Depression runs in my family and I’ve been on the same medicine for a while with no episodes of depression. About two weeks ago I woke up feeling not myself and contributed it to getting my period on top of coming down with a respiratory infection. Still not feeling well after two weeks I think it might be depression because I feel tired, confused thinking, can’t focus, etc. I’ve called my doctor and he told me to up my medicine 100mgs. My question:
Since I have not had an episode of depression in quite some time could it have been brought on by me not feeling well?
Dr. Jones’ reply:
I’m not sure what antidepressant you are on – but it was possibly Zoloft or Luvox since they can be increased by 100mg increments, but not SNRI’s (Effexor, Cymbalta) or other SSRI’s (Prozac, Celexa, Lexapro, Paxil).
Women with a family history and or prior history of depression who respond to an SSRI or SNRI can have return of symptoms if their serotonin level is reduced (as it is premenstrually, post partum, or during perimenopause). Being ill can also contribute to relapse by disrupting sleep or normal thyroid function.
Previous studies have shown that: "the dose that gets you well keeps you well", but even then the relapse rates are: 20% of patients have recurrence within 3 years, 50% relapse if the dose is lowered, or 80% relapse if medication is stopped.
Recurrent depression not only causes distress and possible short term impairment, it can also increase your vulnerability to future episodes and decrease your responsiveness to treatment.
There are several things that can help prevent recurrence:
- Good sleep – 7-8 hours every night (Lunesta, Ambien provide normal sleep)
- Physical activity – daily vigorous activity for at least 30 minutes (a 2 mile walk or equivalent)
- Omega 3 fatty acids – take twice daily. (I trust Cooper brand the most)
- Bright light daily
- Thyroid – make sure thyroid levels are good test.askdrjones.com/
- Cognitive behavioral therapy – if needed
- Other medications – other medications may help such as alprazolam, atypicals, stimulants
- L Methylfolate – (Deplin, Cerefolin, or Cerefolin NAC) – these contain a form of folic acid that gets into the brain cells. Deplin was recently approved by the FDA as an add-on treatment for depression. Cerefolin also contains B12 and Cerefolin NAC has a third ingredient that increases glutathione (a powerful brain cell antioxidant). These medications not only can improve mood, but improve cognition and energy. Caution: taking Deplin if your B12 level is low can be harmful. It is safer to either check your B12 levels or take Cerefolin.
