Q: I am a 23 years old girl having depression for which I am taking Lonazep 0.25 mg and Deplam - S. What are the side effects of theses medicines? Can I continue these medicines during pregnancy?

A:Only in major depression is drug therapy required. One can get rid of negative thoughts through non-drug therapy such as Yoga. Lonazep (clonazepam) is actually an anti-epileptic drug though it does have anti-depressant action. But it is not a primary therapy for depression. It has a variety of side effects including central nervous system disturbances including impaired alertness, worsening of depression, ataxia, respiratory depression, amnesia, tolerance, behaviour problems, somnolence, fatigue, dizziness, lightheadedness, confusion, muscle weakness, vertigo, liver disorders, g-i upset, blood disorders etc. Deplam (escitalopram) is indicated in the treatment of panic disorders and obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD). Its side effects include worsening of depression, suicidal tendency, dizziness, fatigue, sexual dysfunction, sinusitis, severe agitation-type events including agitation, disinhibition, emotional lability, hostility, aggression and depersonalisation. It is not permitted to be taken during pregnancy.