1. < Depression & Anxiety

I have been on so many antidepressants over the past 35 years

Posted by pj1959 @pj1959, Feb 27, 2016

I have been on so many antidepressants over the past 35 years and nothing seems to help.
All I want is to feel normal again.
I can't stop the racing thoughts.
I am now on 100mg of Sertraline but it isn't doing its thing.
I just need to know other people are having these same issues and that I am not alone.

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Depression & Anxiety Support Group.

djabber | @djabber | Jul 6, 2016

New to this site as well. I have suffered from depression for as long as I can remember. Towards the winter is when it is usually the worst and when spring/summer comes I get some sun and this seems to alleviate it. But this year I cannot shake it even with the med I am taking. Sertraline HCL 50 mg. I am just barely functioning. just wanting to lay around and sleep. Cannot really afford therapist. wondering I f anyone out there can steer me towards solutions. anyone using supplements that may work. I am at a complete loss at this point. It sometimes get so bad I can feel the anxiety in the pit of my stomach. To all out there suffering I truly understand how everyday living can be so trying. Thanks to anyone in advance that has any suggestions. If I find anything I will be sure to post here as well. Best wishes to all!

REPLY
2 replies
Kelsey Mohring | @kelseydm | Jul 6, 2016

Hi @kari_a. Welcome to Connect!

That gene testing is so interesting! Is that where they got the idea to put you on Wellbutrin? Can you share some info on the others meds you have tried and your experience with them?

I'm tagging @twinklejem, @robynjac1, @lizzieanne and @dwjohn who all have experience with Wellbutrin and @towanda, @catw1101, @ejean and @oplifetrials who all have experience with major depressive disorder.

You may also find this post interesting: https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/what-do-you-do-for-major-and-socially-phobic-depression-and-anxiety/

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Kelsey Mohring | @kelseydm | Jul 6, 2016
In reply to @djabber "New to this site as well. I have suffered from depression for as long as I..." + (show)
@djabber

New to this site as well. I have suffered from depression for as long as I can remember. Towards the winter is when it is usually the worst and when spring/summer comes I get some sun and this seems to alleviate it. But this year I cannot shake it even with the med I am taking. Sertraline HCL 50 mg. I am just barely functioning. just wanting to lay around and sleep. Cannot really afford therapist. wondering I f anyone out there can steer me towards solutions. anyone using supplements that may work. I am at a complete loss at this point. It sometimes get so bad I can feel the anxiety in the pit of my stomach. To all out there suffering I truly understand how everyday living can be so trying. Thanks to anyone in advance that has any suggestions. If I find anything I will be sure to post here as well. Best wishes to all!

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Hi @djabber. Nice to have join our Connect community! Sorry to hear this summer is particularly difficult for you. I suffer from seasonal depression as well, so I get it. Have you talked to your doctor about upping your dose or trying a new medication? You may also ask if there are low cost therapy options in your area. Sometimes psychology students or community mental health facilities offer discounted therapy... worth checking out.

Also, I hate to say it because I have a hard time taking my own advice, but exercise and getting outdoors really does help. Try to resist the urge to couch it even though I know that is so hard when you feel so down.

Glad you are here!

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Kelsey Mohring | @kelseydm | Jul 6, 2016
In reply to @kari_a "I just joined this site and saw your post. I had gene testing done and it..." + (show)
@kari_a

I just joined this site and saw your post. I had gene testing done and it was interesting to see how the different medications will work with my gene type. I too have been on so many different types of antidepressants and none really worked that well. I just started taking 100mg of Wellbrutin SR a few weeks ago. I haven't had any negative side effects so far but it will take a few more weeks to see if it is helping at all. I suffer from major depressive disorder.

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@dawn_giacabazi I know you are a big advocate for gene testing! Anything to share with @kari_a ?

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djabber | @djabber | Jul 6, 2016

Thank you @kelseydm I will definitely check to see if there are any lost cost options available in my area. Also my next visit to my doctor I will have to address my concerns. Thank you responding so quickly!

REPLY
Dawn, Alumni Mentor | @dawn_giacabazi | Jul 6, 2016
In reply to @kari_a "I just joined this site and saw your post. I had gene testing done and it..." + (show)
@kari_a

I just joined this site and saw your post. I had gene testing done and it was interesting to see how the different medications will work with my gene type. I too have been on so many different types of antidepressants and none really worked that well. I just started taking 100mg of Wellbrutin SR a few weeks ago. I haven't had any negative side effects so far but it will take a few more weeks to see if it is helping at all. I suffer from major depressive disorder.

