Depression medications that worked best/worst for you? - Sitcoms Online Message Boards

Brad Russ · 11-17-2008, 09:30 PM

For those who have been on medication for manic depression, what are some of the worst, and best medications you've tried? I know medications tend to vary depending on the person taking them, but my doc's been working hard with me to find something that works, so I'm just looking for suggestions, and considering my options, since so far I haven't found anything that works too well for me. I suggested to him searching around, and asking others what has worked for them, and he thought it was a good idea, and that's where you all come in. Iv'e also looked at many professional studies which rate the best meds, and that has been very helpful as well. Anyway, any help you can give me would be appreciated. Thanks!!

P.S. I know this is a personal question, so for those who don't feel comfortable answering, I completely understand.

*Pleasant Tomorrow* · 11-17-2008, 09:43 PM

I'm on zoloft right now, and in the past I've taken prozac and something starting with an s that I don't even remember anymore. To tell you the truth, I didn't notice a difference in any of them but that's just me. I've been on meds for depression and anxiety since I was 14 so I've changed, too, and after awhile you can't tell if it's you that's changed or if it's the medicine. I dunno, I know this probably isn't very helpful but that's my take on the different kinds.

Faith · 11-17-2008, 09:46 PM

I have manic depression, and honestly none of the meds seem to work.. I have been on Prozac, Zoloft, and Lexapro..

*Pleasant Tomorrow* · 11-17-2008, 09:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Faith

I have manic depression, and honestly none of the meds seem to work.. I have been on Prozac, Zoloft, and Lexapro..

Lexapro, that's the one. Don't know why I thought it started with an S. Yeah, to tell you the truth I still feel miserable with them.

Wreckless · 11-17-2008, 09:50 PM

I need meds for depression- but I haven't been to the doctor about it, or what to take....best ones, suggestions?

Brad Russ · 11-17-2008, 09:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by *Pleasant Tomorrow*

I'm on zoloft right now, and in the past I've taken prozac and something starting with an s that I don't even remember anymore. To tell you the truth, I didn't notice a difference in any of them but that's just me. I've been on meds for depression and anxiety since I was 14 so I've changed, too, and after awhile you can't tell if it's you that's changed or if it's the medicine. I dunno, I know this probably isn't very helpful but that's my take on the different kinds.

You're absolutely right, it is hard to tell after awhile whether the meds are working, since your body tends to adapt to them. I was also on zoloft and prozac, and while I didn't notice much difference with zoloft, with the prozac I actually got worse. Right now I'm maxed out on depakote, and my doctor thinks it's definitely time for a change. He's even brought up lithium a couple times, but I need to study up on it more before I consider it. Could the one that starts with s that you took be strattera?? I was on that for awhile, but have been off it for a couple years.

Anyways, thanks for the feedback, and I hope that despite your depression, you're doing well.

Brad Russ · 11-17-2008, 09:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Faith

I have manic depression, and honestly none of the meds seem to work.. I have been on Prozac, Zoloft, and Lexapro..

I'm currently on Lexapro as well, and have noticed a slight change for the better since being on it. It sure as heck beats the celexa I was taking, which made me a maniac!!!

Brad Russ · 11-17-2008, 09:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Family Ties Forever!

I'm not sure what manic depression is.

I have been on medication for severe depression. I have been taking Lexapro since March 24, 2006. It helps some, but not really enough. I'm too chicken though to try anything stronger. My doctor originally wanted me to be placed on either Paxil, Zoloft or Prozac all of which I refused. I don't have anything against those medications, I just don't feel comfortable enough to try them.

Back in 2000 when my dog of 15 years Max died I was placed on Remeron to help me sleep. It helped at first, but after awhile stopped helping and it caused me to gain weight which I didn't like. After approx. 2 & 1/2 years on that medication I stopped taking it and thankfully was able to lose the weight.

I spent a couple years without being on medication. Then on 10/2/2005 was heldup at gunpoint and robbed. That caused major anxiety and additional depression. That's when I was placed on the Lexapro.

I wouldn't recommend Remeron. Depending on how severe your depression is it's hard to say if Lexapro would work for you. It may not be strong enough. I currently take 30 mg. a day of Lexapro. I think you said at one point you were on Lexapro? Maybe not.

Good luck to you Brad. I know you and I don't correspond at all off the boards anymore. I still wanted to respond to this thread though as you are asking for advice and suggestions. I hope I was able to help some. If not, sorry. Hopefully things will get better for you. Good luck to you when you move out.

Thanks for the kind words Jen!!!

While it is a very tough battle, I know that with the right meds, hope, and God, I will persevere, and make it through. Despite everything you've gone through and continue to go through, I also pray that you persevere as well, and I have a feeling you will. I wish you the best of luck!!

Thanks as well for the best wishes with me moving out. I know that will definitely be a step in the right direction for my mental state.

*Pleasant Tomorrow* · 11-17-2008, 10:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Little Mel

You're absolutely right, it is hard to tell after awhile whether the meds are working, since your body tends to adapt to them. I was also on zoloft and prozac, and while I didn't notice much difference with zoloft, with the prozac I actually got worse. Right now I'm maxed out on depakote, and my doctor thinks it's definitely time for a change. He's even brought up lithium a couple times, but I need to study up on it more before I consider it. Could the one that starts with s that you took be strattera?? I was on that for awhile, but have been off it for a couple years.

Anyways, thanks for the feedback, and I hope that despite your depression, you're doing well.

