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What depression meds have people had success with?
I am 54. Been on meds since I was diagnosed at 28. However I experienced my first major episode at 12 or 13. I was diagnosed with depression and dysthymia (which I believe is called something different now). Looking back, I think I struggled as a young child as I can remember having insomnia when fairly young (like 5 - 6 years old).
Anyway, I have been stable for quite a long time with being on Zoloft, BuSpar, and Abilify. Recently my dad died and the past year I was his 24/7 caregiver. I currently feel nothing. No interest in anything. Poor concentration. Insomnia and hypersomnia.
Since I have been stable for so long, I have been out of the game so to speak with keeping up on all the recent advances with medications. So I really do not know what is out there.
Currently weaning off of Abilify under my Psych NP’s care and looking to add another med to my Zoloft (I am maxed out on 200 mg).
I would like to know about other people’s success with multi-med regimens for depression as I would like to be able to have an informed discussion with my provider.
I realize other people may metabolize meds differently than I do, but I am just looking for information about all the new meds out there. There seem to be so many now.
Also, has anyone done the saliva test to see what meds metabolize or work best? Not sure if my insurance will pay for that test, but I am considering looking into it.
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@mglayton72 - I'm not advocating the use of psilocybin, but wanted to let you know that its use is being studied. As per Mayo Clinic's experts, evidence is still being studied and psilocybin should be taken under clinical supervision, also called psilocybin-assisted therapy.
Here's an excerpt from the study's abstract:
"There is modest evidence of psilocybin-assisted therapy for treating depression and anxiety disorders. In addition, early data suggest that psilocybin-assisted therapy may effectively reduce harmful drinking in patients with alcohol use disorders. The evidence further suggests psilocybin, when administered under supervision (psilocybin-assisted therapy), the side effects experienced are mild and transient. The occurrence of severe adverse events following psilocybin administration is uncommon. Still, a recent clinical trial found that individuals in the psilocybin arm had increased suicidal ideations and non-suicidal self-injurious behaviors. Given this, further investigation into the safety and efficacy of psilocybin-assisted therapy is warranted to determine which patient subgroups are most likely to benefit and which are most likely to experience adverse outcomes related to its use."
I don’t understand why someone who is a positive thinker, helpful, kind, and avoids gossip can still end up diagnosed with severe anxiety and depression. The worst part is that even when your negative observations about people are completely accurate, you are told not to believe your own thoughts. Also, while bupropion is an effective medication, it can make you feel completely careless and numb—with no fear, no reactions, and no feelings. I don't know if that is a standard side effect, but I still recommend it."
@kmahamed
Could you perhaps describe some physical and/or mental symptoms, feelings your severe anxiety brings on? Compared to your anxious feelings, in that the bupropion creates a sense of “no feelings” for you, is that the med doing its job until the episode passes? Feel better.
I would recommend you add Wellbutrin and Buspar to supplement your Zoloft. It has worked for me for many years.
Good lucked to you.
You are under a Psych NP’s care....I would hope that they have the most up to date informtion about what pharmaceuticals are available now for you, and what works best with what.
Since Dec7th, I am having a recurrence of Major Depression after being very successfully stable on meds for 21yrs.
I did do the test to check to see which meds my body would best metabolize. (had to pay out of pocket) It turns out that the Effexor I have been on for 21+yrs is NOT an advised as a 1st choice for me .... yet it had worked very well.
I am reaching my maximums of my current drugs, without any significant improvement so I will probably have to taper right off of them (ARGH!) and start on something brand new(ARGH!). I will be using the results of the test to select which one that will be. It is not a guarantee but rather then shooting completely in the dark, I am hoping the test results are a bit of a flashlight.