If you don't get approval from your doctor before you stop taking it, you should stop.It can be difficult to stop taking an anti-depressant, but it's much easier if you wait.If you notice withdrawal or symptoms of the condition your doctor is treating, you should decrease your dose.You can use strategies to support your transition off of Lexapro during this time.
Step 1: The symptoms of the condition need to be stable before you can begin treating it.
You may experience a depression if you don't.It will be difficult to figure out if you're dealing with withdrawal or the condition you were using Lexapro to treat if this happens.Wait until the life situation that caused your depression has been solved, or until you have found other forms of support.If your condition has improved, your doctor can help you figure it out.If you want to avoid a relapse, it's best to take your antidepressants for at least 6-9 months before stopping.If you have chronic depression, you may need to take your medication longer.
Step 2: Make sure you don't deal with any major stressors in your life.
It will be more difficult to stop your medication if you have a lot of stress.If you wait until things are going well for you, you will be able to cope with any withdrawal you may experience.If you're currently dealing with any of the following, it may not be a good idea to stop your Lexapro.
Step 3: If you want to stop cold turkey, you should reduce your medication slowly.
It leaves your body quickly since it has a short half-life.It takes 27-32 hours for Lexapro to leave your body, and 6 days for it to be gone.quitting cold turkey can cause a shock to your system as the medication your body has come to rely on will quickly disappear.Your body has time to adjust.Your body will be used to having less and less medication.It will be easier to stop your Lexapro.Depending on your circumstances, it may take more or less time to stop taking Lexapro.
Step 4: The doctor and you can create the best schedule for you.
Most of the time, the schedules last for 6 to 8 weeks.The dose you're taking will be reduced by your doctor.You will lower your dose every 2 weeks according to your doctor's instructions.How long you've been taking your medication will affect the length of your schedule.If you have been taking your medication for less than 8 weeks, you may only need 1-2 weeks of tapering.For the first 2 weeks, you might take half of your normal dose.For weeks 3 and 4 you could take a quarter of your normal dose.For weeks 5 and 6 you can take an eighth of your normal dose.Your doctor may tell you to stop taking the medication.In some cases, your doctor may want to decrease your dose.You can take a pill every other day if you're currently taking 20mg.If you have any symptoms of withdrawal, your dosage may need to be adjusted.
Step 5: Follow your doctor's instructions for stopping your medication.
Even if you're feeling good, don't deviate from the schedule.It may be tempting to reduce your dose earlier than recommended, but your doctor prescribed each dose for a reason.It's best to stick to your schedule because it can take several days for withdrawal symptoms to occur.Talk to your doctor if you have any questions.Don't try to switch to someone else's schedule just because it is convenient.Everyone's needs are different.
Step 6: You can record your mood on your schedule.
This helps you keep track of how you're feeling.It's easier to watch for potential withdrawal symptoms, which can take a long time to develop.Look for patterns in your notes.If you have headaches for the past 3 days, that could be a symptom of withdrawal.If you only had a single headaches, it may have been caused by something else.If you think something is a symptom, write it down and remember it later.
Step 7: You can watch for withdrawal symptoms.
About 20% of people will experience withdrawal symptoms if they stop taking Lexapro.They can be frustrating.Irritability Agitation Anxiety Mood changes Fatigue Muscle pain Confusion Dizziness Headache Nausea Vomiting Nightmares Insomnia are some of the symptoms you might experience.
Step 8: Separating between withdrawal and returning symptoms is important.
It's possible that the condition you were treating, such as depression or anxiety, will come back if you stop taking Lexapro.You might experience fatigue, insomnia, or depressed mood again if this is the case.It's possible to mistake these symptoms for withdrawal if you check the symptoms of the condition you were treated for.Think about the symptoms you had before you started taking medication.Consider if your symptoms include physical and emotional symptoms.It's not usually caused by depression, but it is part of withdrawal.Discuss your situation with your doctor.
Step 9: You can make a support system to help you through the process.
When you need emotional support, ask your friends and relatives to be there.Call, text, or meet with them when you're down.If you experience withdrawal symptoms, ask for help with your daily tasks.You might say, "I'm going to stop using Lexapro."If you need help, say, "I'm feeling a lot of muscle pain and fatigue right now, so do you think you could load the dishwasher tonight?"
Step 10: Staying active can help boost your mood and reduce the risk of a relapse.
Exercising releases feel-good hormones in your body, which makes you feel better.If you get at least 30 minutes of activity a day, you will be better able to deal with your withdrawal symptoms.Go for an evening walk.Go around your neighborhood.You can take a dance class.You can work out at the gym.You should do an aerobic workout.People swim around a pool.
Step 11: Self-care can help reduce stress.
When you stop an antidepressant, too much stress can become a problem.It will be easier to come off your medication if you deal with your stress.Follow a sleep routine to get a good night's sleep.Meditate for at least five minutes a day to calm your mind.Good nutrition can be found in a diet of fresh produce and lean meat.Don't drink alcohol.Being creative or resting is a good way to relax.It's a good idea to spend time with pets and loved ones.Positive self-talk can boost your mood.
Step 12: If you're not already having counseling, go for it.
Your therapist can help you process what you're going through and teach you new ways to deal with your symptoms.They will watch for signs that your condition is recurring.They can recommend a new course of treatment if this happens.Ask your doctor to refer you to a therapist.Look for a therapist online.
Step 13: You should talk to your doctor about your medication.
Your doctor may be able to prescribe a short-term medication to get you through withdrawal if your symptoms interfere with your quality of life.If you really need it, they will give you a sleeping pill or anti-nausea medication for 1-2 weeks.Your doctor may prescribe a longer-acting antidepressants for a short period of time.Since they stay in your system longer, it's easier to stop taking them.fluoxetine is a great option if you want to stop taking antidepressants.