Hello doctor,One of the doctors (DM) prescribed me XeFexor Duo (combination of Flupentixol and Escitalopram) for psychosomatic symptoms due to persistent anxiety. All my tests like TMT, 2D echo, 48 hours Holter monitor, ECG, kidney or liver tests, blood tests, vitamin tests, etc are normal. I read the side effects of Flupentixol like thrombosis, embolism, QT prolongation, etc., and I am little nervous about this medicine. I am yet to start it. Are Flupentixol and Escitalopram safe and effective for anxiety induced somatic symptoms? I am currently taking Metoprolol Tartrate (50) twice a day, Amlodipine 5 mg (twice a day) and Atorvastatin 10 (once in the night). For insomnia one of the general physician (MD) prescribed Mirtazapine 7.5. I have been taking Mirnite 7.5 for last 3 months. I was convinced about Mirtazapine safety and decided to give it a try. It makes me sleep though quality of sleep is not great. What is your opinion on XeFexor Duo? Do you recommend any other medicine for persistent anxiety and insomnia? I need something that should not increase my BP and heart rate. My BP is very much controlled (less than 110/80) and resting heart rate is normal too (70).
Hello. You must understand that there is a difference between potential side effects that are reported with the drug and commonly seen side effects with a drug. While the side effects that you mentioned have been reported in the literature, they are not common and I have not seen any of my patients having them while on the medicine. Still, this does not mean that there is no risk of having them. But the risk is minimal and almost every medicine (psychiatric or otherwise) has a risk of developing some or the other side effects. I use it for anxiety and psychosomatic symptoms in my patients and I find it effective. However, it may not work for everybody. The only way to ascertain is by taking it for two to four weeks. By the way, Mirtazapine at a dose of 15 to 30 mg is also effective for anxiety and psychosomatic symptoms and you can ask your doctor about it.  For more information consult a psychiatrist online -->