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Anxiety, Panic Attacks, Intrusive Thoughts. Prescribed Citalopram And Sertraline. Do I Need Medicines?
Hello, I was originally prescribed citalopram approximately 4 weeks ago (10 mg for 18 days, the. 20 mg for 9 days). As I was still experiencing side effects my GP switched me to Sertraline 50mg 6 days ago. However I feel that medication is not the solution to my anxiety so I reduced my Sertraline dose to 25mg yesterday in the hope of coming off the medication in a week. I have never been an anxious person until my first panic attack 8 weeks ago, in the beginning I had intrusive thoughts which I was scared of and thus kept my anxiety going. However now I am no longer scared of the thoughts as I recognise them as just thoughts I feel I can beat the anxiety without the medication. (Please note I have experienced increased anxiety as a side effect of these SSRIs). What are your thoughts of tapering off over a week given that I have not been on the mediation that long. Please note I am also seeing a clinical psychologist every week through my private health care. Thank you.
Fri, 7 Jun 2013
Hi,
Thanks for using healthcare magic.
I have gone through your history.
Citalopram as well as sertraline are good , potent anti depressant drug with anti anxiety property. Antidepressants drug usually takes some time to start acting. In your case, you have not given sufficient time for drug to have action.
You should not taper the drug without consulting your doctor.
You should discuss your side effects to your doctor and than, doctor will decide whether you should continue on medication or should go only by counselling.
Counselling and cognitive behavior therapy as well as relaxation therapy are off good help to control anxiety.
Thanks.
Thanks for using healthcare magic.
I have gone through your history.
Citalopram as well as sertraline are good , potent anti depressant drug with anti anxiety property. Antidepressants drug usually takes some time to start acting. In your case, you have not given sufficient time for drug to have action.
You should not taper the drug without consulting your doctor.
You should discuss your side effects to your doctor and than, doctor will decide whether you should continue on medication or should go only by counselling.
Counselling and cognitive behavior therapy as well as relaxation therapy are off good help to control anxiety.
Thanks.
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