This is an excerpt from an interview with Dr. Rameez Shaikh, answering question-related to commonly prescribed antidepressant :
Q.1 ) What is Nexito ?
Nexito is a brand of Sun pharmaceuticals that contains an antidepressant called Escitalopram. Escitalopram is a serotonergic antidepressant that acts as a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor ( SSRI).
Q.2 ) What are other brands of Escitalopram in India
Cilapam ( Alteus)
Stalopam ( Lupin Ltd)
Recita ( Ipca Laboratories Ltd)
Feliz – S ( Torrent )
Q. 3) What are the other SSRI ?
Fluoxetine, Fluvoxamine, Sertraline, Paroxetine.
Q.4) Nexito ( Escitalopram) Uses
SSRI can be used for
- Depressive Disorders
- Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD)
- Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
- Panic disorder
- Phobias, such as agoraphobia and social phobia.
- Eating Disorder
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
Dr. Rameez Shaikh ” Antidepressant drugs are stigmatized in Indian Society and are considered as addictive or sleeping pills. Most of the patients of mental health problems continue to take treatment from non psychiatrist professional due to stigma and prejudice of going to Psychiatrist. It’s like getting operated for heart bypass surgery from Orthopedic doctor !!”
Q.5) How to stop Nexito ?
Nexito ( SSRI) needs to be taken under the supervision of a Psychiatrist. Your primary psychiatrist will evaluate your current symptoms of illness and advise tapering of the drug depending upon illness type and severity. Do not stop medication without psychiatrist consultation because it can lead to withdrawal symptoms.
Q.6) How long Nexito 10 can be taken
It depends upon the illness and its severity. Do not take Nexito without a psychiatrist’s opinion.
Q.7) Nexito 10 is a sleeping pill?
Nexito ( Escitalopram ) is not a sleeping pill. It comes under the antidepressant SSRI class of drugs. Most of the studies have mixed results causing insomnia in some individuals and while some research suggests that escitalopram may actually improve sleep. But some medicines contain a combination of escitalopram and clonazepam which can cause sleepiness.
Q.8) What are Nexito Plus withdrawal Symptoms?
Nexito Plus contains combination of escitalopram and clonazepam . If you stop antidepressants abruptly it can lead to SSRI discontinuation syndrome. It usually starts after 1 week and consists of dizziness, nausea, headache, and lethargy. Withdrawal symptoms of antidepressants typically persist for up to three weeks. Those who took antidepressants in higher doses for a longer time have more intense symptoms. Clonazepam withdrawal can cause rebound anxiety and insomnia.
Q.9 ) What are the Signs and symptoms of clonazepam ( benzodiazepine) Withdrawal?
Withdrawal can vary and include :
- Anxiety.
- Insomnia.
- Restlessness.
- Agitation.
- Irritability.
- Difficulty concentrating.
- Poor memory.
- Muscle tension.
- Muscle aches.
- Depression.
Mind & Mood Clinic, Nagpur © is a specialty clinic for mental health problems. Due to current pandemic, mental health issue has increased and current studies show that 1 out of 3 people have some sort of mental illness like anxiety and depression after COVID-19. Consult an experienced Psychiatrist (Mental Health Expert) and get instant medical advice for your problems at Mind & Mood Clinic. Click Here for an Appointment !!
Dr. Rameez Shaikh (MBBS, MD, MIPS) is a consultant Psychiatrist, Sexologist & Psychotherapist in Nagpur and works at Mind & Mood Clinic. He believes that science-based treatment, encompassing spiritual, physical, and mental health, will provide you with the long-lasting knowledge and tool to find happiness and wholeness again.
Dr. Rameez Shaikh, a dedicated psychiatrist , is a beacon of compassion and understanding in the realm of mental health. With a genuine passion for helping others, he combines his extensive knowledge and empathetic approach to create a supportive space for his patients.
