I have been treated for depression for over 20yrs and now have severe major depression for last 6 months. I take 150 mg Effexor XR and it doesn't seem to be working. I also have anxiety and panic attacks.
What is a good medication for severe major depression?
Question posted by PNHHM2 on 30 May 2012
Last updated on 28 October 2024
The information on this page reflects personal experiences shared by our community members. It is not reviewed for medical accuracy and should not replace professional medical advice.
97 Answers Page 6
PhylomenaD
25 July 2012
Great answer for anti's. Trial and error, unfortunately. It can make you crazy. But you have to find out what works best for you. It's hard, I know. I have been there! It takes tiemf or your body to adjust. It's a pain in the ass! Keep in CONSTNAT contact with your doctor. Bug the HELL out of him if you have to! Who cares?
Katkoz
25 July 2012
Hi, I can only tell you that I was on 300 mg of Effexor for depression and then i took 1mg at bedtime of Klonapin and one in the am.
My ins. won't let me use these drugs and I am on more drugs and am not doing well at all. Since the change I have my vasculitus back, my eyes have 3 different things I am deft in my right ear and looseing in my left. So now have 3 new specialists to go to along with a neuroligist. So go slowly when changeing meds it can really make things worse.
harleerose
4 July 2012
I also have been threw this ! I was put on Lamictal no side effects it keeps mania stable but as for depression up & down vybrid done great but I gained some weight on it & it says it has low effects on sex drive & it did me . I'm now trying risperdal starting tonight we will c how that goes . Cymbalta is a good medicine also but messed with my blood pressure hope u find something to help you soon .
orange52
1 July 2012
I, too, suffer from severe major depression for over 35 years. I just started taking 75 mg. Effexor XR, 300 mg. Lamictal and 30 mg.Remeron. These seemed to do the trick, after trying just about everthing else. Good luck!
sleek12
24 June 2012
Have you tried lamotrigine ??? you need like minimum 200 mg to start with, but beware the rashes !!!
toddly10
23 June 2012
I have taken many different depression meds. The trouble with this type of medication (effexor XR also) is that the technicians, doctors etc. that design this don't really know what makes them work. So prescibing them is a hit and miss. For example: when I took Prozac it made me a reck, crying all the time, it was horrible but it might work well with someone else. I know it can work for alot of people very well but has the tendency to quit working at anytime of the administration period. Celexa is very, very inexpensive ($6 - $9!) and works a little different than the competition. It actually changes the brain funtions for ever, but for the better of the individual. I have tried about 5 different depression pills. You need to try some different types but have a spouse or someone closely monitor you from the outside looking in for any severe changes for the worst. There is nothing to fear as long as you have this type of support.
When I used Effexor XR it made me very hyper and nervous, and alot of them work but some of them hype you up to get you out of the depressive hole. But depression is deep lows and extreme high spirits, sometimes too hyper! Zoloft, Paxil, Cymbalta, there are many. Seeing a Psychiatrist, which is a good idea anyway because they are good with these types of meds. Also check your symtoms for Bi-polar this will make your life full of up's and down's also! A good treatment for this is a combination of seizure medication of Trilepital, Lamectal (all come in Generic form) Celexa, a mild Benzodyasipine (Xanax or Klonipin) for nerves (*CAUTION!) If you take this medication, only take it as needed so you don't become dependant, on these sometimes dangerous drugs. I don't care what the doctors say. This drug is not to be taken on a regular basis. It is designed for short term nerve therapy as needed. If you are taken off of this abruptly, hang on for the worst ride of your life. Just go to the hospital and tell them your prescription has ended abruptly. I was cut off of Zanax and figured I was tough enough to ride out the storm (Bad answer!) I went through what is called a withdrawl loop. Had I not have come to the doctor in 3 weeks! I would have died. My weight went down to 122lbs. !!! Many and constant hallucinations, bugs, people, ect. Dreams from hell! on the 3rd week I gave in because my liver felt like it was hitting my backbone, incredibly painfull and very high pulse and blood pressure. Basically, don't mess around! this is a serious drug. Do not take zanax or klonapin also if you are taking pain medication, if you have to, take it in lower doses. Taking both together can cause central nervous system distress, shallow breathing, 30 beats per minute (heart) etc. Good luck my friend, you'll find the right anti-depressant just keep on keep'n on! Sincerely, toddly10.
