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Dr. Andrew Rynne
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Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Taking Zoloft For Depression. Have Generalized Anxiety Disorder. Still Have Depression. What Can I Do?

Hi, so I experienced severe depression and I am currently on zoloft 175mg every night. I was diagnosed with generalized anxiety disorder and major depression. Although I have been on zoloft for about 6 months, I am still however experiencing signs of depression. Even when tiny little things go wrong I think what the world would be like without me, or even how to die. These thoughts eventually go away but come back EVERY time im upset. What can I do now? I feel like nothings working.
Mon, 31 Dec 2012
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Psychiatrist 's  Response
Hello this is DR ARPAN,
You are taking the optimum dose of zoloft(175 mg as per your description).
You should continue the same treatment.
You have not mentioned the problems which are still there with tratment. If your sleep is disturbed and you are feeling anxiety when ever you think about an thing seriously then i will advice you to add-Alpro forte / Proalem(both hving alprazolam 0.25mg + propranolol 20mg) at bed time.
IF YOU ARE HAVING STRONG IDEAS TO DIE OR WORTHLESSNESS THEN YOU SHOULD CONSULT YOU PSYCHIATRIST URGENTLY.
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Psychiatrist Dr. Jonas Sundarakumar's  Response

Hello and welcome to Healthcare Magic. Thanks for your query.

I can understand that your must be going through a difficult time with your persistent depressive symptoms. 175mg of Zoloft (Sertraline) is quite a significant dose of the medication. Now, Now, though a majority of people respond well to anti-depressant medication, there will be a proportion of people who respond only partially or have a poor response to treatment.

In such cases, further treatment options include trying different class or combination of anti-depressants, augmenting the antidepressant with other psychiatric medication like an anti-psychotic or a mood-stabilizer, thyroxine supplementation, etc. In your case, for these negative and suicidal thoughts, psychological therapies (such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy - CBT) often give good results. Sometimes, if medication and psychotherapy fail, Electro-convulsive Therapy (ECT) can also be used as an option.

So, don't get dejected or give up hope at all. There are many options available to tackle her 'resistant' depression. Just manage to stay afloat till your doctor is able to find her a suitable form of treatment that gives positive results.

Wish you all the best.

Regards,
Dr. Jonas Sundarakumar
Consultant Psychiatrist
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Psychiatrist Dr. Gourav Monga's  Response
hello

welcome to health care magic

As per your details, you need to continue zoloft as advised but since you are experiencing the symptoms again, you need to visit your psychiatrist for readjustment of the dose or put some add on therapy. Psychotherapy (CBT) is also required in your case. Before that try relaxation exercises like deep breathing, meditation or yoga

Good luck
Thanks
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Psychiatrist Dr. Sundar Gnanavel's  Response
Hello.........
Zoloft (T.Sertraline) is an effective medication for both anxiety and depressive symptoms. If you had been compliant on medication, this is an adequate trial (duration wise and dosage wise). At this point of time, we might consider a second trial with a different class of medication or add psychotherapy interventions like the cognitive behavioural therapy based on your exact symptoms and patient profile. We at present have a wide armamentarium of both drugs and psychotherapy measures to effectively tackle anxiety/depression. You need not have to worry at this point of time. Wish you speedy recovery.
Regards
Dr Sundar Gnanavel
Psychiatrist
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Taking Zoloft For Depression. Have Generalized Anxiety Disorder. Still Have Depression. What Can I Do?

Hello this is DR ARPAN, You are taking the optimum dose of zoloft(175 mg as per your description). You should continue the same treatment. You have not mentioned the problems which are still there with tratment. If your sleep is disturbed and you are feeling anxiety when ever you think about an thing seriously then i will advice you to add-Alpro forte / Proalem(both hving alprazolam 0.25mg + propranolol 20mg) at bed time. IF YOU ARE HAVING STRONG IDEAS TO DIE OR WORTHLESSNESS THEN YOU SHOULD CONSULT YOU PSYCHIATRIST URGENTLY.