I'm pretty sure it was Lexapro, I was thinking S for some reason. But yeah, it sucks because you have to change meds in order for them to keep working. I guess it depends on the individual as to which ones work best. I was actually fine on prozac, and then I talked with my psychiatrist and she suggested I go off for a little while to see if I'd be okay without it. I decided after about 6 months that I wasn't, and when I went back on it I started to throw up...for the first time since I was like 5 years old. That's when she put me on zoloft instead and I haven't had a problem. The weird thing is, I was on prozac for quite a while and it didn't bother me until I went off of it and then went back on it again.

But like I said, I think it's all about the individual. You have to see what works for you. For me, I can honestly say that none of them work THAT well. But thanks, I hope you're doing well, too. I wouldn't say I'm severely depressed so I'm okay, but I'm definitely not as happy as the average person. Anxiety is a big problem, too.

Brad Russ · 11-17-2008, 10:12 PM

One thing I've found funny about medications is how you can take a med for an illness that has nothing to do with depression, yet that med will help you more with it than the depression pills you're taking. For example, I was on adderol for several years, and it was the only thing that dramatically helped me with my depression, and it's for my ADD. When I was on that, I didn't have time to be depressed. lol!

*Pleasant Tomorrow* · 11-17-2008, 10:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Little Mel

One thing I've found funny about medications is how you can take a med for an illness that has nothing to do with depression, yet that med will help you more with it than the depression pills you're taking. For example, I was on adderol for several years, and it was the only thing that dramatically helped me with my depression, and it's for my ADD. When I was on that, I didn't have time to be depressed. lol!

Wow, lol, can't say I've ever experienced that. I'm not on any other medications.

Brad Russ · 11-17-2008, 10:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by *Pleasant Tomorrow*

Wow, lol, can't say I've ever experienced that. I'm not on any other medications.

I'm on way too many!! I currently take meds for depression, agoraphobia, panic disorder, borderline personality disorder, ADD, and OCD. lol!! But hey, as my mom tells me, it's nothing to be ashamed of, it just builds character.

She also tells me that with all I know about medications, I can start my own pharmacy.

Faith · 11-17-2008, 10:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Little Mel

I'm currently on Lexapro as well, and have noticed a slight change for the better since being on it. It sure as heck beats the celexa I was taking, which made me a maniac!!!

Lexapro turned me into a zombie... and the other two just didn't work..

browneyes106 · 11-17-2008, 10:53 PM

I suffer from bipolar II disorder. It's a more depressive form of biopolar. I take lamictal and it has helped me a lot.

Brad Russ · 11-17-2008, 11:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by browneyes106

I suffer from bipolar II disorder. It's a more depressive form of biopolar. I take lamictal and it has helped me a lot.

Thanks for that info. I will make a note of it and ask my doctor about it, and see what he thinks. Very much appreciated!!

11-17-2008, 09:30 PM	#1
Brad Russ Member Forum Fanatic Join Date: Feb 17, 2002 Location: Portland, Oregon Posts: 10,085	Depression medications that worked best/worst for you? For those who have been on medication for manic depression, what are some of the worst, and best medications you've tried? I know medications tend to vary depending on the person taking them, but my doc's been working hard with me to find something that works, so I'm just looking for suggestions, and considering my options, since so far I haven't found anything that works too well for me. I suggested to him searching around, and asking others what has worked for them, and he thought it was a good idea, and that's where you all come in. Iv'e also looked at many professional studies which rate the best meds, and that has been very helpful as well. Anyway, any help you can give me would be appreciated. Thanks!! P.S. I know this is a personal question, so for those who don't feel comfortable answering, I completely understand.
	__________________ St. John 15:13 - Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends." Currently my favorite song. Last edited by Brad Russ; 11-17-2008 at 10:15 PM.

11-17-2008, 09:43 PM	#2
Pleasant Tomorrow Member Forum Addict Join Date: Feb 19, 2003 Location: New York Posts: 69,525	I'm on zoloft right now, and in the past I've taken prozac and something starting with an s that I don't even remember anymore. To tell you the truth, I didn't notice a difference in any of them but that's just me. I've been on meds for depression and anxiety since I was 14 so I've changed, too, and after awhile you can't tell if it's you that's changed or if it's the medicine. I dunno, I know this probably isn't very helpful but that's my take on the different kinds.
	__________________ my name is ashlee Welcome! Everything is fine.

11-17-2008, 09:46 PM	#3
Faith Internet Junkie Forum Fanatic Join Date: Sep 07, 2002 Location: HELL Posts: 9,879	I have manic depression, and honestly none of the meds seem to work.. I have been on Prozac, Zoloft, and Lexapro..

11-17-2008, 09:50 PM	#5
Wreckless Member Forum Fanatic Join Date: Nov 04, 2007 Location: Banned Posts: 9,406	I need meds for depression- but I haven't been to the doctor about it, or what to take....best ones, suggestions?

11-17-2008, 10:12 PM	#10
Brad Russ Member Forum Fanatic Join Date: Feb 17, 2002 Location: Portland, Oregon Posts: 10,085	One thing I've found funny about medications is how you can take a med for an illness that has nothing to do with depression, yet that med will help you more with it than the depression pills you're taking. For example, I was on adderol for several years, and it was the only thing that dramatically helped me with my depression, and it's for my ADD. When I was on that, I didn't have time to be depressed. lol!

11-17-2008, 10:53 PM	#14
browneyes106 Member Forum Veteran Join Date: Apr 01, 2008 Posts: 6,097	I suffer from bipolar II disorder. It's a more depressive form of biopolar. I take lamictal and it has helped me a lot.