Re: escitalopram(cipralex)?
Hey icicledreamz. Nice alias by the way although it gives me shivers - a very cold image.
Anyway your GP is being very careful by phasing you slowly onto the Escitalopram. That's a good pace since it takes about 6 days (mathematically) for each dosage to stabilise in the body. Personally I went onto 10 mg is one hit. I didn't do too badly for side effects as I felt really terrible in the first place - you can only feel so bad right!
On the whole (from experience and reading) Esc' does seem to have a more body friendly nature than many of the SSRIs. Remember though that some of the side effects will happen as it causes your serotonin to increase. The brain/body has a lot of reactions to that - some of which we want! Some of which we don't.
I recommend taking the Esc' after food, usually at the end of breakfast. My theory is that its friendlier on the stomach/digestion that way and I read something that said the dose was more effective that way too. Most people who've described taking the dose in the evening/bedtime have worst nights which is not suprising as serotonin is normally low & falling at night and taking the pill then would push it up. Possibly its worth taking at night if your sleep is already very poor through active anxiety.
Although nausea can appear as a side effect I have not read of anyone on here actually saying it has made them ill. So don't let those fears beat you.
Take care, and if you need to know/ask more keep posting.
PS: Just remembered you asked about the Atavan. It ought to be OK as its one of the benzodiazapines which are very different to the SSRIs. So there is no direct interaction. Strictly you should check with your GP or pharmacist. The main thing with all the 'azepines is to use as little as possible for the shortest time possible. They work so well & easily they are generally considered addictive AND habit forming. The goal would be to wean off the atavan as the benefit of the Esc comes in.
Last edited by alias_kev; 26-05-09 at 22:29.
Reason: about atavan
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Kevin, Southend-on-Sea, Essex, UK
Probably GAD & Phobias. Anxiety and renewed Depression medicated (Venlafaxine). Trying to improve.