I Started 20mg Celexa Three Months Ago For Low Mood

Posted on Thu, 30 Jan 2020

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

Thu, 30 Jan 2020 Answered on

Last reviewed on

Question : I started 20mg Celexa three months ago for low mood and stress around the holidays. 4 days on it had a panic attack and had never had one. Stopped two days and decided said keep going and took two more days and had enough because I was out of it with fear and such. That fear and newfound anxiety is still with me including some mild and fading agoraphobia but I have slowed in getting back to my original self. Should I retry another SSRI like Paxil and go low and slow or something totally different. My anxiety and fear are really bad.

Answered by Dr. Suresh Heijebu (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
SSRIs should be reinitiated

Detailed Answer:
Hello Sir

I can certainly understand your concern

I have worked through your attached query in detail

Many of your symptoms require reinitiation of SSRI therapy.

These are predominantly symptoms of anxiety disorder.

SSRIs like Sertraline or Escitalopram will be very helpful.

Beginning at low doses, the drug can be escalated to optimum doses.

Post your further queries if any.

Thank you

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad

Follow up: Dr. Suresh Heijebu (45 minutes later)

Thanks. Are those two the best two for the situation - as in least likely to cause a spontaneous panic attack and should I take half or a quarter of the lowest dose? How fast would I move up to a higher dose?

Answered by Dr. Suresh Heijebu (3 days later)

Brief Answer:
Standard dose can be considered

Detailed Answer:
Hello

Yes these pills are the drugs of choice.

In case of panic attack, you can consider full.dose of a pill.

Maximum dosage can be titrated to in 1 to 2 week.

Post your further queries if any
Thank you

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vaishalee Punj