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Depression feeling or side effects of drugs I take?

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I was having depression since July last year. I was prescribed to take 20mg Fluoxentine till last month. Due to its serious side-effects, my doctor prescribed to take 10 mg Citralpram. Now, for about a month, I have been on Citralpram. Actually, both of these had no expressive side effects on me. In last two weeks, I was very much tired and lost my energy to nothing. I think this was due to the hard work I have done in my office. I I am going to take my holidays and hope everything with become better after holidays. On last Friday, I was on medicine and went to sleep at 8.00pm and slept till 11 O clock am, the next day. After 2 more hours, I went asleep for another two hours. Even after this long sleep, I was feeling tired and not refreshed. I felt a little weak on my legs to walk. Why this happens so? Is this alright? Should I consult my GP for further help? I worked for two days after this and found that I was on a loss of concentration. Is this something very serious? What is wrong with me? Is this due to side effects of drugs I take? If yes, what should I do to get rid of my depression? Will any other medication help? Or my GP himself can handle this?

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Category: Family Physician-GP
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I can understand your problem. The reason for you to feel tired and sleeping for long hours could be because of over exertion at work. So i believe that the holiday is a very good idea for you to refresh and it can definitely help you to feel uplifted.

Citalopram has its side effects like drowsiness, fatigue, and sometimes even muscle weakness. So the symptoms you have could be related to that. Due to drowsiness you might feel sleepy all the time. And sleeping for long hours in the night can cause dullness and tired feeling throughout the day. However, I would recommend you to consult your psychiatrist who has prescribed you the medicines for depression to re-evaluate the benefits in your condition.

Depression is a common condition that will affect one in three people at some time in their life. It is a treatable problem so need not worry too much about it. You must not ignore this completely, I would strongly suggest you to consult a Psychologist/Psychotherapist and take appointment for counseling. Certain lifestyle changes also can help you to get back to your normal life. Most of the time its counseling and lifestyle changes all that is required to treat Depression. If it doesn’t help, then Anti-depressant medications could be taken after a Psychiatrist consultation. Depression medication may be the most advertised treatment for depression, but that doesn't mean it is the most effective. Medication may help relieve some of the symptoms of moderate and severe depression, but it doesn't cure the underlying problem, and it's usually not a long-term solution.

Certain Life style changes can do wonders in your life and it has long term benefit an prevents recurrence as well. Here are some of my suggestions which has proven to help.

1. Go for 30- 45 mins brisk walk daily. it triggers the growth of new brain cells and connections, just like antidepressants. You can also try to hit the gym and work out for 30 mins daily along with aerobics as well. Try swimming too.

2. Eat healthy food. Eat small frequent meals more of vegetables and fruits salads. Avoid deep fried junk foods.

3. Sleeping 6-8 hrs.  In the night can bring a dramatic change in your mood during the day time. Sleep deprivation is one of the major causes for depression as it causes irritability and mood swings.

4. Plan for a reunion party with friends or family. Talk to people whom you trust in your family about your problems. This could definitely reduce the stress in your mind and lift up your mood.

Hope this helps. Please feel free to ask if you need further help.

Thank you.


Dr. John Monheit
Category: Family Physician-GP
Experience: 
Residecny: North Colorado Family Medicine
Medical School: The Chicago Medical Center
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