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Suggest An Alternative Anti-depressent To Celexa

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Posted on Wed, 4 Jun 2014
Question: I am a 66 year old female and have been on anti-depressents since my change at 50. My Celexa does not work anymore. I often feel angry or depressed! Can you please recommend another anti-depressent that would work for me?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Manisha Gopal (33 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
you may try sertraline, its safe & good

Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Its ok that your drug has stopped working, it happens many times that suddenly the symptoms come back even while being on regular treatment.

The good point is that you have had response initially - which gives positive indications that the next drug will also work.
You may try sertraline 25-50mg once daily after meals. It is safe drug and even recommended in old age or people with anykind of cardiac history or with high blood pressure.

So, you may taper down celexa by reducing 10-15mg a week and stop it and simultaneously start sertraline in low dose.
You may need to go upto 100mg o sertraline for sufficient response.
You can talk to your doctor about this medicine and proceed further.

I hope the reply helps you.
Feel free to ask more questions for clarification.

Wish you luck!
Dr. Manisha Gopal
MD Psychiatry
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Manisha Gopal (7 hours later)
Thank u so much, my husband just started taking those and he is like a new person! I appreciate your help!
doctor
Answered by Dr. Manisha Gopal (3 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Thankyou too! Take care.

Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Im also happy being able to help you!
Please get his tests- just to have a baseline evaluation ( dont repeate the ones which you have already got done within past six months): complete blood counts, lipid profile, TSH, liver and kidney tests.

Ask him to increase more servings of salads ( what ever he prefers, without salt) in diet and take sips of water every 10-15min ( not a glass full ) all day long till 4-5pm. This will help him stay well.

Wish you good luck!
Dr. Manisha Gopal
MD Psychiatry
Note: For further guidance on mental health, Click here.

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

Psychiatrist

Practicing since :2005

Answered : 947 Questions

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Suggest An Alternative Anti-depressent To Celexa

Brief Answer: you may try sertraline, its safe & good Detailed Answer: Hello, Its ok that your drug has stopped working, it happens many times that suddenly the symptoms come back even while being on regular treatment. The good point is that you have had response initially - which gives positive indications that the next drug will also work. You may try sertraline 25-50mg once daily after meals. It is safe drug and even recommended in old age or people with anykind of cardiac history or with high blood pressure. So, you may taper down celexa by reducing 10-15mg a week and stop it and simultaneously start sertraline in low dose. You may need to go upto 100mg o sertraline for sufficient response. You can talk to your doctor about this medicine and proceed further. I hope the reply helps you. Feel free to ask more questions for clarification. Wish you luck! Dr. Manisha Gopal MD Psychiatry