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What Causes Loss Of Concentration Inspite Of Using Depression Medicines?
Question: I am 65 years old and a computer programmer. My work requires a lot of thought and concentration. My ability to concentrate has faded over the last few years. I am to the point where I can not think to do my work most days. Everything overwhelms me but I need to work. I have heard of things like ADD and ADHD but I have not had any issues like this before and I don't know if this relates to me. My diabetes is under control with diet and medication. I used to walk 4-5 miles per day but that has tapered off as my 2 dogs get older and aren't up for that much exercise. I went through many different depression medications through my MD's over the last 10 years or so and none of them worked long term. I can tolerate the depression but I need to work at least for 3 more years. I don't know where to start. I am just looking for some direction.
Brief Answer:
Bupropion is a good option
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thanks for choosing health care magic for posting your query.
I have gone through your question in detail and I can understand what you are going through.
To me it still appears to be depression and the feeling of being overwhelmed and problems with attention and concentration are all part of the same diagnosis. It cannot be adhd as the symptoms of this illness start from the childhood and you have mentioned that you were fine before.
You have mentioned that you have tried plenyy of antidepressants but you have not mentioned the names. Basically the treatment of depressiom involves such trial and error.
One drug which should suit you well is bupropion. Acting on the dopakine and noradrenaline, although it is primarily a antidepressant, it has special benefits in improving attention. For my patients i prescribe it in the dose of 150mg.
Apart from this even methylphenidte can be given during the day time at 10mg to improve you attention at work. At 65years some loss of attention is natural.
These days injections of kitamine are being used to treat resistant depression and it can be given a try.
Hope I am able to answer your concerns.
If you have any further query, I would be glad to help you.
If not, you may close the discussion and if possible you may rate the answer for me, so that I get a good feedback.
In future if you wish to contact me directly, you can use the below mentioned link:
bit.ly/dr-srikanth-reddy
Wish you good health,
Kind regards
Dr. Srikanth Reddy M.D.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
I have taken a number of different medications over the last 10 years. They would all start helping me after a few weeks but by a few months later the depression would come back. Also, most of them made me feel groggy or numb and that was worse than the depression. I am not sure of all of them but I remember Effexor and Lexapro and Celexa. I had a terrible reaction with Paxil and wasn't able to take it for more than a few days. I haven't taken any of these for at least 4 years. I was taking the occasional Xanax for anxiety for a while but I stopped that about 2 years ago. Just recently my doctor prescribed 150 MG of Trazadone to help me sleep and it has been working very well for that purpose. Can I ask my family doctor about the Bupropion or do I need to see a specialist?
Brief Answer:
Bupropion is different
Detailed Answer:
Hello
The drug bupropion is different from all the drugs that you have listed that you have tried. Its special efficacy in improving attention and being weight neutral and no sedation helps it being an ideal drug in your condition.
You can take it with trazodone. You may meet your family doctor. The law of land differs from country to country but I think your family doctor could be able to prescribe you.
Regards
Dr. Srikanth Reddy MD
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Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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