Posted by Gerri on January 20, 2012, at 23:29:58
I have reactive depression to a recent hopefully treatable breast cancer diagnosis which will involve 6 weeks of radiotherapy. I am 61 years old.
I have had long-standing depression and was on 20 -40 mg fluoxetine for many years with good effect. I went off it for a few years and recommenced 3 weeks ago but it doesn't seem to be having the desired effect. For the first week I felt good (I know this is not usual but it has happened in the past that I get an immediate lift.) However now I am waking at 2 am and not able to get back to sleep. I am not having the dreams I have had when I was on fluoextine in the past so I wonder if it has not reached therapeutic levels. My Dr has suggested that I increase to 40mg.
I have periods of feeling more down that I have ever felt, especially in the morning and during the wakeful hours from 2 am on. I am filled with feelings of doom and dread and thinking about people dying. Initially I thought I had (cancer) secondaries so maybe it is a ptsd reaction.
Any suggestions of extra meds to help the nighttime wakefullness and the morning downs would be gratefully accepted or any other strategies.Thanks
gerri
poster:Gerri
thread:1007930
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20120120/msgs/1007930.html