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I Am Having Escitalopram For Anxiety Attacks Since July. Ireached

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Posted on Sun, 9 Dec 2018
Question: I am having escitalopram for anxiety attacks since july. Ireached 15 mg, and the psychiatrist thought it would be better to downside to 10 mg, which I take in the morning.
I need to take a Maxalt because of a cold and very bad migrain, but checking the interactions between MAXALT (Rizatriptan) and escilatropan, I see a problematic interaction. Alson, the Maxalt has been provided by a neurosurgeon.Is there a problem in taking Rizatriptan? I am writing from El XXXXXXX Central XXXXXXX Thank you
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Follow up: Dr. Dr.Dorina Gurabardhi (22 minutes later)
I already paid for the consultation.
I made a mistake. It was a neurologist the one that gave me Rizatriptan, not a neurosurgeon.....
More or less how much longer do I have to wait?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Dr.Dorina Gurabardhi (2 hours later)
Brief Answer:
These medications interact together by causing the serotonin syndrome.

Detailed Answer:
Hello dear and welcome to ‘Ask A Doctor’ service. I have reviewed your query and here is my advice.

The combination of Rizatriptan and Escitalopram can cause interactions.

They may increase the dose of the serotonin in the system and cause the serotonin syndrome.

Both of these medications increases the level of serotonin.

Some of the common symptoms of serotonin syndrome can be nausea, vomiting, tachycardia, agitation, and confusion.

I do not recommend taking these medications together.

I would suggest you consult your doctor about an alternative medication to treat a migraine.

Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Kampana
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Dr.Dorina Gurabardhi (3 hours later)
Is there another medicine for migraine that I can take for migraine or regular headache that will not have the serotonin syndrome?
I have called you because it is a weekend and not possible to get the neurologist. The pain is strong and need to alleviate it. Thank you I have not been able to sleep!!
Regards,
Eleonora
doctor
Answered by Dr. Dr.Dorina Gurabardhi (3 hours later)
Brief Answer:
I suggest taking Acetaminophen every four to six hours for the migraine.

Detailed Answer:
Hi again dear,

In the group of anti inflammatory medications you can use Acetaminophen.

It does not interact with Escitalopram and you don't have the risk of serotonin syndrome.

You can take it every four to six hours depending on the symptoms.

Best wishes dear.

Take care,

Dr.Dorina Gurabardhi
Note: For further guidance on mental health, Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vaishalee Punj
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Dr.Dorina Gurabardhi

General & Family Physician

Practicing since :2013

Answered : 13558 Questions

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I Am Having Escitalopram For Anxiety Attacks Since July. Ireached

I already paid for the consultation. I made a mistake. It was a neurologist the one that gave me Rizatriptan, not a neurosurgeon..... More or less how much longer do I have to wait?