Major Depression for a while

[Silverchap]

Hi to all you lovely warriors.

I’m just looking for a little advice or any feedback. I was on Citilorpam (Celexa) for around 5 years up until October 22. My anxiety was getting worse throughout the year and so my doctor switched me to Sertraline 50mg (Zoloft) at the end of October.

After a couple of weeks I started to feel like my old self again (a great feeling as you can imagine) but this only lasted around 5 or 6 weeks before I started feeling depressed. My doctor then got me to double up the dose to 100mg which didn’t really do anything after a couple of weeks and then I slipped into a really bad depression until around New Year.

So, back to the doctors and then he swapped meds again - this time to Paroxetine 10mg (Paxil). Again, this worked reasonably well for around 5 or 6 weeks and then bang. Same horrendous feelings of depression.

Back to the doctors last week and he advised me to go back on Sertraline 50mg again! Honestly, I’m going round in circles and I’ve never experienced such a harsh depression like this in my life - ever. I’m struggling to function in any capacity and I’m ‘only’ 59 years young.

I feel like my doctor is playing ‘pin the tail on the donkey’ and all of this experience has been over the telephone and never face to face!

Thank you so much for any shared, similar experience. X

[Crochetchica]

So sorry you are experiencing this. Getting the meds right is very frustrating but you know yourself better than anyone so go with your instincts. Take care x

[Silverchap in reply to Crochetchica]

Thank you so much for replying. I’ve just never had it so tough before and feel pretty helpless when it’s this bad.

[Crochetchica in reply to Silverchap]

I know. We keep pushing ourselves to do the right thing but I’ve reached the point now where I don’t care. I’m exhausted. Take care x

[Silverchap in reply to Crochetchica]

It really is exhausting and I’m sorry to hear that you’re going through a similar situation?! I’ve never sought the help of a psychiatrist but I have a telephone appointment with one this coming Wednesday. I’m hoping that they might have a better idea regarding these meds since my doctor is just playing a guessing game. I’m easy to talk to and so feel free to reach out to me anytime x

[BlueMarina]

The truth is that we don't know why SSRIs work, so your doctor is probably just trying his best. Can you try to see someone in person?

[Silverchap in reply to BlueMarina]

Thank you BlueMarina. It’s really difficult to see a GP in person these days unless it’s an ailment that requires a physical examination. At least this is the case in Scotland for now!