Ask a doctor on the topic of Other questions to doctors

depression Translation: Depression

March 3, 2010 | 10,00 EUR | answered by Dr. med. Olaf Stephan

I was in inpatient treatment until January 2010 (15 weeks) due to a severe depression. On my own request and with a lot of enthusiasm, I left the clinic in mid-January and wanted to start my new life. Since leaving the clinic, I have been treated with Cipramil 40mg and Trimipramine 125mg at night.

Trimipramine was discontinued with the agreement of the clinic upon discharge, as I was only taking it as a sleep aid. Since mid-February, I have been feeling increasingly worse. I have no more enthusiasm or energy, I lack the strength and energy even for everyday tasks. I can't go shopping without feeling sick and dizzy, it's hardly possible to have contact with friends as I react with vomiting and dizziness when I spend a long time around people. My appetite has decreased significantly and I just feel powerless and without energy, preferring to be alone.

Is this a relapse and should I go back to the clinic? Or is it because of the Trimipramine? My psychologist doesn't have any advice and would prefer to admit me or have me treated psychiatrically. What ideas or advice do you have?

Thank you for your efforts!

Dr. med. Olaf Stephan

Dear Inquirer,

It is obvious that you have been suffering from severe depression for some time now and have been receiving long-term inpatient treatment until recently. Of course, it is difficult to objectively assess your current condition through a "remote diagnosis", but the description of your current symptoms primarily indicates a worsening of the mental illness situation. Endogenous depression is a chronic illness that occurs in phases, so relatively rapid changes in your mental state are possible despite ongoing medication therapy. This may also make it necessary to increase the dosage or change the medication. It is therefore strongly recommended that you contact the clinic where you were previously treated and consider another inpatient treatment if necessary. They will surely examine you thoroughly and provide advice, as they are familiar with your previous medical history and treatment.

Wishing you a speedy recovery,

Best regards, O. Stephan