PhylomenaD
21 June 2012
What is a good medication is what I am on. Citalapram. I used to be on Cymbalta, but they ran out of samples at my doctor's office. I was on the Lily cares program. I'm not sure how much Citalapram is. I get 30 in a supply. I was also getting anxiety and panic attacks. Mine was due to a ltitle trouble at home ( which is ok now) and just knowing I had to go to work with my Assistant Manager made me SO nervous. But we straigtened everything out. Had a BIG blow up with him Monday night. He doesn't know what caused it. He was just the final straw. He doesn't know about my problems or my female stuff. I hadn't gotten myperiod in 8 months and I FINALLY got it the other day. Go figure. How long have you been taking Effexor? If you are working, try and find out if you have an Employee Assistance Program. That's what I did. They helped me. I am still a little depressed,( don't know why; probably hormone changes; I am 46) but I can work thru it.
nledesma1981
21 June 2012
Hi there your definitely not alone I would try Cymbalta w/ Xanax. Try Depakote first its a mood stabilizer and helps level out alot of issues. Best of luck.
Ieat9freshI
19 June 2012
Thanks. I would like to participate
HeadStarter
19 June 2012
Hi PNHHM -
Since we haven't heard back from you in a while, I am just writing to see if you are okay. I hope that some of the suggestions that we gave you have helped and that you have discussed all possibilities with your psychiatrist. I hope you have a good psychiatrist or psychopharmacologist and not a GP. When it comes to matters of the "head"; the best resource is one who really understands the medication and mental health issues.
I wish you well and much enlightenment on your journey.
Mary
mostlycloudy
19 June 2012
Hi, I have Bipolar 2 which the last person mentioned as well, and I too have had amazing results with Lamictal added to Wellbutrin, and Zoloft. I also have anxiety issues so that why I take both antidepressants.Although for many years Wellbutrin somewhat helped my depression by itself,it was not enough, & that when I was finally diagnosed Bipolar 2. I have had to adjust doses a little bit here and there, but overall I have felt good. I sincerely hope you can find relief, I know how hard it can be just to function at a minimal level..I would keep trying different drugs but most importantly, make sure both you & your Psych/Counselor is really communicating well, otherwise find another one that you "click" with.. Remember, they are supposed to work with you and for you, not treat you like just another number.. JT
jebnow
31 July 2012
Can you tell me more about Zoloft?? Does there seem to be a lot of side
effects?? How well does it work on severe depression?
THanks for any information you can provide me.
Jul
mostlycloudy
1 Aug 2012
Hi there, I feel like the Zoloft helps my mood stay calm and uplifted, but I can only take one 25mg pill a day along with my other meds, because when we raised the dose of Zoloft it made me feel agitated and anxious.[Apparently this can happen to people with Bipolar taking any SSRI's. This is why I need all 3 things I take.] As for Zoloft's side effects, I only remember being a little sleepier at first, and I had mild headaches too, but these went away in a few weeks. I really think for me, its been a good addition to my other meds. It balances out the Wellbutrin, which is a more stimulating antidepressant and a higher dose of that alone also made me agitated and anxious by itself.With both of them together, I feel calm, good and content but not spacey, tired or foggy. I hope this helps you.
Keep in mind,Its all trial and error, and you need to have patience and give the drug and dosages time to work..Also, keeping a journal to track how you feel day to day or week to week is very helpful to gauge side effects and info that's important too! :) Good Luck Keep me posted
jebnow
2 Aug 2012
Thanks so much for the information. I currently take 20mg of Celexa and then
Xanax as needed. I seem to suffer an intense sense of anxiety during the afternoon period. IDK why... It happens almost everyday and it's becoming
debilitating... I see my DR next week so hopefully I can get to the bottom
of this and maybe ask about Zoloft. Thanks again and take care!!
mostlycloudy
4 Aug 2012
Hi Again Jebnow, sorry to hear about your anxiety..I hope you can try Zoloft or something else too,if they think its a good mix for you. It helps me a LOT with the anxiety/irritablitily/ edgyness I have always had.
