[Rose76]

I'ld been slipping down into depression on and off, since early October. Christmas is my favorite time of the year, so I pushed myself hard to get out of that hole. By Christmas eve, I thought I was doing pretty reasonable. Since Christmas day, I've slid down real bad. I can't fully account for getting this bad, which usually I can do.

I got sick with a bad cold a week or two before Christmas. I was taking time release sudafed every 12 hours for a few days, which greatly helped some cold symptoms. In fact, getting the cold seemed to lead to me feeling less depressed. By Christmas day, the cold was on its way out and I wasn't needing the Sudafed.

I'm getting suspicious that the Sudafed actually helped my depression and that stopping it contributed to me relapsing mentally. Does that sound completely crazy?

I know a lot of PC members take Ritalin and Adderal for depression. Since Sudafed is a stimulant, it might have some similar effects. I wonder if anyone thinks this is possible. Also, does anyone have experience with going off a stimulant only to plunge into depression?

I can't tell you how desperate I feel. Tomorrow morning I plan to take some sudafed to see if that helps. Today I've had depression mixed with anxiety that is just awful.

[lonely-and-sad]

I have been prescribed ritalin before as an adjunct. Ritalin is rather short acting and I would feel it wear off and my mood would then plunge.

[Clara22]

Maybe this can help Sudafed Nasal Decongestant Drug Interactions - Drugs.com

I was allowed to try Adderall xr, by my psychiatrist. Tried it for a few days, couldn't eat, sleep, and felt the withdrawal within less than 8 hours, was crying and felt insane. Not a good way to get out of depression. I felt a little more happy, but definitely zoned out and spacey. Like I could take on anything and not be depressed. So sudafed may have some stimulant properties, but honestly I think your upping your amitriptyline was not a good idea either. Just my opinion.

i don't recommend ritalin or adderall.

have you tried meds like wellbutrin, paxil, zoloft, effexor, prozac, seroquel?

there is no reason for depression. it just is; like the weather. don't blame yourself.

[Rose76]

Thank you all for the responses above. I did take a Sudafed tablet this morning and seem to feel a little better. But I don't think I'll keep doing that. With me I usually can trace back to what sets off an episode of depression. Same with anxiety. Having both of them together is awful. Usually being depressed seems to alleviate anxiety somewhat for me.

I know there are some things I'm worried about. I've read that for some people, depression is reactive. That seems to be true of me. I've had some chest pain this morning, which I only get from anxiety. That only happens to me a few times per year.

8888, I've been on all those meds except for Paxil. They didn't help me. That's why I am on the tricyclic, amitriptyline, which doctors prefer not to use today. It's an old fashioned drug with a lot of side effects. When I increased it before Christmas, it gave me a sore throat. That's happened before with that drug.

I increased the amitriptyline on my own because that's what pdocs have had me try doing in the past. Wasn't real helpful.

I have an appointment tomorrow with the housing authority that is about getting a housing subsidy, which will be a big financial help to me. I am extremely worried about this . . . beyond what makes any sense. I have to go home and put together paperwork for the meeting. Right now, I'm at my boyfriend's place and dread leaving here. I even dread getting out of bed. I just want to hide from everything.

I hate talking to doctors about any problems, but I'm desperate for some kind of help. When I was seeing them frequently and being put on a lot of different psych meds, they wouldn't listen to me about how different meds actually made me feel worse. That's why I don't trust them anymore and see them as little as possible.

I was on Ritalin for awhile about 3 years ago and became a complete nervous wreck. I didn't even know Ritalin was the cause, until I was out of it for a few days and felt much better. Instead of suspecting the Ritalin, the pdoc wanted to have me get ECT. I am so afraid of them pushing stuff on me that doesn't help or makes me worse.

I wish I could go talk to a doctor, but I'm afraid to.

Rose, I just refreshed the page and have seen your response. What I was going to suggest is something for anxiety if it was possible. The amitriptyline isn't good for your heart.
You need REST. Stop being afraid to leave your s/o alone. I know easier said than done. If I were a doctor I'd say take two aspirin and go to bed. Okay that was meant to be funny. My mom actually said to me a while ago, go to sleep. Easier said than done. Sometimes I think I need a horse tranquilizer to help me. Please rest up Rose. Instead of paper work, let that go for a few hours. Even just shut the curtains at home, shut things out. Put up a stop sign in your mind. How about enya music, or some relaxing music on youtube?
I understand the fear of doc's and new meds and everything. I feel for you. Take something that helps, please, and let yourself take care of YOU.

[Rose76]

Thanks, disparssisant. Worrying about the s/o is part of it. The music sounds like a good idea.

I have to go home later and get the paperwork ready. Letting it go till the last minute is part of the problem. I kind of did this to myself. Maybe after the appointment tomorrow I'll be okay.

[Rose76]

I just finished the paperwork that I have to bring to the housing authority tomorrow. That lowered my anxiety, but I still feel anxious about the appointment. I suppose that is because this is so critical to my financial situation.

I thank all posters/huggers above. I hope I can sleep tonight.