Patient's Query
Hi doctor,
I am a 41-year-old male. I am taking Escitalopram for two years now as I developed anxiety and a feeling of being generally worried. I had depression in my past and took Sertraline for the last seven to ten years. When I stopped it two years back, I started to have anxiety and a generalized feeling of being worried. Is it good to stop this medicine now? If so, how to stop it? Do I need to stop it gradually?
Hi,
Welcome to icliniq.com.
Currently, you are having a second episode of depression. I suggest you take Escitalopram for a minimum course of two years completely. As you have taken medicine already for two years, then you can taper the medicine gradually. The dose reduction should be very gradual. If you taper your medicines immediately during this phase, then you can have any relapse or reemergence of symptoms suggestive of depression or anxiety. Then you need to take medicines for a longer duration. Kindly mention the current dose of Escitalopram for having proper advice regarding dose reduction. I suggest you have cognitive behavioral therapy as this reduces the risk of relapse or depression. Kindly mention the past history and drug history in detail for having proper advice.
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Answered by Education: M.B.B.S Professional Bio: Dr.Surabhi is an expert in the field of Psychiatry. She is experienced and well-versed in all the treatment modalities in Psychiatry. This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore. Dr. Surabhi
Medically reviewed byDr. Sneha Kannan
Same symptoms don't mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!
Dr. Surabhi
Psychiatry
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