What Causes Symptoms Of Persisting Depression And Anxiety?

Posted on Thu, 19 Mar 2015

Question: After a failed trial,5 weeks, of Paxil, I was put on 50mg of Zoloft for 1 week and have been on 100mg for 2 days and I don't know how long I will be kept on this dosage until I am increased. I am still always on the verge of tears and have anxiety in the morning. I take 1 mg of Ativan for that but I get little or no relief and none for the sadness. How long does it generally take to feel at least a little better. ? I also have no energy.

Answered by Dr. Seikhoo Bishnoi (47 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
The drug will show response in about 4-6 weeks

Detailed Answer:
Hello, Welcome to Health Care Magic

Anti depressants usually start showing their effects in about 4-6 weeks. Zoloft is a SSRI drug and Paxil is also a SSRI drug. Even if an individual fails to respond to one SSRI even then he/she can respond to other SSRI drug. You have been advised to take 100 mg dose since last 2 days only and you are on Zoloft since last 1 week only. As per my opinion the dose of drug should be increased to 150-200 mg per day in next one week. You should see improvement in about two more weeks. Consult your psychiatrist for dose adjustments.

Till then take Ativan on Sos basis.

Thanks, hope this helps you. Ask again for more doubts.

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

Follow up: Dr. Seikhoo Bishnoi (3 hours later)

Dr. Bishnoi,

Is it "normal" to always feel like crying and struggle to get from day to day? And will this improve when the drug is increased.
Is it "normal" to always feel like crying and struggle from day to day? I have little energy and feel guilty if I nap during the day?

Answered by Dr. Seikhoo Bishnoi (5 hours later)

Brief Answer:
The symptoms of depression will go away

Detailed Answer:
Hello thanks for asking a follow up question

Yes its normal to feel like crying and struggle to get from day to day and feelings like you have little energy or tiredness because all these are symptoms of persisting depression. These symptoms would improve on increasing the dose of drug because 100 mg is not so sufficient dose.

Thanks, still have more doubts please ask again.

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

Follow up: Dr. Seikhoo Bishnoi (16 hours later)

Thank you again for responding. During this episode of depression I have gotten a cold/flu and am more tired now. My question is that I seem to get fearful at having to rest more which raises my anxiety level. I feel very ridiculous at having to ask these what must seem ludicrous questions to you. But I would feel better if I knew these were also symptoms of having depression. I don't remember being so fearful the last time in 1990 when I went into depression.

I thank you for your time and encouragement.

Answered by Dr. Seikhoo Bishnoi (6 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Excess tiredness and depressive symptoms are due to depression only

Detailed Answer:
Hello thanks for asking a follow up question

In any viral illness after recovery individuals developing symptoms of tiredness, fatiguability etc. Such symptoms are common after any flu and individuals with depression develop aggravation of symptoms. So these are depressive symptoms only which got aggravated after that flu. These symptoms of fearfulness are also due to depression. Increased severity is due to malaise and post viral illness complications.

I would advise you to increase vitamin B12 supplements intake in your diet and these will supplement the actions of anti-depressants and will hasten the recovery. Omega-3-Fatty Acids will also help in early recovery.

You can clear all of your doubts and don't feel hesitated.

Thanks

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