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Suggest Treatment For Depression, Loss Of Appetite And Sleep Apnea
I am 70 yearss old and due to a lot of family issues over the past 12 years I feel many times overwhelmed with everything. I get anxious and sometimes feel like I am depressed and can not find a solution to my feelings. I have somewhat lost my appetite and have sleep apena. I m a Vietnam veteran but I m concerned with all the negative things I have been hearing about the VA health system. I just don t want to be a gina pig. I wanted to know what is a good starting medicine to reduce anxiety and mild depression. Semi retired I still work part time. What do you think about these two medicines: Effexor or Celexa for anxiety. Which is better to start with and what dose? Thanks for your help. Charlie
Wed, 1 Jun 2022
Hello,
Celexa would be a better choice to start with. You may take 10 mg once daily at bed time for 1 week. You may increase the dose to 10mg twice daily after 1 week. Please do not exceed the dose of 40mg/ day. The onset of action may take 1-4 weeks and full response may be seen only after 8-12 weeks. So please be patient and keep taking the medication.
The common adverse effects are dry mouth, nausea, somnolence, insomnia, increased sweating, tremors, ejaculation disorders, but you may or may not have any of the above mentioned effects. If you feel the side effects bothering, you need to stop the medication and please do write to us for further advice. If you are a patient renal and liver impairment, please reduce the dose or please let me know and i would advise how to adjust the doses.
Some of the most important things are a stress free life, moderate physical activity, meditation would help heal depression and anxiety. Hence, please do meditate daily in a quiet place for at least 10 mins / day. You can watch kids play, that helps in reducing stress.
Take care. Hope I have answered your question. Let me know if I can assist you further.
Regards,
Dr. Pallavi M., Anesthesiologist
Celexa would be a better choice to start with. You may take 10 mg once daily at bed time for 1 week. You may increase the dose to 10mg twice daily after 1 week. Please do not exceed the dose of 40mg/ day. The onset of action may take 1-4 weeks and full response may be seen only after 8-12 weeks. So please be patient and keep taking the medication.
The common adverse effects are dry mouth, nausea, somnolence, insomnia, increased sweating, tremors, ejaculation disorders, but you may or may not have any of the above mentioned effects. If you feel the side effects bothering, you need to stop the medication and please do write to us for further advice. If you are a patient renal and liver impairment, please reduce the dose or please let me know and i would advise how to adjust the doses.
Some of the most important things are a stress free life, moderate physical activity, meditation would help heal depression and anxiety. Hence, please do meditate daily in a quiet place for at least 10 mins / day. You can watch kids play, that helps in reducing stress.
Take care. Hope I have answered your question. Let me know if I can assist you further.
Regards,
Dr. Pallavi M., Anesthesiologist
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