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Can Depression Worsen PTSD Symptoms?
Question: Normal for PTSD symptoms (flashbacks, anxiety) to worsen in an episode of MDD? This is the 1st MDD episode I've had since being diagnosed with PTSD. My psychiatrist wanted me to kind of wait the depressive symptoms out a bit, because it is situational- I had back surgery, then a week later was in a bad car accident. I have lorazepam 1mg that I take 2X daily PRN for the anxiety, but now it doesn't even really feel like it's helping. What can I do?
Brief Answer:
I think there is need to intervene
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thanks for using healthcaremagic.
I read your query and understand your concerns.
Although it is natural for PTSD symptoms to worsen during an episode of Depression it is not advisable to wait longer considering it is situatioal.
Situational depression can not be explained beyond two weeks and if it persists longer an intervention is warranted.
It is not necessarily antidepressant but even psychotherspy can be considered if he is not willing for medications.
So to conclude talk to your psychiatrist with required emphasis on difficulties faced by you and no help getting from lorazepam. I am sure with this piece information he will either prescribe an antidepressant or start a form of psychotherapy useful in depression.
I hope this helps you.
If you have more questions feel free to write back to me.
Thanks and regards.
I think there is need to intervene
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thanks for using healthcaremagic.
I read your query and understand your concerns.
Although it is natural for PTSD symptoms to worsen during an episode of Depression it is not advisable to wait longer considering it is situatioal.
Situational depression can not be explained beyond two weeks and if it persists longer an intervention is warranted.
It is not necessarily antidepressant but even psychotherspy can be considered if he is not willing for medications.
So to conclude talk to your psychiatrist with required emphasis on difficulties faced by you and no help getting from lorazepam. I am sure with this piece information he will either prescribe an antidepressant or start a form of psychotherapy useful in depression.
I hope this helps you.
If you have more questions feel free to write back to me.
Thanks and regards.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Sonia Raina
I understand. When I last saw my psychiatrist, it had been less than two weeks, so he wanted me to work through it in therapy more before making medication changes. I'm taking venlafaxine XR 225mg, but I'm very prone to serotonin syndrome. I've had a mild case of it every time we have made a change in my medications. The anxiety just leaves me completely exhausted, and it's very hard to calm down lately.
Brief Answer:
Serotonin syndrome occurrence needs very slow changes in medication
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thanks for reverting back to me.
Serotonin syndrome is really a thing of concern and that necessitates us to make very slow changes if required. Although recommended dose of venlafaxine is 225 mg it can be used upto 300 mg after due consideration of possible risks and benefits.
I am glad to know that the information was useful for you.
If you have any more questions feel free to write back to me.
If not, you may close the discussion and if possible you may rate the answer for me, so that I get a good feedback.
In future if you wish to contact me directly, you can use the below mentioned link:
http://doctor.healthcaremagic.com/doctors/dr-ashok-kumar/67386
Thanks and regards
Serotonin syndrome occurrence needs very slow changes in medication
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thanks for reverting back to me.
Serotonin syndrome is really a thing of concern and that necessitates us to make very slow changes if required. Although recommended dose of venlafaxine is 225 mg it can be used upto 300 mg after due consideration of possible risks and benefits.
I am glad to know that the information was useful for you.
If you have any more questions feel free to write back to me.
If not, you may close the discussion and if possible you may rate the answer for me, so that I get a good feedback.
In future if you wish to contact me directly, you can use the below mentioned link:
http://doctor.healthcaremagic.com/doctors/dr-ashok-kumar/67386
Thanks and regards
Note: For further guidance on mental health, Click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Sonia Raina
Answered by
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