Restarting Escitalopram

[PinetownTree]

I just started up my Escitalopram I haven't touched since Feb. when I was in the hospital, they forgot to give it to me so I weened off it then when I was home I was too tired to use it especially when it was time to go to work over the next few weeks...

Sunday I fell into some kind of depression over something one of my parents said to me over my OCD, wasn't hurtful but I felt pressured to do more to push past the rituals, now I've been in some funk since then with nervous symptoms so I took two of the pills out of desperation but I'm worried how I'll feel

[JediYoda]

IMHO it is a very bad idea to start meds without doc supervision. I would strongly advise to call your doc and get input. These meds take time to impact and dose has to be correct. Only a doctor can provide this guidance

[PinetownTree in reply to JediYoda]

I've been to the doctor in the past few weeks for the follow up on the prescription, I just didn't take them because I was weak from coming off the surgery. I'm trying to slowly restart it to see if they help or just cause jitters, in the past they just caused drowsiness but don't help with OCD.

[Sallyskins]

Medication of this kind - SSRI antidepressants - aren't a quick fix. One can't just a pop a pill with them and feel better.

They need to be taken consistently over a good few weeks before you start feeling better. If they are helpful to you, then go back on them - best to ask your doctor first. Don't expect a rapid improvement.

Some antidepressants don't work for some people so if this one isn't helping you then speak to your prescribing doctor about trying another. Some people with OCD respond to an older medication called Clomipramine, but it does have a habit of making you drowsy. I took it for many years and it helped a lot, but I did feel dopey!

It's best not to wean yourself off medication without asking a doctor, who can tell you how to do it most effectively.

In any case, although medication can be greatly beneficial to some, it does need to be combined with CBT for maximum benefits.

[PinetownTree in reply to Sallyskins]

Thanks, I've tried several different ones over the years but my doctor is tired of me switching, headaches or drowsiness is usually the issue which I can't have with my job.

I'd notice if they helpful right?, they don't so no reason to restart it I guess...

[Sallyskins in reply to PinetownTree]

It could be that they just don't suit you - some people just don't get on with them. If a little chemical help is needed, then you could try inositol. I haven't tried it myself, but studies have found it can help with OCD. It's a natural substance and occurs in many foodstuffs. It can be bought over the counter in some drugstores and health food stores and side effects are few. Large doses are needed - 18 g a day - to treat OCD and you do have to take it for at least 4 weeks before you feel the good effects. It might be worth investigating - there is something on the IOCDF website about it.

[PinetownTree in reply to Sallyskins]

Hey, that's something to look into, thanks!