Success shown with drugs and psychotherapy People plagued by panic attacks need not fear one thing: Treatment works. Panic disorders respond well to psychotherapy, drug treatment and a combination of the two, according to one of the largest studies of the condition. Panic disorder affects several million Americans, crippling them with recurrent bouts of profound anxiety and physical symptoms that can include chest pain and pounding, as well as rapid heartbeats and shortness ... Read More

A new study suggests that the antidepressant drug sertraline (Zoloft), from Pfizer Inc., may be effective in controlling symptoms of premenstrual syndrome (PMS). * Researchers at Scott & White Memorial Hospital in Temple, Texas, randomized 57 women diagnosed with moderate-to-severe premenstrual syndrome (PMS) to treatment with Zoloft or a placebo at 14 days prior to the expected onset of menses to collect data; participants were switched to the other therapy after ... Read More

A recent study concludes that the antidepressant drug Zoloft (Sertraline) appears to be effective in reducing the number of panic attacks in patients with panic disorder. * Researchers at Detroit's Wayne State University randomized 168 patients with panic disorder to receive either sertraline or a placebo for 10 weeks to collect data. * Found that the average number of panic attacks suffered weekly by patients treated with sertraline dropped 88%, compared to ... 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 have been taking 30 mg of Paxil daily for nearly two years. I have gained about 15 pounds that I can't drop even though I've increased my activity level and decreased my food intake. All the literature mentions weight loss but nothing is said about weight gain. A friend taking Paxil also experienced weight gain, as have my husband and three friends who are on Prozac. How can ... Read More

Social phobia has recently been recognized as a chronic and often debilitating disorder. It is estimated to affect up to 10% of the population, with onset occurring early in life.l According to the DSM-IV, in order to be diagnosed with social phobia individuals must meet several criteria. They must have a persistent fear of one or more social or performance situations where they are exposed to unfamiliar people or to ... Read More

Question. What mental illnesses may cause impotence? What psychotropics may contribute to the problem? Answer. Impotence, or erectile dysfunction , is usually not due to psychiatric disorders, contrary to the conventional view of twenty or thirty years ago. In most cases, ED is due to an underlying medical condition, ranging from diabetes to liver disease to nerve damage. Low levels of the hormone testosterone may also be involved. Among psychiatric causes of ... Read More