Q: I am an 18 years old boy and studying in second year. The exams are close and stress is building up. I am not able to control my thoughts and hence cannot concentrate on my studies. I consulted a psychiatrist and he advised me to take Rexipra 5 and Clonil 10 for 15 days. I have still not started taking them because I don't know what effect it would have on my brain and me. What are the effects and side effects of these tablets?

A:Rexipra is the brand name; the name of the medicine it contains is called escitalopram. It is a very potent, strong medicine and is used only in major depression, panic disorders and obsessive compulsive disorders (OCD). It has no role in dealing with stress during examinations. Its list of side effects (these are not seen in all patients but a small minority) include suicidal tendency, somnolence, dizziness, reduced appetite, fatigue, sexual dysfunction, ejaculation disorder, sinusitis, yawning. Severe agitation-type events including agitation, disinhibition, emotional lability, hostility, aggression and depersonalisation, acute psychosis, heart failure, diabetes, urticaria, hyperprolactinaemia, phlebitis, deep vein thrombosis, rectal haemorrhage etc. Clonil contains clomipramine. It is used in depression, phobic states and OCD. Its side effects include heart problems, low BP, heart beat abnormalities, palpitations, blurred vision, drowsiness, fatigue, anxiety, agitation, confusion, impaired alertness, psychosis, suicidal thinking and behaviour in adolescents and young adults, liver disorders, allergic skin reactions, fits (seizures), male sexual dysfunction, dizziness, somnolence, nervousness, visual changes, blood disorders, hot flushes, taste disturbance, and tinnitus (ringing in the ear).