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Q. For depression, I am taking Escitalopram for two years. Should I stop the drug gradually?

Answered by
Dr. Surabhi
and medically reviewed by Dr. Sneha Kannan
This is a premium question & answer published on Aug 27, 2020 and last reviewed on: Nov 11, 2020

Hello Doctor Surabhi,

I am taking Escitalopram for 2 years now, as I developed anxiety and feelings of beeing generally worried. I do feel alright. I am a male and 41 years old. My history had depressions (mild) and using Setraline from the last 10 to 7 years, then I stopped and 2 years ago the above mentioned feelings startet. It is possible to try to stop this medicine and to see how I will feel? Should I stop gradually? Best regards

#

Dear,

Greetings. Its good to know that you are doing well on medicines.

Since the current episode of Depression is 2nd ( as evident from your history) , I would advise you to complete a minimum of 2 year course of Escitalopram.

If you have already taken medicines for 2 years then you can slowly taper the medicines.The dose reduction should be very gradual.But if anytime during the phase when your medicines are being tapered you have any relapse or remergence of syptoms suggestive of depression or anxiety you might have to take medicines for a longer duration.

To properly advise you regarding the dose reductions and how it should be done, kindly let me know the current dose of Escitalopram you are taking. I would also suggest you to go for Cognitive Behaviour Therapy as this therapy has shown to dramatically reduce the risk of relapse of depression.

Kindly let me know the history and drug history in detail so that I may give even more proper advise. Thanks and Take care.

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