerance to this tapering off process.
Did your doctor or pharmacist suggest a tapering schedule to gradually reduce the dosage to make it easier?
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1 ReactionDr. Tapering scdedule. It's been 30 days now: from 20 mg to 10 mg two weeks, 10 mg to 5 mg two weeks and now no more. I feel horrible. Was originally prescribed for vertigo and sleep disorder. Took for 3 years and want to stay off of it. How long do these weird feelings last?
@purpleirisntn and @constantinos, I moved your questions about tapering off escitalopram to this existing discussion:
— Tapering off Lexapro or Cipralex (Escitalopram):
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/tapering-off-lexapro-or-cipralex-escitalopram/
I did this so you can read the previous helpful posts and connect easily with other members like @carsoncreek @shannoleary @loriem @sears who have experienced tapering off this drug.
Purple, what withdrawal symptoms are you experiencing?
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1 ReactionHi Colleen! Happy Thanksgiving! I tapered Paxil. I’ve never taken the other two drugs that I was tagged in.
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1 ReactionI was told to taper off 20 mg Lexapro by reducing by 5 mg a day for about 3 or 4 weeks. I am down to 10 mg daily right now and it works well for me.
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1 Reactionwhere do u get 5mg tabs or do u just keep cutting them? or did ur dr prescribe 10mg to be cut? thanks
Cut them with pill cutter. Then cut them into quarters for 2.5 mg. That’s what I did and it worked great. Slowly is the best
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2 ReactionsI also cut mine with a pill cutter or I used a new single edged blade and had no issues.
I am using cipralex 10mg for more than 2 years now I start to make off 5mg in first stage but my stomach is disturbed especially my colon what should i do also I am take amitriptyline 20mg at nignt
I am over 7 days since my last dose is Effexor after taking for five years. I am still experiencing constant brains zaps and now hot flashes every 15-20 mins. I am post menopause and haven’t had a hot flash in two years prior to this. The lethargy and nausea are also strong. Is there a guideline for how long these withdrawal symptoms can last based on taking a 150mg dose daily for 5 yrs?