med advice

[LisaAnn678]

does anyone have any recommendations for treating depression.  Well, I was previously diagnosed with depression and generalized anxiety disorder and panic attacks.  My new doc says that I am bipolar.  I dont' think I am.  she said that the anxiety that I have been having is a part of the mania.  I am no effexor and have previously been on prozac, paxil and lexapro.  I thought you werent supossed to be on antidepressants if you are bipolar?  Now Im on lamictal 200mg (mood stabilizer), 37.5mg effexor (i weaned off from 150 but had to go bk on because was having uncontrollabe panic), 2.5mg zyprexa and ativan as needed.  Any advice?

[jkittie]

Hi Lisa,

I am a big believer in not listening to everything the doctor says. Sometimes you know what is best for you and sometimes it is best to get a second opinion. I was having similar simptoms to you. I was taking a low dosage of prozac every two weeks out of the month for 5 years for bad PMS which my gyno prescribed...things got very stressful in my marriage and I went to a psychiatrist who wanted to put me on lexapro and lamictal for depression and anxiety. I knew I was not bi-polar so I refused to take the lamictal, but took dosages 10/15/20 mg of lexapro for a little over a year. The dr told me there are no side effects. Well how about gaining 25 lbs and being dead from the waist own!!!!!???  
That's the kind of B.S. that can only add to depression.

Needless to say, I have switched to 5mg of lex and 300 mg of wellbutrin, which is working ok. I still have issues with these meds. I am hoping to slowly ween off the meds and see how it goes emotionally.

To make a long story short, it may take a few trials to see which drug combo works for you. Don't let doctors label you and hand out antidepressants scripts like candy. Some of us are greatly helped by these meds, but they are not a replacement for dealing with emotional issues.

By no means am I saying do not take meds if you need help, just be careful and take care of yourself.

Jkittie

[Venora Moonwind]

Depresson can be beaten  therapy andmeds as well as healthy eating.6 smallmeals a day with lots of fruits and veggies.Lean protiens. No caffiene and sugar as this 2 are the worst for aggravating depression. exercise like a 30 min walk every day. with allthe problems you are having with your meds I think if it were me I would chnage docs and start freshI am bi polar and I know everyone is different but anxity and panic attacks were never part of my bi polar. Now you do need to be on an antidepressent and a mood stabilizer if you are bi polar. I take zyprexa and celexa and I have been stable for 7 years on this combo and the therapy is priceless. It gives you the tools to understand the illnes and deal with it. and definaltly get you thryoid checked as a malfunctioning thryoid will present itself as mental illness. ask for the full panel tests inclucding TSH t3 t4 and antibodies.
Let meknow what you find out.I hope and pray things straigtenout for you. try the healthy changes they help alot and cut down the need for so much meds. I have gone down to just 5 mg of each of my meds and I feel great. It is possible to beat this.
Love Venora