Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with Google
I Was Diagnosed With Depression In 2013. Was On Fluoxetine
Question: I was diagnosed with depression in 2013. Was on Fluoxetine for 2 years. Then was without symptoms till 2018 February. I went and saw a doctor and was put back on fluoxitene. I stopped in XXXXXXX this year, and for the last couple of months am going through anxiety,sadness and other signs of depression. I have shifted to XXXXXXX from XXXXXXX and don't have a doctor. I have heard alot about Brintellix, and wanted your advice on whether I could start having that.
Brief Answer:
Both are good.
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thanks for your query.
Important aspects of your query are:
• 45 years old male
• Known case of Anxiety and Depression
• History of good response to Fluoxetine
• Concern regarding use of Brintellix for current anxiety and depression symptoms.
As a thumb rule, for depression treatment, it is better to prefer medicines which had shown good result in past, like Fluoxetine in your case. It is economical, good, old and safe medicine. Usually 70% patients show response, when started on new medicine. But response rate will be high with fluoxetine, as you had already shown response with it.
Brintellix is also good, costly and new medicine. It claims to have good effect on cognitive functions, which is desirable in working class. Its starting dose is 5mg for initial 4 days, then 10mg daily in morning after breakfast. Its common side effects in initial week are nausea, vomiting and acidity. It is a prescription medicine, so if you want to start it, then you should meet nearby psychiatrist for in person evaluation and prescription.
I hope this information has been both informative and helpful for you.
Wish you good health.
Regards,
Dr-Ashish-Mittal
Both are good.
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thanks for your query.
Important aspects of your query are:
• 45 years old male
• Known case of Anxiety and Depression
• History of good response to Fluoxetine
• Concern regarding use of Brintellix for current anxiety and depression symptoms.
As a thumb rule, for depression treatment, it is better to prefer medicines which had shown good result in past, like Fluoxetine in your case. It is economical, good, old and safe medicine. Usually 70% patients show response, when started on new medicine. But response rate will be high with fluoxetine, as you had already shown response with it.
Brintellix is also good, costly and new medicine. It claims to have good effect on cognitive functions, which is desirable in working class. Its starting dose is 5mg for initial 4 days, then 10mg daily in morning after breakfast. Its common side effects in initial week are nausea, vomiting and acidity. It is a prescription medicine, so if you want to start it, then you should meet nearby psychiatrist for in person evaluation and prescription.
I hope this information has been both informative and helpful for you.
Wish you good health.
Regards,
Dr-Ashish-Mittal
Note: For further follow up on related General & Family Physician Click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Nagamani Ng
Answered by
Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties
