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

Get your health question answered instantly from our pool of 18000+ doctors from over 80 specialties
159 Doctors Online

By proceeding, I accept the Terms and Conditions

Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

HCM Blog Instant Access to Doctors
HCM BlogQuestions Answered
HCM Blog Satisfaction

What Causes Anxiety And Depression Despite Taking Lexapro?

I have been on 20mg of Lexapro for 8 weeks an 1 mg of klonopin. I took 3 week to feel better and I felt great for a month. Now I have relapsed with anxiety symptoms and depression. Is this common?, and should I continue the meds to allow more time to take full effect.
Fri, 28 Aug 2015
Report Abuse
Psychiatrist,  's  Response
Hello thanks for asking from HCM for your health related queries

I can understand your concern. Lexapro is Escitalopram and the drug is a SSRI drug. Klonopin is Clonazepam and the drug is a benzodiazepine drug. Both drugs are used commonly in anxiety. You have been taking the drug since last 8 weeks and symptoms have relapsed. If the symptoms of anxiety, depression are persisting then you can consult your psychiatrist for re-evaluation.

As you are already taking high doses of Escitalopram so there is no question to increase its does further. Either the drug should be supplemented by some augmentation drug like Bupropion to get desired effects or the drug can be changed to some other SSRI (Sertraline, Fluoxetine etc are choices) or more potent antidepressant. Mirtazapine, Tianeptine etc can be utilised for good results. For relief of anxiety symptoms SOS basis use of Clonazepam can help. This will reduce the severe anxiety symptoms. Try relaxation exercises, breathing exercises, yoga to remain relaxed. Visit your psychiatrist for prescription of the drugs I have mentioned.

Thanks, Hope this helps you. Take care

Dr. Seikhoo Bishnoi,
Psychiatrist.
I find this answer helpful
Note: For further follow up on related General & Family Physician Click here.
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]
Share on
 
Loading Online Doctors....
What Causes Anxiety And Depression Despite Taking Lexapro?

Hello thanks for asking from HCM for your health related queries I can understand your concern. Lexapro is Escitalopram and the drug is a SSRI drug. Klonopin is Clonazepam and the drug is a benzodiazepine drug. Both drugs are used commonly in anxiety. You have been taking the drug since last 8 weeks and symptoms have relapsed. If the symptoms of anxiety, depression are persisting then you can consult your psychiatrist for re-evaluation. As you are already taking high doses of Escitalopram so there is no question to increase its does further. Either the drug should be supplemented by some augmentation drug like Bupropion to get desired effects or the drug can be changed to some other SSRI (Sertraline, Fluoxetine etc are choices) or more potent antidepressant. Mirtazapine, Tianeptine etc can be utilised for good results. For relief of anxiety symptoms SOS basis use of Clonazepam can help. This will reduce the severe anxiety symptoms. Try relaxation exercises, breathing exercises, yoga to remain relaxed. Visit your psychiatrist for prescription of the drugs I have mentioned. Thanks, Hope this helps you. Take care Dr. Seikhoo Bishnoi, Psychiatrist.