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  • Q&A with Australian Health Practitioners

    Side effects of anti-depressants. Should I stop to taking them?

    Related Topics
    Anxiety Depression Insomnia
    I am a 43 year old woman who was prescribed Escitalopram and I am experiencing side effects. Earlier in the week I had an anxiety attack. I had never had anxiety in the past, and was taken to emergency as I thought I was having a heart attack. Following a few more, I went to see my GP who, on Wed. prescribed an anti-depressant (Escitalopram 10 mg x 1 once daily). I have taken three doses (exactly as prescribed) and am feeling the following side effects;
    1. Dry mouth
    2. Numb and/or tingling in my hands and feet
    3. Worsening of anxiety
    4. Insomnia
    5. Difficulty urinating
    I am unsure if I should continue the medication, cut it back, or cease it altogether. It's only Saturday now (and only 3am at that!) and my GP isn't working again until Monday.
    Any advice/reassurance would be greatly appreciated!
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  • Aisun

    HealthShare Member

    Hi Kiwi. Thanks for your answer. I went and spoke with another GP since mine was available. He said to cut my dose by half for a few days and lead up more slowly than usual to a full dose. It seems to have done the trick so far, had a sleep this afternoon which was just heaven, and can once again to to the toilet!
    Ahhh the trials and tribulations of anxiety and depression!

    I hope you continue to improve, Kiwi.

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  • Dr Pek Ang

    Psychiatrist

    Dr Ang is a Malaysian born Psychiatrist who grew up in Newcastle when he moved there at 11. He received his Medical Degree from the … View Profile

    Unfortunately antidepressants have side effects which may effect some individuals more than others.  

    I often only start my patients on a very small dose just to help them get used to it.  If symptoms improve after a week or so it usually indicates you can get used to them.  If not then unfortunately that particular medication may just not suit you.

    Sounds like things are going ok now?  I sometimes also prescribe Benzodiazepines to help those who have high anxiety at the commencement of the medication.  I agree that it should be short term though otherwise the risk of dependency is there.

    Advice so far has been on the mark.  So keep working with your GP and Psychologist as the combination approach of biological/Psychological and Social treatments are best.  Of course Lifestyle is probably the most important to think about as well.  

    All the best.  The aim is Remission of symptoms [that is eradication of ALL symptoms].  If this does not occur then a referral to a Psychiatrist is helpful to really find the perfect combination for you.  Alcohol, Caffeine, Stimulants and Nicotine are often the substances I adivse my patients to look at changing if their symptoms persist.

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