HomeAnswersPsychiatrygeneralized anxiety disorderPlease tell me the side effects of medicines used to treat GAD.

What are the chances of side effects of tablets given for GAD?

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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

Dr. Ashok Kumar

Medically reviewed by

iCliniq medical review team

Published At July 12, 2016
Reviewed AtAugust 3, 2023

Patient's Query

Hi doctor,

I am suffering from unsteadiness, muscle tension, mild fatigue, anxiety and depression. I have been diagnosed with GAD. My doctor prescribed my Clonazapem 5 mg and Escitalopran 10 mg. Is it fine to take half of each tablet? Will it cause any intolerable side effects? I do not want to take medicines. My doctor said that it is mandatory. She said CBT will not work for me. Please help.

Answered by Dr. Ashok Kumar

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I think for a 156 pounds young male the chance of side effects with recommended dose is very minimal, but at the same time I do not think this could be the final dose. Your doctor is right in saying take 5 mg of Escitalopram and this is the minimal effective dose for first time anxiety problem. Since you are already taking Xanax (Alprazolam) I assume that you have this problem for a longtime and it is possible that there will be required to increase the dose in the near future. You also mentioned heart arrhythmia. In that situation we need to be very slow. First, start with 5 mg than 7.5 mg or 10 mg as there are problems encountered by those who has a heart problem. I do not mean there is a serious risk, but caution is warranted. In case if you develop side effects, then there is some possibility of headache, gastrointestinal disturbance and giddiness, which are most common. Regarding the suitability of treatment, I do not find any fault with prescribed treatment as Escitaopram a SSRI (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor), is used for definite treatment of GAD(generalized anxiety disorder) while Clonazepam helps in initial management of anxiety till Escitalopram takes over. Thank you.

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

Dr. Ashok Kumar
Dr. Ashok Kumar

Geriatrics

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