
Can I Take 10mg Of Escitalopram For Anxiety And Depression?

indicate movement from mild to moderate depression. Agitation / Anxiety spikes requires .5 mg of Xanax. I read that escitalopram is a good SSRI and takes a couple to three weeks to get through intensification of anxiety / depressed effects. But I'm really
scared of the agitation and fear of the thought of "going out of control." Do I press on with 10 mg per day? Do I split dose 1/2 in am 1/2 in pm? Should I stop all together? Primary symptom that really upsets me is the thought that I might "go out of control" and "what if I give in to it." The Xanax does ease this struggle but I know I cannot nor would I want to use this long term. By the way I'm 53 year old male. I exercise regularly. Recent physical and blood test all in normal range.
The drug is safe and will help to control the symptoms.
Detailed Answer:
Hello thanks for asking from HCM for your health related queries
I have read the details provided in history and I can understand your concern. You have anxiety disorders and the thoughts and fear you are having like what if you would go out of control etc are due to anticipatory anxiety only. No need to fear from the intensification of symptoms or agitation. All of your symptoms will reduce with Escitalopram, no need to worry. The drug is a safe drug and has high efficacy.
Coming to your doubts-
- No need to worry from the drug. The 10 mg doses are perfectly fine and you haven't pressed on with this dose.
- No need to split the dose to half doses twice a day. Just continue to use the drug in morning hours in full dose after breakfast. Try to remain relaxed.
- Don't think of stopping the drug. Stopping the drug abruptly might result in withdrawal effects and you might see worsening of the symptoms. So don't think of stopping the drug, instead continue to take the drug as per prescribed doses. The drug will help to reduce the anticipatory anxiety and fear.
- The symptoms you are having are due to anticipation only. Just remain relaxed. Escitalopram helps to reduce these symptoms and doesn't worse these symptoms. You are a healthy individual who exercise daily so you will not suffer the symptoms like going out of control. In events of severe panic you can use Xanax on SOS basis. No harm in using the drug on SOS basis because the drug is a effective drug for anxiety and is safe.
Thanks, Hope this helps you. Please don't hesitate to ask again for more doubts. Take care


Thanks for your appreciation.
Detailed Answer:
Thanks for your appreciation. If you have more doubts to ask please ask again. Try to understand and even accept that such type of anticipatory anxiety can occur in you because you have anxiety disorder. No need to feel bad about this, just try to remain relaxed. With time these symptoms will reduce.
If you are satisfied with conversation then kindly close it. You still have more follow up questions left and can ask.
Take care


These are symptoms of anxiety only
Detailed Answer:
Hello again and thanks for asking a follow up question
These are not the side effects of Lexapro but are most probably the persisting symptoms of anxiety. In anxiety or depression due to numerous thoughts running in mind individuals can't or rather fail to focus on right thoughts and this is the reason they feel distracted. Loss of attention and concentration are important symptoms seen in anxiety. No need to remain worried because with proper treatment these symptoms will decrease and you will feel better. These are not due to side effects of the drug.
Thanks, Hope this helps. Take care. Still have more doubts please ask again.


Take Clonazepam instead of Xanax
Detailed Answer:
Hello again and thanks for asking a follow up question
In my opinion you should keep trying with Klonopin. Klonopin or Clonazepam is a long acting benzodiazepine drug and the drug is relatively less tolerance producing as compared to Xanax. So the drug will be beneficial to you on long term. The drug will take some time to show its effects and body will get adjusted to this drug.
If at some time you feel panicked then you can use Xanax on SOS basis at that time. Skip the dose of Clonazepam and instead take Xanax in states of panic. No need to worry.
Thanks, Hope this helps. Take care.


You can divide it into two parts
Detailed Answer:
Hello again and thanks for asking a follow up
Yes it can be splitted into two 0.25 mg doses, no need to worry.
Thanks


Wait for some time and the drug will calm you.
Detailed Answer:
Hello again and thanks for asking a follow up
No need to take Xanax 0.25 mg, the Klonopin will work in some time and this will help to reduce the anxiety. Just remain relaxed, as you have mentioned the drug is working so the drug will definitely calm you.
Thanks.


Try to limit extra doses to one tablet only
Detailed Answer:
Hello again and thanks for asking a follow up
Don't remain stressed about little change in alertness or emotions. Klonopin is long acting and Alprazolam is fast acting so slight change in mood is acceptable. The doses of 0.25 mg are not high doses so these can be taken even on SOS basis if needed in some emergent situations. But try to take only one extra 0.25 dose in day hours and continue to take other doses as prescription. Try to ignore slight change in mood or symptoms.
Thanks, Still have more doubts please ask again. Take care

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