1. < Depression & Anxiety

Trying to find the right medications for my depression/anxiety

Posted by brit @brit, Jan 10, 2019

I have had depression for quite a few year now. I am in my 70's and found it harder to deal with. My psychiatrist has been working with me trying to find the best medication. So far no luck. He is very dedicated and does a great job trying to help. Right now I am takin 2 medications but they don't seem to do the
job either. They are Doxepin 25 mg and chlordiazepox. Help!

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Merry, Alumni Mentor | @merpreb | Jan 18, 2019
In reply to @brit "Usually depression just comes out from somewhere and takes over your life. My mother, sister and..." + (show)
@brit

Usually depression just comes out from somewhere and takes over your life. My mother, sister and grandmother suffered with this but me now being 73 thought I had passed it by with the blessings of God. But no.........it started coming on about 2 years ago and hasn't let up since that time. I have a good doctor and he does try to help me all he can but we just haven't found the "right" medicine yet. Just try to be strong (that's what I try to do) sometime it works sometimes it doesn't but it a daily "hell "for me. God Bless ....try to be strong. Patti

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@brit- There's a lot of research that also points to chemical imbalance. I'm not a scientist but it make sense. Now whether our genes cause the imbalance or it's just a flaw I have no idea.
I was taking Zoloft well before my Dr. Put me on Wellbutrin. I also have PTSD from many lung cancers and depression is part of that. Could you have PTSD and need more medication? I agree, it's a living hell.
This is my blog and some of the posts deal with my depression. https://my20yearscancer.com/

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brit | @brit | Jan 18, 2019
In reply to @happythinkingma "Hello, Can you please tell me how you managed your sleep issues? I have pretty bad..." + (show)
@happythinkingma

Hello,

Can you please tell me how you managed your sleep issues? I have pretty bad anxiety and depression and I can't sleep even on Ambien (4-5 hours max). I only take 600 g Lithium for my depression but it's not really doing much. I have Ativan on hand for severe anxiety. Dr wants me on Zoloft but I am terrified of side effects (mainly increased anxiety and insomnia). I'm getting closer to taking it though as I feel quite desperate. Sleep affects everything for me so any advice for that would be appreciated.

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I have never taken Zoloft but plan to ask my doctor about it on my next visit. I have changed to many medications but none seem to help but must say I do sleep well. God Bless Patti

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1 reply
Merry, Alumni Mentor | @merpreb | Jan 18, 2019

Patti- Why do you say that you are losing strength? What are your symptoms? Are you just worn out because of what depression does to you or because of another illness?

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brit | @brit | Jan 18, 2019

It is the anxiety and depression having to deal with it on a daily basis that makes me lose my strength. I' m just at a cross road and don't know what direction to go to. My doctor is a wonderful person but hasn't found the "right" medication for me yet. Hope he does soon I'm tired and just plain worn out. Patti

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Merry, Alumni Mentor | @merpreb | Jan 18, 2019

Patti- It is very very draining. I hear you on this one for sure. I think that Americans in particular think that medications alone can solve problems. But our mind/bodies work in conjunction and if we have one thing wrong in one place I think that we need to use the other part to help like next door neighbors helping each other. I have found that exercise helps this immensely.

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Mentor
Becky, Volunteer Mentor | @becsbuddy | Jan 18, 2019
In reply to @brit "I have never taken Zoloft but plan to ask my doctor about it on my next..." + (show)
@brit

I have never taken Zoloft but plan to ask my doctor about it on my next visit. I have changed to many medications but none seem to help but must say I do sleep well. God Bless Patti

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@brit Zoloft is one of the older medicines but it works well! Takes at least 2 weeks for any noticeable change. I’ve had to slowly increase the dose over 20+ years when things get rough. In the summer I can decrease the dose because we have so much sun! nd, I’d rather use my lite book—no side effects! Be sure to let us know if the doctor is willing to use Zoloft. You deserve to feel better!

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2 replies
petangelkat1 | @petangelkat1 | Jan 18, 2019
In reply to @jmalibu "If I didn't have obligations....husband is 77 with health issues....I'm on Valium & Citalpram.....& Ambien....I'm lucky..." + (show)
@jmalibu

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.....

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Have you ever had a sleep study?

If you have sleep apnea like I do, you will not feel better until you get restorative sleep. I tried to use CPAP but couldn’t tolerate the mask on my face. Just got a mouthpiece and can tolerate it. I have to use it for 7 days to see if it’s working. Sleep is one of the #1 issues with depression.

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happythinkingma | @happythinkingma | Jan 18, 2019

Ive never had a sleep study but Im a really quiet sleeper, normal weight etc. But maybe I need a sleep study. I know insomnia goes along with depression but what do doctors do about it besides Ambien?

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1 reply
Mentor
Becky, Volunteer Mentor | @becsbuddy | Jan 18, 2019
In reply to @happythinkingma "Ive never had a sleep study but Im a really quiet sleeper, normal weight etc. But..." + (show)
@happythinkingma

Ive never had a sleep study but Im a really quiet sleeper, normal weight etc. But maybe I need a sleep study. I know insomnia goes along with depression but what do doctors do about it besides Ambien?

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@happythinkingma , when I went to sleep doctor, we talked and then he gave me a routine to follow which has been SO helpful. I get ready for bed about an hour before, make sure bedroom lights are out before I go to bed, have a window open or good fan going, completely dark room. No computers before bed, just read or tv. It has really worked for me! Try the sleep doc, I never regretted going. Good luck. Let me know what happens! Becky

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2 replies
happythinkingma | @happythinkingma | Jan 18, 2019
In reply to @becsbuddy "@happythinkingma , when I went to sleep doctor, we talked and then he gave me a..." + (show)
@becsbuddy

@happythinkingma , when I went to sleep doctor, we talked and then he gave me a routine to follow which has been SO helpful. I get ready for bed about an hour before, make sure bedroom lights are out before I go to bed, have a window open or good fan going, completely dark room. No computers before bed, just read or tv. It has really worked for me! Try the sleep doc, I never regretted going. Good luck. Let me know what happens! Becky

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Thank you! Were u clinically depressed when you tried this routine? Have u ever tried sleeping meds?

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