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Why Does The Doctor Prescribe Citalopram Instead Of Ativan For Depression?

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Posted on Wed, 1 Aug 2018
Question: I have anxiety was given citalopram 20 mg OD have been taking past 6 mo . Never thought I was depressed but had taken Ativan half mg PRN for anxiety & it worked. Dr won"t prescribe Ativan Any thoughts on why
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Answered by Dr. Dr. Soujanya (1 hour later)
Brief Answer:
Brief answer. It may cause respiratory depression and tolerance problems

Detailed Answer:
Detailed answer
Hi xxxxx,
Welcome to health care magic,
I have gone through your query and understand your concern towards your anxiety symptoms and usuage of Ativan

It can be prescribed for anxiety for brief period with good results.

Im not very sure if you have any respiratory complaints or you have been taking since long time that made your doctor not to prescribe as the dose is very minimal what you are taking

GABAPENTIN, which works for neural problems also has an antianxiety action, probably that would have made your doctor to stop ATIVAN

So I would advise you to discuss these issues with your doctor and decide accordingly whether to continue or not

Hope this information would help you
Feel free to ask any further questions
Thank you
Note: For further guidance on mental health, Click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T
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Answered by
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Dr. Dr. Soujanya

Psychiatrist

Practicing since :2008

Answered : 710 Questions

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Why Does The Doctor Prescribe Citalopram Instead Of Ativan For Depression?

Brief Answer: Brief answer. It may cause respiratory depression and tolerance problems Detailed Answer: Detailed answer Hi xxxxx, Welcome to health care magic, I have gone through your query and understand your concern towards your anxiety symptoms and usuage of Ativan It can be prescribed for anxiety for brief period with good results. Im not very sure if you have any respiratory complaints or you have been taking since long time that made your doctor not to prescribe as the dose is very minimal what you are taking GABAPENTIN, which works for neural problems also has an antianxiety action, probably that would have made your doctor to stop ATIVAN So I would advise you to discuss these issues with your doctor and decide accordingly whether to continue or not Hope this information would help you Feel free to ask any further questions Thank you