Finding the most suitable medication/s for my depression/anxiety?

Can you tell me more about that chronic pain? Is it a type of nerve pain, like neuropathy?
If it is, you might want to talk to your doctor about amitriptyline and duloxetine. Both are antidepressants, but are also commonly used to treat chronic pain.

Just keep in mind that amitriptyline is a sedative, and duloxetine is not. So, if you need to be focused throughout the day and have a daily job, duloxetine is a better option. Still, your doctor will decide whether those meds suit your situation.

@mickey1971
Do you have access to a major medical facility?

I know Mayo psychiatric department has medication psychiatric specialists and counselors. A medication specialist with the experience and knowledge they have can not only provide counseling but go over options for medications and also monitor what is working or needs changing.

I see a psychiatric medications specialist who treats my PTSD anxiety/panic disorder. I went through a lot of testing and counseling first and then my psychiatric medication specialist worked with my other medical providers to prescribe a medication specific to me. It worked.

I now see her every 6 months with caveat if I need to come in sooner call. My PTSD anxiety/panic disorder was long term going back to Vietnam service, police officer, and then 5 shocks of ICD over a couple of hours. It all caused the condition but with my specialist and all my Mayo doctors I function normally and only occasionally need to talk or consider medication changes.

@mickey1971 Welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect!

You ask a powerful question, trying to find a right-for-me medication/s to help you. So much of the time we will hear what works for one person may not be the correct one for you. And often, it takes some trying out of different meds to figure out what will serve us the best. Add in additional medications taken for other health concerns, and you will see that it can be pretty tricky!

Have you spoken to your primary care about this? Did you do the taper off of the Zoloft with their knowledge and assistance? I'm glad you are recognizing that you might benefit from a new approach to your life in general! As others start to respond, I would add that other than medications, things like a good exercise routine, journaling, eating healthy, being creative have all helped me address my own depression concerns.
Ginger

200 mg is quite a large dose of Zoloft. Tapering slowly is crucial to avoid SSRI discontinuation syndrome. At its worst (and thankfully rare) it can cause suicidal thoughts. This is a red flag that you should seek medical care immediately,

I have taken 150 mg Venlafaxine (Effexor) for most of the last 2 decades which usually keeps anxiety at bay, which is my main problem. But of course it, long most of the others, leave me with little erections. Now I just discovered Mirtazapine (Remeron) which doesn't have a sexual side-effect, so I have been slowly lowering my Effexor in order to switch to see if it works for me. For you, since you experience some physical pain, I would definitely ask the doctor for Gabapentin. I take 60 mg tabs twice a day. You could take it 3 times a day. I definitely feel the difference within 15 minutes. Gaba is one of the neurotransmitters that is needed to uplift your interest in life. You can even get it in capsule form at health food stores. This method does create quite a jolt within 5 to 10 minutes and can kind of take your breath away when it kicks in but that rush lasts maybe 15 seconds and then you just feel happier. There also numerous other natural remedies in combination that you might look into that would not have the sexual side effect prescriptions have.

I have been suffering from anxiety for 14 years. I currently take Venalafix capsules once a day, which makes me feel more energetic. Please share your experience with me.

Im in ct and wondering where one finds a psychiatrist medication specialist. How is that different than a psychiatrist?

@tevadog
I am a patient of Jacksonville Mayo. When I was first having severe signs of PTSD after ICD episodes my PCP referred me to psychiatric dept. There I went through a lot of tests and consultations. I was then referred to their medication specialist counselar. She is a ACP not a psychiatrist. She focusses on medications specific to patient and works with all my other medical providers at Mayo.

A psychiatrist is a medical doctor who specializes in psychology. In Mayo Jacksonville they have serveral ACP (Advanced Care Practioneer) specilizing in special areas. I am not familiar with your medical providers but if large enough may have similiar programs.

Did I initially see a psychiatrist, yes. Then went through a lot of testing and diagnosis. I can tell you my psychiatric medication specialist is outstanding. She does do psychological counseling when she sees you but her expertise is in medications.

A psychiatrist can do same.

Please pardon the forthrightness - very handsome photo!
I am in the same boat, and have been since 15 years old or so. Family depression also.
Am 80 now and have tried mertazapine, sertriline and duloxetine, over the years. Have helped somewhat for a while, but not completely.
Can't take duloxetine very much as it interferes with other medications.
I frequently am depressed like you. Most days anxious about everything, severely tired and not motivated. Some days though, are just the opposite and I feel so good about life.
Maybe try as many doctors as you can to see if perhaps a new prescription on the market will help.
Hang in buddy!!

CanU I ask what country are you in?
Here in the US it apoears I can onky get it with a prescription, and not at a health store or over the counter.