Suggest Treatment For Symptoms Of Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder

Posted on Mon, 3 Oct 2016

Question: I have been on effexor- and then the generic- for about 9 years and have not had any episodes of depression and anxiety until this February. I have had 4 episodes lasting about 4-6 days. I am seeing my Psychiatrist tomorrow- I feel he does not care about me too much. I have had him for only about a year dur to a change in insurance. He put me on Rexulti last time but I freaked out and stopped taking it after I had a sleepless night and my face started moving on it's own. He has increased my effexor to 225. I have been taking 300 for the XXXXXXX week or so. I am so depressed and scared I will never go back to being myself. Can you please give me some advice to ask my doctor tomorrow? Thank you so much

Answered by Dr. Chintan Solanki (43 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
premenstrual dysphoric disorder should be assessed and treated

Detailed Answer:
Hello XXXXXXX

Thanks for writing to us. I can understand your concern.

Your episodes are around menstrual cycles. If no other stress is there, this is likely premenstrual dysphoric disorder. it is just a type of depression and related to hormonal changes during menstrual cycle. You should go for hormonal check-up (FSH, LH, Progestrone).

Treatment includes adding anti-anxiety medicines(like clonazepam or lorazepam) or anti-depressant (like sertraline or escitalopram) during susceptible period.

No need to worry much. You are stable on single medicine since long. We have many other medicines to deal with your problem.

I also recommend going for Vitamin B12,Vitamin D and thyroid check-up if not done before.

Adding psychotherapy, relaxation techniques and yoga-meditation to your medicine can also provide good help.

Hope you can discuss with your psychiatrist from above information.

I will be happy to help further.
Regards,
Dr.Chintan Solanki.

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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar