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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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What Is The Treatment For Anxiety And Depression?

Hi, i have been taking sipralexa for the past 6months , one pill every morning at the same time. It was prescribed to me by my GP due to high anxiety,fears and depression symptoms. It has been a week that i have stopped my cure as explained to me by reducing the dose everyday for a week but iam having agitated nights, sleepless nights. I am very worried. What should i do?
Mon, 10 Nov 2014
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Psychiatrist,  's  Response
Hello thanks for asking

You have been taking Sipralexa for past six months for treatment of anxiety and depression. Now from past one week due to decrease in dose you have developed anxiety, agitation, sleeplessness etc symptoms. Escitalopram is a SSRI drug and abrupt stoppage of this drug after chronic use results in withdrawal effects. So it is advised to taper the dose of drug gradually over 6-8 weeks. You have been decreasing the dose daily and this has caused withdrawal effects. As per my opinion the dose should be decreased about 20-25% per week and to be stopped after 6-8 weeks. In this way withdrawal symptoms will not occur.

Take plenty of water, diets rich in carbohydrates and protein to decrease the symptoms. Consult your psychiatrist if problem persist.

Thanks, hope this helps you

Dr. Seikhoo Bishnoi, MD
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What Is The Treatment For Anxiety And Depression?

Hello thanks for asking You have been taking Sipralexa for past six months for treatment of anxiety and depression. Now from past one week due to decrease in dose you have developed anxiety, agitation, sleeplessness etc symptoms. Escitalopram is a SSRI drug and abrupt stoppage of this drug after chronic use results in withdrawal effects. So it is advised to taper the dose of drug gradually over 6-8 weeks. You have been decreasing the dose daily and this has caused withdrawal effects. As per my opinion the dose should be decreased about 20-25% per week and to be stopped after 6-8 weeks. In this way withdrawal symptoms will not occur. Take plenty of water, diets rich in carbohydrates and protein to decrease the symptoms. Consult your psychiatrist if problem persist. Thanks, hope this helps you Dr. Seikhoo Bishnoi, MD