Hypothyroidism and Depression
Saturday May 9, 2009
Have you been feeling tired and depressed lately? Before you assume that you need an antidepressant, you might want to consider having your thyroid checked. Hypothyroidism, a disease in which the thyroid gland fails to produce enough thyroid hormone, can mimic the symptoms of depression. Fatigue, sleepiness, slowing of speech, a lack of interest in personal relationships and general apathy are signs of clinical depression as well as hypothyroidism. Read More
Comments
“Know the possible effects of what you are taking”
I was given Lithium, as a mood stabiliser, increasing in dose over weeks to 800mg, as well as my anti depressant. Unknowingly to me the Lithium effected my thyroid which began to under produce.It appeared my ‘depression’ was getting worse so my antidepressant drug was doubled. Due to all three causes I put on 50lbs over 3 months, by now I really was seriously depressed. I decided to come off all meds without discussion with my psychiatrist (not a good idea, but that’s another story) Three weeks later I felt well enough to go back to the doc and start again, but this time instead of Lithium I was given another mood stabiliser. My thyroid level returned to normal after a further 2 months.
I wonder if you might tell me what drug you were changed to.
I started out with hyperthyroidism and now am very close to hypothyroidism. I take Lexapro daily, but still feel depressed.
I feel tired sad and depressed. I don’t know what to do.