AboutMary E Scott, RPh, CGP Expertise I am a certified geriatric pharmacist with over 23 years experience as a long-term care consultant to nursing homes. I also do community-based consulting on an individual basis. My facility-based monthly newsletter on pharmacy topics is read by nurses in over 200 long-term care facilities in 5 states.
Experience I received a BS in Pharmacy in 1980 with post-graduate work in public health. I have had a Consultant Pharmacist license since 1984.
Organizations American Society of Consultant Pharmacists .I received certification in geriatric pharmacy in 1998.
Question I am a 65 YO female. I was prescribed lexapro for mild depression and anxiety. I find I have a problem with the lack of energy and weight gain since taking the pill. I have just read all the horror stories symptoms on the side effects of withdrawing from the pill. I started to decrease the dosage from 10mg to 5 mg today. I read that zanax helps alleviate some of the symptoms. I am now more anxious than I have ever been after reading about brain freeze, dizziness etc. What the heck can I do to alleviate the scary symptoms I have read people have suffered?
Answer Hi,Joyce!
I understand why you would want to get off the Lexapro, but I don't think you should worry about withdrawal symptoms. As long as you don't discontinue it abruptly and wean down the dosage gradually, you shouldn't experience these problems.
If I were you, I would take 10mg one day,then alternating with 5mg the next for 2 weeks,then take 5mg daily for 2 weeks, then 5mg every OTHER day for 2 weeks, then you could safely stop it. You may benefit from a lower dose,also. See how you feel,anxiety and depression-wise on a lower dose. You may feel like you have more energy.
I would not recommend Xanax unless you get withdrawal symptoms. Everyone's body is different,and those people who experienced "horror stories" may have been on a higher dose, quit cold turkey,who knows!
If you do require another antianxiety med, I would suggest Buspar over Xanax. You need to talk this over with your doctor and let him/her know why you want to discontinue Lexapro and share your concerns over stopping it with him/her. Your doctor knows your medical history and what other meds you are on that may to affecting your mood, weight gain,etc. Hope this helps,Mary
