I’m New Here

[Heavenbound3]

Hi,

I’m new here, although NOT in anyway, shape or form new to major depression. I’m a 61 y/o female who has struggled since I was 15. That’s a long time. It’s always been cyclical. But, here’s what’s crazy; I never identified it as a “disorder” before. It obviously is. I didn’t get on medication until 2011, after having the worst depression/anxiety I had ever experienced. I was put on 50 mg of Zoloft, and have taken it for the last 12 years. It helped, but I continued to struggle with moderate breakthrough depression. Then, around Christmas time, I spiraled in to another severe depression. My doctor increased my dose of Zoloft to 100 mg. It gave me the worst anxiety that I have ever experienced. However, I do remember having that type of anxiety when I started Zoloft in 2011. And still, after 2 1/2 months, I‘m about the same as I was in December. I’m really struggling. I’ve recently started working with a new Psychiatrist NP. We both agreed that with the severity of the anxiety that Zoloft gives me, and all the breakthrough depression I’ve experienced, Zoloft is probably not a good med for me. He suggested that that I do a DNA test to see how I metabolize different psych meds. I agreed, and the test should be here in a few days. Has anyone ever done one of these tests and was it helpful? Also, I would love to connect with others for support.

[LilyAnnepuppy]

Welcome to this community. There’s a lot of support here.

I had the test done and it was invaluable in finding what meds to use. My psychiatrist had to try different medications but at least we knew what wouldn’t work.

Good luck on your results.

[AnxiousSilver]

I haven't done the DNA test, but there are people here that have.

I hope that it works out good for you, and just want to welcome you to this group.

[Agora1]

Hi Heavenbound3 and Welcome to a safe and caring forum.

When I started medication years ago, it was all about "trial and error".

I was fortunate to find the right med after coming off years of benzos.

I wish you well with your upcoming test. I'm happy you are with us xx

[Hidden]

Yes I did that and luckily my meds are in the green zone (okay to take). I didn’t have any in the red zone. I hope you don’t either. I had a few in the yellow zone. It was interesting and mentioned certain genes which I read about.

Good luck on your test!

[catsrock]

I haven't done one of those tests, but very much related to your post. I'm 59 and my depression started as a teenager also and then blew up after having my second child - bad postpartum depression. I hope you get some help soon from what you learn in the DNA test.

[designguy]

Hello and welcome. I tried a half-dozen different meds including zoloft over a number of years without success except for Klonopin which helped my anxiety. I did a psychopharmacological test that used my dna to determine which meds were best suited for me genetically and it showed that none of the meds I had tried except for the Klonopin, were right for me. I started on one it recommended that was a different type of med than the ones I had been on and it has worked. My test was from Genesight. Hope your test helps you too.

Something else to consider is, I had a relapse around the end of the year and had the opportunity to try TMS therapy and it has been really helpful for me. You have to have tried a number of different meds and at least two different types of meds to qualify and different insurers have different qualifications but I did qualify and am glad I am doing it.

[dragontamer00]

Hi Heaven. I am new to this community too, I hope to find support and offer others the same. I am male, 21 and struggle with PTSD and MDD and I have tried both SSRI's and SNRI's. I never quite felt like the SSRI's worked, or they would work and lose their potency after a few months. The SNRI I am currently on put me into a suicidal spiral, so I am at a loss for what to try. My therapist suggested a DNA test as well which I am game for. I just feel broken, like I can't function properly and being on a daily medication magnifies that feeling. I am the survivor of 2 Bone Marrow Transplants and have been on medication my entire life. I just can't accept the fact that my brain does not function the way it should, and then I get even more irritated with myself because I won't.

I am glad you have found a new psychiatrist. Getting help can be a very long and difficult process, especially when you feel the way you do. Everything feels like a fight when depression has a hold on you. I hope your DNA testing goes well and you find something that helps you. My loved ones tell me to just keep getting up everyday, and sometimes, that's all you can do. I want to say the same to you, even though I don't know your situation, just keep trying.