HealthCareMagic is now Ask A Doctor - 24x7 | https://www.askadoctor24x7.com

Get your health question answered instantly from our pool of 18000+ doctors from over 80 specialties
159 Doctors Online

By proceeding, I accept the Terms and Conditions

Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

HCM Blog Instant Access to Doctors
HCM BlogQuestions Answered
HCM Blog Satisfaction

Suggest Treatment For Depressive Episode Leading To Excessive Crying

Hi-

I have been on lexapro 20 mg for two years. It used to work okay, but has stopped working. I am having a MAJOR depressive episode for two weeks now which has rendered me useless (crying, sleeping all of the time, can't leave my home, etc.).

The only other drug I take is klonopin 2 mg. My psych doc and I are going to try emsam, but I'm in the "wash out" period and have only been off of lexapro for three days. Do I really have to wait another week to start emsam at 6 mg? If so, is there anything I can take during this waiting period? I'm a mess and can't function!

I am a 36 yr old female, 100 lbs and 5'4
Wed, 14 Jan 2015
Report Abuse
Psychiatrist 's  Response
Hello thanks for asking from HCM

You were taking Escitalopram 20 mg since last 2 years and it was working but now you have symptoms of Major Depression and the drug is not working properly. You still have persistent symptoms like crying spells, excessive sleepiness, inability to leave home etc. For this depression you have been advised to take Selegiline transdermal patch (EMASAM). Selegiline is an inhibitor of MAO-A enzyme and the drug is useful in moderate to severe depression and some times in resistant depression. You were taking Lexapro and this is a SSRI drug. Taking Selegiline along with Lexapro may result in serious serotonin syndrome and you may suffer serious symptoms. So it is advisable to wait for at least a week to start a MAO-I drug after stopping a SSRI drug. So as per my opinion you should wait for at least a week. Don't forget to consult your doctor before starting the drug.

Thanks, hope this helps you.

Take Care
I find this answer helpful

Note: For further guidance on mental health, Click here.
Disclaimer: These answers are for your information only and not intended to replace your relationship with your treating physician.
This is a short, free answer. For a more detailed, immediate answer, try our premium service [Sample answer]
Share on
 

Related questions you may be interested in


Recent questions on Monoamine oxidase inhibitor


Loading Online Doctors....
Suggest Treatment For Depressive Episode Leading To Excessive Crying

Hello thanks for asking from HCM You were taking Escitalopram 20 mg since last 2 years and it was working but now you have symptoms of Major Depression and the drug is not working properly. You still have persistent symptoms like crying spells, excessive sleepiness, inability to leave home etc. For this depression you have been advised to take Selegiline transdermal patch (EMASAM). Selegiline is an inhibitor of MAO-A enzyme and the drug is useful in moderate to severe depression and some times in resistant depression. You were taking Lexapro and this is a SSRI drug. Taking Selegiline along with Lexapro may result in serious serotonin syndrome and you may suffer serious symptoms. So it is advisable to wait for at least a week to start a MAO-I drug after stopping a SSRI drug. So as per my opinion you should wait for at least a week. Don t forget to consult your doctor before starting the drug. Thanks, hope this helps you. Take Care