Lexapro: How do you withdraw?

Question

Hi, I take Lexapro for Generalized anxiety disorder (that effects my work). The main problem is that I no longer have a s*x drive etc. How do you ween off Lexapro? Thankyou for your advice in advance

Answer 1

well i would talk to your doctor but whatever amount of mg's ur on i would subtract 10 mg's a week till ur down to none obviously.  i take lexapro myself so if u need to talk to someone my screename is TheBTPYoda if u need someone to talk to.  

Answer 2

I weened myself off of Effexor which was horrible, I had these crazy episodes of what they call brain shudders and that is exactly what they felt like, my brain shuddering or shivering in my head.  I also went a little nutty for a few days.  After it was all out of my system though I was back to my normal, happy, sane self.  Just either stop taking it altogether or take half a pill a day until you are out.  You probably need to do something though if your anxiety affects your work, like maybe meditation or therapy.  Drugs aren't always the answer.

Answer 3

To get off Lexapro, wean yourself to the lowest dose (5mg).  If you're on 20mg, cut them in half (to get 10mg) and take those for a couple weeks, then go to the 5mg pills.



After you've been on the 5mg pills for a couple weeks, cut them in half (use a pill cutter) and take the half-pills for a couple weeks, then take the half-pills every other day for a couple weeks, then you can stop.  This will slowly remove the Lexapro from your system, and help eliminate the possibility of withdrawal problems.



If you want to, you can add an "extra step" and take the half-pills every third day for a week or so - but that shouldn't be necessary.



Best of Luck to you :-)

Paul.

Answer 4

You have to taper slowly off the medication in a way described by your psychiatrist.  If you are getting this medication from a primary care doctor get to see a psychiatrist.  It makes sense to go to a specialist.  The doctor might be able to give you something else that does not interfere with the s*x drive like wellbutrin.

Answer 5

I'm also taking Lexapro for that same reason. I personally haven't noticed any changes, although when my doctor upped my dosage, I was really sluggish and depressed for a few days. Has your prescription been changed at all lately?

If not, you should consider an alternative medicine rather than withdrawing completely, unless your goal is to be medication free. If that's the case, talk to the psychiatrist that prescribed you the medication and tell them what's up. They can make a plan with you that gradually decreases your dose.

If you feel like you still need some help with your anxiety, look into other medications. But you really can't do any of this without professional help.

Good luck,

Lisa.