HealthCareMagic is now Ask A Doctor - 24x7 | https://www.askadoctor24x7.com

question-icon

Suggest Antidepressants That Have No Side Effects

default
Posted on Tue, 18 Feb 2014
Question: Hello ~ I have difficulty taking antidepressants; everyone I have taken within a few days causes dark suicidal thoughts, and so I stop taking the medication. I am presently on Tranxene, Propranalol, and Adderall. I have extreme anxiety in addition to Depressive mood that when it comes, feels like a sledgehammer. I am looking for an antidepressant to improve my wellbeing, and I also am fearful of gaining weight. This has been a life long problem -- started in my early 20s. The present "cocktail" which helps control the anxiety, I have been taking for the past five years. I am 60, female. I feel the strong need to address this, as likely you know, battling such debilitating feelings is exhausting. I see a psychotherapist 4 days a week. Thank you for any insight, or new perspective you may have to offer.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Preeti Parakh (3 hours later)
Brief Answer: Explained below. Detailed Answer: Hi, Welcome to Healthcare Magic! All antidepressants can be associated with an increase in anxiety in the first few days of use, but this settles down in a few days, if you do not stop and continue taking them. You can minimize this by taking starting the medicine in a lower than recommended starting dose and then hiking it up gradually. Many times, psychiatrists do not take care to start low and so, many patients fail to benefit from these medicines which have been life saving for countless people. In my opinion, you should try taking an antidepressant again. If you are worried about weight gain, try Wellbutrin. Wellbutrin (bupropion) is not likely to cause weight gain. In fact, it can even cause weight loss. You are also on Adderall which also promotes weight loss. But I still would say that weight gain should not be your criterion for choosing an antidepressant. Rather, your choice should be based on its effectiveness in controlling your depression and anxiety and whether you can tolerate it or not. Many people tend to gain weight when depressed, and if you are one of these, then it makes no sense to remain depressed to avoid gaining weight. One other word of advice, if possible lower the dose of propranolol as it can aggravate depression. I guess you take it to control the physiological signs of anxiety like sweating, tremors etc. Assess whether Tranxene is not enough for you in controlling anxiety and if not, do you really need to take propranolol thrice a day? If you are staying at home some days, then try skipping one dose of propranolol and see how it feels. Last but not the least, you will benefit a lot if you can start practicing relaxation exercises like progressive muscular relaxation or autogenic relaxation regularly. Detailed instructions are freely available online. I hope this helps you. Please feel free to ask in case you need any clarifications. Best wishes. Dr Preeti Parakh MD Psychiatry
Note: For further guidance on mental health, Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Preeti Parakh

Addiction Medicine Specialist

Practicing since :2002

Answered : 1486 Questions

premium_optimized

The User accepted the expert's answer

Share on

Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties

159 Doctors Online

By proceeding, I accept the Terms and Conditions

HCM Blog Instant Access to Doctors
HCM Blog Questions Answered
HCM Blog Satisfaction
Suggest Antidepressants That Have No Side Effects

Brief Answer: Explained below. Detailed Answer: Hi, Welcome to Healthcare Magic! All antidepressants can be associated with an increase in anxiety in the first few days of use, but this settles down in a few days, if you do not stop and continue taking them. You can minimize this by taking starting the medicine in a lower than recommended starting dose and then hiking it up gradually. Many times, psychiatrists do not take care to start low and so, many patients fail to benefit from these medicines which have been life saving for countless people. In my opinion, you should try taking an antidepressant again. If you are worried about weight gain, try Wellbutrin. Wellbutrin (bupropion) is not likely to cause weight gain. In fact, it can even cause weight loss. You are also on Adderall which also promotes weight loss. But I still would say that weight gain should not be your criterion for choosing an antidepressant. Rather, your choice should be based on its effectiveness in controlling your depression and anxiety and whether you can tolerate it or not. Many people tend to gain weight when depressed, and if you are one of these, then it makes no sense to remain depressed to avoid gaining weight. One other word of advice, if possible lower the dose of propranolol as it can aggravate depression. I guess you take it to control the physiological signs of anxiety like sweating, tremors etc. Assess whether Tranxene is not enough for you in controlling anxiety and if not, do you really need to take propranolol thrice a day? If you are staying at home some days, then try skipping one dose of propranolol and see how it feels. Last but not the least, you will benefit a lot if you can start practicing relaxation exercises like progressive muscular relaxation or autogenic relaxation regularly. Detailed instructions are freely available online. I hope this helps you. Please feel free to ask in case you need any clarifications. Best wishes. Dr Preeti Parakh MD Psychiatry