
Which Medicine Can Be An Alternative To Cipralex Without The Side Effects?

Question: Dear Sir,
I was diagnosed with Anxiety and OCD (Sensorimotor) in 2012 and was on Cipralex 10mg for almost 2 years. The medicine helped me with my Anxiety and OCD and was tapered off after 1 year of usage. The side effect was weight gain.
Since the last 1 month, I have once again started to feel the same way and it seems that everything is going in reverse once again. My Anxiety has increased and OCD obsessions are back. It is becoming increasingly difficult.
I have recently heard about a supplement from one of my friend which is called 5-HTP. Searching about it makes me think that it can be alternative to Cipralex without the Side Effects.
Please let me know if this supplement is safe and can be used for my condition. Also, please let me know the dosage and timings for usage.
Currently I am on :
Thyronorm 62.5 mcg daily
Please note that I had seizures as a child when I was 11 years old and am cured since then.
Thanks and Regards
I was diagnosed with Anxiety and OCD (Sensorimotor) in 2012 and was on Cipralex 10mg for almost 2 years. The medicine helped me with my Anxiety and OCD and was tapered off after 1 year of usage. The side effect was weight gain.
Since the last 1 month, I have once again started to feel the same way and it seems that everything is going in reverse once again. My Anxiety has increased and OCD obsessions are back. It is becoming increasingly difficult.
I have recently heard about a supplement from one of my friend which is called 5-HTP. Searching about it makes me think that it can be alternative to Cipralex without the Side Effects.
Please let me know if this supplement is safe and can be used for my condition. Also, please let me know the dosage and timings for usage.
Currently I am on :
Thyronorm 62.5 mcg daily
Please note that I had seizures as a child when I was 11 years old and am cured since then.
Thanks and Regards
Brief Answer:
My suggestion.
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
yes, definitely 5 HTP medication, would work as it is 5 hydroxy tryptamine, which is a metabolite of serotonin, which plays an important role in depression and OCD.
But, usually in OCD with depression, fluoxetine is the preferred drug which also acts on serotonin.
so, discuss with your doctor regarding this medication and follow accordingly.
There are no harmful interactions for this drug even if you have thyroid problems.
Hope this information would help you.
Thank you.
My suggestion.
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
yes, definitely 5 HTP medication, would work as it is 5 hydroxy tryptamine, which is a metabolite of serotonin, which plays an important role in depression and OCD.
But, usually in OCD with depression, fluoxetine is the preferred drug which also acts on serotonin.
so, discuss with your doctor regarding this medication and follow accordingly.
There are no harmful interactions for this drug even if you have thyroid problems.
Hope this information would help you.
Thank you.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Vaishalee Punj


Thanks for your reply. One more question, are there any risks of seizures with 5 htp. As mentioned, I had seizure as a child and was treated with medication. Have been seizure free for 26 years.
Brief Answer:
No, there is no risk of seizures
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
As there is no risk of any seizures with 5HTP. So nothing to worry.
Hope this information would help you.
Thank you.
No, there is no risk of seizures
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
As there is no risk of any seizures with 5HTP. So nothing to worry.
Hope this information would help you.
Thank you.
Note: For further guidance on mental health, Click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Nagamani Ng

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