Restarting meds: Did your anti-depressant work the 2nd time around?

I was on effexor. Doctor is recommending cymbalta due to neuropathy and depression. So it is working for you? What is your dosage?

I was on Zoloft for 22 years and it seemed to stop working so I went off it for 7 months trying other antidepressants and they didn't work so now I'm back on Zoloft again and now will see if it works again for me

Yes I am also curious how you are doing. I'm back on Zoloft and also Wellbutrin. I'm 69

I know your feeling. Maybe your doctor can give you something while your trying different antidepressants

I went on lexapro 10 mg one year ago when tears were always near the surface ready to flow over many topics of thought and discussion, and romantic disappointments. I decided I wanted to go off and weaned off per MD’s step-down instructions in May. After several days of tears, despair, lack of perspective, inability to feel on track, productive and happy, I took a pill today and I’d swear I felt better, calmer, with an emotional floor, within 5 hours or so. No tears, no worry. Looking back I had a teary and sad June post-lexapro.
This is my third go-round. I took it for several years prior with a decades-long gap.
Forced to trade big decrease in sex response for emotional stability and serenity

I was on Paxil for 10 years many years ago. No other medication worked for me and I tried many. I was put back on Paxil and although I'm happy with the results compared to the other medications, it hasn't worked quite as well as it did the first time around. Good luck to you.

Hello @hudsonatty and welcome to the Depression/Anxiety support group on Mayo Connect! You made some excellent observations about the use of meds to deal with depression, disappointments and all of the stuff of life that tends to bring us down.

I especially like what you said, " I decided I wanted to go off and weaned off per MD’s step-down instructions..." This is so important, not to suddenly drop off of antidepressant meds. It really does require a doctor's help to wean-off successfully.

What you said in your last sentence is important as well. Often there is a trade off when we decide to take medications. Sometimes it is good to do a benefit/cost analysis. That is, to list the benefits of a particular medication against the costs and/or limitations it can bring and then to decide what is most important.

Obviously, the benefits you received, helped you with the decision to stay on the medication. Good for you!

I was wondering about that combination. I have been on escitalopram 20 for years and did well on Wellbutrin for a week or so and then it stopped working. I am a similar age so I thought a Zoloft and wellbutrin might work for me.

Hello

I have been diagnose 5 years ago with GAD and treated with citalopram for a long time, my doctor started the process of getting off it December last year and I got completely of it March this year. I have relapse and they have restarted me on it 6 days ago, but my anxiety is off the roof, even with prescribe alprazolam and zolpidem for sleep. I know there is no magic cure but I was wondering how was for you adapting to the medication when you restarted it?

Best

FTM87

@ftm87 When I restarted the citalopram, it took a while to "kick in" just like it did when initially put on it. Deep breathing, and knowing it will work again, helped me over those scary days. Getting moderate exercise, and lots of fresh air, might help. Distracting yourself with reading, or hobbies, could be of benefit, also.

How are you doing today?
Ginger