Stress Center Peer Support

Hey guys! I've been on my Lexapro since Feb of 2009. It has helped me tremendously with not having any panic attacks, panic attack free since Mar. 2009. My body symptoms have decreased, but never completely gone, I don't panic over them anymore though, and i feel like I need to b chked out, I go to the doctor, no big deal. I started out on 10mgs of Lexapro for about the 1st 8months, then upped it to 15mgs, and shortly after up to 20mgs, cuz i was in the midst of planning my wedding, so stress was high, and so were some of my old body symptoms. However since I've started lexapro, i've gained 40-50lbs!!!! For the last month I've been thinking about getting off the pills. So lately I've been taking a pill every other day or every 2-3 days(20mgs). I plan to decrease my dosage to 10mgs every other day soon. Is this a good idea or not? I've heard some horror stories about getting off of these antidepressants so a little leary, but I want to try it. Any suggestions??? Will definately appreciate the feed back on this please. THX!!

Hi--I've weaned off of anti-depressants, it isn't easy, but doable. I've written my story elsewhere. But the main reason was to lose the weight I gained and even before that I was already feeling feelings of sadness.

Anyway, can you go down to 15 mgs and stay that way for a week or so, then go down to 10mgs after that. You might want to stay at the 15 mgs for a longer time period and see how you do, then go down to 10mgs and then to 5mgs.

Can you break the pills in half or fourths?

I've weaned off of Wellbutrin and Cymbalta within 1 1/2 period or less, but with the help in the last days with Xanax. I was introduced to is when I felt the anxiety symptoms after I went off of Serzone, but was still on Wellbutrin.

Anyway, I was put on Remeron, which I did not like, but stayed on it until I found Lucinda's website and a new Psychologist. I'm off all anti-depressants except for now I've weaned down to 15 mgs of Remeron as of last weekend.

I feel more energy and I'm working with any anxious feelings. I've reduced my sugar, salt chocolate and white flour consumption considerably. It has really made a difference. Hang in there...but take it easy as well. Paislee

You really should be doing this under supervision of your doctor. It is possible for some and others will be long term. The thing us when you take them every other day right away you are throwing your body for a bit of a loop. Just be careful and do what you feel comfortable with but again with your doctors help! Good luck.