I'm not recovering: Could meds be causing suicidal thoughts?

@autumn2025 having suicidal thoughts calls for action on your part!

Call the Suicide Hotline NOW. The number is 988.
Please talk with them.

I am so sorry that you are suffering. I have treatment resistant major depressive disorder and have at best had a partial response to the numerous ssri and snri medications that I have tried. I had a very good and fast response to intramuscular ketamine, 3 sessions in one week. Perhaps that or esketamine (nasal spray) might be an option for you.
My depression symptoms have also improved dramatically alongside dietary changes I made to treat Collagenous Colitis. If you have any type of gut/digestion issue it could be wise to address that as it might be a significant contributor. If you are celiac or gluten sensitive for example that is worth checking out, both conditions may be dramatically under diagnosed.
Please stay. We need you. No one can replace you. I understand and relate to your feelings, but ask for help with the appropriate urgency needed based on your feelings.
I respect your courage posting here and sincerely hope you will continue to pursue remission.

I've tried over 50 medications, ECT, TMS, & Spravato- nothing works anymore. Just wondering if lamictal is causing the suicidal thoughts or if the longevity of the disease has run me down.

Did that last night. Unfortunately, the person on the otherside of the line didn't say much of anything.

Dear heart... please stay.. I have wrestled with the same thoughts for several years now.. as my digestive issues have been going on for so long and soo painful and scary and all of that..I've even called the suicide hotline..( depends on who you get).. today I went to the grave of my best friend who committed suicide in 2006..I miss her soo.. her family misses her.. she had 2 girls and some grandchildren.. she had ..me..I needed her.. but she was soo sick.. and as an RN she knew what was coming so she ate a bullet from a 9mm.. and we all cried!! We still cry!! You are irreplaceable and special!! If it's your meds.. talk to the doctor..and ..if you really need someone to talk to ..Jesus never leaves..(I've had my 38 special to my head several times.. especially after my husband passed of cancer..felt all alone..so alone).. but God has a plan for you..and there are ministries..maybe I shouldn't' say on here.. but they will pray with you and stand in faith with you..Psalm 91 over you.. it's a prayer of protection..

Hi @autumn2025, I'm glad you posted here and that you also contacted 988

You're right that some medications intended to help improve anxiety and depression can also have the unwanted side effect of creating suicidal thoughts. This includes Lamictal (lamotrigine). In some people, it can cause new or increased thoughts of suicide or death, new or increased feelings of anxiety, depression, or other unusual changes in mood or behavior and difficulty sleeping.

Please contact your prescribing doctor as soon as possible to discuss what you should do. I realize that today is Sunday and you may not be able to reach your doctor today. You may be able to talk to a pharmacist to find out if Lamictal is interacting with other medications you may be taking and what you can do until you can speak with your doctor.

If you have these unwanted thoughts of suicide again, please contact 988. I know the person you reached last night didn't say much, but you will get a different counsellor the next time you call. It is good to talk.
988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.
– Call or text 988
– Chat with a counsellor at https://988lifeline.org/chat/
Chat is available 24/7 across the U.S. You don't need your phone. You can chat on your computer.

And, of course, we're here on the forum if you want to reach out any time. I hope you were able to get some sleep last night. How are you today?

i am the same. 25+ years on meds, repeated episodes of deep depression with anxiety and crying hysterically. same meds venlafaxen, works well until it doesnt. 69 year old female. this week i’ve been in a dark hole no hope

@autumn2025 As others including @colleenyoung wrote it's possible that Lamictal could be contributing to your thoughts of suicide. Calling 988, the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, is a good plan as they are available 24/7. I have another suggestion too. As @colleenyoung wrote, it's Sunday and your prescribing doctor may not be available today. If you continue to have thoughts of suicide and you have a plan for how you would do it, then please go to your nearest Emergency Department at your local hospital. All hospitals have mental health professionals on call including psychiatry.

How are you feeling this morning?

@autumn2025
Have you talked with your prescribing doctor and shared your symptoms and concerns? Are you working with a psychiatrist and psychologist? You should not suffer alone. I have been where you are for the last few years and have been trying different medications and combinations to deal with major depression. I am a bit stabilized now on bupropion and sertraline but it is not optimal treatment. I am going to taper off my sertraline to see how I am and then try something new if needed.

Your medication may not be right for you now and you may need to try something else and possibly a combination of medication to optimize your treatment.

Please do not delay getting the help you need and deserve.

@yeja, how horrible to feel that you are in a dark hole with no way out and no hope. If you need to talk to someone, please contact the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.
– Call or text 988
– Chat with a counsellor at https://988lifeline.org/chat/

They are there 24/7.

I'm glad that you posted here in the forum. We're here and we're listening. If venlafaxine is not working for you any more, have you had a chance to talk with your prescribing doctor about what you can do next? Do you also see a therapist regularly?