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

Get your health question answered instantly from our pool of 18000+ doctors from over 80 specialties
159 Doctors Online

By proceeding, I accept the Terms and Conditions

Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

HCM Blog Instant Access to Doctors
HCM BlogQuestions Answered
HCM Blog Satisfaction

How Can Depression Be Treated?

I have experienced depression on and off since my college days,I m now 73 years old. I have been taking sertraline and clonazepam for over 20 years and it doesn t really work that well now. I only feel reasonably well when playing golf or skiing. The problem is I cannot afford to retire and it is very difficult to get out of bed a go to work. I am amanufacturers representative,self employed in the electronics industry and times are tough right now. Any happy pills coming down the road?
Fri, 23 Dec 2016
Report Abuse
General & Family Physician 's  Response
hello there.Thanks for writing to HCM
first of all,let me appreciate your willingness to work at an elderly age.kudos for that

i have read your query and understand your concern.

Yes,there are many newer drugs and newer modalities now in treating depression and related symptoms as you have enquired.

I hope you are otherwise hale and healthy with no other disease
as there has been no mention in the history given .

from my view point,you have grown tolerant to sertraline and clonazepam over the years.

Here is what i would recommend or advise if you i were your treating doctor:
You can give venlafaxine a try.

i would also suggest to take a psychostimulant drug like methylphenidate or modafinil which not only improves depression but also improves memory,productivity and cognition.You will get these on prescription from your doctor

I think those would help you a great deal

i would recommend cognitive behavioural therapy if you are willing to;in consultation with a psychiatrist

Since you have said,you feel well when you golf or ski,i also would recommend distraction techniques and meditation.

I would also suggest to do transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) ,if it is available at centres in your place.it is relatively new,but immensely effective

i hope most of this works out well for for you.
hope it helps.
Follow up if needed further advise.
good day and take care.Be happy
I find this answer helpful

Note: For further follow up on related General & Family Physician Click here.
Disclaimer: These answers are for your information only and not intended to replace your relationship with your treating physician.
This is a short, free answer. For a more detailed, immediate answer, try our premium service [Sample answer]
Share on
 

Related questions you may be interested in


Loading Online Doctors....
How Can Depression Be Treated?

hello there.Thanks for writing to HCM first of all,let me appreciate your willingness to work at an elderly age.kudos for that i have read your query and understand your concern. Yes,there are many newer drugs and newer modalities now in treating depression and related symptoms as you have enquired. I hope you are otherwise hale and healthy with no other disease as there has been no mention in the history given . from my view point,you have grown tolerant to sertraline and clonazepam over the years. Here is what i would recommend or advise if you i were your treating doctor: You can give venlafaxine a try. i would also suggest to take a psychostimulant drug like methylphenidate or modafinil which not only improves depression but also improves memory,productivity and cognition.You will get these on prescription from your doctor I think those would help you a great deal i would recommend cognitive behavioural therapy if you are willing to;in consultation with a psychiatrist Since you have said,you feel well when you golf or ski,i also would recommend distraction techniques and meditation. I would also suggest to do transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) ,if it is available at centres in your place.it is relatively new,but immensely effective i hope most of this works out well for for you. hope it helps. Follow up if needed further advise. good day and take care.Be happy