How do you find the right med? If any?

@1k194 I know how you feel. I once had a bad anti-depressant reaction and experienced mania. At the time, I did not know what was happening. I did not find out until months later when I described my symptoms in group and everyone in the group knew what happened.

It can be frustrating. I can tell you right now, I am concerned about the medication I use as I am way too emotional in my response to situations...my feelings get hurt easily, I experience joy and anger at higher levels than I have before.

However, I am not stop taking these medications. At least not until I am prepared for the reaction. Yes, side effects are real and possible. I use my medication as a foundation, but my therapy and self-care is how to get better. So I think you need to keep trying on this front, but be comprehensive in your overall care. I can give you my opinion, but this is one decision only you can truly make.

@1k194 Yes, it certainly can be frustrating! The thing is, medications may have different affects on different people, and sometimes we need to try different ones to find the right fit for us. It's not always easy. It's not always successful. What works for me may not work for you, and vice versa.

In my case, I take low dose Celexa. For me, it evens out the peaks and valleys, and helps me cope. I combine that with therapy, journaling, exercising and healthy eating. That seems to make everything work well together. Is it always the right balancing act? No, but I keep trying. And face it, some days are simply harder than others! I have some severe physical health concerns also going on, so indeed, for me, it is a balancing act.

You know your body best, and learning about medications is always good. Remember, the drug companies are required to list side effects. That doesn't mean you will have them. What have you tried so far?
Ginger

Not knowing of your specific anxiety/depression etiology and how they manifest, I can tell you that I started my search for the perfect combo of anxiety/depression meds when I was 27yrs old and now I’m 59. First med was Celexa…helped for a bit…then it was onto Venlafaxine @75mg (generic Effexor) which was fine for a while, however, I was finally referred to an amazing psychiatric nurse practitioner who bumped it up to 300mg and the clouds have completely parted. I also was diagnosed as ADD a few years ago, which got me to seek out a Life Coach that specializes in adult ADD…and we have been able to identify situations in my life that created such great social anxiety that I had honed some impressive avoidance strategies…that in turn led to tremendous anxiety and a constant stream of negative self talk. I continue to learn how to manage the internal commentary.
Back to the biggest benefit of seeing a psychiatric np is that she has added Vivance to my daily 300mg Venlafaxine and I have days where I do not have a self-critical thought.
Long story short , never give up hope on finding the perfect combination of anxiety/depression meds & research local psychiatric nps in your area that can help you find what works for you. It’s a journey well worth taking!

@1k194 ,
I get what you’re saying and share your concerns. I also fear withdrawal, which can be harrowing, based on what I’ve read. Still….I’m pretty sure I’m going to try the med prescribed for me. Right now, I’m still doing a risk/benefit analysis. My physical and mental health continues to improve, but some symptoms continue, including my anxiety.

When I explained my med apprehension to my therapist, he gave an analogy that the med would help me like a cast on a fractured limb would keep it stable for healing. When I look at it that way, I can visualize how it might help me.

I take the meds my doctors have prescribed for me that are vital, such as my insulin, Levothyroxine, olmesartin, Crestor…..but with meds where it’s not as clear cut, I have a bit of anxiety over it. I want to conquer that.

1k194 @1k194

I have also done trial and error approach to anti-depression, luckily found one that has worked long term. Some previous ones worked short term and then lost effectiveness.

There is a genetic test that helps determine best type of anti-depressant. I have never had test. Might be worth asking provider about.

Here is a 2019 article on:
https://newsnetwork.mayoclinic.org/discussion/mayo-clinic-q-and-a-genetic-testing-and-antidepressants/

Another from VA dated 2022:
https://www.research.va.gov/currents/0722-Genetic-testing-may-benefit-patients-with-depression.cfm

There was a Connect topic on in 2018, so info may be dated:
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/experience-with-genetic-testing-to-find-the-best-anti-depressant/

Laurie

Hi.
My experience has been that it takes time to get “balanced” out. That meant trial and error. Over the years, I’ve become cautious. I don’t like taking meds and they typically aren’t given willy nilly. But finding the right ones without nasty side effects can be tricky. I have issues with my liver, so I have to be careful with meds that are metabolized in the liver. So, there have been times I’ve tried meds and if I have a sensitivity or reaction I’ll let the doctor know and they will try something until it works. They cut down the amount I’d been on for different conditions. I’m down to two (brain dept). It seems to be working. The thing is too, to remember that even if you find a med that works over time it might not and you would need to find an alternative. I find if my trust in the doctor is not up to par, I have to change doctors because I will doubt the treatment. Doctors need to understand too that there is a thresh hold that we need time to build trust, know that the doctor is good and conservative. I think I hear you saying this is what you need. It’s what most of us are looking for with treatments. You are not alone. I hope this helps. All the best.