What is the right medication for major depressive disorder?
Patient: I have a diagnosis for major depressive disorder associated with psychotic features. This condition was discovered during active duty in the army. I just recently became eligible for VA benefits and is waiting to get assigned to a primary care doctor at my local VA hospital. What might be the right medication for this condition? Doctor: Hi,Major depressive disorder with psychotic features is treated with a combination of antidepressants and antipsychotics. Ideally it should be managed by a psychiatrist and I expect that your primary care doctor will refer you to one. While you are waiting for the referral, it will be better if your primary care doctor can start you on an antidepressant like Prozac, Zoloft, Lexapro, Effexor etc. Since these medicines take around 4 to 6 weeks to show their response, the sooner these are started, the better it is. Among antipsychotics, both Zyprexa and Risperdal are good options.Best wishes.