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Was On Escitil, Stopped And Felt Bad. Asked To Start Again With Citalopram. Have Dizziness, Sweating, Headaches And Palpitaion

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Posted on Thu, 3 Oct 2013
Question: I was on Escitil for 3months. I stopped them suddenly and I started feeling bad.My doctor said I need to start the tablets again and I am on citalopram for 2 weeks now.I was told escitil and citalopram are the same tablets but with different chemical structure. I just dont feel well. I am dizzy , sweating, pains in my back and neck, headaches and palpitation. I feel constantly tired. I am yawning all the time and I dont feel like doing anything. I cant relax .I feel tense for some reason. I feel short of breath as well. I dont know what to do.
When I started taking Escitil I didnt experience any symptoms like that. What could be the reason for me to feel like that. I need some advice
doctor
Answered by Dr. Seikhoo Bishnoi (58 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Both are drugs of same group

Detailed Answer:
Hello
Welcome to XXXXXXX

Escitalopram and Citalopram both are drugs of SSRI group. SSRIs are the drugs which cause increase in serotonin transmission in brain and help in depression and anxiety. All drugs of SSRI group have almost same efficacy and side effects, but they differ in onset and duration of effect. Some individuals may respond to one SSRI while may not respond to other. So if an individual fails to show response shifting of drug is advised.

Escitalopram is nothing but an enantiomer of Citalopram, or in simple terms both have almost same chemical structure. Usually the SSRIs show their effect in about 4 weeks, as you have been taking the drug since last 2 week I would advise you to please wait for at least 2 more weeks and you will see improvement. The side effects of increased anxiety and dizziness you are having will go by own. If no improvement occur after 4 weeks addition of other drug can be kept in mind.

Thanks, if you have more questions you can ask again.
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

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Was On Escitil, Stopped And Felt Bad. Asked To Start Again With Citalopram. Have Dizziness, Sweating, Headaches And Palpitaion

Brief Answer:
Both are drugs of same group

Detailed Answer:
Hello
Welcome to XXXXXXX

Escitalopram and Citalopram both are drugs of SSRI group. SSRIs are the drugs which cause increase in serotonin transmission in brain and help in depression and anxiety. All drugs of SSRI group have almost same efficacy and side effects, but they differ in onset and duration of effect. Some individuals may respond to one SSRI while may not respond to other. So if an individual fails to show response shifting of drug is advised.

Escitalopram is nothing but an enantiomer of Citalopram, or in simple terms both have almost same chemical structure. Usually the SSRIs show their effect in about 4 weeks, as you have been taking the drug since last 2 week I would advise you to please wait for at least 2 more weeks and you will see improvement. The side effects of increased anxiety and dizziness you are having will go by own. If no improvement occur after 4 weeks addition of other drug can be kept in mind.

Thanks, if you have more questions you can ask again.