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Mental Health (Expert Forum)
Zoloft w/Ritalin
Questions posted in the Mental Health forum are being answered by Dr. Roger L. Gould, author of the Mastering Stress and Depression program and affiliated with the UCLA. Department of Psychiatry. Topics covered include anger, attention deficit disorder (ADD) , bipolar disorder , dementia , electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) , learning disabilities, memory, obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) , panic , personality disorders, phobias , post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) , schizophrenia , stress , transitions, and work problems.
Zoloft w/Ritalin
by gueniv, Nov 17, 1999 12:00AM
I am 39 and have been battling depression in various degrees for the last 25 years. I have been given all kinds of medications starting in the late 70s, early 80s with tricyclics (?sp), lithium, anti-psychotics, tranquilizers, etc. My most recent doctor has given me elavil, prozac, zoloft, wellbutrin, serzone and trazadone alone or in varying combinations (over a period of 10 months). I have had blood work done several times to see if there was something physical going on. (No.) The only thing that has ever done anything good for me is the zoloft, which I am taking now 200mg/day (have been for about 5 months). The only thing is, I feel only a *little* bit better.
I have read and heard about augmenting zoloft with ritalin, and everything I’ve heard sounds like it would be helpful to me. I **really** want to try this drug therapy. I need help ASAP, I have no motivation/energy and am feeling pretty bad. I just moved to Gainesville, FL and I don’t have a psych here (yet). How do I find someone who is willing to help me? Is there anyone else besides a psychiatrist who will prescribe ritalin?
I have read and heard about augmenting zoloft with ritalin, and everything I’ve heard sounds like it would be helpful to me. I **really** want to try this drug therapy. I need help ASAP, I have no motivation/energy and am feeling pretty bad. I just moved to Gainesville, FL and I don’t have a psych here (yet). How do I find someone who is willing to help me? Is there anyone else besides a psychiatrist who will prescribe ritalin?
Doctor's Answer
by HFHS M.D.-SW, Nov 18, 1999 12:00AM
Dear Gueniv,
Ritalin may be used for a short period at low doses for depression if symptoms are severe, until an antidepressant takes effect. Ritalin is not recommended as longterm treatment for depression.
Contact your local hospital for a psychiatrist in the area.
A psychiatrist may consider adding another antidepressant to Zoloft.
It is important to follow up with a psychiatrist in order to address you concerns.
Best Wishes,
HFHS M.D.-SW
Ritalin may be used for a short period at low doses for depression if symptoms are severe, until an antidepressant takes effect. Ritalin is not recommended as longterm treatment for depression.
Contact your local hospital for a psychiatrist in the area.
A psychiatrist may consider adding another antidepressant to Zoloft.
It is important to follow up with a psychiatrist in order to address you concerns.
Best Wishes,
HFHS M.D.-SW
