Does reducing the dosage of antidepressants cause a relapse of obsessive-compulsive symptoms?

Question

Hello doctor,

I am a 40-year-old female and I was taking the tablet Flunil 80 and Clonil 75 four times a day which is 300 mg. At this high dose, I am feeling relapse and struggling with anxiety and fear. Recently I have been promoted to a higher post that requires alertness and fast decision-making at work due to which I reduced my dose. Initially, I got relief from OC symptoms. I am taking the tablet Flunil 40 only to achieve alertness in my work so that I commit lesser mistakes in work. I am a medical professional and have several responsibilities which I cannot deny handling. I am in charge of my unit. I fear that OC relapse in lower doses. I am unable to handle my duties. Kindly help and suggest what should I do. I want to be alert at work and medicines make me drowsy. But I fear relapse too. What should I do?

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I have read your query and am sorry for such discomfort. You are taking the maximum dose of both medications and yet there is a relapse of the obsessive-compulsive symptoms. I would sincerely suggest you ask your treating psychiatrist as the treating psychiatrist would be knowing your medical condition better for new medication in the treatment or change in the medication or to include other treatment modalities. Also do not adjust the medication dose on your own.

Thank you.