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Diurnal mood variation

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Posted 7/29/2015 9:59 PM (GMT 0)
I was wondering how many people have had diurnal mood variation, where you feel the worst in the morning and (almost) normal at night.

I have been working my way up on Zoloft the past few months. I hadn't experienced any mood other than depression on the lower doses, but the first day I took the 150mg dose, that night I felt perfectly fine. I thought I was cured in one day! But when I woke up the next morning, I went back to feeling horrible. It has been three weeks at this dose, and I still have the diurnal mood variation.

Anyway, I was wondering if anyone has experienced this, because I'm not sure if it means I am close to recovery or whether it's just something that happens to some of us. Thanks!

-Cat
Posted 7/30/2015 4:43 PM (GMT 0)
Never heard of this, very interesting.

I would say talk to the doc about doseage at night and am. see how that works.

Or perhaps a extend release med at bedtime....

Peace,
Trina
Posted 7/30/2015 5:48 PM (GMT 0)
I'll definitely be talking to my doc about dosage when I see him next week. Thanks for the reply!

-Cat
Posted 7/31/2015 8:12 AM (GMT 0)
hi. sounds like the old term, cyclothymia? spelling, ah. med change or increase. agree about a nocte dose that is slow release, i do it with lamictal. all the best. haven't seen ya around, so i say g'day.
Posted 7/31/2015 4:08 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Turtle, thanks for the advice. I'm taking Gabapentin which I thought was a sort of mood stabilizer but maybe I need something else. I'll ask my doc.

I'm new as of this week. G'day.

-Cat
Posted 7/31/2015 6:28 PM (GMT 0)
Stick around, welcome to the forum. Let us know what the doc says and how it is working for you.

Peace
Trina
Posted 8/5/2015 7:05 AM (GMT 0)
yeah, keep with us.
Posted 8/8/2015 1:34 AM (GMT 0)
I just got back from my appointment with my shrink. It turns out diurnal mood variation is fairly common in depression (where sufferers feel better at night). I don't understand why it happens... I didn't have it last time I had a depressive episode, and I don't know why I have it now. I'm glad I have it, by the way, because I know I will always feel better once night comes.

In any case, my days have been steadily improving (mostly since I have had Gabapentin), so we decided to leave the Zoloft at 150mg for now, and see how I do on it for another month. If I don't feel 100% by mid September (when we meet again) we will discuss increasing the dose.

It was a good appointment and I am hopeful to keep improving.

-Cat
Posted 8/8/2015 8:55 AM (GMT 0)
For me I think it was because there are no demands on me at night. I am always more relaxed. I always feel better at night.
Posted 8/9/2015 4:40 AM (GMT 0)
i now have a fixed do not disturb sign on the door. with some expressive content. good work cat, it pleases me greatly to see proactive people addressing mental health illness.
Posted 9/11/2015 5:23 PM (GMT 0)
I also have diurnal mood variations, which seem to last from getting up each morning until about 3pm. It's a horrible flat empty feeling, which allows no motivation or satisfaction. It would seem like the last bastion of depression to overcome. I'm sleeping well, eating well, starting to go out, and more pro-active around the home. I use a light box, and I take magnesium, Vit D, and B complex. I don't know what else I can do...I know exercise might help, but I have sçiatica, and cannot walk comfortably. Any suggestions?
Posted 9/11/2015 6:10 PM (GMT 0)
Can you stretch your leg and walk slowly? It is real important to walk when you can. It helps the mood and also helps physically.

Do you take any anti depressants? Do you go to any therapy? Both help a lot too.

When I get sciatica, it isn't all the time. Kind of flares up now and then. I know it hurts bad though. I really would stretch that leg, and try to walk.

I hope you get feeling better soon. Depression of any kind is no good. Keep posting and welcome to the forum.

Hugs, Karen...
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