Tapering: Lexapro

active

5 posts

Western US

Hi, I'm Saturn468

May 30, 2026··

I’ve been tapering Lexapro from 20mg after being forced to reinstate after a doctor directed cold turkey off 10mg 5 years ago. I completed a klonopin taper and trazadone taper 4 years ago, and am looking to complete my Lexapro taper. I’ve managed to reduce the dose to 1.95mg, but am looking for peer support as I move through the final stages of the taper

Lexapro — 1.95mg — 10 years — actively tapering | with clinician

9 Replies

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BasedStaff3mo ago

Community AnchorEffexor

Hey @Saturn468 ! You have lots of experience that will surely help others as well. Find the my taper tab to find checkins and let us know how youre doing over time. Well be here to help

Creator of Taper Community, here to help you.

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Catina3mo ago

Community AnchorEffexor

Hi @Saturn468, and welcome! Congrats for being able to get off two drugs already. I'm sorry your doctor gave you bad advice regarding cold-turkeying the Lexapro. Even at "low" doses these drugs still have tremendous effects on the brain. What percentage are you reducing and how often? Many people find they need to go even slower the closer they get to zero. I hope your symptoms have been manageable so far. We're here whenever you need a listening ear or helpful guidance! Catina ♥️

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

“Your brain and body know how to heal. Trust the process and keep going.”

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.

Saturn4683mo ago

WelcomerLexapro · active

Hi Catina: Thanks for your message. I was able to do relatively larger reductions until I got to about 2.50mg, after which I needed to sharply slow down. Currently I reduce about 5% of prior dose approximately monthly which still leads to symptoms. How’s your Venlaxafine taper? I’ve heard that one is not a whole lotta fun.

Lexapro — 1.95mg — 10 years — actively tapering | with clinician

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Catina3mo ago

Community AnchorEffexor

"I was able to do relatively larger reductions until I got to about 2.50mg, after which I needed to sharply slow down. Currently I reduce about 5% of prior dose approximately monthly which still leads to symptoms" — @Saturn468

I'm glad you slowed down instead of trying to push through. Your body will thank you, although I'm sorry you're still having symptoms. At least you have the option of making smaller reductions or holding longer in between reductions. It's crazy how long it can take!

"How’s your Venlaxafine taper? I’ve heard that one is not a whole lotta fun." — @Saturn468

Thank you for asking! It's been an interesting ride for sure lol. I'm currently removing only one tiny bead per month, and that's about as fast as I can go. It's pretty much at a snail's pace. 🐌

Saturn4683mo ago

WelcomerLexapro · active

Hi Catina, how much venlaxafine is in 1 bead? Great job going so slowly!

Lexapro — 1.95mg — 10 years — actively tapering | with clinician

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Catina3mo ago

Community AnchorEffexor

"how much venlaxafine is in 1 bead?" — @Saturn468

I believe it's 0.32 mg

"Great job going so slowly!" — @Saturn468

Thanks! I've tapered too quickly in the past and went through hell, so I'm in no rush this time.

Saturn4683mo ago

WelcomerLexapro · active

"Thanks! I've tapered too quickly in the past and went through hell, so I'm in no rush this time." — @Catina

Is there a liquid version of venlaxafine that you could use instead of counting beads?

Lexapro — 1.95mg — 10 years — actively tapering | with clinician

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Catina3mo ago

Community AnchorEffexor

"Is there a liquid version of venlaxafine that you could use instead of counting beads?" — @Saturn468

There is, but the liquid only comes in immediate-release, so I would have to take it twice a day. I have considered this, but I don't want to take this drug anymore than I have to and increase the chances of missing a dose, which causes me severe issues. The bead counting is working well so far, and hopefully it will continue to because I really want to keep things as stable as possible. I prepare my bead capsules on Sunday for the upcoming week and I'm good to go. It has just become part of my life now (unfortunately haha).

Saturn4683mo ago

WelcomerLexapro · active

"The bead counting is working well so far, and hopefully it will continue to because I really want to keep things as stable as possible." — @Catina

I don’t blame you at all for wanting that stability, I can totally relate.

Lexapro — 1.95mg — 10 years — actively tapering | with clinician

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