Up and down mood while recovering from depression?

Question

I had a major depressive episode in July that I've been in treatment for since the end of July. I've been in day treatment, along with taking Luvox for the depression and Trileptal as a mood stabilizer (I'm not bipolar - my depression has not responded well to various meds so the doc is trying mood stabilizers to help the depression). I've been feeling so much better. I actually feel normal now (that's what I mean when I say "up" mood) but there are still times when I feel depressed. Not as depressed as before, but still down. Is this a normal part of recovery from depression...I'm still in that 4-6 week period of receiving "maximum effects" from the medications. Will these periods of depression continue to decrease? I will be asking my doctor this as well, but I wanted to hear from other people with similar experiences. Please no rude answers. Thanks.

Answer 1

the ups and downs is charactorics of bipolar.  depression is usually just down and can last a LONG time.  you should give your meds at least a month and if not better, ask your doctor what else you could try.  don't try to rush recovery but also understand you don't want to waste time on meds that aren't working for you.  make sure you understand why you are depressed.  i highly recommend researching bipolar.  your mention of the ups and downs concerns me.

Answer 2

They should. Luvox - as Anafranil - generally takes 8 weeks to begin having a noticeable beneficial effect. Don't expect too much from yourself you started a new position. Plus, factor in that some mood swings are going to be normal. Keep at it.