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Suggest Treatment For Depression
Question: I am a cancer survivor I was put on depression medicine. My family doctor has changed my medicine several times and will not give me a new medication. Says I need to see a psychiatrist. I know that where I work is very stressful and I get angry a lot because nothing ever changes. I feel I am held accountable and others are not at work. I come home on weekends and do not get anything done because I am so depressed. I don't know what type of medication would help me. I do not want one that will add weight since I am already over weight. Who do I see?
Brief Answer:
treatment for depression
Detailed Answer:
Ideally you need to see a psychiatrist for your issue. The first line medication for depression has always been SSRI which I guess your doctor must have prescribed you. However the only effects SSRI show is after using it for 6 weeks. At that point if it doesn't work, you either need to increase the dose or if its already on an optimum dose, you need to switch to another SSRI. If any of the SSRI drugs doesn't work for you which can happen in a very few cases, you need to see your psychiatrist for evaluation for other antidepressant drugs. The problem with other drugs is that they do have some side effects including weight gain which you just mentioned. So that choice can only be made by a psychiatrist. Eventually it becomes more like a trial and error med choice. Thank you. Hope it helps !!!
Dr. Khan
treatment for depression
Detailed Answer:
Ideally you need to see a psychiatrist for your issue. The first line medication for depression has always been SSRI which I guess your doctor must have prescribed you. However the only effects SSRI show is after using it for 6 weeks. At that point if it doesn't work, you either need to increase the dose or if its already on an optimum dose, you need to switch to another SSRI. If any of the SSRI drugs doesn't work for you which can happen in a very few cases, you need to see your psychiatrist for evaluation for other antidepressant drugs. The problem with other drugs is that they do have some side effects including weight gain which you just mentioned. So that choice can only be made by a psychiatrist. Eventually it becomes more like a trial and error med choice. Thank you. Hope it helps !!!
Dr. Khan
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
It is expensive to be trial and error with medication. I don't have the money for that. What drugs are available that do not put on weight. What if I were on Valium to take whenever I needed to calm myself down?
Brief Answer:
Valium not an option, needs management
Detailed Answer:
Thank you for getting back to me
There is a difference between anxiety and depression. Both are two extremes of mood swings. Diazepam / Valium is not even indicated for depression.
SSRIs are the safest antidepressants. Almost every antidepressant can cause weight gain. Bupropion is safer in that regard does not cause weight gain or sexual side effects. Rest atypical antidepressants are almost prescribed these days like trazodone, bupropion, mirtazapine and nefazodone etc.
There are therapies other than just medicines which helps depression modifying lifestyle and routine is the prior key to them all. here are some
Behavior therapy
Cognitive-behavioral therapy
Family therapy
Group psychotherapy
Interpersonal psychotherapy
Interpersonal therapy
Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy
Psychodynamic psychotherapy
Supportive psychotherapy
Transcranial Magnetic stimulation is good and works like charm.
vagal nerve stimulation is proved effective too.
Electroconvulsive therapy is good too.
Seek a psychiatrist and let them take care of you.
I hope it helps. Take good care and dont forget to close the discussion please.
May the odds be ever in your favour.
Regards
Khan
Valium not an option, needs management
Detailed Answer:
Thank you for getting back to me
There is a difference between anxiety and depression. Both are two extremes of mood swings. Diazepam / Valium is not even indicated for depression.
SSRIs are the safest antidepressants. Almost every antidepressant can cause weight gain. Bupropion is safer in that regard does not cause weight gain or sexual side effects. Rest atypical antidepressants are almost prescribed these days like trazodone, bupropion, mirtazapine and nefazodone etc.
There are therapies other than just medicines which helps depression modifying lifestyle and routine is the prior key to them all. here are some
Behavior therapy
Cognitive-behavioral therapy
Family therapy
Group psychotherapy
Interpersonal psychotherapy
Interpersonal therapy
Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy
Psychodynamic psychotherapy
Supportive psychotherapy
Transcranial Magnetic stimulation is good and works like charm.
vagal nerve stimulation is proved effective too.
Electroconvulsive therapy is good too.
Seek a psychiatrist and let them take care of you.
I hope it helps. Take good care and dont forget to close the discussion please.
May the odds be ever in your favour.
Regards
Khan
Note: For further guidance on mental health, Click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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