Is there really any medication that helps very much with depression?

Question

I've suffered from depression since I was in the 3rd. grade. I now take cymbalta,limictal and provigil. There are times when I feel happy but there is also an underlying sadness that rears it's ugly head when I least expect it. I'm afraid I'll never get any better.
I've tried prozac,wellbutrin and one other med. I don't remember. Any suggestions?

Answer 1

I don't have the answer but I'd like to keep track of this question in case there is one.
I too have depression yet I've never tried medication because I doubt it works. If one thing did, it'd be quite popular.
Perhaps you can ask your doctor, or pharmacist, provided they are people who actually care (unlike mine). It sounds like you have tried some medicine already that didn't quite do the trick, so try different advice routes as well. Perhaps a psychiatrist.

Answer 2

I have not heard good things about Cymbalta but everyone responds differently to medication. Cymbalta has a tendency to make you very tired, try taking it in the evening or right before you go to bed, if you don't already. Were you put on provigil at the same time or shortly after being started on Cymbalta to try and divert sleepiness? If you are experiencing a fog of lethargy on most days, that is going to increase your depressive symptoms. You might ask your doctor about trying you on a different SSRI. A lot of people have good responds to Lexapro but some people may experience sexual dysfunction as a side effect from taking the medication.

Answer 3

There's a lot of good answers here. Let me just add a bit that has not really been discussed.

Try a 'good, solid' multi-vitamin (I mean something that has "the works" in it). In addition to that, add a B-50, and a Selenium supplement (at least 100mcg).

None of this should clash with your current medication; you are just giving your body what it needs (after all, we are just biological machines that have standard needs without which the machinery will malfunction).

When you do get to feeling better (and it may take weeks to get to this point), you may even start getting off of the anti-depressants (and away from all of the side-effects). When you've been off for some time (a couple of weeks), switch to herbal supplements (like St. John's Wort, up to about 900mg of standardized extract a day).

I've seen this work for quite a few people, including myself. There is some research to show that there is a nutritional component to depression -- something doctors often overlook. Specifically the B vitamins and the Selenium.

(Note that you can overdose with Selenium, there are subtle symptoms when you get there, but it'll take some time, maybe months, before it becomes an issue.)

The points mentioned in the other answers (change of scene, friends who will stick with you, etc.) are all helpful. You can use all the help you can get! So put them all to work.

Answer 4

There is no quick fix to depression, the medications out there are really good you just need to find the right one for you. A understanding doctor also helps. I have had depression for a long time, and i have tried about 7 different medications. I use cypramyl at the moment but everyone is different.Those that give you stupid answers just have absolutely no idea. A councilor would also be helpful as this might find the root of your depression and you can work things out from there.
I can't say I am happy all the time, but no one is, but i cry so easily and find it very hard to control my emotions especially if i miss my tablet. I hope you find happiness or a nice balance ...take care. Good Luck

Answer 5

My concerns are with you as it is unfortunate that you have to be on a cocktail of depression medications. Long term reliance on any drugs has never been good. But then again, you may have felt that these drugs have worked well for you.

Here is an article that may be relevant to your situation
http://www.healthandwellnesscentral.com/Article/Are-Antidepressants-For-Depression-The-Right-Decision/16202

There are also alternative treatments for depression that you may wish to consider trying. How effective? It really depends from person to person. But since most of them are natural, there is no harm trying. Here are more articles that you can read up on this topic
http://www.healthandwellnesscentral.com/Category/Depression/73

Of course, do check with your doctor first before proceeding with any of the depression alternative treatments.

Answer 6

3rd grade? Wow, that's young. Have you had any blood tests done to check your hormones or for Vitamin deficiencies? Do you have allergies? These things can all contribute to depression or make it worse.

There are lots of meds for depression and it can take awhile to find the right one(s) that works best for you. So, keep going.

Answer 7

Take a good quality fish oil supplement. Make sure it has plenty of DHA.
http://www.mskcc.org/mskcc/html/69316.cfm

http://www.webmd.com/depression/news/20021018/fish-oil-eases-depression

If you use fish oil, start with one a day and gradually work to 3-6 grams over several months to get used to it and prevent bleeding from the blood thinning properties.
Do not take it if you use blood thinners.

Answer 8

i heard a guy on the radio only yesterday talking about depression.he was in a bad way he said in and out of hospital he started setting small goals for himself regarding exercising. hye started with 5 minutes .he coped with that and increased the time by 1 minute each time .he says this saved him and now he feels on top of the world.apparently exercising releases endorphins..and they are crucial to good mental health..for everyone ..exercising can be walking up and down your stairs walking up and down your garden path.doingsit ups push ups etc you dont have to buy anything to exercise.best of all go for a walk jog or run..good luck and do it..

Answer 9

Dont underestimate regular breathing as it rejuvenate your vital parts: heart, lung, kidney, etc. no matter how depress you are. take a walk too at least 30 minutes and talk to God.
Have faith. Do you read the Bible? well, prayer promotes protein in the brain that circulates in our physical; hence, it restores dead cells. Seek joy. also take multi-vitamins. try SUALENE CAPSULE, a fish livel oil once week before breakfast. Understand also that 99% are depressed coz. we are in age of depression. No one killer plus heart attack and bp

Answer 10

See depression treatments/resources at http://www.ezy-build.net.nz/~shaneris on page 2, and consider your options.