Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with GoogleGet your health question answered instantly from our pool of 18000+ doctors from over 80 specialties
Have Anxiety. Was Taking Citalopram. Continue?
I stopped taking 20mg of citalopram just before Christmas , having been on it for ten months and I've noticed that I am starting to feel anxious again about the same sorts of things that I was before starting the drug. I don't know whether to persevere or start taking them again, as this has happened before twelve months previous when I had to go back on them?
Mon, 15 Apr 2013
Hello
Welcome to health care magic
I can understand your situation. I appreciate your effort to seek online support.
Citalopram is an SSRI which can be used as antianxiety agent also. Since you have relapse of your symptoms, i advise you to take the medication continuously for 2-5 years (or even more than that). You can try other SSRIs like paroxetine, sertraline etc. You may also need psychotherapy sessions and relaxation exercises like deep breathing, yoga or meditation. Consult a psychiatrist for detailed evaluation and management.
Hope it helps
Good luck
Regards
Dr. Gourav Monga
Consultant Psychiatrist
Welcome to health care magic
I can understand your situation. I appreciate your effort to seek online support.
Citalopram is an SSRI which can be used as antianxiety agent also. Since you have relapse of your symptoms, i advise you to take the medication continuously for 2-5 years (or even more than that). You can try other SSRIs like paroxetine, sertraline etc. You may also need psychotherapy sessions and relaxation exercises like deep breathing, yoga or meditation. Consult a psychiatrist for detailed evaluation and management.
Hope it helps
Good luck
Regards
Dr. Gourav Monga
Consultant Psychiatrist
I find this answer helpful
_1589130903.jpg "Dr. Jonas Sundarakumar, Psychiatrist"){kind=icon}
3 Doctors agree with this answer
Hello......
Thanks for your query. Citalopram belongs to SSRI group of anti-anxiety agents. The drug is recommended to be continued atleast for a couple of years for most anxiety disorders. Also, it is ill-advised to stop the drug by yourself without advise of a psychiatrist.
Additionally, you can request your psychiatrist for psychotherapy techniques like CBT/Cognitive behavioural therapy to be added. Yoga, meditation and breathing relaxation exercises are likely to be helpful.
Regards
Dr Sundar
Psychiatrist
Thanks for your query. Citalopram belongs to SSRI group of anti-anxiety agents. The drug is recommended to be continued atleast for a couple of years for most anxiety disorders. Also, it is ill-advised to stop the drug by yourself without advise of a psychiatrist.
Additionally, you can request your psychiatrist for psychotherapy techniques like CBT/Cognitive behavioural therapy to be added. Yoga, meditation and breathing relaxation exercises are likely to be helpful.
Regards
Dr Sundar
Psychiatrist
I find this answer helpful
3 Doctors agree with this answer
Disclaimer: These answers are for your information only and not intended to replace your relationship with your treating physician.
This is a short, free answer.
For a more detailed, immediate answer, try our premium service
[Sample answer]
Related questions you may be interested in
Recent questions on Escitalopram oxalate
Loading Online Doctors....