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Does Lexapro Help Cure Anxiety?

Posted on Tue, 22 Aug 2017

Question: I have been taking xanax about 1.5 mgs spread out over the day for anxiety. I was recently put on buster and just started lexapro and I don't need it as much. I have heard that you can't just stop and I would like to wean off so how should I do it?

Answered by Dr. Seikhoo Bishnoi (40 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Reduce the dose gradually.

Detailed Answer:
Hello thanks for asking from HCM

I can understand your concern. You just started taking the drugs and the drug tapering will be easier. Buspirone is safe and doesn't cause much withdrawal symptoms. Usually no dose reduction will be needed.

The dose of Lexapro can be reduced to half for a couple of weeks and then the dose can be further reduced by half dose for two more weeks followed by stopping the drug completely.

Dose reduction in this manner will not cause any withdrawal.

Thanks and Take care

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T

Follow up: Dr. Seikhoo Bishnoi (1 hour later)

What about the xanax how do I taper off that? I currently take about 1.5 mgs a day

Answered by Dr. Seikhoo Bishnoi (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Xanax should be reduced very slowly.

Detailed Answer:
Hello again

Xanax should be tapered very slowly over 6-10 weeks.

The dose should be reduced by 0.25 mg every two weeks initially and then the drug can be stopped completely at about 8-10 weeks.

Dose reduction in such slow manner will prevent even mild withdrawal symptoms.

Thanks and Take care

If you need more assistance then please let me know.

Note: For further guidance on mental health, Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar