Question: hi i am female and was diagnosed with agitated depression fifteen years ago although conscious of symptoms in early childhood . I am now 49. i have responded well to antidepressants even though symptoms have persisted but i've managed previously albeit been somewhat dysfunctional . i am currently on Effexor 75mg and have not changed for 6 years. previous to Aropax i was on prothiadan which made me feel very drugged and tired. Just prior to effexor i asked my GP to refer me to a psychiatrist just to review me ( i didnt go because i didnt feel well) he said my symptoms were atypical but very typical and he put me on the same strength drug but i cant recall what antidepressant it began with c. i responded very badly to it and my GP changed me to Effexor. i increased to 75mg following a very abusive relationship. I went to the GP who is ruling out medical issues first. i anticipate that i am going through a depressive stage. i have always been absent minded but cant manage memory loss, forgetfulness, only performing under pressure , over sleeping to manage lethargy or escaping simple tasks which overwhelm me, i am more angry but not physical or feeling the need to harm self or others , inpatient, ruminating and racing thick thoughts and restless- i don't have any psychotic features- no suicidal ideation or persecutory thoughts or hullucinations. when i was originally diagnosed when i felt more depressed i did however say that if i didn't wake up the next day it wouldnt bother me. i have always had low blood pressure to make things worse. i am having my bloods taken monday to rule out medical issues and i have also suggested that i may have vitiman b 12 deficiency given i became very alert and calm with taking supplements after three days and still feel better but still have symptoms. will ask that i try increasing my antidepressants but wonder if i need a mood stabiliser? also i will seek some talk therapy also ; i have had a lot of change- much positive but i think being a social worker in child protection for 19 years has taken its toll thanks . my mother has undiagnosed depression with anxiety features and medicates with alcohol , my sister is on lexapro