Expert: Dr. Ravindra Bhaskar Ghooi - 7/10/2007

Question
I HAVE WRITTEN TO YOU BEFORE AND YOUR RESPONSE WAS VERY HELPFUL.  I HAVE A FEW MORE QUESTIONS.  MY DAUGHTER WAS ON PROZAC AND SHE WAS TAKEN OFF BECAUSE OF FAINTING SPELLS.  THE MD PUT HER ON GEODON.  EVER SINCE THEN SHE HAS BEEN HAVING TERRIBLE ANXIETY.  HER MD SAID THAT THE INGREDIENTS IS THE SAME AS PROZAC AS FAR AS TAKING CARE OF HER ANXIETY.  IS THIS TRUE?  ALSO, I WOULD LIKE TO TRY HER ON ANOTHER SSRI.  SHE HAS BEEN ON ZOLOFT WHICH DIDN'T REALLY HELP HER.  I AM ON CELEXA AND IT WORKS QUITE WELL FOR ME, DO YOU THINK THIS MIGHT HELP HER AS WELL.  THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR YOUR HELP.

Answer
Hi Terry,
Of the many drugs we have in hand, we know that they work differently for different people. What we do not know is whether a particular drug will work for a particular case.
To this extent our knowledge is limited, and the only way to find out is by trying it. I would suggest you talk to the doctor about changing her mediciation. Geodon is not the same as prozac and its effects and safety profile is different.
In my opinion anxiety and depression are both disrders due to social set ups, I usually recommend to people that they should gather more friends and live with people if they want to get rid of these problems. Social disorders need to be treated socially and drugs are not the only answer. A long lasting cure might be in changing your life style and livng more like social animals that we are.
Ravi Ghooi