HomeAnswersPsychiatrydepressionI have had a history of severe recurrent depression. Why so?

What should be done to control depressive symptoms, which persist despite taking medications?

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Published At February 9, 2023
Reviewed AtOctober 11, 2023

Patient's Query

Hello doctor,

I am a female and I have been suffering from severe recurrent depression for over three years with feelings of hopelessness and worthlessness, suicidal and self-harm behaviors, anti-social behaviors and social withdrawal, low mood and self-esteem, and increased appetite and sleeping. I have been on tablet Mirtazapine for nearly two years now. I have found that it has played a critical role in my recovery and whenever I have stopped taking it, I have experienced a rapid deterioration in my mental health. In the past, I have undergone treatments for an atypical eating disorder, binge eating disorder, personality disorders (borderline, OCPD, EUPD), and social anxiety linked to depression for which I have been hospitalized. However, over the past two months, I have felt that my depressive symptoms are coming back again. Currently, I am taking Mirtazapine, Lamotrigine, and Melatonin. Earlier I was taking Fluoxetine, Sertraline, Citalopram, Olanzapine, Quetiapine, Aripiprazole, Lorazepam, Clonazepam, and Promethazine. I wanted to find out what other anti-depressants are effectively taken with Mirtazapine, particularly Venlafaxine, and Bupropion, as I have taken antipsychotics in the past which have caused significant weight gain and affected my binge eating. I do not want to take anything that would cause weight gain. I have already tried Fluoxetine, Sertraline, and Citalopram before starting Mirtazapine and found that not only they did not help, but also caused some symptoms which made my condition worse.

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

Thank you for your query.

Mirtazapine and Bupropion combination is a good option for you except that Bupropion can increase anxiety symptoms. Similarly, Venlafaxine can be added but there is a risk of serotonin syndrome and it can also change into bipolar affective disorder. So it needs to be monitored more compared to the above combination. Kindly consult a specialist, talk to them, and take medications with their consent.

I hope this has helped you.

Thank you.

Same symptoms don't mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!

Dr. Ramchandra Lamba
Dr. Ramchandra Lamba

Psychiatry

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