Jump to this post

You know me well @kelseydm!! Super excited @kari_a to see your doctor has allowed you to participate in the gene testing. The test results should have directed your physician as well as yourself to start your dosing at a certain level titrating at a certain rate upwards towards therapeutic dosing so it may take several weeks for you to reach your therapeutic level for optimal results. This should eliminate those nasty side effects. The results tells you/md The right medicine at the right dose at the right time.

REPLY
Dawn, Alumni Mentor | @dawn_giacabazi | Jul 6, 2016
In reply to @djabber "New to this site as well. I have suffered from depression for as long as I..." + (show)
@djabber

New to this site as well. I have suffered from depression for as long as I can remember. Towards the winter is when it is usually the worst and when spring/summer comes I get some sun and this seems to alleviate it. But this year I cannot shake it even with the med I am taking. Sertraline HCL 50 mg. I am just barely functioning. just wanting to lay around and sleep. Cannot really afford therapist. wondering I f anyone out there can steer me towards solutions. anyone using supplements that may work. I am at a complete loss at this point. It sometimes get so bad I can feel the anxiety in the pit of my stomach. To all out there suffering I truly understand how everyday living can be so trying. Thanks to anyone in advance that has any suggestions. If I find anything I will be sure to post here as well. Best wishes to all!

Jump to this post

@djabber Awesome to have you here! You are definitely not alone here. I absolutely love this link but really gives us great information on treating depression http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/depression/basics/alternative-medicine/con-20032977
Hope this helps!!

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Jeanne | @wolfer1975 | Jul 6, 2016
In reply to @kelseydm "Hi @pj1959. Welcome to Connect! You are certainly not alone. It can be difficult to find..." + (show)
@kelseydm

Hi @pj1959. Welcome to Connect! You are certainly not alone. It can be difficult to find the right combination of meds, though I know the process can be really frustrating! Do you have a psychiatrist you feel you can trust? Are you also seeing a therapist? I'm tagging @mlemieux, @joeallen, @barsta, @airtruck54 and @afterthetreatment who have also mentioned struggles with depression in the past and may be able to offer some support! Hoping you find the community you need here. We are here for you!

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Is there a kit using an oral swab? How much does this test cost? I read about this several months ago and my doctor tried to followup but didn't find anything.

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Dawn, Alumni Mentor | @dawn_giacabazi | Jul 6, 2016
In reply to @kelseydm "Hi @pj1959. Welcome to Connect! You are certainly not alone. It can be difficult to find..." + (show)
@kelseydm

Hi @pj1959. Welcome to Connect! You are certainly not alone. It can be difficult to find the right combination of meds, though I know the process can be really frustrating! Do you have a psychiatrist you feel you can trust? Are you also seeing a therapist? I'm tagging @mlemieux, @joeallen, @barsta, @airtruck54 and @afterthetreatment who have also mentioned struggles with depression in the past and may be able to offer some support! Hoping you find the community you need here. We are here for you!

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@wolfer1975 would love to help you with some of these questions. We currently do the pharmacogenetic testing also known as molecular profiling. These tests are covered 100% by medicare and most private insurance. Medicaid covers in most states. Here's a great link from mayo clinic. http://mayoresearch.mayo.edu/center-for-individualized-medicine/drug-gene-testing.asp

REPLY
Karen | @blooms44 | Jul 6, 2016
In reply to @kelseydm "Hi @pj1959. Welcome to Connect! You are certainly not alone. It can be difficult to find..." + (show)
@kelseydm

Hi @pj1959. Welcome to Connect! You are certainly not alone. It can be difficult to find the right combination of meds, though I know the process can be really frustrating! Do you have a psychiatrist you feel you can trust? Are you also seeing a therapist? I'm tagging @mlemieux, @joeallen, @barsta, @airtruck54 and @afterthetreatment who have also mentioned struggles with depression in the past and may be able to offer some support! Hoping you find the community you need here. We are here for you!

Jump to this post

It is a blood test, but I would cover both bases and also do a cheek swab.....check out PGx testing mayo clinic or pharmagenomics, personalized medicine. Great videos that they share! Cost is a bit but I think it is worth it after Dr visits and mess that don't work.....they send out a packet to you as well.

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