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What Causes Depression And Anxiety Despite Being On Zoloft?

Posted on Wed, 1 Jul 2015

Question: Two months ago I contacted you because I was diagnosed with depression and anxiety. I had this condition many years ago, and with the exception of a few incidences of anxiety I hadn't had any trouble. My Dr. put me on several antidepressents over 2 months ago which didn't help. I finally was prescribed 200 mg of Zoloft and had been doing better. However, about 1 week ago I began having symptoms of anxiety and depression again. The Dr. prescribed a dosage of Effexor but seems to think it will take 2 weeks to be effective. She suggested I take a small amt of Ativan since I get up in the mornings with Anxiety. Does the Ativan also help with the depression? I get drowsy even with a small dose. My question is this. Is it normal to have these relapses after I have been on the Zoloft for over 2 months? Thank You

Answered by Dr. Dr. Chintan Solanki (44 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Ativan is for anxiety and sleep,relapse may occur in some situations

Detailed Answer:
Hello,

Thanks for writing to us.

I read your query and understood your concern. You were stable on zoloft and started having symptoms of anxiety and depression again before a week..
Following are the likely reasons responsible for relapse while you are on treatment.

- Missing the dose in between(irregular treatment)

- Any type of recent stress -social, relationship etc.

- Any recent physical illness.

- Seasonal/environmental changes.

Let me know if any of the factors is there in your case.

Whatever the reason of relapse is there the positive part is that your problem is responding to medicine. You will be normal again with help of medicines soon.

Effexor is good drug for anxiety and depression. You will have some effects of effexor within 2 weeks and optimum effects in 4-5 weeks.

Ativan belongs to benzodiazepine group of drugs used as anti-anxiety or sedative.When used in low dose 0.5 to 1 mg it helps in anxiety and when used in dose of 1 to 4 mg it helps in sleep. It is not effective directly in depression however it can help in depression through improving sleep.
You should take ativan before 1-2 hours of going to sleep and reduce the dose if you feel drowsy after waking up.

Hope I have answered your query, I will be happy to help further.
Regards,
Dr.Chintan Solanki.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Neel Kudchadkar

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Chintan Solanki (5 hours later)

Thank you Dr. Solanki for your response. I have developed arthritis in my knee and hip and although I can still manage, it does cause me concern that I might have to have knee and hip replacements. It just concerns me that the effect of the medicines takes what seems to be an eternity.
I appreciate your encouragement. Thank You

Answered by Dr. Dr. Chintan Solanki (2 hours later)

Brief Answer:
wait for 3 weeks

Detailed Answer:
Hello,

Thanks for follow up.At age of 69 such type of physical problem is very common. If you are able to walk without much discomfort and with help of medicines for arthritis you need not require replacement in near future. However the best opinion can be given only by an orthopedic doctor after examination and investigation.

Wait for 3 week now until effexor show its complete effect. Probably chances are there that if your concern regarding arthritis problem is resolved you may not require effexor in future and Zoloft will be sufficient.

Take care.

Feel free to discuss further.

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

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Yogesh D