Now I really AM confused!

Can you get a referral to a specialist in treating depression and related problems. Your GP's responses to your problems, given the stress in your life, seem somewhat casual.

phoenix I personally would hold off having the scan unless there is an overwhelming medical reason to have one. God forbid, if you do have early dementia, do you want to be labelled with it especially as you do not know if you will be in the job market any time soon. I would go down the drug route first but I agree, you do not want the dosage to be so high that you are catatonic. Maybe start the increased dose on a Thursday in the evening as you have the following 4 days off to note any side effects. Good luck.

I am not surprised you are confused! But, in a way, it is good that the consultant does not see you as a cut and dried case in need of a scan.

The dosulepin is a double-edged sword in a way, as we have discussed before - too much can fuddle your brain and make you forgetful; and too little can leave the anxiety free to make you forgetful! You takes your pick!

It does however seem a worthwhile experiment and I hope it all works out for you.

Good luck!

Don't think so jingl I'm supposed to be at work tomorrow, that is if I wake up in time. (part time, 2 days a week, still on probation, just hope that they will keep me on!)

Will expect you on here about 11.30 tomorrow morning. #zzzzzzz

Thank you all. jingl my GP had already told me about the range of doses, I think I would be catatonic on some of those!

I will start the new dose tonight, just hope I'm not feeling too dopey in the morning!

If it were me I would go along with what the GP has recommended keeping a sharp eye on how I am feeling/reacting often keeping some diary notes help for when you next see the GP.

I think patients are not always aware that they are entitled to a second opinion under the NHS but I would keep this in reserve for if you get to a point where its all too confusing and contradictory. I hope you are feeling more settled on the new dose.

I didn't post when you first raised this as I thought it was unusual, in this area, anyway to be referred for a scan without an appt with a psychiatrist. My DH had about an hour and a half appt and was then sent for a brain scan.

look at the dosage possibilities on here!

I think you should try it. Up the dose. Give it a go.

Perhaps the specialist has his own views about doctors being given incentives to refer. He sounds wise.

Well, I can certainly relate to your fourth paragraph! I can feel the panic rising as I struggle to think of a name etc.

Perhaps it's worth trying the increased dose for the three weeks to see how you get on before going down the testing route. Do you have unpleasant side effects from the a-ds, or are you OK on them?