Depression, does anyone take antidepressants that help??

I'm in desperate DESPERATE need for this depression/anxiety and rage to subside so I can start functioning. Please share what works for you pharma-wise or herbal. I'm taking 1/2 a klonapin (can't stand being hooked on it) early am....but nothing else for depression/anxiety....did I mention I'm desperate?

Anyone smoke weed??? Indica puts me out and gives me major anxiety - been thinking about trying different strains of Sativa but am concerned about being more amped. I have to be able to function.

Thanks -

Natasha,

I feel you on the Klonopin.....

I'm so sorry you're suffering too. Do you think the Lexapro works? I have a script at the house, just worried it will disrupt sleep more and make me even more tired than I am...

Anyone have input?

Hugs ~

Thank you Yogi,

Lexapro saved my life in the beginning but it made everything so much worse for like the first 4 weeks. I'm glad I stuck with it though. I was having trouble sleeping and not really dealing with fatigue (more wired) before I got on Lexapro and once it kicked in I was sleeping much better for a while at least. I'm not sure if this might end up causing some fatigue for you in the beginning. It will probably help you sleep but I would recommend taking it in the morning because it also might cause insomnia.

I had been taking small doses of Wellbutrin, but then felt close to having a seizure.

I'm thinking of taking Tianeptine again if I can find some, as it has some pretty great effects, neuroplasticity, pain alleviation as well.

I take Trazodone (~25mg) and Doxepin (10mg) to sleep at night, which is weird how they work at very low doses, as they're both tricyclic antidepressants I think.

It's a shame about Tianeptine, only available as a generic supplement in certain places for personal use, yet South America and Europe it is prescribed widely and generously under myriad brand names Stablon, CoAxil, Tatinol.

I take Rick Simpson oils, full spectrum. That can help calm my system down when it gets too amped up.

Before I knew I had the infections I eventually broke down and decided to start taking lexapro because I was so desperate any type of relief. It helped a bit with pain and with anxiety.

This stuff is so tricky because bodies all react so differently.... It's all a chemistry experiment.

For cannabis, I recommend reading up on the different strains. Some great websites describe all the strains in great detail and rate them for sleep, paranoia, dry mouth, and other potential side effects. Different CBD-THC ratios might work for you, but you might have to try some options. So much medicinal potential with cannabis. https://www.leafly.com/start-exploring

Lexapro made me very tired for a few weeks and then disturbed my gut in a way that took me years to fix. It didn't help migraines or any physical issues, and it only barely helped with anxiety. Going off of it was very hard for me, and I took four months to wean from a subclinical dose! But of course some people find it helpful.

St John's Wort can be really helpful, but it takes a few weeks to work and affects hormonal contraception (if applicable). I wasn't able to tolerate it because it raised my blood pressure enough to cause headaches. Chamomile extract is gentler and calming, but just takes the edge off.

Adaptogens are tricky, in my experience. Rhodiola made me rage at everyone after one drop. Eleuthero made me amped up so I didn't sleep for 24 hours after one drop. Holy Basil made me sleep all day after one drop. Ashwagandha took the edge off occasional anxiety, and I've been taking it for years for adrenal issues.

The gentlest thing I have never heard a bad thing about is L-theanine. It's an amino acid that makes your body produce more GABA, something anxious folks tend to need. Amino acids work for lots of psych issues: 5HTP for irritability and depression, SAMe for depression and low energy, L-phenylalanine for all of the above. But from what you describe, L-theanine might be the way to go. It's cheap, and less likely to cause side effects than any of the herbs and pharmaceuticals.

You probably already know these, but to handle stress the body needs lots of all of the B vitamins (supplement a B complex or nutritional yeast) and magnesium (magnesium glycinate is the best form if you want to take a lot without loose bowels). And caffeine and other stimulants should be avoided, if possible.

Would you be open to mindfulness or mind-body apps? I have been enjoying Curable.

I'm rooting for you, Yogi!
Sara

BlueLyme,

Could you share please how much and which brands of
Holy basil and mucuna bean extract powder you take?