Hi I Have Had Depression Since High School. Of Course

Posted on Sun, 2 Dec 2018

Question: Hi I have had depression since high school. Of course I didn't know it at the time. My Zoloft is not working 200mg. A day. I don't so much have mania sp? I don't think. But my lows are very low. I am 63 yrs. old. Have been on antidepressants since I was 25 or so. Before that I self mediced. With opinion herionect. I am not on any pain pills now. Just got off tramadol, about 1 1/2 weeks now. I am wondering if I have bi-polor. I need help but I'm on SSI not to many places to go for therpy. Can I have bi-polor? Or just really bad depression?

Answered by Dr. Olgeta Xhufka (40 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
No bipolar, Tramadol withdrawal symptom

Detailed Answer:
Hello dear, welcome to Ask a doctor service.
I read your query and here is my advice.
The symptoms you refer are coming because stopping Tramadol.
You don't have neither bipolar nor bad depression.
Tramadol is an opioid medication type of SNRI, and can cause physical dependence and withdrawal syndrome.
Since you stopped it 1/2 weeks ago it has started the withdrawal syndrome.
Now the withdrawal started and bad symptoms can last for a week and it may still continue for two or three weeks.

Hope I have answered the question.
Let me know if I can assist you further.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T

Follow up: Dr. Olgeta Xhufka (38 minutes later)

This has been going on for 45 years. My lows are always so low. I stay in my home all day long. Except if I have a appointment. I lost my mom who I was taking care of. I saw her take her last breath. I am not getting the care I need because I have medicare. It's so damn hard to keep going. I know all this is getting to me. But not being able to talk to some one about all this. Because of my insurance company.

Answered by Dr. Olgeta Xhufka (4 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Do some changes to help yourself.

Detailed Answer:
Hello again dear. I am sorry to hear this.
I am sorry that you lost your beloved mom.

I think that it is true that you have depression and stopping Tramadol has made it worse.
You can help yourself and are the only person you can do it better than anyone.
You can try to go more outside. Going around block, or going in a park every day can help you feel better.
You can meet your friends more often.
You also can find a counsellor free around your are that can help you.
Also increasing the dose of zoloft may be useful.

Hope you are getting well soon.
Best regards.

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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vaishalee Punj