AboutMary E Scott, RPh, CGP Expertise I am a certified geriatric pharmacist with over 23 years experience as a long-term care consultant to nursing homes. I also do community-based consulting on an individual basis. My facility-based monthly newsletter on pharmacy topics is read by nurses in over 200 long-term care facilities in 5 states.
Experience I received a BS in Pharmacy in 1980 with post-graduate work in public health. I have had a Consultant Pharmacist license since 1984.
Organizations American Society of Consultant Pharmacists .I received certification in geriatric pharmacy in 1998.
Question I am 62, lost my husband nearly a year ago due to complications from heart surgery. I believe I have been depressed for years, but his death put me over the edge. I am on 30m of Lexapro and 300 of Wellbutrin. I am wondering if this is too much. I have been on antidepressants for nearly a year. I am feeling worse again. I plan on reducing the dosage. Your take?
Answer Hi,Mary!
I'm sorry for your loss. I wouldn't recommend increasing the Lexapro and Wellbutrin if you have been on these dosages for at least 3 months with no change in depression since you are at maximum dosage now. Check with your doctor; he/she will probably switch your medications.
Are you on any other medications? Some medications for high blood pressure can cause depression.Have you had your thyroid checked? It may worth it to check out physical reasons why you feel more depressed. Free free to email again if you want me to check other meds you are on to see if they could be contributing to feelings of depression.
Medications alone may not be enough. If you are not in grief counseling now, I would recommend that in addition to the medication. Hope this helps, and I will be praying for you. Mary
