HealthCareMagic is now Ask A Doctor - 24x7 | https://www.askadoctor24x7.com

question-icon

Forgot To Take Citalopram, Having Bad Anxiety And Racing Thoughts. Can I Take Clonazapam?

default
Posted on Mon, 14 Oct 2013
Question: I forgot to take my citalopram for the past 3 days, and I'm having really bad anxiety and racing thoughts, can I take .5mg of clonazapam for the anxiety? I'm out of State on my honeymoon, so this isn't making for a nice time.


doctor
Answered by Dr. Seikhoo Bishnoi (1 hour later)
Brief Answer:
Hello

Detailed Answer:
Welcome to Health Care Magic

You forgot to take Citalopram for past 3 days and this has progressed to severe anxiety, uncontrolled thoughts. Citalopram is a SSRI drug and it works by increasing serotonergic transmission in brain. There are two possible causes of your anxiety-

One most likely reason is withdrawal syndrome of SSRIs. Sudden stoppage of SSRI without tapering the dose may result in such symptoms of anxiety associated with irritability. Clonazepam 0.5 mg may help in some symptomatic control but I would recommend you to take at least half the dose of Citalopram which you were taking. This will result in decrease in symptoms. Most likely the symptoms are due to withdrawal only.

Other possible reason is increase in anxiety itself. Clonazepam will control the symptoms for some time.

If possible take Omega 3 Fatty Acid Soft gels and diet XXXXXXX in milk, curd, carbohydrates. These will help in early resolution.

Hope this helps you, If you have more questions you can ask again.

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

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Seikhoo Bishnoi

Psychiatrist

Practicing since :2007

Answered : 5193 Questions

premium_optimized

The User accepted the expert's answer

Share on

Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties

159 Doctors Online

By proceeding, I accept the Terms and Conditions

HCM Blog Instant Access to Doctors
HCM Blog Questions Answered
HCM Blog Satisfaction
Forgot To Take Citalopram, Having Bad Anxiety And Racing Thoughts. Can I Take Clonazapam?

Brief Answer:
Hello

Detailed Answer:
Welcome to Health Care Magic

You forgot to take Citalopram for past 3 days and this has progressed to severe anxiety, uncontrolled thoughts. Citalopram is a SSRI drug and it works by increasing serotonergic transmission in brain. There are two possible causes of your anxiety-

One most likely reason is withdrawal syndrome of SSRIs. Sudden stoppage of SSRI without tapering the dose may result in such symptoms of anxiety associated with irritability. Clonazepam 0.5 mg may help in some symptomatic control but I would recommend you to take at least half the dose of Citalopram which you were taking. This will result in decrease in symptoms. Most likely the symptoms are due to withdrawal only.

Other possible reason is increase in anxiety itself. Clonazepam will control the symptoms for some time.

If possible take Omega 3 Fatty Acid Soft gels and diet XXXXXXX in milk, curd, carbohydrates. These will help in early resolution.

Hope this helps you, If you have more questions you can ask again.

Thanks