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Do SSNRI Drugs Cause Depression?

Posted on Thu, 18 Dec 2014

Question: Do SSRNI's make a person have increases signs of depression at the beginning of treatment?

Answered by Dr. Awadhesh P Singh Solanki (19 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
no generally it does not cause

Detailed Answer:
thanks for asking in HCM.
SSNRI drugs take approx 2-3 weeks to overcome depression.
These drugs rarely cause depression initially. But these drugs increase the suicidal ideations in young people comes under the black box warning.
So i would like to suggest that you can continue upto three weeks to get the desire effect of the drug.
Hope my answer have helped you.
take care
dr awadhesh p XXXXXXX solanki

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T

Follow up: Dr. Awadhesh P Singh Solanki (8 minutes later)

So you are saying that they usually don not cause increased symptoms of depression like sadness, hopelessness, lethargy but also take up to 2-3 weeks to work and would recommend continuing to take even though symptoms are becoming unbearable? Does this make sense? Also, I have been on the Venlafaxine for about 4 weeks. It was ordered by my PCP who I do not believe has a good understanding of psych meds.

Answered by Dr. Awadhesh P Singh Solanki (8 hours later)

Brief Answer:
change the drugs you are using for depression.

Detailed Answer:
SSNRI drugs increases some brain neurotransmitter and take approx minimum two weeks to reduce the symptoms.
In my opinion it is better to go for typical antidepressants like sertraline and escitalopram, because they are better anti depressants and used as first line drugs. I would like to suggest you to visit your doctor to prescribe them.
It will be better to take some benzodiazepines drugs like clonazepam, nitrazepam, along with antidepressants as they will act very fast and will help you to overcome your depression in initial period.
Visit your doctor to prescribe these drugs.
Do not worry you will get fine in very short period.
Take care.

Regards
Dr awadhesh p XXXXXXX solanki

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Yogesh D

Follow up: Dr. Awadhesh P Singh Solanki (16 hours later)

I don't have an appointment with my doctor until 12/10. In the mean time I feel very miserable. What is the best way to stop this medicine? I am taking 75 mg a day. I have had severe withdrawal symptoms in the past with SSRI's

Answered by Dr. Awadhesh P Singh Solanki (13 hours later)

Brief Answer:
do not discontinue medicines

Detailed Answer:
I can understand your concern.
Do not discontinue drugs until start of newer antidepressants.
Wait till 10th December,on advise of your doctor slowly decrease the dose of existing drug then only start the more potent antidepressants. This is the best way to avoid withdrawal.

Hope you understood the answer.
Take care.

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

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Ashwin Bhandari