changes for the better or worse? - Major Depressive ...

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changes for the better or worse?

Rufus07 profile image
19 Replies

I’ve been on meds for 30+ years, some help for a while, other not so much. I am seriously considering stopping all and going all natural and homeopathic. It kinda scares me but I’m willing to try anything at this point. Has anyone done this? Good results…bad…worth trying? I know everyone’s body is different. Just looking for advice.

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Rufus07
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19 Replies
kenster1 profile image
kenster1

I`d be reducing and stopping over a long period but make sure you consult with the Doc.

Rufus07 profile image
Rufus07 in reply tokenster1

He will tell me not too because the system will be losing money not giving me pills. He’s given up on me anyway. He told me he doesn’t know what else he can do for me

Starling777 profile image
Starling777 in reply toRufus07

Hi there. I just wanted you to know you are not alone. I've tried everything too, and my Dr. Just gave up on me too. Nice. I wish the very best for you . I hope you find something that works. Just be cautious if you taper off your meds. I am going off one, and have found it to be extremely difficult. A year later, still not better.

Maybe it will work for you !Wishing you the best. I know what it is like to be desperate

Rufus07 profile image
Rufus07 in reply toStarling777

thank you for your encouragement

Rufus07 profile image
Rufus07 in reply toStarling777

I’m seeing my med doc next month and I am going to talk to him about the genetic testing. I’m on Medicare so I don’t know if they will cover it or part of it. I’ll let you you what comes of it. My boyfriend s brother and his kids left to go back to Florida today. Love them to death but am so looking for some normalcy in my home. Have been so overwhelmed with all the people over here to see him. Spent most of my time in the house being antisocial,which is a big part of my issues. Thanks for listening. I’ll keep you up to date on the genetic testing. Try to have a good day! God bless!

Starling777 profile image
Starling777 in reply toRufus07

Please do let me know how it goes. I struggle with severe depression. I'm alone most of the time, just trying to hang on. ADeppressant withdrawl. Sometimes don't even to know if I can smile anymore.

I'd like to stay in touch, that'd be great. I pray to God something will work for my depression. Hanging on😔🩷🩷

Rufus07 profile image
Rufus07 in reply toStarling777

I was having an ok day yesterday and then around dinner time I just snapped! I was sitting outside with my sig other and daughter and it was like a switch was flipped and I got angry and irritated for no reason. I got up and went to bed and slept till 1pm today. I don’t know what happened. I get like this frequently. It’s like Jekyll and Hyde…so overwhelming. Today I am in the fabulous rabbit hole that I can’t dig myself out of. Severe crying which I can’t stop. Sig other is fishing, thank god, so he doesn’t have to listen to me having a breakdown.Ive been praying to God to help me….please send prayers my way. Thank you all for listening.

Starling777 profile image
Starling777 in reply toRufus07

Oh, I will definantly pray for you. Sorry, I just saw this. Sorrrry you going thru that. Omgosh, can I relate. Hang on, we must Hang on ! 😓😊🙏💛💚🩵

VintageCollector1 profile image
VintageCollector1 in reply toRufus07

Hello! I had the genetic tests done. GeneSight is the exact one, actually. I was extremely thankful to have the test done, because I had been an experiment for three years. The test showed meds that I should be able to take and those to avoid, although one recommended medication did not work. It actually made me cry until it was out of my system. I used to take Celexa. It worked for a while then I would plateau. Then my doctor would up my MG and it would work again for a while. This was a cycle I went through until I asked to try a new medication. I've been on the new medication for 8 or more years. It has worked all this time...about 3 months or so ago I realized I was on a plateau again. 🤦🏻‍♀️ I have been referred to a new mental health doctor, because my PCP isn't comfy adjusting mental health meds. I am hoping I am figured out SOON! I hope you are as well. I'll follow along to hear what you find out with the genetic tests.

Sugaree profile image
Sugaree

I had to stop all meds when I moved and insurance changed, they were all part of pre existing conditions. I did it very slowly and stretched it out even more when I felt withdrawal effects. Tramadol was the hardest and nortriptyline was hard because I was on it the longest. I have chronic pain from migraines to arthritis complications. I felt so off balance without my nortriptyline. When I started the nortriptyline I felt so good. I could sleep again, my mind cleared. Everyone is different but most important go slow. The longer it takes the easier it is. Good luck, maybe you will find a healthier way to manage besides meds. I had no doctor to guide me, which was unfortunate.

Rufus07 profile image
Rufus07 in reply toSugaree

thank you for the advice!

Gbrooklyn303 profile image
Gbrooklyn303

I would advise against stopping your meds altogether. Wean off before you do this.

Rufus07 profile image
Rufus07 in reply toGbrooklyn303

oh for sure I would do that! Even that’s scary though.

I'm sorry you are struggling and unable to find a medication regimen that works for you. Stopping all meds without the guidance of a therapist can be traumatic. I would suggest finding a different therapist. That.might help. Also, there is a genetic test that can be done that determines which meds wotk best for individuals. I would ask about having that done as it might help determine what combination of meds work best for you.

Stay hopeful.

Rufus07 profile image
Rufus07 in reply toDesperate4Happiness

I’ve never heard of genetic testing to determine meds. That is something I’ll have to look into.as far as docs go, I’ve tried so many, I’ve kinda given up on finding one that works for me.

Reddrum1 profile image
Reddrum1 in reply toRufus07

I have been on meds for mental health. I think I have been on everything out there. Some nights I wish I did not need them. I wish I could just lay down without going to the bathroom to take them.

Here's a link worth information:

genesight.com

Most insurances cover it.

Rufus07 profile image
Rufus07 in reply toDesperate4Happiness

Thank you! Can’t wait to read it!

zpew04 profile image
zpew04

Change your diet first. For me, getting off of refined sugar helped. It is hard because I like it alot.

My tinnitus is the feedback.

I recently change my meds with my new psychiatrist. Her philosophy is the meds are to help us control the symptoms. Now, we can think rationally and make changes in our life.

Her regiment was slowly reduce your current meds and then transition to the new.

I've gone "cold turkey" before. When I got stressed, it was not pretty. Anger is not a pleasant characteristic.

(I get stressed easily).

Recently, I've added Lions Mane to my supplements. It helps

This is a slow process. Journal your symptoms and results. This an individual effort so the measurement is how you feel long term.

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