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Suggest Treatment For Depression While On Zoloft
Question: Hello,
Three weeks ago, I've had a lot of issues come together at one time - that created a lot of pressure on me. I'm to have a knee replacement but an infected tooth must be extracted first. We came home from a 2-month vacation, and I was overwhelmed by all this plus two tubs of mail and extremely unhappy about Trump.
Two weeks ago, I woke up with no appetite, very little sleep, and no energy. When I walked, I wobbled around and was shaking a lot.
My regular MD diagnosed me with depression and prescribed 50 mg of Zoloft - he said it would take 3 weeks. That was a long way off. I knew that was not the answer since 3 weeks would not resolve my problem.
One week ago, I saw a psychiatrist who said I have a PANIC DISORDER. I began taking 1 mg of Xanax before bed. I began sleeping 8-9 hrs. and had a good appetite - almost immediately.
However, I am still fatigued and lethargic - but a little better than before. I don't tremble, but I have a little problem walking. I still wobble a bit - but not like before.
I have never had depression in the past. My thought is that this episode caused depression because of all this ANXIETY.
Last Thur., I called the psychiatrist's office, but she never returned the call.
Is Zoloft the culprit? I see that it can cause fatigue. If so, should I reduce the dosage from 50 mg to a smaller amount? Should I stop taking Zoloft?
Is there something else?
Once again, all these issues (I believe) caused my depression. When I'm well, I'm OK.
Thank you. XXXXXXX
Three weeks ago, I've had a lot of issues come together at one time - that created a lot of pressure on me. I'm to have a knee replacement but an infected tooth must be extracted first. We came home from a 2-month vacation, and I was overwhelmed by all this plus two tubs of mail and extremely unhappy about Trump.
Two weeks ago, I woke up with no appetite, very little sleep, and no energy. When I walked, I wobbled around and was shaking a lot.
My regular MD diagnosed me with depression and prescribed 50 mg of Zoloft - he said it would take 3 weeks. That was a long way off. I knew that was not the answer since 3 weeks would not resolve my problem.
One week ago, I saw a psychiatrist who said I have a PANIC DISORDER. I began taking 1 mg of Xanax before bed. I began sleeping 8-9 hrs. and had a good appetite - almost immediately.
However, I am still fatigued and lethargic - but a little better than before. I don't tremble, but I have a little problem walking. I still wobble a bit - but not like before.
I have never had depression in the past. My thought is that this episode caused depression because of all this ANXIETY.
Last Thur., I called the psychiatrist's office, but she never returned the call.
Is Zoloft the culprit? I see that it can cause fatigue. If so, should I reduce the dosage from 50 mg to a smaller amount? Should I stop taking Zoloft?
Is there something else?
Once again, all these issues (I believe) caused my depression. When I'm well, I'm OK.
Thank you. XXXXXXX
Brief Answer:
Consultation
Detailed Answer:
Hello, and thanks for your question.
It is bordering on malpractice to prescribe Xanax to anyone over the age of 65. You need to stop taking this medication immediately. In people over 65, it causes memory loss, falls, fractures, delirium, and psychosis.
The treatment of both anxiety, panic, and depression is accomplished with an SSRI medication, such as Zoloft. It does take 3 weeks to kick in, but by far is the safest and most effective medication. You may need to INCREASE the dose after 3 weeks if your symptoms are not better. Talk with your psychiatrist about stopping Xanax and considering an increase in the Zoloft.
Please remember to rate and close this answer thread when you are finished and satisfied.
In the future, for continuity of care, I encourage you to contact me directly at my private web address below. After you ask a direct question, it would be my pleasure to be your dedicated personal physician on this website. My name is Dr. Sheppe, and I am an XXXXXXX doctor working in New York City at NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital, ranked #1 for Psychiatry in the United States (tinyurl.com/psyrank). For a personalized comprehensive evaluation, treatment recommendations, and individual therapy, ask me at HealthCareMagic at this private web address: tinyurl.com/DrSheppeAnswers
Consultation
Detailed Answer:
Hello, and thanks for your question.
It is bordering on malpractice to prescribe Xanax to anyone over the age of 65. You need to stop taking this medication immediately. In people over 65, it causes memory loss, falls, fractures, delirium, and psychosis.
The treatment of both anxiety, panic, and depression is accomplished with an SSRI medication, such as Zoloft. It does take 3 weeks to kick in, but by far is the safest and most effective medication. You may need to INCREASE the dose after 3 weeks if your symptoms are not better. Talk with your psychiatrist about stopping Xanax and considering an increase in the Zoloft.
Please remember to rate and close this answer thread when you are finished and satisfied.
In the future, for continuity of care, I encourage you to contact me directly at my private web address below. After you ask a direct question, it would be my pleasure to be your dedicated personal physician on this website. My name is Dr. Sheppe, and I am an XXXXXXX doctor working in New York City at NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital, ranked #1 for Psychiatry in the United States (tinyurl.com/psyrank). For a personalized comprehensive evaluation, treatment recommendations, and individual therapy, ask me at HealthCareMagic at this private web address: tinyurl.com/DrSheppeAnswers
Note: For further guidance on mental health, Click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Prasad
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