Advice about meds

[Ryan09]

Hi everyone.
My names Ryan i have been going through depression for years now. im 22 years old i currently take 150mg of Effexor in the mornings. i have been on effexor for at least 2 years now im pretty sure.. What i want to know is i dont think that the medication is right for me. i am constantly down and feel an overwhelming sadness over me even when it comes to little things.. i have become dependant on trying to have a good time so i make my self go out all the time and spend way to much money on alcohol to try and keep my self up high cause i feel good there. i dont have alot of interest in much.. i have a very low sex drive.. i become attached to girls i am with easily and it upsets me alot.. i get angry alot and feel i want to cut my self. (sorry if thats to upfront) i also see a psycologist once a week which helps and ocassionally a psychatrist. i just dont think my medication is right for me.... that maybe i need another type that does something different?

does anyone else out there have any experience with a situation like this? does anyone know of any medication i could look into? does anyone have anything they can add to help me live my life and stop living in fear of the future..
please help

[LeftCoastChick]

I've been in your shoes. I used to drink to feel okay about going out, and forcing myself to do so. Alcohol is a natural depressant, it will make you feel worse. As well you shouldn't drink on these meds. I do suggest you see your psychiatrist, and quit drinking.
If you feel you have a problem with alcohol, let you pdoc know. There are several options that can assist you to stop it. Your other issues maybe related to something else, it's very important you tell your pdoc everything. The more they know the easier it is to find a course of treatment.
Keep in touch, and let us know how you are doing.
LCC
Co-Community Leader
Depression

[freefallingsj]

Hi, I suffered from depression since a teen but it wasn't until I was 24 after my first child that I looked for help.  Off and on through the years I would try one med or anothr not like the side effects and stop.  I would self medicate by drinking or taking an ocational pain pill or both.  Finally at 35 I found a psychatrist that I liked and was diagnoises as bipolar.  It takes trial and error to find the right med but when you do you can have a quailty of life.  If you like your shrink then have a long talk and tell him what you told us.  There are so many drugs to try.  Cymbalta really helped me and I got some energy back.  I am still trying to find things I like to do but that's because for 19 years I've taken care of kids and not me .  I find that extreme stress will make me want to cut ( once or twice a year) but I have someone who can get me through it.  You need to have a friend, family member or doc you can turn to in those times to make you see that things aren't as bad as they seem.  Keep posting and just keep reading , you can learn a tid bit from everyone.  Good luck