Its hard to deal with both depression and anxiety too.. Keep posting..Good luck..:)
smileyhappy
30 May 2012
I find it's trial an error with anti depressants. Effexor didn't do much for me either. It took a long time before we found something that worked for me. Manerix with Lithium is what finally worked for me. I find there is always restriction with all drugs so just need to adapt that all. If it works it's really worth it! I no longer have depressions now.
Good luck and take care!
fallentim
24 Aug 2012
omg, your'e the first person on this site that has had any luck !!! I'm jealous a little. I get pissed when I see that some of these people have luck with things that didnt work for me. Im really happy that you have climbed out. I feel a bit hopeless right now. But your post sort of is giving me hope. Peace
smileyhappy
24 Aug 2012
Hi Fallentim,
I know it is frustruating waiting for something to work, especially when you feel depressed. I have had 4 depressions in 20 years, two major ones so it can take the time like I said to find the right med. Keep a log of things that do and don't work for you, also side effects too, sometimes they can combine meds to help just for you. I wish you the best in finding the right thing for you.
Take care,
bumblebee90
4 Sep 2012
Fallintin, Smileyhappy just gave you an awesome answer. Please don't get even more depressed. Heck I've had my go arounds with it numerous times and ended up in the hospital. The looney bin part of the hospital. Didn't like that too much very well. They fed you good, but I was ready to go home. I hear what you are saying about it making you sick that you see other's just doing great while you're still stuck. I simply advise you to get some pretty hard willpower and ride the tide. You're day is comong. I didn't believe it would happen for me. But I never gave up, and finally we found the right combo. Please try and not get so frustrated. We're here for you. Ruthie
Inactive
30 May 2012
You have had lots of answers & suggestions here, but personally I feel that everyone reacts differently to different drugs. Your best bet is to discuss this with your psychiatrist if you ave one, & tell him/her exactly what you have describe here. Sometimes we get accustomed to a medication & need an increase of the dose, or they may add a different one. With depression meds, it can be a trail & error type of thing to find the right combo that helps you. My husbby is bipoar & takes zoloft. It worked quite well for a number of years, but then they added wellbutrin with it & he has had wonderful relief. It is best to let your doctor decide what will work for you. I wish you the best...
lauraluv099
14 Aug 2012
Mary632009 and others are right - only you and your doctor can determine what will work for you. I've been dealing with depression and anxiety for over 30 years, and unfortunately there is no one "magic" treatment that works for all - every individual reacts in a different manner to different treatments. You just have to go through the very frustrating experience of trial and error.
I wish you the best, and hang in there - you'll find a treatment regime that works for you. It took some time, but I did. Many others do as well. I have no reason to believe that you will not also have the same success. :)
Inactive
30 May 2012
Hello PNHHM2. Given the length of time you have been suffering, I suggest you go the route of a MAOI such as Parnate. Regards, pledge
HeadStarter
30 May 2012
Parnate was the first MAOInhibitor I was on that actually worked. Many psychiatrists won't recommend that because of the dietary restrictions. Personally, I didn't have that issue because I didn't like any of the food on the list of things to avoid or not have at all. I was on Parnate for 8 years until it stopped working.
Inactive
30 May 2012
I understand. I was on it for just over a year and it really did not give me any major relief. So, parnate was followed up by ect.
HeadStarter
30 May 2012
Yeah, I did the ECT, too, and that is when my other issues started. Did it work for you???
That was a nightmare time of my life. I have permanent short-term memory issues. I had the ECTs over ummm, let's say 15 or so years ago. I am usually off by about 2 years concerning anything around that time and to this day. I don't really remember that whole year so I guess the ECT worked... to a point. Then I lost my edge at work. That was a tough one. I actually got fired from that job because my performance was soooo off! I had never, ever been fired from a job before. This was the beginning of a long and quite frustrating 10 years. After about 1999 I could not find permanent work so I was working from a temp agency. They kept me busy and for that I am thankful... but when that dried up and I became ill in 2001... that was it for me. Too much time away from the job and not being able to keep up in the industry because I wasn't working...
well, I left the corporate world because I couldn't get the edge back and could no longer compete with the newer college grads. I work in "retail" now. Big difference in pay but the SSDI and gave me insurance.
