What is a good medication for severe major depression?

Question posted by PNHHM2 on 30 May 2012

Last updated on 28 October 2024

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.

Answer this question

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 7

hope31 30 May 2012

It appears that u feel the same way that I feel. If u have been battling depression for 20 yrs, have u tried several ADs? If so, which ones have u tried? I recommend that u add SAM-e to your AD as soon as u can. Of course after u talk it over with your dr first. Also, if u tried most of the newer ADs then perhaps u should try the older ones, MAOIs, etc. Have u tried prozac, wellbutrin as an add-on, Paxil, Cymbalta as an add-on, SAM-e as an add on, or deplin as an add-on, inositol as an add-on, celexa or any of the popular ones that pop-up when we google medication for depression?

Expand...

I recommend that u research all the ones I mention above & take the list of the ones u wanna try to your doctor. If u don't have any get up & go or if u isolate today, then u do indeed need to change meds & the sooner the better, but if u change & feel that the 4-6 week wait is taking 2 long for you, u should consider adding the SAM-e soon as possible. U can buy it from Vitacost website or Swanson's vitamin website pretty cheap. Please, please keep me posted & hang in there! God bless u!

Votes: +5

Iknow_mybodyDLong 30 Nov 2021

Hi guys,
Seems like a good site for info, experience and compassion. I'm on 150mgs of venlafaxine and methadone. I need to detox but I know the AD is physically agitating. My drug 4depression is Lexapro (name brand) the generic escitalopram was a big factor on how I relapsed as they just made me feel depressed again. The consultant psychiatrist will not take me off them (venlafaxine) when it seems to be more risky than Lexapro and doesn't seem to know how many SSNRI's out there.

HeadStarter 30 May 2012

Well, I liked Cymbalta and I was dealing with Recurrent Major Depression with Suicidal Ideation. Two medications in my entire life have ever worked for me on that issue. The first was PARNATE an MAOInhibitor which I was on for 8 years until it seemed to stop working. The second was Cymbalta which worked quickly for me and was on up to 120mg then dropped down to 60mg. The starting dose is 30mg.

It is also possible that you may need a combination of medications: one to handle the depression and the second to handle the anxiety.

For the anxiety and to help me sleep, I take Ativan 2mg at night.

I hope that helps you and gives you some food for thought. Good luck with it and keep us posted should you need additional support or still have questions.

Mary

Votes: +9

Inactive 20 June 2012

Great answer Mary,
The important thing to remember is every body is different and reacts differently to each and every psych med. It's a hit and miss kind of thing as far as finding out what works best.
So, that's a really hard question to answer.
Just sayin',
Laura

HeadStarter 20 June 2012

I know it is... it was really difficult for me too because I felt like a guinea pig with these psych med trials. Some 25 years ago, I was sent to Yale New Haven Psych Hospital as a "case study" because my psych doctor was having such a difficult time getting my meds and me under control. I learned a lot from that experience. Let's see:

a) don't put powder in your socks or go running down the hall after the floors were polished at night. The footprints always seemed to lead back to my room. b) make lots of friends while in the hospital because those nurses and doctors were scarier than the other patients, c) give lots of hugs to other patients just because it was against the rules, and finally, d) no med is going to work if you don't swallow it. Oh yeah, and really finally, e) learn to lie to get out of the psych hospital quicker.

Expand...

Okay, people... do NOT follow my last advice... I was young, rebellious and hated hospitals and most of the staff I ever had the displeasure of meeting. I did learn to play by the rules, though, if I wanted to see the light of day.

Can you imagine out of some 30 years under psych care that only 2 drugs ever gave me relief and still left my mind intact??? Yeah, really that is sad. I know others who haven't had nearly the same luck or any success at all... it is so hard.

Thanks, Laura... that brought back some fond memories... lololololololol... oh gosh, I'm not nearly as nuts as I think I am but I'll ask my alter-ego tomorrow to be sure...

Inactive 24 June 2012

Mary, that is just too funny! I loved your answer!

Inactive 24 June 2012

You should see what I do in psych hospitals ... break lights out rules, sleep in TV room, try to stay away from the paranoid schizophrenic dude wanting to play Scrabble carrying an empty box, keep from punching the doc in the mouth... goes on endlessly. I personally don't know how we, or anyone, survives psych hospitals or looney bins, as I lovingly call them. Thank goodness I've decided, after 1/12, to never go back. Just is...
Peace and lotsa mental health,
Hippie

Nicolegio 20 May 2013

I so your comment and I was wondering how cymbalta has helped you? I have been dealing with major depression for 2 week my doctor has put me on 2 different medicines and nothing helping I feel like I'm dieing inside all I do is cry all the time I want my life back and no meds are helping.

View all 5 comments

sara12345 30 May 2012

Did your Effexor ever work? Pristiq is similar to Effexor, so the change from Effexor to Pristiq should not cause major withdrawal symptoms. I didn't feel much side effects from the change. I changed to the Pristiq to get a better sex drive which it did help.

glendaboyd 22 June 2013

For only a very short time

sara12345 22 June 2013

You don't say what dose you are taking. My depression got severe while taking Effexor, then just increasing it took away my depression about a month later. Hope that might help you. No one should suffer from depression.

