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Question

What is the best depression treatment?

I have been suffering from major depression and anxiety. My doctor has previously put me on Lexapro, Ziprexa and Allegron but none of these has helped. On the contrary, I had severe side effects such as heart palpitations, swelling, interrupted sleep, drowsiness, extreme tiredness, dizziness, nausea, lack of taste sensation, and worst of all – I gained 20kg in just over 1 month, which I can’t lose. She’s now put me on Efexor- XR but I am still worried about the side effects. I am feeling rather desperate as if the Efexor does not work either my doctor didn’t give me any other option. Please help! Is there any other treatment or alternative treatment, which may be helpful? Could you please share your experience as to what has helped you to recover from depression other than drugs?
Thank you!

Answer 1

i suffer from depression but now mainly anxiety,panic disorder agraphobia and social phobia----a mouthful and life is not always the best.
Unfortunately for myself i am allergic to all antidepressants.
So the depression has had to be put in the mind over matter place in my head.I do take medications for anxiety and am also starting therapy soon two differnt types, one on one with a phycologist doing cognitive behavoiur therapy(changing the way i think and learning different ways of thinking)And also exposure therapy (going out the house to do things i have to do and when i am ready going out the house to do things that every one else can like coffee etc)Although i am scarred of the exposure therapy i have been living in my house since 2001 and only going out once a fortnight to the doctors and to do shopping.In my head i have lived in walls for way too long and i am too young to keep on doing it.So i have to make myself.
As for your question if this current antidepressant doesnt work or has a bad effect on you gps can only give certain antidepressants on the other have physciatrists can prescribe totally different ones(might be worth looking into)
When i was tring different anti depressants due to the allergic reactions my doctor gave me very small amounts.
If by some miricle a different antidepressent was available i would not try it unless i was under medical supervision (hospital)i hope that i have helped to some degree.

Answer 2

I don't know where you live but I know of an organization, non-profit, non-religious, old and has chapters in many countries which may help. It helped me years ago and I know it is still in operation.

It is "Recovery Incorporated" founded by Abraham A, Low, MD, in 1937. It is an organization staffed by trained specialists who use the techniques developed by Dr. Low and outlined in his book, "Mental Health through will training", Willett Publishing Co., Glencoe Illinois, 60022, 1997. The book has been in continuous print since 1950.

This organization can be accessed at:

www.recovery-inc.org or by writing to:

Recovery Inc, 802 North Dearborn Street, Chicago Illinois, 60610 Tel. [phone]

The organization has chapters in many cities around the world.

Good luck, good mental health, peace and Love!

Answer 3

I have suffered with manic depression for most of my life, never taken any medication - my choice. Have recently written an article "Do not drug us - Understand us" I do also have aspergers but article really applies to manic side can view via my web site http://www.asplanet.info/ also in same section (which is under AS Symptoms - main menu -Do not Drug us - Understand us) an article by Stephen Fry The Secret Life of the Manic Depressive
http://www.bbc.co.uk/health/tv_and_radio...
documentary.shtml Also great quote by him:
"But the idea that once you start on medication and each time you go off it you seem to get worse is a very grim one."
Another fact to consider AMA figures say over 100,000 people die each year from prescription drugs taken exactly as they were prescribed.
I truly believe there are other way apart from medication, as your read in my article my mother was medicated all her life, never found her true self and never found happiness. A sad lost individual, she died last year and my search for answers has helped me to find, understand and be my true self. Recently diagnosed with aspergers again suggested to take medication, declined as it is my choice and there really are other way - lots more in my article, but exercise and healthy living the key.