system
Can Sertraline and Trazodone be taken to improve focus and concentration?
human
My daughter is a junior in college. She is struggling with focus. we have been going to a doctor. She keeps (the Dr.) focusing on depression. She isnot deppressed. This Dr. is wanting her to take Sertraline & Trazodone. The side effects worry me, as it does our Pharmacist a family friend. She borried vyvanse from a friend last semester & it seemed to help. Is there something over the counter that can help her. I have been told Focus Fast. Please help. Struggling Father.
gpt
Hello and Welcome to ‘Ask A Doctor’ service. I have reviewed your query and here is my advice. As per the information you have provided your daughter is not suffering from depression. So there is no point in using Sertraline and why additional combination of Trazodone which adds up for lot of sedation. Vyvanse helps to concentrate more but it's temporary and also have addiction potential. One should try to detect the exact reason for her lack of focus. I mean, is it because of anxiety or bad experience at school/college, sleep disturbance, lack of self confidence, lack of interest towards academics etc. For this, make your child sit with you, give her freedom to express her thoughts, emotions, feelings. Above all as you asked regarding availability of over the counter drugs, Syrup Piracetam given on long term helps in changing her study pattern by improving blood circulation in micro vasculature of the brain. Morning walk daily and exercising for 2 to 3 days per week also makes her feel much better. Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.