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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Suggest Treatment For Panic Attacks Followed By Insomnia

I have been on Lexpro for about 6 years... It works good, but since maybe Wednesday I have been feeling real panicky ... I am pm 20 milligram and I have skipped a pill one day took a lesser dose one day and then maybe take the 20& then repeat ... Skip, skip , take less dosage than I am so supposed too. I have been taking it right since the other day but now I am still panicky and really can not go to sleep , do you have ant suggestions ??




Fri, 21 Nov 2014
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Psychiatrist,  's  Response
Hello thanks for asking from HCM

Lexapro is escitalopram and it is a SSRI drug. The drug cause changes in serotonin receptor levels and is responsible for action in depression. You have been taking the drug since last 6 years in high doses and then started skipping the doses. Took less dose on one day then skipped the dose. This has resulted in precipitation of withdrawal. It is not advisable to discontinue the doses without consultation of a psychiatrist. Usually in my clinic I advise patients to gradually taper the doses about 20-25% every 2 weeks and to stop completely stop at the end of 8-12 weeks. Reducing the dose by this method will not result in withdrawal syndrome. The symptoms of anxiety, panic attacks and insomnia are most probably due to withdrawal syndrome.

Consult your psychiatrist for details of treatment.

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Suggest Treatment For Panic Attacks Followed By Insomnia

Hello thanks for asking from HCM Lexapro is escitalopram and it is a SSRI drug. The drug cause changes in serotonin receptor levels and is responsible for action in depression. You have been taking the drug since last 6 years in high doses and then started skipping the doses. Took less dose on one day then skipped the dose. This has resulted in precipitation of withdrawal. It is not advisable to discontinue the doses without consultation of a psychiatrist. Usually in my clinic I advise patients to gradually taper the doses about 20-25% every 2 weeks and to stop completely stop at the end of 8-12 weeks. Reducing the dose by this method will not result in withdrawal syndrome. The symptoms of anxiety, panic attacks and insomnia are most probably due to withdrawal syndrome. Consult your psychiatrist for details of treatment. Thanks