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Suggest Remedies For Severe Depression

Posted on Mon, 13 Feb 2017

Question: I have dealt with depression for at least 30 years and I have attempted suicide a couple of times. I take cetalopram 40 milligram. I have been having suicidal thoughts recently so I started taking two doses a day. I now know this was the wrong thing to do. I went to my doctor and he said he could not help me anymore because I don't listen to him. He said that he would set me up with a psychologist. He said that I was causing symptoms of Serotonin Syndrome. He never did say what to do. My question is how should I get rid of my symptoms ? Should I stop the medicine now or gradually come off It? Please let me know.

Answered by Dr. Alexander H. Sheppe (27 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Consultation

Detailed Answer:
Hello, and thanks for your question.

Doubling the dose of citalopram not only will not help you (doses above 40mg are not effective), but it puts you at serious risk of serotonin syndrome and sudden cardiac death. You should immediately resume the normal dosage of citalopram 40mg. Do it immediately, not gradually.

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In the future, for continuity of care, I encourage you to contact me directly at my private web address below. After you ask a direct question, it would be my pleasure to be your dedicated personal physician on this website. My name is Dr. Sheppe, and I am an XXXXXXX doctor working in New York City at NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital, ranked #1 for Psychiatry in the United States (tinyurl.com/psyrank). For a personalized comprehensive evaluation, treatment recommendations, and individual therapy, ask me at HealthCareMagic at this private web address: tinyurl.com/DrSheppeAnswers

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Yogesh D

Follow up: Dr. Alexander H. Sheppe (20 hours later)

I will resume normal dose. How long will it take to get rid of my symptoms and will I be okay? I just want to feel better about myself and everything about me.

Answered by Dr. Alexander H. Sheppe (3 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Followup

Detailed Answer:
It can take up to 6 weeks from the date the medicine was increased to 40mg to feel maximum benefit. After that if there is no improvement a different medicine should be tried.

Please remember to rate and close this answer thread when you are finished and satisfied.

In the future, for continuity of care, I encourage you to contact me directly at my private web address below. After you ask a direct question, it would be my pleasure to be your dedicated personal physician on this website. My name is Dr. Sheppe, and I am an XXXXXXX doctor working in New York City at NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital, ranked #1 for Psychiatry in the United States (tinyurl.com/psyrank). For a personalized comprehensive evaluation, treatment recommendations, and individual therapy, ask me at HealthCareMagic at this private web address: tinyurl.com/DrSheppeAnswers

Note: For further guidance on mental health, Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T