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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Suggest Treatment For Anxiety And Depression After Treated Colon Cancer

I have had 5 clinical depressions in the past 20 years. Iwwas on Prozac for 15 of those years. I was diagnosed with colon cancer on 2010. This brought on severe anxiety not depression. Chemo was very controlled and not a problem. The anxiety was so severe I was put on Seroquel to relieve the anxiety. It worked somewhat. Much too strong. I was then introduced to EffexorXR up to 150mg daily and 25 mg. was added as well. This has worked for me. For the past 4 years since the cancer diagnosis I have been free of all anxiety. CT scans are hard but bearable. I have been in remission for 3 years,living a productive and healthy life. What I am concerned about is whether there is a possibility of a relapse? Should the cancer return, I am sure I will relapse because of all the unknowns connected this disease. I am female ,in excellent health and 68 years old. I had no idea I had to pay for this. I have an excellent GP and psychiatrist. I thought it would be nice to get a second opinion. I m no longer interested in paying for answers. I live in Canada and health information is free. Thanks but no thanks!!!
Tue, 27 Jan 2015
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Psychiatrist,  's  Response
Hello,
Thanks for choosing health care magic for posting your query.
I have gone through your question in detail and I can understand what you are going through.
From what you have stated it is quite clear that you are having a depressive episode. Depression can occur with regular stress and it can also occur biologically without any stress as well. You need proper treatment for the same. There are various effective therapies for depression like fluoxetine, venlafaxine, bupropion, mirtazapine or escitalopram and they are all very effective and mostly safe. You may also require some benzodiazepines like clonazepam or lorazepam for a short period like 2-3 weeks to reduce the anxiety and help with your sleep.
If you are averse to the drug therapies then there is also an option of cognitive behavioural therapy. This therapy is taken by either a psychologist or a psychiatrist in which the therapist identifies impaired cognitions (Thoughts) and try to correct them. They are 15-20 min weekly session and there should be around 8-10 sessions to help you with your illness.

Hope I am able to answer your concerns.
If you have any further query, I would be glad to help you.
In future if you wish to contact me directly, you can use the below mentioned link:
bit.ly/dr-srikanth-reddy
                                        
Wish you good health,
Kind regards
Dr. Srikanth Reddy M.D.
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Suggest Treatment For Anxiety And Depression After Treated Colon Cancer

Hello, Thanks for choosing health care magic for posting your query. I have gone through your question in detail and I can understand what you are going through. From what you have stated it is quite clear that you are having a depressive episode. Depression can occur with regular stress and it can also occur biologically without any stress as well. You need proper treatment for the same. There are various effective therapies for depression like fluoxetine, venlafaxine, bupropion, mirtazapine or escitalopram and they are all very effective and mostly safe. You may also require some benzodiazepines like clonazepam or lorazepam for a short period like 2-3 weeks to reduce the anxiety and help with your sleep. If you are averse to the drug therapies then there is also an option of cognitive behavioural therapy. This therapy is taken by either a psychologist or a psychiatrist in which the therapist identifies impaired cognitions (Thoughts) and try to correct them. They are 15-20 min weekly session and there should be around 8-10 sessions to help you with your illness. Hope I am able to answer your concerns. If you have any further query, I would be glad to help you. In future if you wish to contact me directly, you can use the below mentioned link: bit.ly/dr-srikanth-reddy Wish you good health, Kind regards Dr. Srikanth Reddy M.D.