Depression or sleep apnea

Hello,

I have been battling a depression that keeps popping up every time I reach heavy stress levels--new job, family planning, home moves, etc.  This is terribly uncharacteristic of me.  I normally handle these events very well.

I have been treated with 20 mg of Paxil for several months but one of the main characteristics of the depression never got better--the mental fog, confusion, lack of memory, lack of concentration, etc.  It occurs in both my work and home life--so I know it isn't that I just don't like work.

I am going for a sleep study at the end of the month because of snoring, high blood pressure, depression (unexplained), daytime sleepiness, sweating at night, racing heart, heartburn, memory lapses, forgetfullness, etc.  I am hoping that sleep apnea could be the problem because 1) it is easily treatable, 2) it would explain the depression, and 3)  it would allow me to possibly get off my blood pressure meds and off Paxil.

My question is this:  if I don't have sleep apnea and the memory problems and confusion and lack of concentration are from the depression only, shouldn't they have at least eased up as the Paxil completely allieviated the depression?  If it didn't totally go away, shouldn't it have subsided SOME or shouldn't I have noticed some improvement?

Thanks,
CrazyHorse

[Roger Gould, M.D.]

You are correct in assuming that you have only had a partial response from Paxil.  These other symptoms are also symptoms of depression and anxiety. There are several options(assuming it is not sleep apnea).  You can ask your doctor to add an anxiolytic medication, or increase the Paxil, or switch to another ssri medicaiton.

You can also focus on the sources of stress and talk to a therapist.  If you are hesistant to do that, try my Masteringstress Program(link above) to do some online exploration and counseling.