When to get off meds?

about 6 months ago, certain events happened that caused me very substantial anxiety.  For the first time in my life, I saw a psychiatrist and began taking a low dose of Lexapro and a beta blocker called Atenolol.  I have also been doing therapy with the psychiatrist.  I am doing a lot better.  I still sometimes think about the events that caused my anxiety, but I don't spent a lot of time doing so.  I am really trying to move on.  I am trying to figure out when I should stop talking the Lexapro and Atenolol.  (I don't want to be on  these meds forever, or longer than needed).  I asked my doctor, but he did not have much of use to say. He said the goal is to get off the meds but for now I should keep taking them.  He did not provide me with any guidance as to when he (or I) would  know when it is time.  I suspect the decision to get off the meds will  have to be mine rather than the doc's.  So how do I know when it is time to get off?  Thanks.

PS -- I hope you all are doing well.  I feel very fortunate to be doing better, but I know not everyone is, and to those of you who are having a difficult time, I know it is very hard and I wish you better times soon.

 

Hi

Your doctor or psychiatrist should really be advising you about when to stop medication and when you do decide to stop you must do so under supervision of your doctor and slowly come of them.

As a guide I have heard that you should really be anxiety free for at least 6 months before considering to stop the medication but I am not a doctor so best to discuss with them.

Hibee

I met with doc yesterday. Asked him how I would know when it is time to try life without the meds. He really was not able to answer that question. He said "you are doing well now; I would keep doing what you're doing." That is nice but not responsive to my question. At some point, I suppose I will just have to tell him I want to try to get off meds. Can't leave all decision making to the doc, even though he's a smart guy.