Restarting Escitalopram : I just started up... - My OCD Community

My OCD Community

9,066 members3,474 posts

Restarting Escitalopram

PinetownTree profile image
6 Replies

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

Written by
PinetownTree profile image
PinetownTree
To view profiles and participate in discussions please or .
Read more about...
6 Replies
JediYoda profile image
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 profile image
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 profile image
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 profile image
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 profile image
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 profile image
PinetownTree in reply to Sallyskins

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

You may also like...

Was it touched? How can I get past it?

save it from touching when I went out of my way for years to be sure people wouldn't touch it. I...

Let’s start a thread?

of course obsessing over them. Anyone else have OCD over intrusive thoughts as well? Lately it seems

Complicated life with OCD

Hi I was diagnosed with OCD when I was 15 now I'm 21 and since then nothing is going well like I...

Scrupulosity OCD- Catholic

debilitating mental condition. I have had some form of OCD since I was 10 years old. I am going...

When I stopped the OCD

excitement. When I began to paint, I had no anxiety to obsess over. As of now, I am in need of...