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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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What Are The Side Effects Of Cipralex Tablet?

I have started taking Cipralex again after being off of it for about 5 months. All of a sudden I've started having severe social anxiety. I can't even leave my house. Anyway, I took 5mg day 1 then 10 for days 2 and 3 the 15 today. I just read that you shouldn't exceed 10mg the first week. Am I going to be okay? I feel dixxy and have a headache.
Wed, 18 Feb 2015
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Psychiatrist 's  Response
Hello welcome to HCM

Cipralex is Escitalopram and the drug is a SSRI drug. When the drug is started for first week individuals may suffer increase in anxiety, restlessness etc symptoms. So it is usually advised to start with low doses of drug and then to progress gradually after one week. Usually start from 5 mg dose is good but as per my opinion doses should be increased only after a week and then further increase if needed, should be done after one more week. You have progressed the dose increase rapidly and this is the reason of severe anxiety and headache in your case. I would advise you to reduce the doses again and if even then symptoms persist then consult a psychiatrist. Low dose benzodiazepines can help to reduce the symptoms you are having till Escitalopram starts to show its effect.

Discuss with your psychiatrist before making any change in prescription.

Thanks
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What Are The Side Effects Of Cipralex Tablet?

Hello welcome to HCM Cipralex is Escitalopram and the drug is a SSRI drug. When the drug is started for first week individuals may suffer increase in anxiety, restlessness etc symptoms. So it is usually advised to start with low doses of drug and then to progress gradually after one week. Usually start from 5 mg dose is good but as per my opinion doses should be increased only after a week and then further increase if needed, should be done after one more week. You have progressed the dose increase rapidly and this is the reason of severe anxiety and headache in your case. I would advise you to reduce the doses again and if even then symptoms persist then consult a psychiatrist. Low dose benzodiazepines can help to reduce the symptoms you are having till Escitalopram starts to show its effect. Discuss with your psychiatrist before making any change in prescription. Thanks