Changing medication

[Aboogaloo]

Hi I have been on 10mg escitalopram for anxiety and depression for about 25 years. The doctors think it’s stopped working as I stated having panic attacks in the night for no reason. I’m now on 30mg mirtazapine and still don’t feel right. The doctor has told me to reduce the escitalopram to 5mg now to start getting off of it. I am worried I will have withdrawal effects though unless I cut the dose down really gradually. The doctors say I will be fine as I have the mirtazapine to replace it. Any advice ?

[Blueruth]

I had to back down slower than that. And then I took it down too much at one point. I was in tears most of the time. So I backed up and went down half the amount. My doctor thought I should move much quicker. Follow your instinct and watch your mood. Your doctor doesn’t work at your job so they have nothing to lose. It isn’t like it is under cautious. Also pay attention to your water intake. You might even try a plain diet for a bit. Antidepressants live in your gut too.

[samack]

Its a crapshoot just like getting on medications. Listen to your body. My dr recently took me off abilify cold turkey and I became suicidal. I went right back on. It was a trial to see if I still needed it. Boo. Many meds were no problems getting off of. It's your life and drs don't live in your body.

[Jasmine234]

25 years i thought they only came on the market 2002

[Aboogaloo in reply to Jasmine234]

I was on citalopram first, then swapped straight over to escitalopram in 2009. But have been on both of them non stop for 25 years.

[Jasmine234]

Iwas also on Mirtazapine not for long though,then they put me on escitalopram, was weaned off the mirtazapine over two weeks i am on 5mg escitalopram,the doc then put up the dose to 10gm but now back on 5 didn't get on with the 10 .What i did find out was when i took the mirtazapine with the escitalopram every other night i had a great sleep so the doc says if i ever can't sleep i can just take half mirtazapine . I didn't have any side effects when changing over.