Question. I recently heard of the use of a low dose of Thorazine for the treatment of depression. Are you familiar with this treatment? Answer. I am not aware of any controlled, persuasive evidence that Thorazine (chlorpromazine) or any standard antipsychotic - in low doses or high - is particularly effective as an antidepressant. The exception to this claim may be in so-called delusional depression, in which psychotic features are present; ... Read More

Question. I have read several articles that refer to the use of certain types of music that is supposed to help people who suffer from depression, but none of them mention the specific type of music. Do you have any information or resources that lists specific music for therapy? Answer. Music has been used to treat various anxiety and stress-related states, including postoperative pain. However, in my literature search, I was ... Read More

Question. I used to take 100 mg of imipramine per day for depression. Then I was diagnosed with mixed bipolar and was switched to 750 mg Depakote and 225 mg of Effexor per day. I gained about 50 pounds during the first three months and have not been able to lose any of it. I have a lot of problem with my weight and it has been starting to make ... Read More

Question. I am a mental health professional. However, I also find myself searching for information to console me personally. I have been diagnosed with major depression. I go regularly to a psychiatrist and I am currently taking Wellbutrin SR. What is the potential for recurrence of depressive symptoms while taking a prescribed medication that has worked well for over three years? Can you give me some information about the number ... Read More

Question. I have read reports that antidepressants prescribed for patients in the depressed phase of cyclothymic or bipolar II illness can (a) shorten the cycles of the illness (b) possibly lead to refractory depression in the long run and (c) precipitate hypomanic episodes. Are you aware of any data on these issues? Do you know of any information on alteration of other aspects of the course of mild bipolar illness? ... Read More

Question. My patient is in the second trimester of her pregnancy. She has panic disorder and depression. In the past, she responded well to Zoloft and Klonopin. What are the safest medications for the next few months? Answer. The short, no-frills answer to your question is that any of the major antidepressants or anxiolytics are probably safe, now that the most vulnerable period of organ-formation (the first trimester) has passed. I ... Read More

Question. Do you have a list of drugs for depression, and non-addictive medications for anxiety? Tricyclics of the older vintage would be helpful. Answer. I am providing you with a list of commonly used antidepressants, as well as their usual doses: Maintenance Dosage and Tablet Size for Non-MAOI Antidepressants Antidepressant Tablet/capsule sizes Usual daily adult dose Amitriptyline (Elavil, Endep) 10, 25, 50, 75, 100, 150 mg 75-250 mg Amoxapine (Asendin) 25,50, 100, 150 mg 200-300 mg Bupropion (Wellbutrin) 75, 100 ... Read More

Question. I am a 40-year-old mother of two. A year ago I began taking Zoloft 150 mg per day. This medication has been a miracle for me. I am considering having another child and wonder if any studies have been done on the effects of Zoloft on the fetus/mother/pregnancy. Answer. There is unfortunately very little known about the effects of sertraline in human pregnancy. The standard medical advice is to ... Read More

Question. After five months of severe depression that was unresponsive to medication, I had ECT and came out of the depression. I was immediately started on Wellbutrin and Zoloft and have been on them for over a year now. The only atypical side effects I experienced were spontaneous myoclonic jerks and those are infrequent now. For the past two weeks, I awake early in the morning due to severe fine ... Read More

Question. I am on Prozac and suffer severe lower back pain and general aches and pains throughout the body especially the joints. Is there any link? Answer. I can't tell you with any degree of confidence whether, in your case, there is a "link" between your taking Prozac and the pain you describe. (Did the aches and pains begin soon after you started the Prozac? This would be an important question ... Read More