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How should I discontinue tablet Escitalopram safely before getting dependant on the drug?

This Premium Q&A, reviewed and published, features a real conversation between an iCliniq user and a physician.

Patient's Query

Hello doctor,

I have been taking Escitalopram for one year for OCD and depression. It made me feel normal again. Recently, I stopped taking antidepressants, and I feel a bit depressed again. I have not experienced any side effects due to the medication. So, is it fine if I continue being on antidepressants? Will I get addicted to antidepressants if I continue taking them?

Thanks.

Answered by Dr. Awadhesh P Singh Solanki

Education:

MBBS

Professional Bio:

Dr. Awadhesh P. Singh Solanki is a renowned Psychiatrist with expertise in treating mood disorders, anxiety, depression, schizophrenia, and substance use disorders. He is skilled in psychotherapy, medication management, and holistic mental health care. With a compassionate and patient-centered approach, Dr. Solanki is dedicated to improving emotional well-being and empowering individuals to lead healthier, balanced lives through evidence-based psychiatric treatment.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

Thanks for your query. No, Escitalopram does not cause dependence and tolerance. However, one should not discontinue it all of a sudden. We need to taper it gradually before stopping.

I hope my answer helped you.

Kind regards.

Patient's Query

Hello doctor,

Thanks for the reply.

Your help is appreciated. Is it acceptable if I end up having to take Escitalopram lifelong as there are no side effects?

Thanks.

Answered by Dr. Awadhesh P Singh Solanki

Education:

MBBS

Professional Bio:

Dr. Awadhesh P. Singh Solanki is a renowned Psychiatrist with expertise in treating mood disorders, anxiety, depression, schizophrenia, and substance use disorders. He is skilled in psychotherapy, medication management, and holistic mental health care. With a compassionate and patient-centered approach, Dr. Solanki is dedicated to improving emotional well-being and empowering individuals to lead healthier, balanced lives through evidence-based psychiatric treatment.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

Hi,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

It depends upon your need and dependence. However, I have seen few people who are taking it for years without any issue.

Regards.

Medically reviewed by iCliniq medical review team
Published At September 23, 2021
Reviewed At August 25, 2022

Education:

MBBS

Professional Bio:

Dr. Awadhesh P. Singh Solanki is a renowned Psychiatrist with expertise in treating mood disorders, anxiety, depression, schizophrenia, and substance use disorders. He is skilled in psychotherapy, medication management, and holistic mental health care. With a compassionate and patient-centered approach, Dr. Solanki is dedicated to improving emotional well-being and empowering individuals to lead healthier, balanced lives through evidence-based psychiatric treatment.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

Same symptoms don't mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!

Education:

MBBS

Professional Bio:

Dr. Awadhesh P. Singh Solanki is a renowned Psychiatrist with expertise in treating mood disorders, anxiety, depression, schizophrenia, and substance use disorders. He is skilled in psychotherapy, medication management, and holistic mental health care. With a compassionate and patient-centered approach, Dr. Solanki is dedicated to improving emotional well-being and empowering individuals to lead healthier, balanced lives through evidence-based psychiatric treatment.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

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