Countryboots 29 July 2016

Hey I have a question about the pristiq that you are taking .I looked up the side effects and it said it decreased the sex drive. So with you it increased it . I'm taking sertraline 25 MG. It doesn't seem to work . I hurt my back 2 half years ago and Im very depressed and improve my sex drive .with my back hurting it's very hard to get in the mood . Did you have very many side effects with this medication. Thanks

sara12345 29 July 2016

The side effects are just POSSIBLE side effects. I looked up probably over 100 comments from viewers on this site about this medication. Many of them were enthusiastic about how much it raised their sex drive. A few of them said that it had made no difference. You would just have to try it. I haven't noticed any side effects, but then I am on a lot of various medications. I have allergies to many, many other medications. When medical staff see the list, they remark on it.

leonavid 5 Oct 2017

Effexor worked great for me for about 13 years and then suddenly it didn't. Now I've been severely depressed and anxious for over 3 years and have tried everything, and I do mean everything.

sara12345 6 Oct 2017

To Leonavid, I am so sorry to hear that. Were there any changes in your life, like menopause, or a major life change? The reason that I mention that is that when I went into menopause, the light therapy which had helped my severe depression so well, suddenly didn't work. I assume that you have seen a specialist, a good psychiatrist who knows how to supplement and mix medications to more effectively treat depression. Again, I am so sorry to hear about you. I hope that you might find something that will help you. Keep looking.

leonavid 6 Oct 2017

I've pretty much given up on meds; am not on any now. When I was suicidal and hospitalized my psychiatrist quit my case (it was in the contract I'd signed when we started; apparently it's quite common now). Anyway I'd tried all the families except MAOIs, and those seem like a can of worms.

leonavid 6 Oct 2017

And no, there were no major changes. My husband has Parkinson's and is depressed himself, but he'd had it for 7 years already when I crashed. It seemed to me like one day I was fine, and the next I was... so not.

sara12345 6 Oct 2017

I'm sure that you are aware that just adding a medication to an anti-depressant can relieve the depression. Years ago there were none of the newer anti-depressants and I had very few to try. So when it came to the MAOI, I felt the best that I have ever felt in my life. The only reason why I went off of it was because I developed a side effect. Yes, there are dietary restrictions, but when you feel so great, you are happy to not have the foods. It sounds like you have given up. That's what depression can do to you. I hope that you might find your way to trying again.

View all 9 comments

balbanese 30 May 2012

There are so many, and so many variables as well. What works for one does nothing for someone else. All I can offer is you stay in touch with your Dr and hopefully/eventually you'll hit on something that works for you. Be patient (no pun intended) and keep a good relationship with your Dr. Hope this helps.

Votes: +10

glendaboyd 22 June 2013

Thank you.

mazz17 30 May 2012

Hi,sorry 2 read u have had it that long. Efexor 75mg,in the past helped me with depression,i get down at times,i önly now take valium2 relax my mind n body,and also take a stress free natural herb tablet,anti depresants dnt always wk,but we r all different,talk 2 a doc c wat else they recommend.my pschlgst 4 my anxiety a big help ,im doing gym,piltates relaxes me beta than a tablet,do u keep urself busy?i hope u find an answer 2 feel better.

Votes: +2

jebnow 31 July 2012

HI,
I saw your post and was wondering if you have ever taken Xanax before you
tried Valium?? I was just curious. Xanax seems to work wonders, but my
mood swings and anxiety seem to be getting much worse and I am afraid the
Xanax just isn't going to cut it anymore... What Mg of Valium do you take, if you don't mind me asking?
Thanks!!
Julie

angie46 12 Oct 2012

Wow, I am interested in this as well.. I take xanax & have for the last 15 years.. only take 1/2 of 0.5 mg in morning, another 1/2 in afternoon & another whole one to sleep, but resently, i have been added seraquil, which makes me gain weight & eat like a horse ! the xanax is not doing it and without the seraquil i am at a loss, but i can't afford to gain weight.. please tell us if the valium helps relax mind & body ?? i have taken relaxors that relax body but not mind, so i am curious as to the valium effect. thank u & take care.

glendaboyd 26 April 2013

I was put on 5 mg VALIUM a day over ten years ago with all my other meds.
It works great to relax mind and body without drowsy or spaced out effect.

countrygirl65 20 June 2013

i have taken xanax but now im on colonpin, the xanax made me very forgetful, but the colonpin doesn't... the colonpin seems to work better for me, i take the lowest does 3xs a day. i can really tell a big difference, the xanax taken 3xs a day messed me up to bad.i was not very functional with it, but i am now... i like col. alot better...

glendaboyd 22 June 2013

Thank you for your reply. It was very helpful. Once again I am beginning to feel very depressed even though my psych has increased my Vybriid and xanax to 40 mg a day. Very unmotivated sleep all the time when I am not at work. Mornings I am so foggy until midday then a small window of time I feel " normal". I see my psych in three days. Hopefully. he will have another "Plan"' PLEASE stay in touch. Thank you.

glendaboyd 22 June 2013

For. me the xanax seems to have already stopped working. I am so at my wits end. I was on small doses of valium everyday for ten years and it worked great never a let down with it. I do not know why my doctor changed it. Because it worked so very well.

mihulka3 12 May 2018

Use Librium instead of Xanax.

