Depression Support Group
Depression is a real and debilitating condition that is often misunderstood by family and friends. Its meaning can range from a prolonged period of sadness to an actual mental illness with specific symptoms. Find and share experiences with others who are going through the same struggles.
I'm having problems with my meds that i am currently on.lithium 1200 reduced to 900.Zoloft 200mg and Wellbutrin 150mg.I had hope when I went to get help,now I'm getting discouraged.Bad shaking,tightness and "popping jaw".I was wondering what the "survey says" about which meds work for everybody.I have to switch soon.
My advice:
1. After switching medicine or up-down the dosages if you:
a. Feel worse that means it's not working so you may go back to the original doze/drugs
b. Always give yourself a break time when switch medicine, sometimes it takes longer time to be effective and your dr. should tell you that
c. Keep in mind that all drugs are helping you to cope with depression not a cure. You really need to work on the depression also with your effort and that include:
1. Manage your medicine
2. Finding the drug you are taking info from support group or Internet {which is what you are doing now]
3. Under the drug influence, the minute you start feeling better, you need to work on the preparation of getting better not standstill.
[Manage your life better, solve the problems lead to your depression or learn how to let it go, exercise and looking for natural way to get yourself better rather than relying 100% on drugs
4. Knowing all drugs are chemical related, some are toxic to your body and some will create dependency.... so gradually reduce the dosage is always the right thing to do.
5. Dont get panic; take a hot bath to relax yourself unless you have heart problem or doctor warning not to do so.
Cheer.
PS. if this does not help you, please ignore.
Whenever your symptom is getting worse, the worst thing is getting more panic. How to deal with this kind situation all depend on your past experience how do handle better. The way work for me is to repeat a positive sentence over and over again and stay the most comfortable position you can manage. Or just simply say THIS WILL GO AWAY SOON 100 times because it will go away. Your condition is caused simply by drug reaction so also drink some water to tone it down will help you too.
And Welcome to DS!
If I were you, the first thing I will do is to change your avatar. It is very depressing to see that everyday. Please pick up something more cheerful to get your start on the recovery road.
If you have time please read my new thread: 2nd doctor opinion. There are some information you need to know because you are not the only one feel this way here.
I am very serious about the period when you switch medicines. My common sense taught me that before one drug is completely out of your system you should not take the other drug at all. Who knows what kind of chemical reaction will occur when 2 conflicting each other. I am very surprised about no doctor think that there should be a transition period before you switch medicine. I read more and more people has serious affects after switching medicine.
For rich people, it is almost a commonsense to have 2nd or even third doctor opinion on any of their diagnosis. Middle income American usually stick with one doctor from the beginning to the end. We pay more and get less.
It seems like more and more people with depression has serious issues with their treatment especially during the switching medicine or changing the dosages. I understand fully that each drug may work differently with patient and the only way your doctor can find out which one will work for you is by constantly switching prescriptions.
I would like to suggest all of us start becoming you 2nd opinion doctor by getting more involve with your own treatment. He following listed most important things you need to be aware and share with your doctor.
They are:
1. History of your depression
2. List of all prescriptions you have taken and make comments on each one
3. Goggle search all anti-depression/anxiety medicines to get better understanding of it's side effect and contents.
4. Study with your support group to learn new therapy or new information
5. You should be the one know your own condition better than anyone else. So speak out your problem when visit your doctor and make sure you don't forget any important details.
6. When switching medicines, Make sure ask your doctor what do you need to prepare if serious condition occur.
7. Don't just rely on your doctor, you need to make all efforts to your recovery also.