HomeAnswersPsychiatryantidepressantsCan I stop taking Escitalopram for depression gradually, as it has been two years?

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

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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. Surabhi

Medically reviewed by

Dr. Sneha Kannan

Published At August 27, 2020
Reviewed AtJanuary 29, 2024

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?

Answered by Dr. Surabhi

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.

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

Dr. Surabhi

Dr. Surabhi

Psychiatry

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