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What Causes Persistent Bouts Of Rage And Irritability Despite Taking Sertraline?

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Posted on Wed, 28 Jun 2017
Question: My husband is 75 years old, retired Vietnam vet and in reasonably good health. He does take 150 mg of Sertraline daily for depression and anxiety but is still prone to bouts of rage, and impatience with simple things. Is this the right medication for him?
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Answered by Dr. Seikhoo Bishnoi (14 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Low dose antipsychotics can be added.

Detailed Answer:
Hello thanks for asking from HCM

Sertraline is a SSRI drug. The drug is a good antidepressant drug and is considered as safest SSRI drug for use in elderly. So in my opinion if his depression and anxiety are under control with this drug then that is right choice for him.

But if he has bouts of rage, impatience and this is causing problems in his functioning then any other drug can be added to his prescription. Low dose second generation antipsychotic drugs like Risperidone or Olanzapine or Lurasidone etc can be used for his symptoms. These drugs will calm him and will reduce the rage he is showing. You can talk with his doctor for opinion on these medicines.

Thanks and Take care.

You are welcome to ask follow up doubts.
Note: For further guidance on mental health, Click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad
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Answered by
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Dr. Seikhoo Bishnoi

Psychiatrist

Practicing since :2007

Answered : 5193 Questions

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What Causes Persistent Bouts Of Rage And Irritability Despite Taking Sertraline?

Brief Answer: Low dose antipsychotics can be added. Detailed Answer: Hello thanks for asking from HCM Sertraline is a SSRI drug. The drug is a good antidepressant drug and is considered as safest SSRI drug for use in elderly. So in my opinion if his depression and anxiety are under control with this drug then that is right choice for him. But if he has bouts of rage, impatience and this is causing problems in his functioning then any other drug can be added to his prescription. Low dose second generation antipsychotic drugs like Risperidone or Olanzapine or Lurasidone etc can be used for his symptoms. These drugs will calm him and will reduce the rage he is showing. You can talk with his doctor for opinion on these medicines. Thanks and Take care. You are welcome to ask follow up doubts.