How to Stop Taking Lexapro
It’s important to know how to stop taking Lexapro so that you can avoid experiencing harsh Lexapro withdrawal symptoms. When taking any antidepressant, it stays in your system at a certain level that sustains you and keeps you from getting depressed or experiencing high anxiety levels. In order to minimize withdrawal symptoms you need to follow a comprehensive strategy.
When considering how to stop taking Lexapro, follow your physician’s advice. However, generally speaking, you should stop taking it gradually over time. So, over the course of a few weeks to a month you will take lower and lower doses until you are completely off of the medication.
Your Lexapro dosage will vary depending on whether you are being treated for depression or anxiety. It also depends on whether you are an adolescent, adult or an elderly patient.
So, if you are taking 20 mg per day, you will begin by dropping your dose to 10 mg per day for a couple of weeks. Then you’d drop your dose again to 5 mg per day for another week or two. After that you drop down to nada, zilch and hopefully you are now off meds for good. However, if you are switching to another med, particularly an MAOI, then heed caution! There are some things you need to know!
How to Stop Taking Lexapro
Caution When Switching to an MAOI
Serious side effects have been experienced in patients that have stopped taking Lexapro then started taking an MAOI, such as Nardil, within 14 days of getting off the original medication.
Lexapro is an SSRI, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor and MAOI’s are monoamine oxidase inhibitor. They effect the brain differently. Studies have found that when taking an MAOI within 14 days of an SSRI, serious symptoms occur such as delirium, coma, serious agitation, extreme changes in vital signs and hyperthermia. This has lead to fatalities. So, take caution if you are switching from an SSRI to an MAOI.
Also, generally speaking there are some Lexapro side effects that are experienced that cause someone to research how to stop taking Lexapro. Most of them are mild but, for some, it can be intolerable. Some of the side effects include Lexapro sexual side effects. If you experience these you are more inclined to want to stop taking the medication.
On my site I have additional information on this medication that you might find useful including Lexapro withdrawal symptoms, Lexapro and pregnancy, Lexapro dosage information, Lexapro and weight gain, and information about how to buy Lexapro online
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