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Mental Health (Expert Forum)
Increased depression and smoking cessation
Questions posted in the Mental Health forum are being answered by Dr. Roger L. Gould, author of the Mastering Stress and Depression program and affiliated with the UCLA. Department of Psychiatry. Topics covered include anger, attention deficit disorder (ADD), bipolar disorder, dementia, electroconvulsive therapy (ECT), learning disabilities, memory, obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), panic, personality disorders, phobias, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), schizophrenia, stress, transitions, and work problems.
Increased depression and smoking cessation
by Suzanne, Jan 29, 2000 12:00AM
I have been on antidepressants for about 5 years now. I am currently taking Paxil (20mg/day). I was taking Elavil (75mg at bedtime) The elavil was prescribed to me for fibromyalgia. I no longer see a psychiatrist. All of my meds are being handled by a doctor I see at a pain management clinic. The took me off of elavil. I am also attempting to quit smoking. I have noticed my depression increasing (today, I didn't get a shower & dressed until after 4:00). Even though the elavil was used in a low dose, directed to fibromyalgia symtoms, do you think this could cause the problem or is it common to happen when trying to quit smoking?
Doctor's Answer
by HFHS M.D.-SW, Jan 31, 2000 12:00AM
Dear Suzanne,
I am unsure if there is a relationship between smoke cessation and worsening depression.
Your worsening depression may be situational or more likely due to the stopping of the elavil. Elavil is a tricyclic antidepresssant, Paxil is a SSRI. When these two medication are adminstered together, there is a synergist effect. Simply, they both increase the effect of each other.
I recommend you discuss your concerns with a p[sychiatrist.
Best Wishes,
HFHS M.D.-SW
I am unsure if there is a relationship between smoke cessation and worsening depression.
Your worsening depression may be situational or more likely due to the stopping of the elavil. Elavil is a tricyclic antidepresssant, Paxil is a SSRI. When these two medication are adminstered together, there is a synergist effect. Simply, they both increase the effect of each other.
I recommend you discuss your concerns with a p[sychiatrist.
Best Wishes,
HFHS M.D.-SW
