Question about Medication for Depression

[silentgirl]

Yesterday, my Disability Employment Consultant asked if I was getting regular blood tests when I go for my medication review every three months at my GP's.

I have been on the same dosage of fluroxetine for nearly six years for Depression and nothing has been altered. It got altered about seven years ago, the initial dosage was higher and then it got decreased by a psychiatrist but since my GP has been looking after it, nothing has changed. Is that normal?

[Snow White.]

Are you asking if it is normal for the dose to remain the same, or to not have had blood tests?

I think it depends on the individual, if people are stable on their medication I guess it doesn't get reviewed but if you're not well you could always talk to your doctor about the medication.

[Epicene]

It depends on whether or not it is working well at combating your depression! If you are finding your symptoms have improved a lot in that time, then to an extent it is fine that nothing has changed. However, if you consider yourself recovered or symptom -free, then the option of coming off it should really be raised. The general view is that a single, mild depressive episode can be treated for 6 months to 1 year, but that the more severe and recurrent episodes should each be treated for longer (eg 3 severe episodes may warrant 5 years of antidepressant treatment). However it is such an individual thing that you really need to discuss this with your doctors.

If things are the opposite and actually seem worse, then similarly speak to your GP and consider whether medication or dosage change is appropriate. Either way, you need to be clear with your GP about any changes.