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Will Sertraline Or Citalopram Help Better To Treat Anxiety And Depression?

Posted on Thu, 25 May 2017

Question: My PCP has prescribed 3 different medications for me the in last year, none of which I have taken. But I think I need to and I'm not sure which one will best meet my needs: Sertraline, Citalopram and Venlafaxine. The one medication I do take and have for years is Buspirone. I suffer from anxiety and depression and am recently sober. I do receive counseling and I am in a treatment program. My therapist thinks one of the older "tried and true" meds would probably be best - either the Sertraline or Citalopram. How do I decide?

Answered by Dr. Seikhoo Bishnoi (2 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Sertraline is relatively better of these

Detailed Answer:
Hello thanks for asking from HealthcareMagic.

I can understand your concern. If we consider the safety, efficacy and effectiveness then out of Sertraline, Citalopram and Venlafaxine I'd prefer Sertraline.

Sertraline is safe to use and is relatively free of side effects. The drug will control your anxiety and depression effectively.

Thanks and Take care.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Kampana

Follow up: Dr. Seikhoo Bishnoi (21 hours later)

Thank you for you response...that is also the conclusion I had come to , it is reassuring to hear you concur. Can I start with the 25 mg per day for a week, then up to 50 mg per day for a week and then to 75 mg per day? What time of day should I take or do I split the dosages and take at different times of the day? The label says "may cause drowsiness" which would be very helpful at night but I have heard others complain of insomnia...

Answered by Dr. Seikhoo Bishnoi (5 hours later)

Brief Answer:
You can start taking in night after dinner

Detailed Answer:
Hello thanks for asking

Yes you can start with 25 mg dose after dinner and increase to 50 mg after 2 weeks and then if needed to 75 mg after 2 more weeks. The drug is relatively better tolerated but might cause GIT upset, nausea, diarrhoea especially during first few days of starting the drug. You are starting with low dose so you should not have these side effects.

Thanks.

Note: For further guidance on mental health, Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar