Reader’s Question

I’ve struggled with periods of depression for years. Four years ago I started receiving counseling. I was also prescribed Effexor, slow release 125 mg, and have continued to take them. I have felt great for 3 years now with no psychiatric input. But I ran out of my medicine four days ago. At first this did not seem to be a problem, but over the last few days I have begun to feel very low and am crying. I’m also more irritable and angry. I’m also shaking and having visual disturbances. Please advise me what to do as I am feeling rather worried.

Our Clinical Psychologist’s Reply

Sometimes depressive symptomatology can endure for a protracted length of time, and good, quality mental health care that includes counseling as well as psychiatric care is essential. It seems more than a bit unusual that you have had a 3-year period taking medication with “no psychiatric input.” Most psychiatrists do not prescribe powerful mood-altering medications without continual follow-up (even though the spacing of follow-up visits can vary considerably depending on patient progress and response to the medication). Also, coming off medications is not always simple, can lead to a resumption of symptoms or other effects, and generally requires physician guidance.

It would be best to re-establish contact with your prescribing physician as soon as possible and review your history. If necessary, it might also be a good idea to touch base with your counselor and provide an update of your circumstances.

Taking medication on a regular basis is no substitute for comprehensive mental health care. Maintaining your biochemical balances as well as your overall wellbeing depends upon your participation and adherence to a sound therapeutic regimen that only comprehensive mental health care can provide.