Dr. Seikhoo Bishnui
Psychiatry
The following is an actual conversation between an iCliniq user and a doctor that has been reviewed and published as a Premium Q&A.
Answered by
Medically reviewed by
Patient's Query
Hello doctor,
I suffer from anxiety and currently taking Escitalopram 15 mg with Flupentixol 5 mg for a long time. Flupenthixol interferes with my sleep. Does augmentation with Vortioxetine provide the same anxiolytic benefit as that of Flupenthixol 5 mg? If so can I stay on it for the long term? Kindly suggest.
Hello,
Welcome to icliniq.com.
Flupentixol in low doses helps with anxiety and helps in relaxation. Vortioxetine helps with depression and also has anti-anxiety actions. But the actions are totally different than Flupentixole. Yes, its regular use can help in anxiety but that cannot directly help in controlling anxiety symptoms. I hope this helps you. For sleep issues, you can take a low dose of Benzodiazepine like Etizolam.
Thank you.
Patient's Query
Hello doctor,
My job requires technical talent. My problem is that I have poor concentration. I drift into different trivial thoughts while working. My memory is also poor. I believe since my attention is poor, the memory of activities that I undertake is poor. On top of that, I get sleep trouble due to Flupenthixol 5mg. Currently, I am managing the same with Nortriptyline 50 mg. But it has this side effect. I get screen sensitivity (photosensitivity) while working on a computer screen. When you say it cannot directly help with anxiety symptoms does it make a poor choice as an augmentation agent along with Escitalopram for anxiety? Mine is not GAD but anxiety specifically about hate and heated arguments. I am looking forward to a trial of Flupentixol with Vortioxetine. If it fails then switch back to the current regimen.
Hello,
Welcome back to icliniq.com.
Taking Vortioxetine along with Escitalopram might increase the risk of serotonin syndrome and can add to the risk of side effects. Vortioxetine in optimum doses like 10 mg can alone help in anxiety and depression along with Flupentixole. As such the drug is not an augmentation agent. But for sleep issues, you can continue to take Nortriptyline. That would augment the actions of Vortioxetine too and will help in sleep too.
Thank you.
Was this conversation helpful?
Same symptoms don't mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!
Psychiatry
Disclaimer: No content published on this website is intended to be a substitute for professional medical diagnosis, advice or treatment by a trained physician. Seek advice from your physician or other qualified healthcare providers with questions you may have regarding your symptoms and medical condition for a complete medical diagnosis. Do not delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice because of something you have read on this website. Read our Editorial Process to know how we create content for health articles and queries.
This website uses cookies to ensure you get the best experience on our website. iCliniq privacy policy
