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

Posted by miray67 @miray67, Apr 22, 2020

I have fought depression and anxiety since I was about seven years old when I had panic attacks. Without revealing my age what can you take when you have tried all the older medicines? It’s been with me for MANY years. Not the panic attacks but long spells of depression and anxiety to the point I am ver shaky most of the time. I’m sure there newer medications than the ones doctors want me to try again. I am now on Paxil again after trying it back in 1995. Seems it does everything except what it’s supposed to do. My present doctor refuses to change it but has reduced the dosage again to 25mg from 37.5. I hate to keep changing doctors and trying over and over. Being confined for so long hasn’t helped, of course. I am in good health for my age, still drive a little and do most everything for my self with weak need and chronic pain.

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steph45 | @steph45 | May 31, 2023

In reply to @guruji "ketamine infusions are $600 dollars each treatment. It helps but insurance does not cover." + (show)

I know nurses and anesthesia that work in a ketamine clinic and they say that it really helps. Although since it is very expensive😢 hard for a lot of people to do

jewelina | @jewelina | May 31, 2023

Spravato treatments have been helping me. I am feeling less depressed, more hopeful and much more motivated. Plus, it only costs $10 per treatment. I’ve been going twice a week for over a month. Previously I’ve tried nearly every antidepressant at least once. Nothing worked well enough. Spravato is for treatment-resistant depression.

microtyger | @microtyger | Jun 11, 2023

I'm supposing you're familiar with the newest treatments but it's just that your doctor says no?
Do you see a psychiatrist for your meds? If your insurance covers psychiatric care and you can get to a new doctor that treats for stubborn resolution of depression, then a whole plethora of new treatments are now available for that.
I also have panic disorder (depression too) and other than antidepressants or highly addictive meds, it seems not much new is out there now but I've heard that TMS which is now used for depression is having positive results with panic as well. So it's down the line.

kyas957 | @kyas957 | Jun 11, 2023

i am also in the later yeats of my lfe..I too habe been through meds and psych drs for decades..tried many meds...most not helpful, some harmful. ive tried the naturopathic, dietary, homeopathic route, all kind of therapy with a range of counsellors, social workers, etc. ive had extensive inpatient treatment. The antidepressant that worked best for me after menopause was Citalopram...for depresion. For my anxiety and panic attacks (From complex ptsd)...I've been on seroquel. These medications have helped me for 15+ years.
I also had to learn some cognitive and emotional regulation skills. ..over many years of practice with professional guidance.
Currently I am considering a possible professionally monitored tapering off of my prescriotion meds, so I can try CBD/CBG and CBD/CBN cannabis formulas. I have tried them minimally, while on my medications. and found them to be helpful re sleep and anxiety. However it is NOT safe to be on these cannabis products while on my prescriotions! i found out by reading..and the CBD/CBG formula gave me tachycardia.. which dissapated once the product wore off..about 5 hrs later.
ii onow how it is to have lived many years with depression and anxiety. it is not at all easy. i encourage you to stay connected to others who are on a similar path...

Amanda Roe | @amandajro | Jun 19, 2023

In reply to @somers "Sleep deprivation and major depression Ilm finding that when I get a good night's sleep I..." + (show)

Hello @somers and welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect. Sleep health is so important to mental health! In addition to other medications you are exploring, I wonder if you've heard about cold plunging? It has become popular recently, as some people have experienced an improvement in their depression/mental health, and others have shared improvements in sleep. If you want to try this via a cold bath or shower, it may be worth exploring to see if you experience any improvements over time.

Is this something you've heard of or ever tried?

somers | @somers | Jun 19, 2023

In reply to @amandajro "Hello @somers and welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect. Sleep health is so important to mental health!..." + (show)

I've never heard of it before. Is it just taking a cold shower or is it more?

dearley | @dearley | Jun 20, 2023

In reply to @buyearly "I, too, suffered from depression/anxiety for decades until God led me to the right Dr. for..." + (show)

May I ask the location & name of your doctor?

dearley | @dearley | Jun 20, 2023

In reply to @somers "I've never heard of it before. Is it just taking a cold shower or is it..." + (show)

A face ice bath triggers the parasympathetic nervous system (rest & digest) rather than having the sympathetic nervous system dominant (which is flight or fight). I have not read about a cold shower, just the face ice water plunge.

kyas957 | @kyas957 | Jun 21, 2023

I've heatd of "diver's plunge" where you immerse your head/face in cold water for 30 seconds...it is apparently helpful for intense Anxiety. I have tried it..it did help reduce my anxiety for about an hour.