A 28 year old female patient is a diagnosed depression patient who needs to restart on medications. Her major symptoms are lack of interest in her usual activities and some anxiety associated with her workplace stress, but she denies issues of sleep disturbance and overeating. These were issues when she was diagnosed as depressed 2 years ago. She received 28 year old female patient is a diagnosed depression patient who needs to restart on medications. Her major symptoms are lack of interest in her usual activities and some anxiety associated with her workplace stress, but she denies issues of sleep disturbance and overeating. These were issues when she was diagnosed as depressed 2 years ago. She received a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) medication, Paxil, at that time. Her dosage was 40mg once daily. She has no other significant medical history and HCG is negative at today's visit. She is reluctant to take Paxil again because she had significant weight gain and had a "rough time" when she decided to stop taking it after 2 years.
- What would you prescribe for her today? Please provide a dose, complete directions and patient education for the medication chosen.
- When would you follow-up with her? Do you need any baseline labs before starting your chosen medication or do you need any lab monitoring?