Does Intake Of Zenapin Help In Treating Anxiety?

Posted on Tue, 5 Apr 2016

Question: Saw a otc product called zenapin for anxiety. I have been taking 12.5 mg zoloft for 3 weeks with horrible nausea. Need a medical opinion about zenapin

Answered by Dr. Bonnie Berger-Durnbaugh (12 minutes later)

I looked up Zenapin & see it is 5HTP and DMAE. As the amount is not regulated, the effects can be unpredictable. Consider talking w/ the dr. who's rxing the Zoloft about a switch to another rx. 3 wks is too long to still have nausea. Possibly Lexapro (started in a v. low dose) or other meds will be more tolerable. If the problem is specifically anxiety (no depression), Buspirone might work.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Bonnie Berger-Durnbaugh (1 hour later)

I have tried both in the past and i have cerebral palsy and it gave me severe leg pain and I was unable to walk. Cerebral Palsy affects nuero transmittors in brain. Have taken zoloft once before in my late twenties and I dont remember the nausea being this bad. My doc suggest staying on split doseage for a month and start a full 2 days a week alternating with the half. I am frustrated but feel because of disability limitations i just have to push through it. I know it will get better.

Answered by Dr. Bonnie Berger-Durnbaugh (18 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Some thoughts on this

Detailed Answer:
Hello,

I am not a specialist in CP - do you have a Physical Medicine and Rehab doctor who is prescribing the Zoloft? Or a psychiatrist who is knowledgeable in neuromuscular disorders?

One thought - if you can tolerate it and it is not contrindicated with any other meds you are taking - is to add a very low dose of the antinausea drug Zofran.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Bonnie Berger-Durnbaugh (1 hour later)

I have a pcp but she is an internist. My zofran that I have that i have avoided taking is 4 mg. i seem to be less nauseaous if I take zoloft in the morning instead of night. I use peppermint oil gor it and helps. My doc recommended ginger candy. She also suggest staying on split dose for 2 more weeks and try to take a whole 25 mg for 2 days a week for a while to see if it helps. I know it will eventually get better but i dont remember it being this much of a challenge before

Answered by Dr. Bonnie Berger-Durnbaugh (58 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
You can try this and see.

Detailed Answer:
I was reading thru some of your previous questions/discussions and see that prior to starting the Zoloft you were having gastritis. This may be why it has been harder to tolerate this time around compared with your experiences in the past.

If you are able to tolerate the nausea with taking the Zoloft in the morning (with food) and using peppermint and ginger then go ahead and try your doctor's plan. An added thought - in some people peppermint can increase GERD, but not in everyone. It can also help settle the stomach.

If the higher dose taken 2x week makes things worse, you may need to return to the 1/2 dose for a longer period of time.

I hope you are feeling better soon. Sending my good thoughts to you.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Bonnie Berger-Durnbaugh (15 minutes later)

Thanks!!! I always like it when i get you because you seem to show true concern and kindness

Answered by Dr. Bonnie Berger-Durnbaugh (0 minute later)

Brief Answer:
Thank you!

Detailed Answer:
I appreciate you saying that. If I don't have human compassion to give I don't have much :)

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Bonnie Berger-Durnbaugh (10 hours later)

I took a whole one this morning because I am frustrated with feeling the physical effects of anxiety. I just want a little relief. Wish I could find someone who was really knowledgeable about cerebral palsy and anti depressants

Answered by Dr. Bonnie Berger-Durnbaugh (10 hours later)

Brief Answer:
PM&R doctor

Detailed Answer:
Sorry I was not able to write back sooner. I haven't had opportunity to get on HCM today until now.

Regarding someone who is knowledgeable about cerebral palsy and antidepressants, I am thinking a specialist in PM&R (Physical Medicine & Rehab) would either have some expertise in this, or be able to refer you to a psychiatrist who does have experience/knowledge in this. I just googled to see who might be located near you but don't see very many PMR docs in XXXXXXX and at least can't distinguish between them. But I did find a Cerebral Palsy Assoc. of NE Florida:

3311 Beach Boulevard XXXXXXX FL 32207
Phone: (904) 396-1462
Fax: (904) 396-1199

Perhaps they can suggest a doctor in the area (a psychiatrist) who would be knowledgeable about treating anxiety in association with cerebral palsy.

Another idea is to call Nemours, which treats children-only as far as I can tell, but ask for their department that treats cerebral palsy and ask if they have any suggestions for when kids get older and need a psychiatrist. Certainly there must be children with cerebral palsy that they treat that then "age out" as they get older and need referral to someone who cares for adults: http://www.nemours.org/service/medical/cerebralpalsy.html?location=nccjacksonville

(904) 697-3600

I hope your body is starting to tolerate the Zoloft and you can get some benefit from it.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Bonnie Berger-Durnbaugh (18 minutes later)

Took the whole 25mg after breakfast and felt kinda different till about 2pm. So maybe it will just take time. Thanks for all the good info. Its a good place to start.

Answered by Dr. Bonnie Berger-Durnbaugh (53 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Less anxious?

Detailed Answer:
By different do you mean less anxious, calmer? If so, that is a good sign, and after the medication starts to reach a "steady state" in your system, you will feel that way most of the time.

Note: For further follow up on related General & Family Physician Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar