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Resistant Depression Treatment?

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Posted 12/18/2006 6:04 AM (GMT 0)
Hi everybody.  My name is Erik and I'm new to this website and forum.  I'm suffering from the pains of depression and don't really know who to turn to.  I have this sense of overwhelming pessimism, erratic panic attacks, periods where I feel really "empty," lethargic, and withdrawing from social contact.  I'm a college student, and as such I didn't get much sleep...so that may have altered the chemicals in my brain. 

I've tried many of the SSRI's (Zoloft, Celexa, and Prozac), and no effect.  For the past couple of months I was on Mirtazapine, to no effect, but massive weight gain.  My doctor is currently trying stimulants (Daytrana Patch), Zyprexa, and Wellbutrin.  I've been on Wellbutrin for a few days, and I'm not noticing an effect.  I've even taken 600mg to no avail.

Does anyone have any treatment suggestions that I could relay to my doctor?  Should I add Effexor to my regimen?  Thanks and I would really appreciate any comments you have.  Please help me.  :)

                                                                         God Bless,

                                                                         Erik

Posted 12/18/2006 6:42 AM (GMT 0)
Hi Eric, welcome to the HealingWell family. I'm sorry that you are feeling this way. I can relate to not being able to find the right meds. I was taking a cocktail of Lexapro and Wellbutrin and that seemed to be my "magic combo" then I had to stop the Lexapro b/c I take meds for migraine that do not mix and I went really far down again. Your symptoms sound like depression and I'm glad that you have a doctor who is working with you. It does sound like you are resistant. Is he/she a psychiatrist? Do you also have a psychologist that you can talk to? Meds are only half the answer. Their is an online CBT (cognitive behavioral therapy) site that you might try. Google mymoodgym. Keep posting here. I'm sure other will be along to share their experiences. The holidays can be really hard when we are depressed. I am depressed and broke and have been unemployed. I have finally accepted that it is a "one-day-at-a-time" life for me. Remember when you walk with God, you never walk alone. Since you said that you also get panic attacks, check out the anxiety/panic forum too. Take care.
Posted 12/19/2006 10:36 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Sleepy,

I can relate and I am sorry you are hurting. I have gaind a boat load of weight too.

Wellbutrin is working well for me. I take it and trazedone - one of the old antidepressants

Hope you have a better day tomorrow. God Bless.....

Levonne
Posted 12/20/2006 6:26 AM (GMT 0)
Levonne and hopefulmigrainer, thanks so much for your support.  I'll keep doing the process of trial-and-error with the AD's.  I'm so glad I'm off Mirtazapine, I gained about 30 lbs on it because I never felt satiated.  Best wishes to you all. :-)

-Erik

Posted 12/20/2006 11:28 AM (GMT 0)

Hi sleepylof, Welcome to healing well forum, we are happy to have you.  I am so sorry for all you’re going through.  Sometimes it does take a few trials and errors for the docs to find the right medication that is going to work for us...it is hard on our bodies and minds I know I have been there.  You state that you have been prescribed Wellbutrin within the past few days and are not feeling any effects?  I just wanted to say that most times it will take a few weeks for these medications to get into our systems and really start to work.  Therapeutic level is 4-6 weeks so, hang in there and see if it doesn’t help any.  If not, then most certainly talk to your doctor again.  There are some people who are treatment resistant and for those who are it is very difficult.  But you yet have many options open to you.  Doctors can stack antidepressants to enhance the effects of the medications this is adding two antid's together.

I was wondering if you’re being prescribed these medications by a primary care doc or a psychiatrist?  If you’re not seeing a psychiatrist I would highly recommend it as they are more knowledgeable on all these medications and the effects they could have.

In the meantime please know we are here for support to you...take care :-)

Posted 12/20/2006 4:46 PM (GMT 0)
Hi sleepy,

My friend's son was in college and doing almost the same as you. He finally had to come home and quit school for a time. Went through a ton of different meds and still a mess. On a hunch his doctor had him take a sleep study. Turns out he was in need of a c-pap breathing machine for sleep. He has turned his life around. Could you check with your doctor and see if a sleep study might help you? Might work, can't hurt.
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