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Suggest Treatment For Depression While On Lexapro
Question: My year old daughter sees a psychologist and she recommended an anti depressant because of suicidal thoughts. She is also scheduled to return to school in a week. Is it reasonable to start such medication when I cannot monitor her. Is Lexapro or Celexa a reasonable start and what is the minimal effective dose? If Lexapro/ Celexa do not work as hoped, do you have a suggestion for an alternate medication. She does have some anxiety, though she is reasonably well functioning socially and is physically in good condition. She is 5'5" and 115-120 lbs so weight gain would be of little concern on specific side effects. She is not sexually active so libido is also of little concern. She rarely drinks, perhaps one or two drinks a few times over the last several months, but I do worry about that at college. We have pretty open communication so I am comfortable with my assessment above. I do worry about sleep issues since school is demanding, a Poly Sci major at Villanova. While she has admitted to suicidal thoughts, I do not believe she has come anywhere near an attempt but she does feel she should go on medication. I welcome your thoughts. Once I use up this session Up, will take you up on your direct site as I feel second opinions are important here. Thanks again
Brief Answer:
An important note on drinking
Detailed Answer:
I should mention something here that was not previously addressed. You note that your daughter drinks rarely, but you are right to be concerned that she may be drinking more at college. This is actually a very important consideration. As close as you two may be, teenagers often keep things from their parents, and it may be that she is drinking more than she lets on. If this is the case, alcohol can cause symptoms of major depression, and can even cause a major depressive episode on its own. So this needs to be assessed very carefully.
While Lexapro and Celexa work for depression as we have discussed, they will not work if alcohol is in the picture. Alcohol is a central nervous system depressant, and therefore counteracts the antidepressant effects of these medications. If her depression is not related to alcohol, then they will work well. But if she is drinking, the alcohol needs to be addressed first.
Again, in the future, for continuity of care, I encourage you to contact me at my private link below, because we receive nearly double the payment from this website for direct questions, and after asking a direct question it would be my pleasure to be your dedicated personal physician on this website. My name is Dr. Sheppe, and I am an XXXXXXX doctor working in New York City at NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital, ranked #1 for Psychiatry in the United States. For a personalized comprehensive evaluation, treatment recommendations, or individual therapy, ask me at HealthCareMagic at this private link: tinyurl.com/DrSheppeAnswers
An important note on drinking
Detailed Answer:
I should mention something here that was not previously addressed. You note that your daughter drinks rarely, but you are right to be concerned that she may be drinking more at college. This is actually a very important consideration. As close as you two may be, teenagers often keep things from their parents, and it may be that she is drinking more than she lets on. If this is the case, alcohol can cause symptoms of major depression, and can even cause a major depressive episode on its own. So this needs to be assessed very carefully.
While Lexapro and Celexa work for depression as we have discussed, they will not work if alcohol is in the picture. Alcohol is a central nervous system depressant, and therefore counteracts the antidepressant effects of these medications. If her depression is not related to alcohol, then they will work well. But if she is drinking, the alcohol needs to be addressed first.
Again, in the future, for continuity of care, I encourage you to contact me at my private link below, because we receive nearly double the payment from this website for direct questions, and after asking a direct question it would be my pleasure to be your dedicated personal physician on this website. My name is Dr. Sheppe, and I am an XXXXXXX doctor working in New York City at NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital, ranked #1 for Psychiatry in the United States. For a personalized comprehensive evaluation, treatment recommendations, or individual therapy, ask me at HealthCareMagic at this private link: tinyurl.com/DrSheppeAnswers
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Raju A.T
How are you defining drinking. I am confident she drinks minimally, but not none whatsoever. I believe she could comply with not drinking but as a realist, what about an occasional drink(1-2)? Is zero alcohol the only solution? Thanks
Brief Answer:
Followup
Detailed Answer:
I define drinking as any amount of alcohol intake period. Studies have shown that even 1-2 drinks intermittently can have negative effects on mood, specifically in people suffering from major depression. Zero alcohol is the best solution to ensure that her medications are working to their maximum capacity. Alcohol is a depressant, and in any dose will counteract antidepressant medications.
Dr. Sheppe
Followup
Detailed Answer:
I define drinking as any amount of alcohol intake period. Studies have shown that even 1-2 drinks intermittently can have negative effects on mood, specifically in people suffering from major depression. Zero alcohol is the best solution to ensure that her medications are working to their maximum capacity. Alcohol is a depressant, and in any dose will counteract antidepressant medications.
Dr. Sheppe
Note: For further follow up on related General & Family Physician Click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Sonia Raina
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