Download FREE Practo app
Get ₹200 HealthCash
Antidepressants effects
Hi , I have been taking antidepressants since last four years I did get some relief from anxiety and depression but I am having difficulty to understand in my studies. Is that happening because of medicine also if yes is this reversible ? I am taking escitalopam 10 mg since 4 years . it were more medicines before but now only escitalopam
Answers (7)
Get your queries answered instantly with Care AI FREE
20000+ health queries resolved in last month
🧠 My Opinion (As a Psychiatrist):
It’s great that you’ve achieved some relief from anxiety and depression with escitalopram 10 mg, and that shows treatment has helped. However, your concern about difficulty in understanding and concentration is valid.
While escitalopram is usually well tolerated, in some individuals, especially with long-term use, mild cognitive slowing such as poor focus, reduced processing speed, or brain fog can occur. But more commonly, these issues stem from residual anxiety or depression rather than the medication itself.
The good news is — this is often reversible, either by dose adjustment, augmentation, or by adding cognitive-enhancing strategies in therapy.
Next Steps
🪜 Next Step (What Should the Patient Do Next):
✅ Book a follow-up consultation with your psychiatrist to reassess the current dose, duration, and need for augmentation or tapering.
✅ Request a cognitive evaluation or psychometric testing if needed.
✅ Consider incorporating CBT or cognitive remediation therapy to work specifically on focus and executive functioning.
✅ Maintain healthy lifestyle habits (exercise, proper sleep hygiene, avoiding screens before sleep), which improve cognitive clarity.
Health Tips
🛟 Helpful Tips / WORD OF CAUTION:
⚠️ Never stop or reduce escitalopram abruptly without professional guidance—it may lead to withdrawal or symptom relapse.
📚 Use memory aids like note-making, flowcharts, and spaced repetition while studying.
💧 Stay hydrated and avoid multitasking—it can overload your cognitive bandwidth.
🌱 With the right adjustments, clarity and cognitive sharpness can improve over time.
---
📍 Dr Shivam Bhandari Jain — Consultant Psychiatrist
🏥 Health 4 U Clinic, 249 Gufa Mandir Road, Near First Step School, Jain Nagar, Nayapura, Lalghati, Bhopal
🕕 Clinic Timings: Monday to Saturday, 6 PM – 8 PM
📞 Call: 887158270
📲 WhatsApp Consultation
📲 Instagram: @mentalhealth.4you
⭐ Google us: Search Dr Shivam Bhandari Jain on Google for location & reviews.
Answered
Flag this answer
Let others know if this answer was helpful
Was this answer helpful?
YES
NO
Didn't find the answer you are looking for?
Talk to experienced psychiatrist online and get your health questions answered in just 5 minutes.
+196
As per my view, if you have response on escitalopram, you should continue it . 10 mg is optimum dose, this medication will not cause dependence. If you try to taper it, may be anxiety or mood symptoms again occur that further hamper your studies and personal social life. You should consult a Psychiatrist and if want to taper it, do it under guidance so that if symptoms reoccur, proper management can be done.Along with it, follow relaxation exercises (meditation), increase concentration and attention.Some life style change as brisk walk, healthy diet, drink plenty of water
Answered
Flag this answer
Let others know if this answer was helpful
Was this answer helpful?
YES
NO
Yes, it is entirely reversible. It may be residual symptoms of depression. For that we need to evaluate history in details and plan further course of action.
Answered
Flag this answer
Let others know if this answer was helpful
Was this answer helpful?
YES
NO
Hi. Will need further history regarding the same to advise appropriately. Consult online for further evaluation and management
Answered
Flag this answer
Let others know if this answer was helpful
Was this answer helpful?
YES
NO
Heyy
I can help you better with further treatment course needed. U can connect me via whatsapp on seven zero eight two zero two two zero six two.
Answered
Flag this answer
Let others know if this answer was helpful
Was this answer helpful?
YES
NO
Hello,
Thank you for sharing your concern. It’s good to hear that you experienced some relief from anxiety and depression with escitalopram. However, difficulty with concentration and memory can sometimes occur as a side effect of antidepressants like escitalopram, though they are generally considered cognitively safe.
Other possible reasons for your difficulty in understanding studies could include:
A. Residual symptoms of depression/anxiety
B. Mental fatigue or low motivation
C. Overuse of screens or poor sleep
D. Or even unrelated factors like stress or lack of breaks
The good news:
Yes, these cognitive effects, if related to the medicine, are usually reversible. In many cases, adjusting the dose or switching the medication (under guidance) helps. Also, cognitive performance often improves as mental health stabilizes further.
Next Steps
a. Do not stop escitalopram suddenly.
b. Discuss this cognitive concern with your psychiatrist. A re-evaluation may help decide if a dose reduction or switch (e.g., to a more activating antidepressant) is suitable.
c. Try structured cognitive techniques: short study intervals, spaced repetition, or Pomodoro method.
d. Prioritize sleep, hydration, and regular exercise - all support cognitive health.
Health Tips
Sometimes, the medication is not the sole cause. Addressing lifestyle, study techniques, and any persisting anxiety or low mood also helps greatly. Cognitive changes from antidepressants are not permanent and often improve with time or medication adjustments.
Answered
Flag this answer
1/1 people found this helpful
Was this answer helpful?
YES
NO
Dr. Krishika Tailor
Psychiatrist
5 yrs exp
Ahmedabad
Hello, mild difficulty in focus or concentration can sometimes be seen with long-term antidepressant use, but it can also be due to underlying anxiety or depression itself. The good part is, such effects are often reversible with dose adjustment, supportive therapy, or other strategies. I suggest consulting once to assess your case and plan accordingly.
Answered
Flag this answer
Let others know if this answer was helpful
Was this answer helpful?
YES
NO
Articles you may like
Disclaimer : The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding your medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website.
The question asked on this page is a free question. You can ask a free health question by downloading the Practo app.
Articles you may like
Tell us what's troubling you
Tell us what's troubling you
Disclaimer : The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding your medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website.