new medication needed

[telemetry9]

Does anyone know of any new drugs that are coming on to the market. I seem to be in the position that I'm running out of options after taking various medications for the last 20 years.
My last drug was cymbalta which sort of worked for about 2 years and now I am retracing my steps and back on Lustral. I am suffering because lustral also stopped working for me a long time ago but I have gone back on it because it was so successful for me in the past - but I can feel myself slipping a little more each day and i know instinctively that it isn't working. The cymbalta withdrawals weren't a nice experience but I did it on my own.
My doctor seems frustrated that my medication only works for a year or two at most but I don't think that's my fault.
I'm really struggling with what to do next and have even been thinking about taking something just to stop the pain of the depression that is beginning to consume everything.
Exercise and keeping busy doesn't touch it and I am so angry with everything and everyone.
I know I will have to suggest new medication to my doctor as she has no new ideas. I've been looking at amitryptaline as an option but which is quite old but I haven't tried before but have heard its an excellent medication. I just wonder if anyone has been in a similar position or what drug seems to work best for them.
I hope i can make it through this new stage of struggle with depression.

 

[yakuza]

Amitriptyline

Hi Telemetry,

I have a friend who takes this medication.
She's been on them for around 2 years with a 1 month break in between.

The usual dosage is between 50 & 100mg although they can go up to 150mg.

The only problem that she has reported is that the meds tend to wear off before the next dose (she takes them in the evening only) and can make you feel rather agitated.

I have no idea if you can take these meds 2 or 3 times a day (it would make sense to me) but you can check this with your doctor.

Hope that's of use to you

 

[daffy]

I was on amytryptiline many years ago and didnt find it greatly helpful. It did however give me dreadful shakes .

I think its all down to trial and error and down to what suits you best. Just because a particular med is good for one person does not mean that it will be right for you. I do agree tho that meds can stop having an effect after a while.

 

[dunglen]

hi

i was on 10mg of amytryptiline for pain relief. I did not like the effect the tablet had so only took a few.

Was not prescribed this for depression - was on Citilapram then Fluoxitine

hope you get something that helps

 

[midnight]

hiya - I have been through the medicine chest like you - I was on venlafaxine for quite a while and that seemed to work for me. Its deemed to be one of the treatment resistant drugs i.e. you get it if things are not responding to other treatments.

I found it took a while before I noticed a difference - say 6 weeks - but after that it seemed to do the job ok

 

[telemetry9]

Thank you for your suggestions. I will have to remember about Venlafexine in the future.

I called my GP today and managed to talk with her. I wrote stuff down on paper so I knew what to say. She was helpful and asked me what I wanted to try next.

So now I am beginning amitriptyline tonight. I'm a little nervous and worried it will be a dead end for me but I have to give it a try.

Thank you for your helpful suggestions everyone.

I will let you know how the amitriptyline works.

thanks

 

[Louise 28]

meds

Im on venlafaxine, and like Midnight said, It was something they put me on after trying lots of other stuff first, other stuff which didnt seem to have any positive effect for me.

It worked for me, well generally works. Still get my lows, but they tend to have trigger situations. So Id say it could be a possible good drug for trying.

Good luck on the meds you have today.

There are a few meds that the specialists say take time to build up a full level of strength in your system- bear it in mind if you can with any/ but in specific venlafaxine/ effexor takes apparently 7-14 days to get to a full dose in your system.

 

[telemetry9]

I began taking the amitryptiline last night - woke up this morning feeling very sleepy and sort of drugged. However: I did wake up at 8am which wasn't too bad and managed to get a lot done about the house. I even managed to go for a walk in a very different place and change my routine.

I feel still very relaxed and sleepy but more positive than yesterday. It's early days but I know that medication is completely individual and no same rule could be applied to two people.

robert.

 

[yakuza]

I began taking the amitryptiline last night - woke up this morning feeling very sleepy and sort of drugged. However: I did wake up at 8am which wasn't too bad and managed to get a lot done about the house. I even managed to go for a walk in a very different place and change my routine.

I feel still very relaxed and sleepy but more positive than yesterday. It's early days but I know that medication is completely individual and no same rule could be applied to two people.

robert.

Hi Robert,

I'm glad you're settling in with the new meds.
Obviously it can take time for these new ones to get into your system properly but from what you've said,so far so good

 

[Dollit]

Some people find that mood stabilisers can be effective against medication resistant depression. Not being solely depressive I can't comment on that but I do know people who report at their effectiveness.

 

[Fedup]

After trying loads of differant anti-d's they gave me venlafaxine ............. i had a bad side effect to it ,so had to come off it.

I now take escitalopram , don't think it's amazing but i havn't got any side effects with it.

I take amitriptyline on an evening , that's more for relaxtion though.

 

[telemetry9]

I noticed a big change today. Much more relaxed about things in general and not half as tormented by anxiety.

I have hope.

 

[Fedup]

I noticed a big change today. Much more relaxed about things in general and not half as tormented by anxiety.

I have hope.

glad to read it , hope it continues

 

[telemetry9]

thank you

 

[Dollit]

I think if I have hope then I know I have life but when hope goes, even if it's only for a short time, I can't see the future.