Trying to find the right medications for my depression/anxiety

@sears. I was on Seroquel for almost a year before I realized it was the cause of my significant weight gain ~40 lbs. it took a lot of work to take it off at that time because I believe it did something to my metabolism. Just my opinion but watch carefully the first couple months. I thought I just needed to work out harder. I waited for too long to get off of it

It’s a miserable medication for most. I’m sure some do well with it.

I've been taking citalopram 40 mg for generalized anxiety disorder for the past 11 years. It has worked well, but it seems that the last year or so it has begun to poop out. I'm in a quandry about what to do. Should I add another medication, should I switch medications, should I leave well enough alone, since it is still working ok?

I also use a bright light in the morning, exercise regularly, eat healthy, sleep well, practice CBT, relaxation, etc. I don't think the cause is the pandemic, which aside from the social restrictions has impacted me little.

Any ideas based on your experience or knowledge?

@tim1028 Like you, I also take citalopram, but at a lower dose. You have a great set of tools in your toolbox to work with, from your list. Something to choose from for most situations! Have you ever incorporated journaling [simply writing out feelings/what is going on at the time] or art therapy [creating something that pleases you]?

There are times when medications seem to no longer work. It can be a long-term effect, or short-term, and it looks like you have a great insight to how you are feeling, Have you discussed the situation with your prescribing doctor, and get their thoughts? That would be my first step. So far, I have been on this low dose of citalopram since July 2020; it is the third time going onto this, and it certainly levels out the peaks and valleys.

I'll be curious what your dr says, and hope you will let me know what they say?
Ginger

Thanks for your thoughtful reply, Ginger. I do have an appointment with my PCP next Monday to discuss this medication. I'm anxious about stopping this because it works, even though not as effectively as it used to. And there is the unknown of trying something new and going through the whole trial-and-error process.

I appreciate your suggestion about journaling, something that sounds useful and that I should try. Regarding art therapy, I don't use that, but I do use music therapy. I play and instrument and listen to music. and it is an excellent way to sooth anxiety.

I saw my PCP today and he suggested that we try Zoloft, another SSRI. I plan to slowly
taper off citalopram while slowly adding low dose Zoloft. I think that will make for a smoother transition abruptly stopping one drug and starting another, Then will see how it goes. It tales time and I am hopeful for a good result

From the FWIW department: Ever since I was young I have found that doing mundane, familiar tasks like ironing very relaxing.

@tim1028 Yes, be sure to slowly taper off any medication that you are taking! It can really play havoc on your system and mind to not do this. Absolutely it takes time, and you should not expect a sudden change. I hope this new medication will be of benefit to you.

Here is a link to the journaling discussion https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/journaling-the-write-stuff-for-you/ You might want to try writing down what you experience as you transition from Citalopram to Zoloft, and perhaps look back on it in the near future. I have found that rereading some of my journal entries give me insight that i might have otherwise missed.

Like you, mundane tasks are relaxing for me. Washing dishes by hand is one of my favorite things to do. Sounds weird, right? Oh, and vaccuming the house. At least we choose things that give a sense of accomplishment when done, right!?
Ginger

Ginger, I appreciate your reply and the link to the Journaling discussion. Yes, I prefer low-and-slow regarding new medications. I expect that in a a month or two, I'll know more about how the new anti-anxiety med is working.

Hi I just have a question and not sure who to ask and also wanted to see if anyone has done this if it's okay and how they felt I recently stopped taken my meds quetiapine 25 mg and sertraline 50 mg I was taken the 25 mg at night and the 50 mg in the morning there both once a day I haven't been on them long , since July they have helped however I wanted to try to take myself off and try other natural things like liquids this one I got from a botanical store it seems to be doing good or either I can't really tell if it is or not because I believe I'm having withdrawal symptoms from me stopping my meds I don't like this feeling it's a constant nausea feeling day and night I feel dizzy too but it's more nausea than anything smh so what I want to know is if starting my meds back is a good idea or not it's been five days now I didn't tell my doctor because I didn't want him to be upset with me or anything smh I don't know what to do I just want this nausea to go away already

Your physician is an ally. Tell him what you are doing & what you are trying. A lot of natural remedies can work well but they may have things like St John’s wort which could interact/alter what you are weaning from. Again, talk ŵith your doctor.