I underwent surgery for an obstructed inguinal hernia in my left groin and am currently taking Phenytoin ER 300 mg and Levetiracetam 500 mg. I am still experiencing symptoms and feel depressed. Could there be any infection or cancer-related issue, and what should I do next?

After surgery for an obstructed inguinal hernia, it is common to have some lingering discomfort or weakness for a few weeks, and the medicines you are taking, Phenytoin and Levetiracetam, are for seizure prevention and are not related to infection or cancer. Based on your history, there is no clear sign suggesting cancer, and infection would usually present with fever, increasing pain, redness, swelling, or discharge from the surgical site, so if you do not have these symptoms, it is less likely. Feeling low or depressed can happen after surgery due to stress, recovery time, or medication effects, and should be addressed as part of your care. The best next step is to follow up with your surgeon to examine the operated area and with your doctor/neurologist to review your medications and symptoms, and if low mood persists, consider speaking to a mental health professional for support. Meanwhile, focus on gradual physical activity, proper nutrition, and rest, which help recovery.

I have been diagnosed with Major Depressive Disorder and recently consulted a psychiatrist. I was prescribed Paroxetine 25 mg, Lithium 300 mg, and Clonazepam 1 mg for sleep. However, I am still unable to sleep. What could be the underlying cause of my symptoms, and how can my condition be better managed?

Difficulty sleeping can still occur in Major Depressive Disorder, especially early in treatment, because medicines like Paroxetine and Lithium may take 2-4 weeks (or longer) to show full benefit, and factors like anxiety, stress, irregular sleep habits, or medication timing can also affect sleep. Clonazepam can help short-term but may not always be enough or suitable long-term, so the best approach is to continue medicines as prescribed, maintain good sleep hygiene (fixed sleep time, avoiding screens/caffeine at night, relaxing bedtime routine), and follow up with your psychiatrist to review doses or adjust treatment if needed. They may modify timing, change medications, or add therapy like counselling (CBT), which is very effective; do not stop or change medicines on your own, as proper adjustment and patience usually lead to improvement.

Can I switch from Paxidep 25 CR for generalized anxiety disorder to Tryptomer 25?

Do not switch from Paxidep 25 CR to Tryptomer 25 on your own. If you are thinking about switching, talk to your doctor first. They can decide whether a different medicine is better for you and tell you how to gradually change the dose safely.

I have been suffering from depression for the past 20 years. I am currently taking Paxidep CR 25 Tablet and Zapiz-1 Tablet, but my depression is not improving. What should I do?

You should consult your doctor or psychiatrist to review your treatment, as your current medications are not improving your depression. Do not stop or change them on your own. Your doctor may adjust your dose, change your medication, or recommend adding psychological therapies, such as cognitive behavioural therapy, to help manage your symptoms and improve your quality of life.