Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with GoogleGet your health question answered instantly from our pool of 18000+ doctors from over 80 specialties
How Can Depression Be Treated?
Hi, i am 55 years old woman and I have been feeling very depressed, at times hopeless and helpless. Cry practically everyday. I am financially independent and have many great friends and family. Been divorced after 23 year. Since 4 years ago. At the moment taking care of my elderly parents temporarily here. One who had an open heart Surgury about 25 days ago and a father who is not able to take care of any of his needs and is pretty much imobile.
I was put on two medication by a psychiatrist in LA.about two years ago. For awhile I get better but as soon as I have to deal with a stressful situation like now, my deep depression returns.
I am on Citalopram (Celexa)40 mg. once at night time and Bupropion HCL XL150 in the mornings.
Still I get agitated and cry almost everyday? Not sure what to do.
Really need help please.
Thank you
F.
I was put on two medication by a psychiatrist in LA.about two years ago. For awhile I get better but as soon as I have to deal with a stressful situation like now, my deep depression returns.
I am on Citalopram (Celexa)40 mg. once at night time and Bupropion HCL XL150 in the mornings.
Still I get agitated and cry almost everyday? Not sure what to do.
Really need help please.
Thank you
F.
Wed, 26 Oct 2016
Hi, thanks for asking from HCM
I can understand your concern. You are 55 and this is the time the depression becomes worse. You have to take care of your parents, personal life is disturbed and all these aggravate the symptoms of depression.
You are currently on Celexa which is a SSRI drug and is right drug for depression. The dose of 40 mg per day too is fine. Even with this dose your depressive symptoms are persistent and worse and you have agitation and crying spells. In such case for persistent depressive disorder I'd advise you to talk to your psychiatrist again. Increasing the dose of Bupropion would help to supplement the action of Celexa and you will definitely feel better. Dose of 150 mg twice a day should work. Apart from this low dose antipsychotics can be added to prescription. Olanzapine can be added and should help to improve the actions of other drugs. Talk to your doctor about re-evaluation.
Thanks, Take care
I can understand your concern. You are 55 and this is the time the depression becomes worse. You have to take care of your parents, personal life is disturbed and all these aggravate the symptoms of depression.
You are currently on Celexa which is a SSRI drug and is right drug for depression. The dose of 40 mg per day too is fine. Even with this dose your depressive symptoms are persistent and worse and you have agitation and crying spells. In such case for persistent depressive disorder I'd advise you to talk to your psychiatrist again. Increasing the dose of Bupropion would help to supplement the action of Celexa and you will definitely feel better. Dose of 150 mg twice a day should work. Apart from this low dose antipsychotics can be added to prescription. Olanzapine can be added and should help to improve the actions of other drugs. Talk to your doctor about re-evaluation.
Thanks, Take care
I find this answer helpful
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]
Related questions you may be interested in
Loading Online Doctors....