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what it the best way to quit lexapro?


Posted by rox

 
Answers (2)
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The best person to guide you is the prescribing doctor, rox. Do not discontinue the Lexapro without discussing this with the prescriber first.

Antidepressant should never be stopped abruptly, but tapered off over a period of weeks or month.

If you suddenly stop taking an antidepressant you may go through physical withdrawal usually beginning one to seven days after last taking the drug. While not life-threatening the symptoms may be very uncomfortable. They may include dizziness, vertigo (a spinning or whirling sensation), brain 'zaps' (an electric shock sensation in the head), poor coordination, nausea and diarrhea, and flu like symptoms, such as fatigue, headache, muscle pain and chills. You also might experience disturbing emotional symptoms, such as anxiety, depression, irritability, agitation, confusion and mood swings, along with insomnia. Withdrawal symptoms may last several weeks. They can be greatly reduced and even eliminated by tapering off the medication slowly.

The other thing you need to consider is how you will deal with a possible recurrence of the original reason for taking Lexapro.

Best wishes

Ian
rox

Thanks, Ian.  Much appreciated! 

Rox

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