Inactive 13 April 2019

Anyone else have a problem that your doctor doesn't like to prescribe xanax? I only take it like once a week or less...

Inactive 13 April 2019

Anyone else have a problem that your doctor doesn't like to prescribe xanax? I only take it like once a week or less...

View all 9 comments

LaurieShay 30 May 2012

I recommend Pristiq which is an improved version of Effexor. Also, you have the option of increasing the Effexor XR to a maximum of 225mg. I have had to change my antidepressant every 5 years or so to get continued relief. I am finding Pristiq to be very effective.

Votes: +7

Nanapopa 5 Nov 2017

I may have to try that Pristiq. I have been on Effexor EXR for many years and it works, but not as good as it used to. My psychiatrist At Mayo clinic had increased it to 300 mg a day.

jennifredparrack 5 Dec 2017

I spent 30 years on Effexor, am off of it now and would never go back. I have been off meds for about 3 years and now I am looking for something else for my mild depression. Weaning off of Effexor was way too hard, never want to go through that again.
best of luck.

Inactive 30 May 2012

Sorry you are having so much trouble finding an anti-depressant that works for you. I am bipolar type 2 depressed, which means I hardly ever get manic. So, essentially I have been depressed most of my life.

After pooping out on SSRI and SNRI meds, my shrink tried me on Lamictal along with my trusted old friend Klonopin. I started with a dose of 25 mg a day and maxed out at 200 mg daily. After a couple of weeks, started feeling a whole lot better. It was amazing to me. So I'm just giving you my extensive experience with anti-depressant meds, 43 years worth, the Lamictal was the answer to my prayers.

Votes: +12

TeeDotWayne555 23 July 2012

Wow! 200mgs of Klonopin? That's just amazing that ANYONE can handle that many milligrams. I thought the highest mg pill they made was 2 or 3mgs. Anyway, I was just amazed at your post, and I decided to comment on it. But I hope your meds cheer ya up a bit, and you can live a happy, productive life. God Bless you and your family. Take care buddy.

Inactive 23 July 2012

Oops tee,
I'm taking 200 mg of Lamictal, not Klonopin. If I were to take 200 mg of Klonopin, I'd drop down dead. I take 4 mgs of Klonopin a day.
Hippie

PhylomenaD 25 July 2012

Great answer , Imar. Trial AND error! Love you guys!

jebnow 31 July 2012

Yes, that much Klonopin is a lot, I didn't eve know it came in that dose!

jebnow 13 Aug 2012

Yes, I always forget about Kolonopin. I took that for awhile and it DID help, but it made me more tired than Xanax and the sleepiness from Xanax went away.

Starrbaby 16 Aug 2012

I am also Bipolar. I've got Fibromyalgia & pretty sure Lupus also. Anyways, Effexor helped me tremendously & so did Klonopin. I'm on Neurontin now. 800mgs. 3 times a day. My Dr. Said that'll wk for my Fibro & mood swings. At 1st, it worked great, but my pain is getting worse & the meds. Are not working like they used to. Any advice, PLEASE?

Rodger OConnor 1 Sep 2012

I am on 200 mg of Lamictal twice a day and it has been a God sent to me. Whatever med changes are in my life, the Lamictal will not be cut.

pickles503 19 Sep 2012

I feel the same way about Lamictal and Klonopin. I cannot believe what a difference it's made in my life. I've been taking both for 5 yrs. plus. I take 400 mg. Lamictal per day, but I'm tapering down to 300mg, and 4 mg of Klonopin. I also take Gabapentin for depression and pain relief.
I'm going to get raked over the coals for this, but I have to tell you that Cymbalta worked great for me.
God bless you and I pray you find the med that will alleviate depression,
Anna

Rodger OConnor 21 Sep 2012

I too have had help with Lamictal. I still go through depression, but the agitated states are not as bad

briards 23 May 2013

would you please tell me which of these 3 lamictal has helped you? ODT XR or regular? thank you.

lauretha 14 June 2013

Isn't klonopin a benzo ? 200mg, u must have developed tolerence, I'm starting on desipramine. From reviews that I have read its rated high for severed depression hoping the best for you.

cb49 22 Jan 2017

Question about the Lamictal - are you having weight gain or lessen sexual drive?

deebeee 31 Jan 2017

I'm not bipolar so I wonder if Lamictal could help me?

I'm on 200mg of Zoloft which isn't doing much at this point (taken for many years). Tried Abilify which did help BUT caused me to gain a lot of weight and lose balance.

Do you think someone who is not bipolar and has chronic major depression would benefit from the Lamictal. You're lucky you have such an active and great doctor. Mine told me (when I suggested trying Effexor) "oh these anti-d's are all about the same." Lazy SOB. Looking for new shrink here in NYC.

View all 13 comments