Maintaining

[Kshisiali48]

I suffer from depression and anxiety. I recently started taking Lamictal and Buspar. These medications don’t seem to be helping. I still feel depressed. I feel like I will never find the right medication regimen.

[Malumaf]

Do you mind if I ask how long you’ve been taking them?

[Kshisiali48 in reply to Malumaf]

About a month

[Kshisiali48 in reply to Kshisiali48]

In the past, I have taken so many anti-depressants that did not work for me. I thought that I would give it a try again.

[Malumaf in reply to Kshisiali48]

Personally I know this seems like so long but I recommend waiting until six months in and then try upping it if it still doesn’t work and six months after that if you don’t feel different than try another one

[Kshisiali48]

Thank you. Hope I can hold on that long.

[SunnyD4ys]

I’m taking both meds as well but also gabapentin. It took me a few months but in addition to the meds I was also in therapy so the combination of both helped considerably. I would suggest to speak with your doctor and find out their thoughts on increasing the dosage. This process is frustrating and I know you can easily be discouraged but keep at it. So many different medications available that I’m a believer there is something for everyone.

[Kshisiali48 in reply to SunnyD4ys]

Thanks for the encouragement. I have to hang in there. Better to keep trying than to not try at all. I really don’t have anything to lose.

[SunnyD4ys]

You have more to lose if you don’t keep trying. Stay positive because a positive attitude also helps the anxieties and depression. You’re on the right track. Be patient and kind to yourself.

[Kshisiali48]

Thank you SunnyD4ys. I’m starting to feel more hopeful.

[purplehorse]

When starting new medications, you will get side effects for a little while and they should reduce or go away after 2-3 weeks. If they don't, tell your doctor/psychiatrist. I am on Lamictal and it took 2 and a half years before we figured out the right dose. I needed a smaller dose than most people do. I am on 150mg per day and it works great. This was confirmed when my psychiatrist was able to do genetic testing (with a grant) that showed how my liver processes medication. The company who did the test was called GeneSight, if I remember right.