How to Stop Taking Lexipro

Patients prescribed a daily dosage of Lexipro for the treatment of depression or anxiety-related disorders should first consult their doctor before discontinuing usage. This is important even if they are feeling better or their symptoms have decreased. When it comes to the cessation of a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) like Lexipro, it's best to decrease the dosage over time. In many cases, eliminating the medication suddenly can cause a relapse or worsening of emotional/mental anxieties and physical withdrawal symptoms.

Instructions

How to Stop Taking Lexipro

• 1

  Consult your physician. According to WebMD, Lexipro is categorized as an antidepressant, which is used to treat depression and anxiety. Physicians often prescribe Lexipro in order to balance the natural chemicals, specifically serotonin, in the brain. As Lexipro can only be prescribed by a physician, a patient should always consult their physician before abandoning the medication or stopping treatment.

• 2

  Gradually decrease dosage. Once a plan for cessation has been determined by the patient's physician, one should gradually decrease the daily dosage. For example, if a patient is taking 10mg of Lexipro daily, a physician may suggest cutting the daily dosage to 5mg, or using 10mg ever other day for a period of about two weeks.

• 3

  Do not suddenly stop taking the medication. Even if a patient is feeling better or more like their normal self, stopping Lexipro "cold turkey" could be potentially hazardous. A warning on WebMD clearly explains that in order to prevent emotional regression or physical withdrawal in a patient who has been taking Lexipro on an extended basis, one should gradually reduce the dosage as directed.

• 4

  Recognize withdrawal symptoms. Withdrawal can occur in patients when the dosage is cut back too drastically or suddenly. The majority of the symptoms are physical and can include: nervousness, headache, numbness, tingling, trouble sleeping, and confusion. Should any of these symptoms occur, a patient should consult their physician in order to determine a more feasible cessation program.

• 5

  Educate yourself. Don't be afraid to ask questions of your pharmacist or physician. Taking Lexipro, as with any SSRI medication, is potentially habit-forming, particularly when used in a high dosage for extended periods of time. Before beginning or ending treatment for depression or anxiety-related illnesses, one should always know the benefits, risks, and proper usage associated with the medication.