On anti depressants, 5htp and still too depressed or unmotiveated to get out

[hookedinBERKELEY]

So I have suffered depression for years, and I used to get great results with antidepressants. One that was most effective is Effexor, but have tried a few. I am on effexor and told my doctor I was still depressed and not motivated to do anything. So he suggested a serotonin nutritonal supplement, to help , it is 5htp. So far , after 3 weeks on this plus my effexor, I am still depressed, and don't wanna do much of anything, I can't even make it to important doctor appts. I don't clean anymore, and I used to be a clean freak. I used to love waking up in the morning and now I feel not very thrilled about getting up, but i do.
My doctor suggested cognitive therapy also, but with only Medicare to pay for any therapy I haven't had great results finding one, and I am not sure I would actually make the appointments. Like I might show up for the first and then just give up. I have a bad tendency of starting things and never finishing or following thru. I want to be Happy about a new day, I want to make all my appointments, I want to feel motivated about life. But I feel stuck. If therapy is what I need , how can I gurantee I'll even go the way I feel.
any suggestions or ideas of how I can get out of a rut that feels too deep to get out of.

[Amor Agita]

I don't know all that much about depression except that it sucks... I would suggest atleast trying to get a new therapy going, because just thinking you won't make it only makes that so. Maybe you should try being a little more positive? I don't know. Positivity worked for me, though I don't know if I'm diagnosed with depression.

[hookedinBERKELEY]

Thank you for your response, I do need to try and be more positive. And it helps to be reminded. I actually found this book called the Secret, and it is such a positve book , all about the power of positive thoughts.

[venora]

When I was going through my initial diagnosis I felt much the same way untill my Husband aske how badly I wanted to feel better.Well I thought about what he said so i decided that I wanted to feel better and I found a good psychiatrist(The first 5 I didnt like) and I found  therapist I felt comfortable with.(I lost count of how many there were before I found my present one)

I dont know where  you are from but here where I am there are many social programs offered to those who dont have money or insurance.This includes therapy and medication management.If you are in the States I am sure there are like programs where you are .
In dealing with our is our illness,It takes a combo of meds and therapy to be able to live a happy and productive life.It doesnt happen overnite but It will happen when you are willing to reach out and get the help you need.
Know that you are loved.This forum is good place to start on the road to health and happiness.It is a great place to come and talk about anything you need to talk about.
Love Venora

[hookedinBERKELEY]

thank you Verona,
   I appreciate your response and positive ideas. I actually live in a metropolitian area and have some ideas of how to get help. I did find a local therapaist referal service on the web, and placed a call to them yesterday, letting them know I desired a cognitive therapist and had to use Medicare to pay, I am hoping to hear from them today. I have some other ideas too, as far as a place or lead to a therapist , but will wait till i hear if the one i called comes thru.
I really appreciate your support
Jeffrey

[venora]

Let me know how it goes for you.I will look for your post.I am going out of toqn this weekend  but I will be back to post Monday night.
Good luck
Venora

[woozy]

5-htp is a serotonin booster,Effexor has a serontin reuptake inhibitor in it's chemical mix. You shouldn't be taking these together. It can cause dangerous levels of serotonin in your body. Why your doc went this route, is surprising to me. I just saw my doc yesterday and she warned me immediately of taking any SSRI with 5-thp.. Effexor isn't technically that,it works on noreprinephrine also,but still, it has that component.
And even if you don't get serotonin poisoning, it's pretty rare, it may explain why you don't feel any better.