Trying to find the right medications for my depression/anxiety

Is there ever a right medication or combination of medications? I’ve been trying different meds for years; at first I feel like I’m better but then I’m right back where I started. I’m going thru a difficult period of totally not caring about anything & of laziness. Which comes first ~ the depression or laziness? I sleep 10 hours a night & 2 hours a day; I just can’t break out of the cycle.

I guess that I am one of the fortunate ones that it didn't take all that long (about 6 months) to find a combination of medications that work for me. I also very actively use CBT techniques to deal with negative thinking, and I think I wouldn't be able to be as functional as I am without it. I am tapering the medication I use for anxiety, as it was giving me brain fog and making me very tired in the afternoons. Today I'm taking 20mg of Lexapro and 5mg of Abilify, and that doesn't affect my energy detrimentally. When things were very bad for me I wasn't engaged in much activity, either. After being able to engage in work, which I was off for two years, with managing my sleep better, I have improved my verve quite a bit: I think it's important to be doing something meaningful for me within the limitations that I face today.

If I didn't have obligations....husband is 77 with health issues....I'm on Valium & Citalpram.....& Ambien....I'm lucky if I get 4 hours straight sleep....I could sleep all day....off & on.....just can't get out of the depression....family, grandchildren, etc....Hate to say it....but the only time I can relax is when I have a Martini....really don't feel like myself anymore.....Not interested in anything....Depression sucks.....Sometimes I take an allergy pill...helps me sleep a little longer......I know it's not the answer or healthy......I could use some suggestions cause I know exactly how you feel.....

@jmalibu Try Tai Chi @parus does these and says they help her

So you have had the same experience with combinatopm of medications! Yes and laziness is also a part of my problem no interest in anything. I do sleep well due to medication but don't sleep in the day. I have tried that and wake up worse feeling. I would try first not to sleep in the day. Even if you just take a short walk in your yard do something other than sleep. Thank you for replying to my email you are appreciated. Patti

@kpmirabito- Welcome to Mayo Connect. This is is an excellent question. I wish I had the answer for it but I wonder about it myself. I was very fortunate not to have any withdrawal symptoms when I weaned off of Effexor. But I had to go on another antidepressant because I'm just wired to have depression. I wish that I knew how much for me it's genetic or behavioral.
Antidepressants can cause apathy and pathos and indolence, etc. This commonly is caused by a number of things. But one can be too much medication. Perhaps you could talk with your doctor about this? What have you done in the past to get out of this?

@jmalibu- Hello. Taking antidepressants and alcohol can exacerbate depression. It can also be very dangerous or change your personality. I always loved drinking martinis- gin martinis. I loved the tradition (my dad use to drink them too), I used to love the whole performance of making them and then the first sip. But after a while my personality started to change and I became a mean person. So I had to stop. I found that I slept better too.
Breaking this cycle, I agree, is extremely difficult. I did it by writing. Then I started a blog about my cancer journey and wrote about it there too.
https://my20yearscancer.com/
What have you done in the past to break out of this?

How did u manage your sleep? Im struggling.

I'm 71 and have had dysthymia(constant low grade depression)for at least 30 or more years. I have had issues of late, and changed medications twice. Tried trintillix, and it was not good for me. It is expensive, but when it works, it is the holy grail. Changed to Prozac about ten days ago, and some Klonopin for anxiety/sleep. Slept for 9 hours last night after a long bout of insomnia. It's a crapshoot to get the chemistry correct. Just be sure you have a doctor who will work with you.

@jmalibu sounds like things are very tough! Wow ! Be careful, though, some of those meds can interact with each other and make things worse. Have you talked with your doctor about what you take and when and how much and how you feel? Valium and ambience and alcohol all contribute to drowsiness and confusion—worse when together in your system. Lack of sleep doesn’t help, either?
Maybe make a list of all the things you feel you have to do and then take off what’s not really necessary/crucial. MAKE time for yourself. We really care about you and want life to get better.

Thank you so much for your kind thoughts. iTt's tough but all one can do is try Patti