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Hello Doctor,
I was prescribed Escitalopram 5 mg and I started taking it on 28 January 2026.
I took Escitalopram 5 mg for 8 days, but after that, for the next 4 days I accidentally took a different medicine, thinking it was Escitalopram because both tablets looked the same in color.
I realized this mistake today (10 February 2026). I am worried whether missing Escitalopram for 4 days can cause any problem.
About 1 year ago, I had OCD intrusive thoughts, including unwanted sexual intrusive thoughts involving my mother.
Earlier, I had taken Flunil 40 mg continuously for about 9 months, after which my symptoms stopped completely and I felt recovered.
Currently, those intrusive thoughts have NOT returned, but I am feeling fear and anxiety that they might come back because of this 4-day accidental gap.
I would like to know:
Can a 4-day accidental gap at a low dose of 5 mg Escitalopram cause relapse of OCD or any withdrawal symptoms?
Answers (8)
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Hi there, I can understand how anxiety provoking this could be...It seems you have not noticed any symptoms yet after the missed dose. Do not go into panic mode.. Keep checking with yourself and in case the symptoms do appear consult your doctor. Worrying will give you unnecessary anxiety.
For the future, consider using pill cases to avoid such mishapps
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Hey, first of all I'm proud that you are very informed and educated about your illness and instantly connected to doctor when you thought you made a mistake.
And, no skipping 4 day accidental dose will not cause any relapse of OCD or withdrawal symptoms.
It's very natural to have little anxiety about past illnesses coming back.
Next Steps
Please be assured, do not worry.
Still, if you feel like you need to talk to a doctor please do consult a psychiatrist online or offline.
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Why was escitalopram started? Are you having any repetitive distressing thoughts again?
Missing escitalopram medicine will not cause recurrence of OCD but if escitalopram was started to treat intrusive thoughts then you will not be feeling any improvement yet.
Take medications regularly.
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Take regular medicine, dose will be adjusted later
Kindly consult
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consult
Health Tips
consult
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Hi..you can continue taking the dose. Nothing will happen
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Dr. Seujee Goswami
Psychiatrist
13 yrs exp
Bangalore
Hello. Thank you for explaining your situation so clearly. I understand why this accidental gap in medication would make you worried, especially given your past experience with intrusive thoughts.
Missing escitalopram for four days at a low starting dose of 5 mg, particularly early in treatment, is unlikely by itself to cause relapse of OCD symptoms or significant withdrawal effects. OCD relapse usually occurs gradually over time rather than after a brief interruption.
The fear that symptoms might return can itself increase anxiety, which may feel similar to early warning signs, but this does not necessarily mean the illness is returning.
Since your intrusive thoughts have not returned, this is reassuring.
Next Steps
• Resume the medication as prescribed (do not double doses).
• Keep medicines stored separately or labeled clearly to prevent confusion.
• Monitor symptoms calmly over the next couple of weeks.
Health Tips
If intrusive thoughts, rising anxiety, sleep disturbance, or compulsive behaviors begin to reappear and persist, it would be helpful to review treatment with your psychiatrist.
In most cases, a brief interruption like this does not undo prior improvement, especially when treatment is resumed.
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Dr. Durganjali B
Psychiatrist
9 yrs exp
Mumbai
Glad that you reached out. Do not worry. Restart the doses and use it regularly. This gap may not cause relapse of tour previous OCD symptoms.However you may have some active symptoms of anxiety that you had earlier. Regular course will help in remission.
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