My Daughter Is Currently In A Residential Treatment Facility After

Posted on Tue, 10 Sep 2019

Question: My daughter is currently in a residential treatment facility after 3 suicide attempts. She was initially placed on Zoloft (after her first suicide attempt, 25 mg) and then increased over the course of a month to 100 mg. She had a very negative reaction (heard voices, hallucinations, suicide attempt, lacerations all over body). She has been at the facility since 8/9/19. She is now beginning to have flashbacks and the psychiatrist would like to increase her meds. She is currently taking: Abilify 5 mg and Buspar 5 mg. The psychiatirst wanted to put her on Prozac, but I refused because of her reaction to Zoloft. He then suggested increasing her dose of Buspar to 20 mg, but he wants to do the increase at once instead of progressively (10 mg 2 X daily). I need to consult with someone about the effects of increasing her meds (appropriate time frame) and how to treat flachbacks.

Thanks,
Alana

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Antoneta Zotaj (1 minute later)

My daughter is 14.

Answered by Dr. Dr. Antoneta Zotaj (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Buspar dose changes explained in detail below

Detailed Answer:
Hello and welcome to 'Ask A Doctor' service,

I carefully read your query and understand your concern.

Buspar can be started at 15 mg a day (7.5 mg twice a day) and the daily dose can be increased by 5 mg a day. The maximum dose is 60 mg a day. Buspar 5 mg a day is a very low dose, much lower than the minimum therapeutic dose so I think it is safe to increase it according to the explanation above.

As for the flashbacks, they are due to anxiety and good treatment with medications and psychotherapy (counseling) is needed. Regular follow-ups are important as well. The counselor will try to address her thoughts and fears and help her manage them properly.

I hope this answers your query.
I remain at your disposal in case further medical assistance is needed.

Regards,
Dr. Antoneta Zotaj
General and Family Physician

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Arnab Banerjee

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Antoneta Zotaj (1 hour later)

Thank you very much for your help.

Answered by Dr. Dr. Antoneta Zotaj (8 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
It is my pleasure to assist you

Detailed Answer:
Hello and welcome back,

It is my pleasure to assist you and I wish your daughter good health and quick recovery.

Feel free to let us know in case further medical assistance is needed.

Kind regards,
Dr. Antoneta Zotaj

Note: For further guidance on mental health, Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T