Depressive episode symptoms and conditions

First of all let me state that I stopped Advair (or Seretide 125 here in the UK) before I was aware of a plethora of potential side-effects.

I've had asthma for 4 years (male 39) and I started just over two years ago when I had a chest infection. Two days later I developed quite a bad pneumonia and ended up in hospital. Thankfully it cleared OK and I got out quickly enough. After that I continued with it. Around late summer last year I noticed my libido dropping off, bad sleep patterns (really tired at 10pm yet waking up at 2am and unable to sleep again), depressive episodes, mood swings and mental fogginess especially in the afternoon. Blood tests showed borderline low testosterone levels and I was referred to an endocrinologist early in 2009. A few tests later and I was no further forward but I started to suspect my adrenal function was poor. An ATCH stimulation test was done but it was "normal". I then had a tremendously bad depressive episode and went to the doctors. He offered me prozac until we got to the bottom of the issue but I declined as I suspect it would make things worse. I then started to analyze what had changed in my life and the only thing that had the potential was the Seretide. I then changed back to Clenil (beclomethasone) and the difference was like day and night. My sleep patterns immediately restored themselves and my mental state went back to normal. I also run up to 50 miles per week and suffered occasional cramps - I could even cramp at will by placing my lower leg in a particular place! Needless to say this has gone too. I now have another blood test next week and it'll be very interesting to see where my T levels are now.

I suspect that Advair/Seretide causes adrenal issues in susceptible people. Once your adrenals are out of whack then your thyroid and other hormonal systems start to get affected.

I've been taking lamictal for btwn 2 and 3 years now, for depression and as a mood stabilizer. I was on wellbutrin 300 mg, and then I had an episode of severe depression (crying all the time) while on the wellbutrin. So my doctor added lamictal, gradually going up to 200 mg.

It works, and I haven't had a really severe depressive episode since (except for circumstantial reasons), although I'm generally mildly depressed.

Side effects: My fingernails have weakened, and some have ridges down the middle that are so weak they become cracks even if there is only 1 mm of white nail growth. I thought it might be a nutritional deficiency, but I eat healthily, and I finally decided to look into the side effects of my meds. Others on this site are talking about hair loss -- I'm quite sure the nail problem is from the lamictal, as hair and nails are produced in similar ways.

I yawn every few minutes, whether or not I'm tired, which at least one other person on this forum mentioned as well, as a less common side effect. (I'd figured this was due to one of my meds -- now I know which one it is.)
I've also been concerned that I'm klutzier than normal lately. After reading everything on this site, I've just decided to start weaning myself from 200 mg towards a lower dose of 100 mg. I don't think I'll go off of it entirely, b/c it works.
One last thing I have to say is that I really recommend ACUPUNCTURE for any mood disorders. I get it for free at a school in Chicago (it's often a long wait, but free!), and many bigger cities probably have an acupuncture school where it will be cheap, if you're on a budget like I am. Occasionally, insurance covers acupuncture. Anyway, I try to go once a week, and it helps tremendously with my depression, migraines, and general energy level-- it has a very powerful cumulative effect! When I stop going, I notice huge differences emotionally, and I get a lot more migraines. My mom and sister have also had very positive experiences using acupuncture for depression and anxiety.

I actually ask to be treated for my headaches, not specifically depression, but it helps me a lot with both issues. I really can't say enough about how wonderful acupuncture is, and how much it's changed my life. Last time I was medication-free, 5 years ago, I was going to acupuncture every week for many months, and it was enough! Just don't expect it to work overnight -- just be consistent and give it some time. When I first started going every week, I noticed a difference after a month or so, although the treatments generally leave me feeling relaxed and good right afterward as well.

I had the Mirena inserted about two months after my second baby. I was not feeling any post-partum depression at that time, but my life was VERY hectic. I had never had a depressive episode before. After about four months of having the Mirena, I basically had a "nervous breakdown": deep depression and an inability to function in my regular life activities. Like I said, my life was very hectic at this point, but I want to point out that I had been heavily stressed out before in my life, with no depression. Anyway, my GP insisted on taking it out ASAP; she had heard that some women get depressed on Mirena (when they never had that type of problem before...). I went on Wellbutrin (still on it!), and am doing a lot better 12 months later. However, I'm still fighting the depression, and I have some anxiety, too. I'd say that if a woman has an experience like mine, the smart thing to do is have the Mirena taken out. You can always have it put back in later, if you want.

