How to Get Off Lexapro

Getting off Lexapro

When you decide to get off Lexapro it is time to gather your team around and sharpen your pencil. Your doctor is the team leader who will show you how to step-down the dosage in a healthy way. Include your family and caring friends for objective monitoring of how your body is reacting. Add a calendar and a journal to track the plan. Discontinuing the SSRI medication Lexapro requires step by step attention.

Things You'll Need

• Calendar
• Pencil
• Journal

Instructions

1. 

   Talk with your doctor. Explain why you want to go off Lexapro. Discuss your current feelings about depression and anxiety. Talk specifically about concerns you may have related to your weight, libido, sleep patterns and overall health.

2. 

   Work out a schedule with the doctor to reduce the dosage over time. Mark the timeline on a calendar. Make clear notes of the exact dates to change to the next lowest dosage. Verify if your prescription needs to be changed to accommodate lower doses or if you will need to split pills

3. 

   Write in a journal each day. Document the precise dosage you took and at what time. Report any change of feelings you experience. Note any different physical conditions that you observe. Pay special attention to any signs of increased anxiety or thoughts of suicide.

4. 

   Inform your family and supportive people in your life that you are going off Lexapro. Ask them to let you know right away if they see any changes in your behavior or physical well-being. Add a note in your journal if they mention any observations.

5. 

   Review your journal notes at the end of each week and each month. Highlight the dates when you felt dizziness or had unusual sensations in your head. Immediately call your doctor if you see any extraordinary trends.

6. 

   Schedule an appointment with your doctor when the time-line is finished. Bring your journal to the clinic for reference in answering all questions. Ask for signs and symptoms that you should watch for during the next year. Make a note of each point in the back of your journal.

Tips & Warnings

• Maintain a regular schedule of sleep, exercise and good nutrition during the entire period you are discontinuing Lexapro.

• Do not stop taking Lexapro cold turkey or serious adverse effects may occur that require urgent medical attention. Do not drink alcoholic beverages while getting off Lexapro.

Resources

• Precautions - from the Lexapro Label