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Suggest Alternative Medication In Place Of Lexapro
Question: Hi, I don't feel good. I am depressed and have anxiety attacks that are getting worse and worse. I have been through this before don think it was this bad though. I took lexapro for a number of years but didn't like the way it made me feel so I stopped taking it about 3 years ago. I have seen various types of therapists but regardless of the price and fame they have not offered me anything. Right now I am close to the end of my rope, I am not suicidal, but I don't know what to do, don't know where to go but I need to do something really soon. I feel like I have given up on life but I know in my mind that there has to be a way to change this. I try to force myself everyday to get up, take a shower, go to work, I am in the midst of starting my own business but I take no pleasure in it at all, even though I know it is what I want somewhere inside. Just tell me where to get help.
Brief Answer:
adding some drug or ECT will help
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thanks for writing to us. I can understand your concern. You seem to be in depression or dysthymia.
Lexapro is not only drug to treat depression. When it is not helpful drugs from other groups are also there.
When there is no response with one drug, drug from other group should be tried.
You have been not treated with sufficient medicines. Other options are mirtazapine, desvenlafaxine, wellbutrin, tricyclic anti-depressant (TCA),effexor, cymbalata and ECT (electro convulsive therapy) with psychotherapy. Depending upon symptom profile and doctor & patient’s choice 1, 2 or 3 medicines can be combined. If there is no response with combination of above mentioned drugs lithium, lamotrigine and seroquel are other options.
In resistant depression Thyroid and vitamin B12 level should also be checked. If you have not been tested for the same please go for thyroid hormone profile and serum Vitamin B12 level.
You need to consult psychiatrist for further evaluation and treatment.
Please discuss above options with doctor/psychiatrist and try to come out of sad mood.
Hope I have answered your query, I will be happy to help further.
Regards,
Dr.Chintan Solanki.
adding some drug or ECT will help
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thanks for writing to us. I can understand your concern. You seem to be in depression or dysthymia.
Lexapro is not only drug to treat depression. When it is not helpful drugs from other groups are also there.
When there is no response with one drug, drug from other group should be tried.
You have been not treated with sufficient medicines. Other options are mirtazapine, desvenlafaxine, wellbutrin, tricyclic anti-depressant (TCA),effexor, cymbalata and ECT (electro convulsive therapy) with psychotherapy. Depending upon symptom profile and doctor & patient’s choice 1, 2 or 3 medicines can be combined. If there is no response with combination of above mentioned drugs lithium, lamotrigine and seroquel are other options.
In resistant depression Thyroid and vitamin B12 level should also be checked. If you have not been tested for the same please go for thyroid hormone profile and serum Vitamin B12 level.
You need to consult psychiatrist for further evaluation and treatment.
Please discuss above options with doctor/psychiatrist and try to come out of sad mood.
Hope I have answered your query, I will be happy to help further.
Regards,
Dr.Chintan Solanki.
Note: For further guidance on mental health, Click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
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