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

question-icon

Can Taking Lorazepam With Cipralex Cause Anxiety?

default
Posted on Sat, 9 Jun 2018
Question: Hi. I have been taking lorazepam 0.5 in the morning and 0.5 in the evening for anxiety, along with cipralex 10mg, for the almost two months. I take my lorazepam in the morning around 9 o'clock, and in the evening between 20.30 and 21.30. I still feel anxious around the afternoon. Do you think it's because of may anxiety, cipralex not fully working yet or because of inter-dose withdrawal? Thank you!
doctor
Answered by Dr. Seikhoo Bishnoi (20 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
LORAZEPAM is short acting.

Detailed Answer:
Hello thanks for asking from HCM

Lorazepam is short acting and if you are seeing afternoon worsening of mood then that is due to its short duration of action. This doesn't mean that Cipralex is not working.

This can be prevented by dividing 0.5 mg morning dose into 0.25 morning and afternoon dose. This will prevent the anxiety worsening.

Thanks and take care
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
default
Follow up: Dr. Seikhoo Bishnoi (44 minutes later)
Hi again, and thank you for answering my question.
1. If i do like this wouldn't this be lowering the amount i take per day? I mean, the anxiety is not always there in the afternoon, and i can manage it.
2. How long does it normally take for cipralex to be fully effective? I did see some improvement in the 2 months but still not fully ok. Is it true that benefits start showing only after the drug reaches platoue plasma level, if so..when does cipralex reach that?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Seikhoo Bishnoi (10 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Dose of Escitalopram can be increased.

Detailed Answer:
Hello thanks for asking from HCM

If you can manage your anxiety and the afternoon anxiety is not occurring daily then you can think of taking 0.25 mg in morning and keep other
0.25 mg dose to be used in afternoon on SOS basis. This will keep anxiety under control and will also lower the dose of drug.

Cipralex or Escitalopram shows it's full effects in 4-6 weeks. Individuals don't develop tolerance to its effects so stop worrying for that. If your anxiety is not fully controlled then dose can be increased to 15 mg per day. This will help in better anxiety control. The drug is safe to use and doesn't cause dependence.

Thanks and take care
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Kampana
doctor
default
Follow up: Dr. Seikhoo Bishnoi (15 hours later)
I have decided to give the 10mg dose a full 3 months before deciding with my doctor if i should increase or not.

I also decided to help the pill work and stop feeling sorry for myself and act sick. My doctor said a few weeks ago, maybe the pill is already working but you don't see as you are expecting it to everything for you.

Last time it worked great, I'm sure this time will also work.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Seikhoo Bishnoi (21 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Yes the pill will work

Detailed Answer:
Hello again

Yes the pill will work definitely. No need to worry.

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

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T
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
Can Taking Lorazepam With Cipralex Cause Anxiety?

Brief Answer: LORAZEPAM is short acting. Detailed Answer: Hello thanks for asking from HCM Lorazepam is short acting and if you are seeing afternoon worsening of mood then that is due to its short duration of action. This doesn't mean that Cipralex is not working. This can be prevented by dividing 0.5 mg morning dose into 0.25 morning and afternoon dose. This will prevent the anxiety worsening. Thanks and take care