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What Causes Nausea And Panic Attack Post Intake Of Lexapro?

Posted on Thu, 14 Jul 2016

Question: I've been taking 5 mg of lexapro as prescribed by my psychiatrist for only 2 nights. I awoke in the middle of the night tonight with nausea and panic. How long is this attack going to last? Can I take a kolonipin to help it subside? My psychiatrists office isn't open for another 3 hours, but I need advice ASAP.

Answered by Dr. Dr. Ashok Kumar Choudhary (27 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
It can be taken for time being

Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thanks for using Healthcaremagic.

I read your query and understand your concerns.

During the first week of SSRI medicines many patients experience heightened anxiety. The side effects generally remit at the end of first week so it can be stated that this is self limiting side effect and you will not experience after the one week (most probably). In rare cases they may extend upto two weeks, as per literature, but I have never seen such patients even after writing about at least 10000 prescriptions.

Regarding Klonopin I routinely give klonopin to be taken on need basis during first week of SSRI treatment. I mean to say that if you had overwhelming anxiety and panic attacks you can take Klonopin on need basis.

Hope I am able to answer your concerns.
If you have any further query, I would be glad to help you.
If not, you may close the discussion and if possible you may rate the answer for my future patients.
In future if you wish to contact me directly, you can use the below mentioned link:
http://doctor.healthcaremagic.com/doctors/dr-ashok-kumar/67386
Thanks and regards.

Brief Answer:
By taking klonopin on need basis

Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thanks for reverting back to me.

Since the anxiety and panic symptoms are result of medication and the only option is to manage them by anti anxiety medication.

For immediate relief benzodiazepines are the best option and Klonopin is one among them.

You can take 0.25 mg on need basis after discussing with your psychiatrist.

I hope this clarifies further.
Thanks and regards.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Ashok Kumar Choudhary (2 hours later)

How can I ease the anxiety and panic that I am feeling right now? In my current condition, I can't imagine making it into the office today nor keeping my weekend plans of travel. I have never experienced panic or anxiety of this severity prior to starting the lexipro.

I'll be discontinuing use of the lexipro immediately. Should I expect any withdrawal symptoms even though it's only been two days of use? I want to minimize my use of the kolonipin because it's highly addictive. My ultimate goal is to go off all medication at this point, as the symptoms and side effects have proven to be worse than my small level of situational anxiety

Answered by Dr. Dr. Ashok Kumar Choudhary (4 hours later)

Brief Answer:
There will be no withdrawal symptoms but anxiety may stay for a week

Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thanks for reverting back to me.

Although I do not question your decision to stop Lexapro but whether you stop or continue the experienced anxiety symptoms may continue for similar period. Since Lexapro have the half life of around 30 hours it will remain the body for next two three days.

Similarly anxiety symptoms will be continued for same duration as it is time limited side effect.

I must make it clear that withdrawal symptoms will not be present as two days of use does not make you vulnerable for withdrawal symptoms.

Hope I am able to answer your concerns.
If you have any further query, I would be glad to help you.
Thanks and regards.

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

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar