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Tapering: Lexapro

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13 posts

Wonthaggi

Hi, I'm Janette

September 4, 2026ยทยท
This is my 6th attempt to taper. Previous attempts failed because I was given misinformation and not supported. I came off way too fast. I have since discovered Dr Josef from the Taper Clinic in the USA and understand the process now. So far I have not found a GP who understands hyperbolic tapering so I am trying to do it on my own. I am getting help from a Naturopath with regard to supplements, gut and brain health. I am in a much better position financially now, so don't need to work full-time. In the past I was severely pressured and bullied to get back to work quickly when I was terribly unwell, which forced me to go back on lexapro. I work in the medical field and they have not been supportive. I have taken a year to go from 20mg to 2mg. This last bit is the hardest. I sought help from a GP this week who told me to skip days and to cut back by 50% and come off in 3 weeks. He wasn't aware lexapro comes in liquid and I had to explain I cannot taper off that quickly. He gave me a script for valium. The blood tests he requested didn't cover what I asked for. He did request a PSA which is interesting considering im a biological female. Trying another GP in 2 weeks. I hope others are having better outcomes.

Lexapro โ€” 2mg โ€” 17 years โ€” actively tapering | without clinician

3 Replies

Catina
โญ
Catina14d ago
Community AnchorEffexor
Hi @Janette, welcome to Taper Community! I'm glad you're armed with better information now so you can successfully taper off the Lexapro. Yes, the tiniest doses can be the hardest to get off since the most changes in serotonin receptors happen then. I'm glad to hear your work schedule is lighter so you have more time to devote to self-care and healing. The advice your GP gave you is pretty much standard advice unfortunately. I'm glad you stood your ground and explained your position. If you do switch to liquid you'll need to do a gradual cross-over, and we have instructions on how to do that. A PSA test for a female? What in the world? Yes, it's good you're looking for a new doctor. We look forward to supporting you on your tapering and healing journey! Catina ๐Ÿ’œ

Venlafaxine (tapering) - Current dose 17.92 mg
Trazodone - 50 mg
Levothyroxine - 25 mcg

โ€œYour brain and body know how to heal. Trust the process and keep going.โ€

Please Note: I am not a healthcare professional. Any advice given is based on personal experience and that of others in the lay withdrawal community.

J
Janette12d ago
WelcomerLexapro ยท active
I didn't know about crossover so will definitely need your input for that. I tried to get it today but the pharmacist said the prescription was incorrect! Really ? No sh Sherlock. See what happens with the other doctor. Unfortunately there is noone in Australia on your deprescribing list so im just having to do the best I can. Saw my dad today as its father's day here in Oz. 93 and still going great. Love to everyone out there xxxx

Lexapro โ€” 2mg โ€” 17 years โ€” actively tapering | without clinician

Catina
โญ
Catina12d ago
Community AnchorEffexor
"I didn't know about crossover so will definitely need your input for that." โ€” @Janette
Sure thing...here you go: https://taper.community/thread/3516b46d-50b6-4048-9abc-533356b74afe
"Love to everyone out there xxxx" โ€” @Janette
Sending much love and support back to you! ๐Ÿฉท

Venlafaxine (tapering) - Current dose 17.92 mg
Trazodone - 50 mg
Levothyroxine - 25 mcg

โ€œYour brain and body know how to heal. Trust the process and keep going.โ€

Please Note: I am not a healthcare professional. Any advice given is based on personal experience and that of others in the lay withdrawal community.

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