Posted , 4 users are following.
Hello everyone, my first thread.
I've suffered from depression for years and it was under control until 4 or 5 months ago and since then trying various medications I've been up but mostly feeling really down.
I used to be on Citalopram and Amitriptyline but I stopped taking the Amitriptyline because of possible serotonin syndrome causing problems, a year later I went to see the doctor with increased anxiety and depression.
So the doctor prescribed Sertraline (dose?) which made by anxiety worse and then Mirtazapine (upto 45mg) which didn't help with the depression.
Now, my question-
Do you think that's the end if it with regard to what medications they can prescribe as that's what the doctor said today?
I have been referred for CBH, but I did insist that he made me an appoitment to see someone further with regarding a medication that may help.
1 like, 8 replies
Andrew_2007
Posted
elizabeth20203 Andrew_2007
Posted
carolyn88417 Andrew_2007
Posted
patricia85842 Andrew_2007
Posted
I was on Venlafaxine for 10 years then 2 years ao it stopped working. O was tried on Sertraline and Citalapram but they didn't work. Then Mirtazapine up to 45 mg then my doctor put me back on Ven up to 225 mg. I felt awful the whole time as nothing worked. I was also getting very worried as I wondered what they could do next.
Last Thursday I saw a physchiatristat the local hospial who said she was prescribing Mirtazapine 15 mg and 150 Venlafaxine. I said even thougth they don't work. She said sometimes they don't work singly but they are excellent in combination. I came home really upset as I couldn't see this working.
Then 6 days later I had a fantastic day but I had still been bad on waking. Today I didn't have that awful feeling on waking that was the first time for 2 years. I feel completely back to normal and have lots of energy to do various tasks. All I did before was get up late and then lie on the settee for most of the day too tired to do anything.
I did hear that GPs are not allowed to prescribe these drugs in together it has to be a psych. But I was just like you wondering what they could do next so if all else fails perhaps you could try this combination.
Andrew don't despair as I am sure your medication will be sorted soon. I was despairing and couldn't believe that at last was finally getting the right drug
Good luck and let me know when you are feeling better as you certainly will be.
Pat.
Andrew_2007
Posted
It helps a lot knowng there're still options available when it comes to choosing a medication, the more research you do the more you realise that making such decisions aren't easy at all.
You would think a GP would automatically refer you to a psychiatrist who's more experienced in such matters if you aren't responding to the medications they prescribe.
Pat, I'm so happy for you!
What a feeling it must be to be under the care of someone who has a real confidence in what they prescribe and then it actual starts to work and make you feel better.
I had this confidence initially with my GP but analysing it now I understand they're not expert in such matters which is understandable, it ain't easy at all - what a roller coaster ride it can be.
It didn't help nearly chopping 2 fingers off on a bandsaw 2 months ago, a general anaesthetic for the operation. They've healed remarkably well considering the mess they were in.
Andrew_2007
Posted
Terrible negative thoughts, I have to keep telling myself to shut up!!!
I wish I had kept an accurate diary but at the time it's the last thing that crosses your mind, I started a diary last Sunday.
patricia85842 Andrew_2007
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I asked my GP if I could be referred to a psychatrist at the hospital. She has been a fantastic doctor but she said it doesn't work like that. YOu have to be referred to the local Mental Heath team and if they think you need it they refer you to the hospital. She did refer me to mental health team but I wasn't having to wait for a month for anb assessment and then God knows how long to see a Psych. In th end I phoned them and tolkd them I was feeling awful and could they not expedite the appointment. Long story short I was then referred to the hospital.
As you said you do need to see an expert who reallly knowss about the drugs. I had been seeing GPs for nearly 2 years since my Ven sttopped workin g. They were very good but just kept trying different ADs and changing the dose. I knew that if I could see a psych they would be mor successful and she certainly was!
Can't you push your GP into referring you? You can self refer to our local Mental Health.
I hope you find the right medication soon Andrew. I was really startting to give up hope so don't give up.
Pat
Andrew_2007
Posted
My GP said he would refer me to a psychiatrist a month a go to discuss my medication and then when I saw him yesterday he said it was only for talking therapy!
But because I know he did mention it so when I went to see him yesterday I asked him to arrange it which he did.
Feel a bit better today and a bit of a fraud, yesterday morning when I visited the GP I didn't feel good at all.
I didn't feel good at all on 45mg Mirtazapine so I halved the dose myself ten days ago and maybe it's taken this long to feel the benefits of the reduced dose.
Too many variables to know what's working and what's not!
I'll see how I go.
Thanks Pat
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