Blessings,
Mary
Inactive
30 May 2012
Hello Mary. No. less than a few weeks after having a series (12) done (bi-lateral) I was back to square one and of course back into the hospital for another series. I also have a terrible memory. Refractory to medications and ect. You have to laugh although its not funny.
HeadStarter
30 May 2012
I do laugh. What I find funny, however, sometimes others don't. I have been known to break into laughter for no apparent reason... oh the joys of a mixed up brain. Oh There's Something About Mary...
It's comforting to know that others have been through the "shock" treatment with less than desirable results. I was assured this was a necessity (two different doctors' opinion) to keep me on this here planet!! I was sure I had left it a few times before it though. hahahahahaha gotta laugh...
Mary
Inactive
31 May 2012
:-0) The sad part in my case is I would do it again. Just to get that relief, which all be it short, it was like nothing I can remember ever feeling. But I am getting up in my years and my memory loss is there and I do not want to loose anymore memories.
sara12345
20 June 2012
Hi Pledge
With regard to your memory loss, one would never know it from all that you are able to share on this website. Of course most of us have memory loss as we get older. I keep blaming my stroke for difficulty finding the simplest word during conversation which happens only occasionally. But then my friends tell me that they have the same problem. Who knows.
Sara
Inactive
20 June 2012
True isn't it Sara? I wonder how much is age. One issue is say fellow members when I get a comment such as yours here. You I remember, but there are members that I really have no memory of. I believe its also how an event or whatever it may be, how important a issue/role it plays. Another problem is keeping my drug famillies in my mind. I can answer a question and 6 hours later need to look up the info/data if the same or siimilar answer or question is asked/needed. And I need to use my notes. :-0)
HeadStarter
20 June 2012
Hey, pledge, with that answer you sound more and more like me. That is the problem with short-term memory loss.
I like to write, for instance, I am a published author. When I go back and read any of my material, I cannot relate to it. I cannot seem to get into again once it is out. I usually write from the heart and about personal experiences on various things. But once it is on paper... it seems to disappear from memory. I write poetry and I cannot relate to that either. It is very frustrating so, I write what I write and forget about it... literally.
Mary
Inactive
20 June 2012
Hi there Mary. Good for you. Accomplished and published author. Ha! Amazeing how little any of us know, unless say as you just did, let it be known that you are a writer, people just would not know. Another problem, more of an irritation but frustration none the less, is in my case spelling is becoming more and more a challenge. As a writer you know how important that might be. I don't use spell check because then my brain would not be forced is a good word, forced to think it through. Gone on a bit a bit here. Take care Mary, enjoy the rest of the afternoon and have a good evening now, pledge
sara12345
20 June 2012
To Pledge,
You still sound very adept with your thinking to me. And you have "systems" to guide you. One can't do any better. Thanks for all that you do provide on this site.
Sara
HeadStarter
21 June 2012
I think so, too, Sara!
Mary
Inactive
21 June 2012
Thanks Ladies. Take care.
Inactive
23 July 2012
Oh geez Mary and pledge,
Now I remember why I can't remember anything except medicine. Since I had the childhood from hell, I don't want to remember, might be good.. ECT was one the most awful treatments I can remember, I hated them, add in closed head injuries, and a few more rounds of ECT, its a wonder I remember anything at all. But I remember everything about my advanced degree. Hmmmmm, don't ask me when anything happened. Couldn't tell you if I had to. The things I remember PK, that's pre kids, are like pictures, the rest a blur.
As of 1/12, when my last round of ECT was done, I have now decided I don't care what the reason, I just say NO, very loudly and run from whoever suggested such thing.. I am stable right now. It is what it is.
Wishing you both the best with your mental health,
Laura
Inactive
23 July 2012
Thanks and appreciated Laura, have a great week.
Inactive
30 May 2012
Cymbalta worked great for me for anxiety and panic attacks. After about 3-5 days I noticed a huge difference. I don't have severe depression & wasn't on it long enough to respond to that part of it. Hope you find something that works for you. Kim.
devinder489
24 Aug 2012
I feel stunned when on small occasions,I feel it effects in my personality and I also feel it as negative approach/action.
Please help.
Related topics
effexor, effexor xr, depression, anxiety, panic disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, medication
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