Time to increase my meds?

[bbaggins]

I was diagnosed with Chronic Depression Disorder back in the beginning of May after a visit to the psych hospital.

Since then, I have been on 20mg of Fluoxetine (Prozac) 1x daily.

I've had ups and downs since taking it. Some days I feel great, others I feel ok, some days I think I am borderline manic, and - as of recent - I have been feeling down.

I had a minor panic attack last week for no apparent reason. I woke up about 2 am, and just had an attack. I settled down after a bit and haven't had one since.

But, as mentioned, I have started feeling depressed again. I did have a few drinks earlier last week, but don't think that attributed to it, and it would have wore off by now if it was the alcohol I am sure.

This past Saturday I felt REALLY depressed and almost angry.

I am going through some things at the moment as well (getting ready to get a divorce, needing to find a new job, etc.), so that may be attributing to it as well.

On a side note, I have been on Prednisone since last Wednesday for a pinched nerve, so I don't know if the corticosteroids may be playing a role as well.

Is it possible that I am bipolar or borderline bipolar? I've looked up the symptoms and don't really match a lot of them.

Also, should I consider talking to my doctor about increasing my meds or wait until I am done with the Prednisone and see if things level out?

Hate feeling depressed again... :(

[sara12345]

That sounds like it is too long to wait given your extreme depression. If you can't get a sooner appointment with your psychiatrist, perhaps you could see your primary care physician until you can see the psychiatrist.   Your primary care doctor could either prescribe something for you, refer you to counseling or get a sooner appointment with the psychiatrist.  My primary care physician did the first two.

Wish you the best.

Sara

[bbaggins]

Thanks for the input. I have an appointment with the psychiatrist next month, will see if I can deal with things until then.

On a side note, it's definitely the relationship that is causing most of the issues, and the stress of going through a divorce is probably making things worse.

[sara12345]

jbtwentytwo said it very well.  I would follow their advice.

[jbtwentytwo]

Prednisone shouldn't have any interactions with fluoxetine at all.

To be honest, I would also be depressed/anxious if I was going through a divorce and worrying about the future. There are some times when depression is normal. It is when it doesn't go away for months on end that you need to see a specialist. This may involve medication or psychotherapy or both.

That being said, let your psychiatrist know what you're going through since it is unlikely that a 'wait and see' approach will solve anything. He may decide you should increase the dosage or change from prozac to something else altogether. He can also allay your fears about bipolar disorder. It would also be a good idea to see a psychotherapist to help you cope with the stress of divorce and job uncertainty and whatever else may be contributing to your worries.