Re: Can you increase and then decrease Lexapro during stressful times?

Originally Posted by
panicface
Can you move up to 20mg for 6 months and then taper back to 15, and 10mg after that? Or is it a scenario that once you climb higher you're stuck there?
Yes, you can up the dose as stress increases and wind it back as it diminishes. Basically, the med is in a tug-of-war with stress hormones. As hormone levels increase you may need to up the med dose to prevent and reverse a resulting loss of brain cells in the hippocampal regions which manifests as anxiety and/or depression. However, don't drop the dose below 10mg/day.
Also, I wouldn't increase the dose to 20mg in one step. A week at 15mg will help limit the intensity of any side-effects. Also, you should get your GP's, or psychiatrist's okay before changing the dose, up or down.
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The opinions expressed above are based on my observations and, where applicable, interpretation of cited data and are general in nature. Consult your physician before acting on anything stated.