Suggest Treatment For MDD And Anxiety

Posted on Mon, 15 Dec 2014

Question: I am currently going through my 2 bout of MDD and anxiety. Last one was in the year 1995. As of today I have been suffering for 3 Months, with all of the symptoms of the illness. I am taking Wellbutrin 300, Sertlraline150 and clonazepam 1mg at night and a half in morning. I also have seen Psych. and therapist. I was really stupid and took myself off of the Wellbutrin about 9 Months ago. Which I believe may have caused my relapse, plus stressors. Will I get better....And if I took myself off of Wellbutrin will it work for me again. Thank-you very much XXXXXXX YYYY@YYYY

I am at my wits end and missing out on so much...I am not suicidal..never have been. Please help. Thank-you

Answered by Dr. Shubham Mehta (22 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Wellbutrin might work well again.

Detailed Answer:
Hello
Welcome to HCM.
I have read you query and understand your concerns.

MDD is disabling illness but is treatable.
Your depression in a reactive depression, caused in part by stressors.
I have some suggestions for you:
1. Removing or minimizing the stressors would be the first thing to do.
2. The thumb rule of prescribing an antidepressant is that, prescribe that drug to which the patient responded earlier. The dose might be same or higher. So if you have had response to Wellbutrin earlier, it will work again.
3. Your are taking wellbutrin and sertraline both. This covers all the neurotransmitters responsible for depression (serotonin, norepinephrine and dopamine). Chances of recovery are good.
4. If you have the response with 300mg dose of wellbutrin and 150mg of sertraline, a increase in dose of sertraline might be an option.
5. Continue with cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT) if you are taking it. If not, ask your psychotherapist for this.

The ideal treatment would be CBT plus drug treatment.

Also get your thyroid functions tested. Subclinical or clinical hypothyroidism might be a reason for recurrent depression in females especially.

Please discuss with your psychiatrist on these issues.

Hope this information is helpful for you.
Any further queries are welcome.
thanks.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Ashwin Bhandari

Follow up: Dr. Shubham Mehta (1 hour later)

Thank-you so so much...I mostly love hearing that it will work again. I will also mention to Dr. about increasing my Sertraline. And I will also have my med. Dr. check for thyroid functions. Also I will work harder on my CBT. Thank -you Thank-you...Brings me hope.
XXXXXX
You are appreciated

Answered by Dr. Shubham Mehta (5 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
I hope you will be fine soon.

Detailed Answer:
Glad to see you hopeful and happy with my suggestions.

Hope you get well soon XXXXXXX

You are always welcome for further queries.

Take care.
Thanks.

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

Follow up: Dr. Shubham Mehta (4 hours later)

So Sorry for bothering you Again Dr. Mehta, But why have I been crying for 3 months, mostly in the Morning.

I know one day soon I will be emotionally healthy again. But this is so so Hard.

Thank-you so much again. XXXXXXX

Answered by Dr. Shubham Mehta (11 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Its part of depression.

Detailed Answer:
Dear XXXXXXX

Depressive illnesses can be worse either in morning or evening and the person may feel relatively better for rest of the day. This is the nature of illness. But symptoms may vary from person to person.

But anyhow, i see hopes for you. You will be fine soon.

Wish you good health.
Happy to help you.
Thanks.

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

Follow up: Dr. Shubham Mehta (37 hours later)

Thank-you again, Believe it or not but you are a huge help. I am pretty much keeping everything from my family. I have worried them so. So hearing positive affirmations from you are making me feel so confident.

As always you appreciated XXXXX

Answered by Dr. Shubham Mehta (5 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
always stay hopeful

Detailed Answer:
Happy to help you.

Thanks.
Take care. :)

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

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Bhagyalaxmi Nalaparaju