I was prescribed escitalopram 10 mg, and mirtazapine 15 mg at night, I took first doses yesterday, my doctor told me to take this medicines for 6-9 months for depression, is it safe to take two antidepressants for such a long periods, any chance of developing adverse effects with these dosages.
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A combination of 2 antidepressants is often used to treat depression, depending on the severity of it. However if you are taking these medications for the very first time in your life then it's better to start at a lower dose and gradually increase the dose. I would advise you to take escitalopram 10 mg in the morning instead. Tab mirtazepine 7.5 mg at night for 4-5 days, then increase the dose of mirtazepine to 15 mg at night. Mirtazepine is generally given at night as it has sedative properties, makes you feel sleepy. Yes the course of antidepressants is for 6-9 months. That's how long you must take it for complete relief. You will start feeling much much better in just a months time, but you still have to continue the treatment for 6 months to prevent relapse. Also please don't stop the medications suddenly as it can cause withdrawal symptoms. It needs to be tapered slowly and then stopped over a period of time.
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Yes, those are safe.
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Yes those two can be combined. But you need to take under the supervision and you need to have regular monitoring including blood test basic by a psychiatrist. Good luck.
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Hi lybrate-user, I understand your worry here. Please schedule a follow up with your psychiatrist sooner than 6 months. Complete the dosage prescribed and revert back to them in case you notice side effects. You may also want to reach out for therapy in addition to taking medication. Depression is often best dealt with in therapy. Your therapist would help you to bring the thoughts and emotions triggering depression to your awareness and help you process them in a safe environment. The medication helps you control your symptoms and is essential. However, therapy would play a crucial role here to help you challenge these thoughts that lead to your symptoms in the first place and help you with tools to deal with them on a long term basis.
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