From the Research
The recommended tapering schedule for escitalopram (Lexapro) 5 mg daily is to taper the dose hyperbolically and slowly to minimize withdrawal symptoms, as suggested by the most recent and highest quality study 1.
Tapering Schedule
To taper escitalopram 5 mg daily, it is essential to reduce the dose gradually to allow the brain to adjust to decreasing levels of serotonin.
- The tapering schedule should be individualized, but a general approach is to reduce the dose by small increments every 2-4 weeks.
- Since you're already on a low dose of 5 mg, you would typically reduce to 2.5 mg daily for 2-4 weeks, then stop completely.
- If 2.5 mg tablets aren't available, you could take 5 mg every other day for 2-4 weeks before discontinuing.
Minimizing Withdrawal Symptoms
Withdrawal symptoms can include dizziness, nausea, headaches, irritability, anxiety, and sensory disturbances like "brain zaps."
- The slow reduction allows your brain to adjust to decreasing levels of serotonin as the medication is withdrawn.
- If you experience significant withdrawal symptoms during the taper, you may need to reduce the dose more slowly.
Importance of Consultation
Always consult with your healthcare provider before changing your medication regimen, as individual factors may require personalized adjustments to this general tapering schedule.
Key Considerations
- The study 1 suggests that tapering SSRIs hyperbolically and slowly can minimize withdrawal symptoms.
- Other studies 2, 3, 4, 5 provide information on the pharmacokinetics, efficacy, and tolerability of escitalopram, but the most recent and highest quality study 1 should be prioritized when determining the tapering schedule.