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Treatment resistant depression help.
I was diagnosed with Interstitial Lung Disease in September 2020, as time went on, I was lucky enough to receive a lung transplant. I have also dealt with chronic back pain for over 25 years. After my experience in hospital, I was left with PTSD and panic attacks. I was seeing a Psychiatrist and taking Mirtazapine, this seemed to have a negative effect on my behaviour and mood so I stopped taking it. In a search for help I tried many avenues only to be met with constant recommendations to take anti-depressants. Eventually I disengaged with the Psychiatrist and began medicinal cannabis. This has to be done carefully as it clashes with Tacrolimus. I have found it to be beneficial but not a magic bullet. Am I alone in having suicidal ideations after having a transplant? I should be grateful for having a second chance, but I am not.
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Had 7 “doses” of Ketamine. What a waist! Just made me feel dizzy and “loopy”. Was advertised as anti-depression wonder drug. Hardly.
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2 ReactionsI very much know what you’re going through. I have treatment resistant depression along with complex PTSD, quiet BPD, and Dissociative Disorder. I actively tried suicide twice on SSRI’s, so I’m extra careful with anti-depressants. I’ve tried so many versions of therapy which did not work at all for me — then my current therapist introduced me to Internal Family Systems (IFS). It’s the only therapy that clicked for me.
I’m also getting lined up for EMDR (but I have no complete traumatic memories to resolve) and will be doing ECT in January. I am so exhausted from depression and suicide ideations that I will try anything at this point.
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2 Reactionsmeds are ok till they stop working then what ?? getting off them is a nightmare they just dont work long
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1 Reaction@tisme that’s what I was talking about on the sleep study, it’s not difficult to find the right medication to help you and when you do find help it’s a wonderful relief but eventually it just seems to stop helping and then you have to start again. I always feel like I’m going around in circles with the same problem.
Im on effexor cos I cant get off so what are other meds going to be like?
@hopeseeker22
Everyone is different in their response to treatment. Ketamine aka Spravato made a significant positive impact after 30 years of different therapy/medication options. I have been on it since late 2024 and currently receive 2 treatments per month. I still do periodic therapy and have eliminated one Rx and am reducing dosage on another. I do not care for the 30-45 min of loopiness, but is worth the benefit for me.
I agree that Ketamine should be avoided. I have TRD. Have tried CBT, acupuncture, any number of antidepressants, a lot of therapists, Xanax, AND Ketamine. K just crap and absolutely zero help with anxiety, depression. Seemed psychedelic. I dunno; seemed like a legal way for crack heads to get high or whatever, tho I don’t know what “high” is. I tried legal medical marijuana. But never having used marijuana, tobacco or “recreational drugs” I probably didn’t do it right. The one time, I seemed to see MYSELF talking nearby with my wife about whether I actually “were there or not” or had “passed on” or something. Very gradually the drug (M) must have worn off and I kinda merged back to my actual self. Never tried it again. But still have the expired state of AZ card. Just FYI, what I take daily: Lexapro, Xanax only 1.5mg per day, Adderall XR 30mg in morning, Adderall IR 30mg around noon. Always tired but Adderall gives me maybe 5-6 productive hours a day. A former Dr. thought I had ADD & prescribed it maybe 25 years ago. Gave me energy without other noticeable side-effects. Maybe did hurt sleep if taken too late in the day. Had 2 sleep studies (bogus) and tried CPAP, also racket. I truly hope that you’ll find a positive outcome. Tom
Sorry to hear that you are feeling so bad. I went through many therapists until I found one that helped me. I have three conditions that complicated the diagnosis and treatment. It took two years to get to the heart of my diagnosis and then I had a better understanding of why I was so sick. I still get depressed, but not as often. I really think that I have to accept myself as I am and do the best that I can one day at a time. Self pity helps no one. Keep trying and never give up.
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2 Reactions@hopeseeker22 With all due respect, treatments for depression is tailored to the individual. Ketamine is not for everyone. Personally I do not care for the temporary psychedelic effect, but the results are worth it. In my case it only lasts 20-30 min. I wish you the best in your treatment journey.