[Patsy Cline]

So it's going to be two weeks since I started a new medication. When I went to the doctor I was in total and utter despair. A few days later I felt like I was out of the danger zone. During the week I felt...ok, the afternoons and evenings were best. I've increases my dose twice since day one and now I've spent the last two days stuck in my room. I don't feel depressed, I just don't care. I don't care about anything or anyone. I'm not sure if this is a step up, down or sideways. Should I continue with the meds? Should I call my doc? Should I wait a few days and then call? I know these meds take time, but how long until I feel normal? (Well, MY normal). I have all these things I want to do but I feel empty and unmotivated. At this point I wish I was manic so I could at least be up and about.
Sorry for ranting but, that's what these forums are for, right?

[jesusplay]

call your doctor and tell him or her everything in this post.

[wildflowerchild25]

What med is it? Most will take a few weeks to be fully effective, especially if you are titrating up slowly like on lamictal.

[Patsy Cline]

Originally Posted by wildflowerchild25

What med is it? Most will take a few weeks to be fully effective, especially if you are titrating up slowly like on lamictal.

Fetzima 80 mg

[wildflowerchild25]

Oh that's a new one I don't know much about, but I read it is an AD, which means it will likely take a few weeks to reach maximum effectiveness..

I have a question though - are you diagnosed bipolar or major depression? I am surprised you would be prescribed an AD only for depression (unless you're also taking a mood stabilizer or antipsychotic and didn't mention). The risk of inducing mania is higher. I cannot take an antidepressant at all, much less by itself.

Anyway if you do have depression, you will need to give it awhile to get into your system. I think a pdoc once told me two months, and if after that there's no improvement at all we try something else (this was back when I was dx'ed unipolar depression).

[Patsy Cline]

Wildflower,

I'm diagnosed with Bipolar II. I rarely go into manic mode. When I do it doesn't last very long. I was put on trazadone for sleeping and I soon learned that when I got on a regular sleeping schedules I became stable. Of course I'd have my ups and mostly downs every once in a while but this time my downtime has been progressively getting worse. That's where the AD came in. My pdoc warmed me that it could possibly cause me to become manic because it is an SNRI. He said if I felt mania coming on that I should call him right away but instead I've become a different kind of depressed. Not so desperate and teary, more like, I'm just a dull, non caring person who would rather lie in bed 48 hrs straight and I really don't care. Sometimes my brain reminds me of all these things I want to do but my body doesn't respond. My brain goes fast, I'm nervous and anxious but tired and stagnant. It's so confusing. I can't live like this.

[wildflowerchild25]

Hmm well that doesn't sound fun. So it has definitely changed your mood, just not for the better. I don't know, I'm one who always says forget it to a med if it doesn't work. I have abilify three months last year. I hope you find something that works for you if fetzima does not!

[Patsy Cline]

Originally Posted by wildflowerchild25

Hmm well that doesn't sound fun. So it has definitely changed your mood, just not for the better. I don't know, I'm one who always says forget it to a med if it doesn't work. I have abilify three months last year. I hope you find something that works for you if fetzima does not!

Thanks Wildflower. I'm made another appointment (I can't really afford) with my pdoc on Wed. We'll see what he says.

[Hbomb0903]

PatsyCline

The way you describe your symptoms is exactly what I feel. Just like I can't do anything and don't care about anything, and never will again. I just started Wellbutrin (generic) and was already on Lithium. I want to switch back to lamictal, as I remember it helped with reducing the blankness and bleakness and lifting the depression. I can't live like this either. I feel your pain. As you once told me, ride the wave girl. It can't last forever right?

[Patsy Cline]

Originally Posted by Hbomb0903

PatsyCline

The way you describe your symptoms is exactly what I feel. Just like I can't do anything and don't care about anything, and never will again. I just started Wellbutrin (generic) and was already on Lithium. I want to switch back to lamictal, as I remember it helped with reducing the blankness and bleakness and lifting the depression. I can't live like this either. I feel your pain. As you once told me, ride the wave girl. It can't last forever right?

You're right hbomm! Easy to give advice, not always able to apply it to myself. I hope we BOTH start feeling better soon.

[Mickey4333]

Hi, I agree with the previous posts; Most importantly to talk to your Pdoc! I am glad you have a new appointment with him/her. Good luck

[Patsy Cline]

Originally Posted by Mickey4333

Hi, I agree with the previous posts; Most importantly to talk to your Pdoc! I am glad you have a new appointment with him/her. Good luck

Thank you Mickey

[Sad&Bipolar]

Patsy Cline,
If you have a therapist, you can talk about these things with her/him. And keep on posting on this site. I don't have a pdoc at the moment. It's really difficult for me to find one I fell I can trust and relate to. In this time between docs, my therapist is seeing me twice a week. It is really helpful.

If this co-in sided with a med increase it could be the meds. It may just take a while for your brain to adjust to this dose, or you will just continue like this if the dose is too high or wrong type. Its just a matter of waiting it out.