Need some support

iVillage Member
Registered: 09-05-2003
Need some support
9
Sun, 02-14-2010 - 12:52pm

Hi,

I've read some other posts and I know I'm blessed with good things in my life (a good job, own my own home, great friends and family), but I've been clinically depressed for years, taking meds to control it. I think my current depression is from a change in meds. To add to that, my doctor is away for 3 weeks. I was changed from Effexor to Lamictal and I don't think the Lamictal is helping with the depression, although it does calm me. To add to that, I have trouble sleeping and found myself taking 3 different pills last night to sleep.

I'm depressed about my depression, feeling like I'm doomed to pop pill my whole life, and I'm scared about the return of the depression. I forgot how crippling it can be. I don't think I can do much med-wise until my dr comes back, so I guess I'm just looking for support to get me through the next few weeks. Work has been very intense lately and I've been lashing out at people. I try to get through it day to day, but I'm having a really hard time.

Thanks.

iVillage Member
Registered: 11-04-1999
Sun, 02-14-2010 - 1:20pm

Hi and sorry you are having a rough patch.

iVillage Member
Registered: 09-05-2003
Sun, 02-14-2010 - 2:56pm

Hi Josie

Thank you for your post. I did call my dr's office and left a message asking if anyone was covering for him. I also go to him for therapy, so I'm missing that support system right now.

I went through Effexor withdrawal already (although we weaned down very slowly so i know I didn't have it as bad as some people do), so I know it's not that anymore. As he was weaning me down, I was already on the Lamictal, so it's not new to my system.

You're right - I have been through rough patches before, so I'll get through this one too. Even with that evidence, feeling this bad makes you think you wont' get through it. I keep telling myself to go outside today and get some sunshine, but all I want to do is sleep.

Thank you again. I know it will pass - it might just be a matter of struggling a little through the next few weeks.

iVillage Member
Registered: 11-30-2009
Sun, 02-14-2010 - 5:51pm

Welcome to the board!

siggy waterfall
iVillage Member
Registered: 09-05-2003
Sun, 02-14-2010 - 6:10pm

Hi Heidi,

Thanks for your response. I was feeling like I was still a little depressed and sleeping poorly with the Effexor. My doctor said he had had a lot of success with Lamtical, with fewer side effects than effexor, so we started the switch. When I was taking both drugs, I felt great. Part of me wonders if I should go back on effexor, but coming off of it was pretty difficult and I don't want to go through that again.

How does the Abilify help? Since you take it at night, does it help you sleep?

iVillage Member
Registered: 11-30-2009
Sun, 02-14-2010 - 6:57pm

Hello,


I have to say Abilify has been a WONDER drug for me personally!

siggy waterfall
iVillage Member
Registered: 09-05-2003
Sun, 02-14-2010 - 8:43pm

The 2 drugs are different classes: Lamictal is a mood stabilizer and Effexor is a selective serotonin norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor. I've always been depressed/anxious, but never manic. But my doctor seems to think I might be "bipolar 2," since I'm depressed, irritable, have trouble sleeping, etc. I don't care what you label me, as long as it works! But you bring up a good point -- I've been taking a different kind of medication this whole time and brain was used to that.

I was taking 150 mg of Effexor, like you. I hate changing meds -- it's a horrible time. When I find something that works, I'm going to stick with it for life!

iVillage Member
Registered: 11-30-2009
Mon, 02-15-2010 - 5:01pm

Just checking how your doing today?

siggy waterfall
iVillage Member
Registered: 09-05-2003
Mon, 02-15-2010 - 8:27pm

Hi Heidi,

You're so sweet to check in. I'm a little better today. I took a walk during my lunch break at work and am trying to exercise whenever I can to help with my mood.

PK

iVillage Member
Registered: 09-05-2003
Mon, 02-15-2010 - 8:28pm
And I slept ok. I woke up around 5, but I eventually fell back asleep for a little while. That's good in my book.