depression symptoms vs. side effects?

how do you tell if the symptoms you have are due to depression or the side effects of your medication?? i'm taking cymbalta, and have been stuck in a mental fog and confusion. it's also knocking me out like crazy and making me sleep for very long periods of time. those could be symptoms of depression or those could be side effects. at first, i thought they were side effects, but now, i'm not so sure anymore because i can't even think straight. i can hardly remember anything, too. it's a bugger. my pdoc and i are trying figure this out. of course, it will take time, too. but, it's difficult to tell between the two, though. it's strange to be stuck in such a heavy mental fog. i've done plenty of boneheaded stuff because of it. yeah, i'm laughing at funny stuff, but i quickly forget them. it's like i've been in a walking coma. any tips on telling the difference would be greatly appreciated, since i'm kind of an oddball case for my pdoc, and he really doesn't know for sure (he's one of the best there is that i could find - he's professor).

I take Cymbalta and I know it causes me to sleep for long periods of time (recently went off - tried Wellbutrin, which didn't work, back on Cymbalta). I can sleep for 12-13 hours if I don't set an alarm clock. It's very hard to get up in the mornings.

I would talk to your doctor if you can. I know I'm going to on my next appointment.

its a tricky one meds are often seen as a sledgehammer to crack a nut. i tried cymbalta couldn't cope with the side effects , could be a case of keep trying different meds .i used to think that meds were the magic answer, i think if there is an answer it comes from a wide variety of places, friends, support diet meds ,exercise ..........good luck

I agree with jefftele...

I beat my depression without meds, but lack of mental acuity was definitely one of my depression symptoms. It disappeared when I was no longer depressed. So whether your depression or cymbalta is causing your fog/confusion, something is not right. It's either the drug or the fact that the drug is not alleviating your depression symptoms. In either case, seems like you either need a different med to help with your depression or a new med that will not cause that side effect. bye, cymbalta?

Good luck.

yup, mental fog. am off ADs now and on lamictal.......trazadone for sleep. i recently sent in a check to my car insurance company....they take it out of my bank account.....

i don't know which is worse.....being utterly down, swirling the drain or swimming valliantly through the fog.......

I have a lot of Mental Fog for sure. It really stinks. I know my
Annti-Depression med (REMERON) isn't working when my mind is foggy. When it is working I get alot of relief. It helps my anxiety and helps me sleep at night. The only real side effects
for me are Lethargy and increased appetite and a little weight
gain. Not to bad? First anti-depressant that didn't make my heart feel like it was goin to jump outta my chest!! I've never
tried Cymbalta. But I'm open to any other suggestions