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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Hi All:

Here is another mindful breathing video created by a doctor at Mayo. The second one in the series is my favorite in that involves movement of the arms as well as breathing. Take a look and let me know what you think.
https://www.mayo.edu/research/labs/mindful-breathing/videos

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@becsbuddy

@brit This breathing also works! Empty your mind of thoughts with each breath. It also helps to relax muscles as you breathe out. Works for me. Sounds like it works for you, too! My therapist said to also imagine a bright, colorful, glowing light entering your head. Any color you like (I like golden). It gives you a warm, comfortable feeling. With each relaxing breath, let the light further in until it hits your toes. Then just let it work. I had to do this in her office this week because I got one of my chest pain/anxiety attacks. They are awful! Using the image of the light helped me settle down. Guess I was worried about my rituxan infusion the next day. 🙁 Please try this and let me know how it works—I hate to see anyone in pain!

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That sounds great and I will certainly try it Patti

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@merpreb

parus- Can you please show us the app?

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@merpreb Since you asked...
oakmeditation.com

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@happythinkingma

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

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I used Ambien for a very short time years ago. I stopped taking it because I would wake up and was falling down ,so I guess I was sleep walking.

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@petangelkat1

I used Ambien for a very short time years ago. I stopped taking it because I would wake up and was falling down ,so I guess I was sleep walking.

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Alston there are so many antidepressants that
Help we th depression and sleep.

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I have to report that the mouthpiece I started using about a week ago seems to making a difference with my sleep apnea. I am dreaming again, and I do wake up with less anxiety and irritability. I’m almost afraid to say that it’s helpubg with my depression because my meds will help one day for an hour or two then stop working. It is so frustrating because you think you have the right meds and then realize that something is not working like it should.
Anyone have bipolar as a diagnosis? Just wonder if anyone else LOVES TO GO SHOPPING. This typical behavior has put me in a financial bind.

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Really? I thought most of the new ones have insomnia as a side effect. I'd love an antidepressant that also treats insomnia. That would be wonderful!

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@kpmirabito

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.

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I don’t think you are lazy at all. One of the symptoms of depression is not sleeping enough or sleeping too much. I think what you are calling laziness is tiredness and lack of energy as a result if the depression. I totally can relate. They are days when I could stay in bed all day. Try to be patient with yourself. It is a very difficult illness to deal with. I’ve found that lying in bed from fatigue that depression can cause is much easier than the irritability resulting from a mixed state that I experience. The irritability is more painful in my
opinion.

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@kpmirabito

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.

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Depression is hard. I have depression too. Severe at times. It always a juggling act with meds, side effects. Make sure you have a support group. This helps but you need in person connection too. If there's a NAMI in your area try that. Also have a safety plan. I recommend CBT and DBT therapy groups. Find activities and plan activities once a week with others. I know feeling hopeless is very difficult. I've been there. Some days I had no reason to get out of bed. Maybe keep a depression journal. Take action before you're too depressed. I'm sorry you're going through a hard time. Be kind to yourself.

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@becsbuddy

@brit This breathing also works! Empty your mind of thoughts with each breath. It also helps to relax muscles as you breathe out. Works for me. Sounds like it works for you, too! My therapist said to also imagine a bright, colorful, glowing light entering your head. Any color you like (I like golden). It gives you a warm, comfortable feeling. With each relaxing breath, let the light further in until it hits your toes. Then just let it work. I had to do this in her office this week because I got one of my chest pain/anxiety attacks. They are awful! Using the image of the light helped me settle down. Guess I was worried about my rituxan infusion the next day. 🙁 Please try this and let me know how it works—I hate to see anyone in pain!

Jump to this post

@becsbuddy Love it When I am into meditation I see green light sometimes maroon

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