Where to from here?

[Jenni534]

Morning All

Found this site this morning and could not believe how many of us are out there with the same problem or issues, or whatever the medical profession calls it these days.

Depression is caused by a chemical imbalance in the brain, rather than circumstances we often believe is the case. I had cancer at age 28 which meant a hysterectomy came about and 2 weeks later, depression set in. That was 22 years ago.

At that time I was put onto Amitriptyline and lived a very successful and normal, happy life. 2 years ago I developed bad side effects to the meds and my life completely changed for the worse.

I'm a professional, I earn a very good income, have my own home, great friends, therefore, according to the medical profession, no reason to be depressed. I've been prescribed about 4 different kinds of anti-depressants, to find something that works, none of which has been successful.

For the last 6 months, I've been going to work at 6am, coming home at 4 and getting straight into bed, ignoring the world around me. A month ago, my contract ended, so I completely withdrew from life itself.

I can't seem to get out of bed, not that I'm sleeping, it simply feels like a safe little haven for me. I've lost 69 pounds, I shop online to avoid people and can't be bothered to answer the door when friends come calling.

The reason I've opened up this much is because I know I can't stay on my current meds because its the side affects that has me in this state. I'm trying to find out if anyone on here has come off the meds completely and is coping better with the situation?

Its seriously difficult to get an appointment to see a doctor and I don't really believe they're sufficiently up to speed on depression anyway. Either that or their instructions are to simply try every different kind of medication until the right one comes along.

Would appreciate your feedback.

Thanks

[Hidden]

Your first task is for you to arrange a GP appointment, He/She will arrange for alternative medications or assist you in coming of the Amytryptalene.

By what you have inferred here your condition is still around so you need to discuss your new way forward. Also a new medication too try.

To come of medications will take upwards of six to eight weeks sometimes longer. If you are prescribed a new medication it can sometimes take about four weeks or so to give them a chance to work.

Yes, it is a chemical problem with the brain, a lack of Seretonan.(think that is how it is spelt). Although a proportion of depression will have a cause so your GP will arrange talking therapy.As It will need to be looked into. Personally did this problem start after your operation ??. Have you come to terms with the implications of what you you suffered.

Many patients with Depression can sometimes recover and come of these type of medications although sometimes they will need to take medications on an on off basis.

With you it seems you have been left on your medications on a regular basis. If that is the case you will again need to talk to your GP

BOB

[Wagtail]

Oh dear,your situation sound similar to mine. I to feel that medication has had no effect and they try all sorts of combinations.i just hope one will help soon. I even stopped smoking to help,now I feel worse. I feel I am being punished for wanting to live not just to exist,That's my rant over

As the saying goes,every cloud has a silver lining.