Does Escitalopram cause side effects like nausea, dizziness, muscle cramping, dizziness, a metallic taste, and an intense panic attack?

Question

Hello doctor,

Last night I took tablet Escitalopram 30 mg. I am not pregnant or breastfeeding a child. I woke up in the middle of the night feeling nauseous, dizzy, and tensed maybe it was muscle cramping but I am not sure. I cannot even move. I also experienced a burning and tingling sensation starting in my chest and radiating to my back, shoulders, arms, and face. I also had a metallic taste in my mouth. However, after drinking water, I felt more nauseated. I also experienced an intense panic attack with all these symptoms. However I slept after a few hours and went to work in the morning. And today I still feel nauseous and I do not have an appetite. Should I go to the hospital to consult a doctor?

Please help and tell me the reason for my symptoms.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I went through your query and understood your concern.

However, I have few questions.

Are you taking the tablet Escitalopram (antidepressant) 30 mg for a long time, or have you just started?
What was the indication for Escitalopram?
1. Avoid consuming spicy and fatty foods.
2. Avoid smoking and alcohol if any.
3. Also, maintain a regular sleep cycle.
4. Do exercise regularly.
5. Take a walk after meals instead of taking a rest immediately.
6. I suggest you to take an acid suppressant such as a tablet of Pantoprazole 40 mg before breakfast once a day.
If your symptoms are due to panic attacks and since you are already on Escitalopram 30 mg, this will help releive the condition. If the tablet Escitalopram does not relieve these symptoms or any new symptom appears, then I suggest you consult your specialist doctor, discuss your condition and take the medicines with their consent.

I hope this has helped you out.

Kindly follow up if you have more doubts.

Thank you