This may be a stupid question, but I don't know the answer... can someone help me? :)

I have a ceiling mounted combination fan/heat/light unit in the bathroom, and I replaced the light bulb w/ a standard A-type bulb, which tripped the circuit breaker. I then used a compact fluorescent. Now it's flickering wildly, and constantly getting brighter and brighter while it's on.

Is this because the wattage is too high or too low?

Thanks!!