@melbourneaussie69
I noticed some benefit from both Wellbutrin/bupropion and Abilify/aripiprazole in about 2 weeks. Doctors in the states are starting to augment antidepressants with antipsychotics for those resistant to treatment and it may take a couple trials with the right mix and dosage. You shouldn’t need to wait more than 4 weeks to determine if a medication. The sooner you can tell if it helps or causes bad side effects, the sooner and easier weaning off should be. I tried fluoxetine (generic for Prozac) and I was okay 20 mg but when they increased to 40 mg, I started to get brain zaps so I started to wean myself off it.

I am so sorry for all you have experienced. You and your family have been through a lot and I pray that you get the best care possible within the socialized medical system. It must be hard to get timely, consistent, and quality care.

I don’t blame you for trying things on your own. I have often thought to myself that when someone is dealing with chronic pain and major depression that is hard to treat and they suffer for a long period, I wouldn’t be surprised that they would turn to anything they thought might help them endure each day. I am desperate for relief and it is hard to endure all of the medication and treatment trials but I keep having daily hope that something will work/help.