In July 2007, I was put on Levaquin for pneumonia. I was 53 years old, working full-time, active. The pneumonia was caused by aspiration when vomiting. I had never had these problems - pneumonia or aspiration - before. I had gradually worsening generalized joint and muscle pain and stiffness, which I reported to my doctor after about 5 days on the Levaquin. The pain I was experiencing was worse than the pneumonia symptoms (mostly high fever). The course of levaquin was supposed to be 14 days. After 9 days, I could not tolerate it any longer. My doctor put me on a Z-pack (azithromycin) for the remainder of my treatment. It is a year later, and I am still plagued with muscle pain in my back, shoulders, arm, abdomen - and, at its worst, my legs. The only way I'm able to function is on prescription painkillers, which I detest having to take - but they're a lifesaver. I've been seeing a rheumatologist since December '07. He dosen't seem to believe the levaquin - pain connection. He thinks I may have Polymyalgia Rheumatica. I have consistently elevated blood levels of creatine phosphokinase, a muscle enzyme which indicates muscle damage. I was on prednisone 10 mg. from early March '08 which I have just weaned off of after suffering a depressive episode with a suicide attempt at the begining of this month. I can't work now. I'm terrified of becoming permanently disabled. Finding answers has been very difficult but I firmly believe that the Levaquin started all this.

I recently had an extremely bad case of depression. I could not figure out what was wrong with me. I could not stop crying. It took me 2 month to figure out that my depressive episode coincided with my doctor putting me on 20mg simvistatin(generic zocor). I've been off of it for 5 days now and have already seen a dramatic improvement. I will never take cholesterol lowering meds as long as I live, I don't care if my cholesterol is 500.

I have been taking Lamictal for about 2 months now. Started at 25mg and now at 150mg. I also take 10mg Lexapro and 1 mg of Ativan daily. I was diagnosed with bipolar-2 about 3 months ago. I'm not sure if this is the right combo for me. Most of my problem is with severe irritability followed by moderate anxiety and mild depression. I have never had a Manic episode just Hypomania which the doctor said is my anger and Irritability. I have been on every SSRI (anti-depressant) for the last 12 years, which does help the depression, but it increases the anger and irritability. Another Dr told me I am not bipolar-2, I just have GAD (generalized anxiety disorder). Not sure what to do anymore, the Lamictal is giving me bad headaches and dizziness and nausea. So now I take Meclizine for the those symptoms. Is there just one pill to help all these symptoms? Has anyone had any luck with Buspar??

I am currently restarting Lamictal for my bipolar disorder. I was on it for about a year and gained 15lbs. I started feeling very depressed about my weight. I was very fatigued and would take naps every day and sleep all though the night. I didn't have a whole lot of energy. My husband and I are wanting to have children so I discontinued Lamictal for the reason and because I thought it was making me depressed. However, after having Lamictal fully out of my system I realized that I was having a depressive episode that got worse because I wasn't on my Lamictal. I am not starting Lamictal again and I am going for a higher dosage now since I am in a depressive episode. As far as weight gain goes, my doctor is also putting me on Topamax which I start this evening. It could possibly counteract the weight gain issue.

I am also on a vitamin regime to help with my mood and Clonazepam for anxiety attacks.

Been on it for almost 5 years, 400 mg a day. Don't know what the official word is on long-term use, but I have had the following problems: recent weight gain and long-term extreme exhaustion/fatigue. Although I haven't changed the dose in years, the fatigue seems to be getting worse. I am on other meds, so I don't know if it is for sure the Lamictal causing these effects, but there is a good chance. I'll see as I lower the dose, under doc supervision, of course. Take care, all.

I have been on Lamictal for almost a year now and everything seemed to go okay until almost three weeks ago when I had to increase my dosage from 100 to 150mg and my Lexapro to 15mg. In the last couple of weeks, I have gained 7 pounds and I am really depressed. I have an eating disorder (bulimia) and because of this, I profusely purge my food in fear of gaining a dramatic amount of weight again. I am going to see my psychiatrist next week because all of this is going to cause me to crash.

I have been on Ovcon 35 for 4 months. Put on it for continuous use to prevent endometriosis. I had minor symptoms before the pill. I experienced spotting and breakthrough bleeding most of the months for at least 2 weeks per month. I could live with that if I really had to , althought very annoying. I have had slowly progressing depression (including insomnia, irritability and memory loss)until finally I had a manic depressive episode where I had suicidal thoughts. It took 2 days for the "fog" to clear and to realize that it was the damn pill. I stopped it immediately, obviously this is not a side effect I care to deal with. Feeling better already!!

Thank you to everyone who has been so sincere and honest in sharing their experiences while using Yasmin. I am the proud mama of three beautiful children and I began using Yasmin on the advice of our obstetrician last month. We had been relying on a diaphragm, but recently I was more nervous about the timing of an additional pregnancy. I told our doctor that I felt the birth control pill had been negative for me in the past and suspected it was linked to a depressive episode nine years ago. He was very dismissive of this and told me that "the pill" has changed considerably. I was shocked at how quickly I felt side effects. I have been exhausted and have started experiencing severe heart burn (I even thought I was having a heart attack) almost everytime I eat. I was also still nursing my 17 month old son and my milk supply has completely gone away. For nursing moms...please be aware of this potential problem. My doctor did not inform me of this before I started Yasmin and I feel a bit regretful that my nursing relationship with my son ended on those terms. QUESTION...for those who have stopped taking Yasmin...what alternative methods of birth control are you exploring? My husband and I are not 100% that we are finished having children, but definitely want some control over that decision! My doctor is also advocating the Mirena IUD, but I am fearful that it will have the same effect.