Suggest Ways To Wean Off Lexapro

Posted on Wed, 16 Nov 2016

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Wed, 16 Nov 2016 Answered on

Fri, 2 Dec 2016 Last reviewed on

Question : I've been on Lexapro for about 4 months now and I'm wanting to switch to prozac due to my dr thinking that will be better, because I'm not having the best side effects and I'm still having anxiety and depression...can I just switch or how does the process work.

Answered by Dr. Alexander H. Sheppe (-4 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Consultation

Detailed Answer:
Hello and thanks for your question.

You will need to slowly taper off the Lexapro while starting Prozac at a low dose. This is called a cross-taper, and allows you to safely switch from one medication to another to avoid withdrawal. Typical starting doses of Prozac are 10-20mg, while Lexapro should be lowered by about 5-10mg every 1-2 weeks.

Please remember to rate and close this answer thread when you are finished and satisfied.

In the future, for continuity of care, I encourage you to contact me directly at my private web address below. After you ask a direct question, it would be my pleasure to be your dedicated personal physician on this website. My name is Dr. Sheppe, and I am an XXXXXXX doctor working in New York City at NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital, ranked #1 for Psychiatry in the United States (tinyurl.com/psyrank). For a personalized comprehensive evaluation, treatment recommendations, and individual therapy, ask me at HealthCareMagic at this private web address: tinyurl.com/DrSheppeAnswers

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Nagamani Ng

Follow up: Dr. Alexander H. Sheppe (8 minutes later)

What's the chances of lexapro causing qt prolongation, that's one of my main concerns

Answered by Dr. Alexander H. Sheppe (1 minute later)

Brief Answer:
Followup

Detailed Answer:
Lexapro will not cause QTc prolongation at doses equal to or less than 20mg daily.

Please remember to rate and close this answer thread when you are finished and satisfied.

In the future, for continuity of care, I encourage you to contact me directly at my private web address below. After you ask a direct question, it would be my pleasure to be your dedicated personal physician on this website. My name is Dr. Sheppe, and I am an XXXXXXX doctor working in New York City at NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital, ranked #1 for Psychiatry in the United States (tinyurl.com/psyrank). For a personalized comprehensive evaluation, treatment recommendations, and individual therapy, ask me at HealthCareMagic at this private web address: tinyurl.com/DrSheppeAnswers

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Nagamani Ng

Follow up: Dr. Alexander H. Sheppe (11 minutes later)

is that a definite answer or just what's likely because I had another doctor tell me that it wasn't likely but some monitor myself with EKGs and that kind of concerned me because my anxiety is caused by fear of health problems

Answered by Dr. Alexander H. Sheppe (6 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Followup

Detailed Answer:
That is a definite answer. The other doctor is incorrect.

Please remember to rate and close this answer thread when you are finished and satisfied.

In the future, for continuity of care, I encourage you to contact me directly at my private web address below. After you ask a direct question, it would be my pleasure to be your dedicated personal physician on this website. My name is Dr. Sheppe, and I am an XXXXXXX doctor working in New York City at NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital, ranked #1 for Psychiatry in the United States (tinyurl.com/psyrank). For a personalized comprehensive evaluation, treatment recommendations, and individual therapy, ask me at HealthCareMagic at this private web address: tinyurl.com/DrSheppeAnswers

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Nagamani Ng