Antidepressants, Lexapro side effects if you decrease it or stop it?

Question

I've been on Lexapro for about 6 mo.s for depression. I don't notice a huge difference, I think it may have helped some. I still have the same anxiety.

I started gaining weight, 10lbs so far, and don't want to keep taking it if I could do without it, as I take so much other medication. I hope to get off of much of it; try more natural things, and most are very expensive.
I've heard of people taking it for a period.

I hope I can find information here about how it feels to get off of it, or even if I reduce it to 5mg. I take 10mg now.
What type of side effects, how severe, for how long. How long will I be a menace? Kidding.
I have been pretty sensitive to getting on and off meds in the past, meaning I get side effects. I can tolerate it and 'get through it' if it's not too horrible.

I forgot to take the Lexapro for a day or two in the beginning. when I was traveling. Boy did I have crying spells, which I've never had, and felt bad. I didn't make the connection until later.

Answer 1

I'm on lexapro now. First of all don't stop abruptly like you said ween yourself off. I am a 190lbs 6'0 male and I was taking 10mg which my doctor told me and I quote "a spit in the ocean" so maybe your dosage needs to be upped. You know the drill while the lexapro builds up in your system you feel like your in a panic for a week then there after you feel muchhhh better. Maybe ask your doctor to try a different SSRI anti depressant. I would up the dosage (SPEAK TO YOUR DR FIRST) but I am on 20 mg/day and the first 2 days I was alittle "zonked" but my body is adjusting well and I feel mucchh better.... Good luck to you!

Answer 2

If you want to wean yourself off of it, go ahead. Do it slowly, 5mg for a week, then every other day. BUT - try another med. Talk to your doc. There's tons out there to try and one of them WILL work!

: )