How to overcome the symptoms of depression?

Question

Hi doctor,

I have been feeling generally unwell for quite a while now. I have been to the doctors, who have run some tests and told me my TSH is working overdrive, although my thyroid chemicals around my body are normal. My symptoms are feeling sick, tiredness, lack of energy, inability to concentrate well, and lightheadedness. Just generally feeling rundown. I have been on Citalopram for depression for around eight years now, and to be honest, I have never really felt "well." I have just come to get used to it. But now it is getting worse and affecting me daily. Any idea or suggestions as to what could be wrong with me?

Answer 1

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I understand your concern.

There are many causes for your symptoms (as they are pretty non-specific). But I will start with what you already have, which is depression. When was your last psychiatrist's visit, and what did he tell you about the progress in your depression problem? Because if your depression is not treated correctly, it can manifest as physical problems like lack of energy, loss of appetite, inability to concentrate well, and lightheadedness. So it would be helpful to follow up with your psychiatrist first. Second, the drug Citalopram can cause these problems by itself, so ask your psychiatrist for an alternative. Third, other medical conditions can cause these symptoms, like iron deficiency, Vitamin B12 and D deficiency, and Addison's disease. So I suggest you complete the following tests and revert with reports.

1. Fasting blood Sugar.

2. Post prandial blood sugar.

3. Serum ferritin.

4. Serum vitamin B12.

5. Serum vitamin D3.

Kind regards.