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

What Causes Appetiet Loss Due To Depression?

Hi, For the past two weeks I've been feeling overwhelmed with symptoms of crying all the time, loss of appetite, lack of sleep and anxious. My GP prescribed antidepressants but I just feel more tired and still no appetite. I've even joined a gym with hopes of feeling motivated/positive but now I fear that I might get too thin and I want to look healthy not anorexic. Please help me, what should I do? Thank you
Wed, 5 Feb 2014
Report Abuse
Psychiatrist 's  Response
Greetings !

Well it does indeed appear as if you are really struggling with depression as is evident from your symptoms. However it seems like you are being impulsive in seeking prompt relief from underlying depressive features but unfortunately it shall take some time for the anti depressant to start making some positive improvements in your mood, energy, poor concentration and interest and fatigue because it is too early to expect results from the drug as usually an anti depressant take around 2-3 weeks to reach steady state plasma levels which is essential for it to provide desired relief from depressive symptoms.

So it is my humble appeal to you to stay calm and patient and do not become hasty in expecting overnight miraculous recovery, this does not work like this and it is better that you are aware of the time it is going to take for you to feel better so that you can prepare yourself to endure this phase.

If after 3 weeks of use the current anti depressant drug there is not even 25 % improvement in your underlying depressive symptoms then you shall ask your doctor to replace it with any one of the below mentioned ant depressants, each of which is a formidable ploy to tackle your condition.

1) Escitalopram at dose of 10-20 mg/ day, to be taken in the morning.

2) Sertraline at dose of 25-150 mg/ day to be taken in the night.

3) Mirtazapine at dose of 15-45 mg / day to be taken at night.

I hope this helps.

Regards
I find this answer helpful

1 Doctor agrees with this answer


Note: For further guidance on mental health, 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


Recent questions on Anorexia


Loading Online Doctors....
What Causes Appetiet Loss Due To Depression?

Greetings ! Well it does indeed appear as if you are really struggling with depression as is evident from your symptoms. However it seems like you are being impulsive in seeking prompt relief from underlying depressive features but unfortunately it shall take some time for the anti depressant to start making some positive improvements in your mood, energy, poor concentration and interest and fatigue because it is too early to expect results from the drug as usually an anti depressant take around 2-3 weeks to reach steady state plasma levels which is essential for it to provide desired relief from depressive symptoms. So it is my humble appeal to you to stay calm and patient and do not become hasty in expecting overnight miraculous recovery, this does not work like this and it is better that you are aware of the time it is going to take for you to feel better so that you can prepare yourself to endure this phase. If after 3 weeks of use the current anti depressant drug there is not even 25 % improvement in your underlying depressive symptoms then you shall ask your doctor to replace it with any one of the below mentioned ant depressants, each of which is a formidable ploy to tackle your condition. 1) Escitalopram at dose of 10-20 mg/ day, to be taken in the morning. 2) Sertraline at dose of 25-150 mg/ day to be taken in the night. 3) Mirtazapine at dose of 15-45 mg / day to be taken at night. I hope this helps. Regards