Depression and headache

[toni2251]

I have a question. I have really bad headaches. My psych says I have depression. I was diagnoised with hashimotos. I have all sorts of problems. My doc gave me xanax. I took it for five days then I started to feel hopeless. So I discontinued but I'm starting to get headaches again. I don't feel sad just a lot of physical symptoms. Could this be chemical imbalance? Please help.

[toni2251]

I appreciate your thought however, I've been to doctors and they are not giving me enough info which is why I would rather as the real experts who are dealing with depression. I just found out from this website that my depression is from my thyroid, which is an answer I could get from my psychiatrist who totally dismisses me. I realize that we need the help of docs, but not all of them help.

[4Maddie44]

The only person who can tell you if you have depression is a doctor or psychiatrist.  Who prescribed lexapro in the first place?  It must have been a doctor who thought you had depression, or it would not have been prescribed.

Some anti-depressants stop depression and anxiety.  I urge you to go back to the doctor, and discuss all you are feeling.  

Headaches can be caused by stress and worry.  Perhaps you are worrying so much that you think you have depression that you are making your headaches worse.  

If you have such a fear of taking medication for depression, then you must find another way to deal with your worries.  Please go to a doctor and find out what is really wrong with you.  Only they can help.  

[toni2251]

Thank you again. My problem is I don't know if this is depression. That is my problem. If I knew that my headaches were caused by depression than the choice would be easier. I was on lexapro for about six months and I could not move up on my dosage because the anxiety was so bad. I have a fear of anti d's. I don't know why but I want to feel better. Any more thought would really help.

[4Maddie44]

Hi there.  Yes some anti-depressants do have side effects, and it can take trying different ones until you find the right one for you.  I do not have any side effects with Effexor, and that is why I am so glad to be on it.  That is why it is the best for me.

I can't pretend that I have not  been on other anti-depressants that have given me side effects.  I can understand why you don't want to be trying different anti-depressants until you find the right one for you.  We all react differently to these drugs, and what suits one person, does not suit another.  For instance, Prozac was the worst drug I ever tried.  Other people find it helps them.  

Effexor gives some people side effects, but not me.

I do not know what to advise you.  I have really bad depression if I am not taking anti-depressants.  I have tried to do without a number of times, but I know I must take them.  Some people manage depression without taking drugs.  It is up to the individual.  

I think it depends how bad your depression is and if you think you can manage without the help of drugs.  I could not survive without anti-depressants as my depression is so severe.  It is wonderful to feel well with their help.

I have had migraines since I was in my teens, and still get them from time to time, but they are not due to my anti-depressants.  Worst migraines I had was when I was on HRT.  Again, you see, different drugs, affect different people.

It is a personal choice what to do, and not an easy one.  Sorry I cannot really say what is best for you.  Only you can decide.

[toni2251]

Hi and thank you for your response. Did you have bad side effects while taking them and what do you mean it is the best. What are they suppose to do? I really want to feel better and I believe God has given wisdom to man to help us but the stigma of ad's just scare me along with the side effects. Thank you.

[4Maddie44]

You probably won't like my reply, as I am on 150mg Effexor, which has bad publicity due to withdrawing from it.  I am 72 and have been on different anti-depressants for over 20 years.  Effexor is the best yet.  It has got rid of my depression, anxiety and panics.

I think it is the right drug for me, as I am doing so well on it.  I have never been afraid of taking anti-depressants, as I hate depression.  Anti-depressants help me so much.

It is all personal choice of course.

[toni2251]

Hi can I ask what type of meds are you on? i am terrified of antidepressants.

[Bubulous]

Hi and welcome to the forum,

Well I am sure that you know your hashimotos causes migraines by itself.  I have manic depression which is a severe form of the depression.  In my experience I don't receive any migraines from the depression, but everyone is different.  Stress and anxiety along with grief can cause major headaches.  Anyway you will have to fight the headache, or migraines, most likely with some medicine.  If you have good insurance look into maxalt.  It is a great migraine medicine and I have seen the effects on people with horrible migraines and it works wonderfully for them.

[4Maddie44]

Depression can present itself with physical symptoms.  I have had many of these symptoms, and have even been to hospital, where everything was negative.  With anti-depressant medication I am now feeling very well.

People are surprised that depression can give so many different physical symptoms.