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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Is It Safe To Use Sertraline For Anxiety And Depression?

Wondering if sertraline 100mg daily is the best rx for my daughter's ex of depression &anxiety 2 yrs ago. She is 14 now. Has been on prosac another one I don't remember and now sertraline, ranging from 25mg to 150mg daily. 2 yrs ago was diagnosed when she overdosed in an attempted suicide on aspirin. Admitted for 1 week. Had weekly therapy visits after that, then we went monthly, then q3 months. Last yr cut herself badly and took something else, Tylenol I think. Was admitted again, but stayed about 2 weeks. Then had day treatment, going to school for 2 hrs, then therapy until 4pm, for almost 6 months. Summer off, was doing great! Now back to school, 9th grade, started cutting again, 2 months ago took some kids rx mess adderal & vivance. 2x a week for 1 month. Just before Christmas was called from school that she was dizzy, sob,pulse 158. She claims she hadn't taken anything that day, but 3 days earlier. Now, cutting again, feels "out of reality" at times, has suicidal thoughts. Have 4 days before our 2nd appt wit a new therapist and our first appt with the new psychiatrist. Current prescriber, a nurse practitioner, says to take her for a urine test, I have not gotten a call with the results, so assume all is well there. But supposed to just keep her safe until next appt in 4 days or admit her to mental health care for an intake assessment. Could there be some other med to change to? It doesn't seem the sertraline is the best for her.
Fri, 4 Apr 2014
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Psychiatrist 's  Response
HI
Thanks for using healthcare magic

Sertraline is a very good antidepressant and it has good response on anxiety with depression. In your daughter case, i would suggest this drug. Carry on with same dose and wait for the response. May be she have some underline behavioral issues due to which she does suicidal attempts. I think, she needs continuous therapy for coping skills. That would really help her.

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Is It Safe To Use Sertraline For Anxiety And Depression?

HI Thanks for using healthcare magic Sertraline is a very good antidepressant and it has good response on anxiety with depression. In your daughter case, i would suggest this drug. Carry on with same dose and wait for the response. May be she have some underline behavioral issues due to which she does suicidal attempts. I think, she needs continuous therapy for coping skills. That would really help her. Thanks