Scared to try something else.

[WithaWhy]

Hello. Lately I feel like I'm at a dead end with medication treatments for depression. I weaned off Venlafaxine after about 4 months and while it worked better than everything else I've tried, I had to stop taking it due to visual disturbances that started occurring. My eyesight already drastically worsened in one eye during the years I took Imipramine (SSRIs never worked for me) now 3 years after I stopped that medication, my eye sight has never recovered. I was afraid the same things was happening with Venlafaxine, so I decided to stop taking it myself.

Now I'm nervous about how to approach trying something else. I fear I'll be told there's just nothing out there now that doesn't have a risk of visual changes. I can't risk my eyesight getting any worse than it already is but I'm certain I'll run into trouble in managing my depression without some kind of drug, even if just to help with getting regular sleep. The PCP wouldn't help me with sleep problems unless the depression was dealt with yet they've left me hanging to find a specialist. I'm in the middle of getting a new PCP, but anyway, just frustrated overall. Maybe it would be better to stop trying and see how I can manage without anything for a while. Not being heard has been taking a real toll on me lately.

[TangledUpIn]

That's so frustrating - feeling like you're not being heard 😬 I hate repeating things over and over especially to medical personnel who could have read my chart before my appointment 😒

Check out genesight.com for information on a dna test that with a mouth swab finds the anxiety and depression medication that will suit you best! Most insurance pays for it! I'm trying to spread the word because so many people feel they are on the wrong medication. Take care.

[WithaWhy in reply to TangledUpIn]

I will definitely look further into this test. I've heard of it before but assumed it wouldn't be within reach. Thank you!

[LoveforAll41]

Hi WithaWhy, I am so sorry that you haven't had good results with medication. Sight is a sense that I think it would be very hard to lose.

If you are in a good enough place going without something might be an option for you. Do not go long if things are getting worse. I think that if it is available CBD or other natural stuff might be worth a try? A hormone doctor? I am trying to get hormones all regulated at the moment, it is something different to try at least. Are you doing therapy as well? I find that is more effective for me than drugs.

I wish you peace, hope, and strength.

[WithaWhy in reply to LoveforAll41]

Oh yes, I struggle with deciding to try more medications and all along, psychotherapy has been the only constant treatment throughout. Just my sleep issues and SI are chronic problems, worsening now with a very stressful job. I wish something would let up and not feel this pressure to get out all the time. Anyway, thank you for responding. I appreciate your time.

[Agora1]

Hi WithaWhy, there comes a time when our doctors, therapists etc take a deaf

ear to our continuing struggles. It isn't fair and can be very frightening. *if they don't

understand then who will??

Regarding medication, sometimes our body is telling us we may not need as much

help physically as we do mentally. Cutting down on your medication may give you

the time to try different modalties in reducing your stress/depression issues.

Unless your depression comes from a chemical imbalance (which you have not been

able to find the right drug, then try something more tangible. Hypnosis comes to mind.

Finding the right doctor can make quite a difference in getting down to the basic

facts of your depressive mood. See what your new PCP offers you and go from there.

Never give up. Keep looking forward because there is an answer out there made just

for you. My best to you. xx

[WithaWhy]

I appreciate your thoughts. I know it's still a mystery and more than one thing at once has and will help in managing my illnesses. I just wonder if I'll survive long enough to see better progress or if this is just as well as I can be. Thanks.