[tomblina]

Hi,

I was diagnosed with depression about three years ago. It was actually my partner who urged that I go to a doctor. He was also depressed and was on medication.. The doctor prescribed Wellbutrin and Xanax. It seemed to have helped, but problems in our relationship continued to grow. I also started seeing a therapist and was told that I was co-dependent (problems with sexual abuse as a child among other problems).. About three months ago my partner broke up with me and I had decided that I was going to get off of all medications. Well, it went well for two months but this last month I slid into an even heavier depression. I have been having thoughts of suicide, even planning it with the medication that I take (how ironic). I hate hurting so much.. I started my Wellbutrin again, even had my regular doctor prescribe Provigil for me. The Provigil helps lift me a little, but then I start having anxiety attacks.. I just feel like a lost cause. I am hoping that the Wellbutrin kicks in quick to hopefully lift me out of this deep depression that I am in. Thank you for putting up with my whining, for I do not have anyone to talk to right now.. If there is anyone out there that is thinking about quitting their medications PLEASE don't. It is not worth the pain. The depression seems to come back two fold... Does anyone know of a better alternative to Xanax?
Thank You..

[Hollynew]

Never, never stop taking your meds. cold turkey. You were right about it coming back two fold. It actually does take you down to the lowest level. I have been on anti-depressants for years, and have tried alot of different ones, wellbutrin being one of them. It did not help me. I was also having anxiety attacks and the only med that has helped my depression and the anxiety has been lexapro. You should ask your doc about them, they are relatively new, with minimal side effects(I have had no side effects personally).It seems to be controlling my condition, at least alot better than anything else I have tried.
Holly

[blueroses]

I've heard it over and over that a person should not just stop the meds. Thanks for the reminder. If this helps any, I've been taking prozac for my depression and and lorazepam (as needed) for anxiety. The Prozac took about a month to kick in with few side effects, headaches and lack of energy being the main ones. Lorazepam has helped with my anxiety attacks but I only use it as needed. A major help during the depression dips were prayer and seeking God and His help. That's what got me through the dark times. I'll keep you in prayer.

[Oceandaisy]

I have battled depression for the last 9 years and have tried some different medications for this. I also work with persons with disabilities and am pretty seasoned to the psychotropic medications world. I know for fact that stopping psychotropics all together is a very bad idea and can also be detrimental to your health. It is necessary to reduce slowly with/under a doctor's supervision. Medications are prescribed at a low dose and then gradually increased to the appropriate level. Therefore, reducing is like the former.
As for my personal experience, Wellbutrin had a horrible effect on me. I had intially used it to quit smoking. At that time I was also going through a divorce, so I thought that the fact that it was an anti-depressant was an added bonus. Anyway, I was prescribed 1 tab a day and then after three days, up to two doses. When I started taking the two doses, I had every imaginable side effect known. I had severe anxiety attacks (not uncommon to me), but very severe. I also suffered from insomnia and the sweats. I have been on Paxil, which helped me tremendously. It little side effects on me and helped lift the fog! I now take Remeron, which does not work for some people, but has helped me with my sleeping issues.
The zanax can be useful, but should only be used short term, since it is highly addictive and I have heard that you can go through horrible withdrawals.
I implore you if you are thinking of suicide or having suicidal tendencies, then seek medical help. I dont know if any of my information is useful, but I pray for you and you are in my thoughts. Thanks for listening to me ramble on!

[bobbyslady]

I was on xanax for anxiety and it made me extremely sleepy so I walked around in a fog,the Doc switched me to ativan which does the job but Im not a zombie anymore,you might inquire about ativan.I used to be on prozac,and really still should be for extreme ups and downs,it worked best for me out of everything else they tried and believe me they tried everything including 1000 mg's of tegertol 2x a day!I know you feel you have no one to talk to but please dont deprive the world of a wonderful human being by commiting suicide.My father commited suicide and I know how much so many people miss him that he didnt even realize cared because he was too depressed to see.I will be praying for you,take care my dear.