Depression: What treatment can I try after so many years?

I watched the series a couple weeks ago and felt hopeful, too. I have been so inspired that I am pursuing helping to legalize the drugs through the movement Decriminalize Nature. I tried THC and found it very helpful for pain and to think Mother Earth has provided marijuana and many other plants for our well-being, to have a government criminalize the growing of and taking of the plants, imprisoning people, is what is criminal. I am seeking out more information. Hearing the testimonials brings me hope that someday I can find a therapist to administer the plant-based 'drugs' to me. Any info someone has about the progress of this movement, or any therapists please let me know.

Hi,

I'm not a doctor, so I'm not qualified to tell you what to try or not. Personally, I've had terrible luck with almost every antidepressant (there are lot of ways to skin a cat so to speak, I treat with drugs that have a different mechanism of action is all). Something that I can suggest is the GeneSight testing. They take a DNA sample, a cheek swab (covered by Medicare plus the company that does the testing had financial assistance). With or without financial assistance, this may be worth doing. It tells them what drugs you are likely to respond to based on your genetic information. As my doctor put it, it gives them a road map of drugs you may be more likely to respond to, and yes, the ones to stay away from due to gene interactions. It turned out none of the SSRI's are going to probably prove helpful, an SNRI or some of the other mood stabilizing drugs were better choices. You can google Gene sight and it will pop up (system won't yet allow me to post links, sorry!).

Best to you.

How do we get the gene site test?

Hi @catmomma, I noticed that you wished to post a URL to a resource with your post. You will be able to add URLs to your posts in a few days. There is a brief period where new members can't post links. We do this to deter spammers and keep the community safe. Clearly the link you wanted to post is not spam. Please allow me to post it for you.
- GeneSight Gain Insight On How Genetics May Impact Medications https://genesight.com/

@pitilina, the website details what the test is and how to get it. You might also be interested in this related discussion about genetics and medications:
- Why Genetic Testing for Mental Health Meds is Important https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/why-genetic-testing-for-mental-health-meds-is-important/

Catmomma, knowing your genetic makeup must've been such a relief to find out. No longer did you have to waste time on medications and expenses that won't work for you.

I’m 60, have tried a dozen antidepressants over 30 years with bad to mediocre effect. I am in really interested in two of the posts below on the test which shows which meds are indicated (never heard of that!) and MAOI’s which boost dopamine instead of serotonin (boosted serotonin helps me with anxiety, but ultimately makes me more depressed).

Adding to my last post:
I just read that the MAOI’s are one of the oldest antidepressants that come with significant dietary restrictions (but there are a couple of ‘newer’ MAOI’s that are a little less restrictive).
Having said that, I am still looking into these as a solution because SSRI’s and antipsychotics haven’t worked for me.
When I was younger and getting 45 minutes of strenuous exercise at the gym 2 days a week or more I also got great results (dopamine and endorphins?).

Hello. Disclaimer...I am not
affiliated in the medical profession other than as a patient who is treated by a psychiatrist, a CBT therapist and a LCSW therapist.
I think there are two different classes getting confused info.
I am taking desipramine, an MAOI. I do not have any dietary restrictions. Years ago--1991-- imipramine was initially prescribed--no dietary restrictions either.
My psychiatrist's practice had the GeneSite test kits. I had to spit in a tube and several weeks later, we received the results.
Yes, my insurance paid for it.
I don't like to give too many details because every one of us is so different and we each have our own strengths and needs.
Good luck to all. You are great advocates for one another.

Hello @cococoyote and welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect. I am glad to hear you are finding treatments and solutions to help you along your journey. Did you happen to consult your doctor about your interest in ketamine prior to trying that?

Of, course. It was my psychiatrist’s idea. He referred me to another doctor who specializes in ketamine treatment.

Ketamine is supposedly most effective for suicidal depression. Sadly, it doesn't last very long (and I believe it's very expensive).

For me, I'm not attracted to its dissociative effect. Maybe it's because one of my sons was once addicted to a Ketamine analogue and it almost drove him crazy.

Best of luck for those of you finding success with it!