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sad_confused1 Change of Meds
  • replies: 1

I'm new to this and not sure about anything anymore or if anyone can help.... I was prescribed medication about 15 years ago for a mild case of depression and anxiety, what I now to believe was possibly the result of undiagnosed and untreated Post Na... View more

I'm new to this and not sure about anything anymore or if anyone can help.... I was prescribed medication about 15 years ago for a mild case of depression and anxiety, what I now to believe was possibly the result of undiagnosed and untreated Post Natal Depression. Initally it helped but I was neither happy or sad, just a sense of nothing. I stopped taking it after a year or so and everything was ok for a while but then everything became all too hard and I was put back onto it. Again another year or so passed by and I still felt nothing so again I stopped the meds. A couple of years later there were some really awful events in my life and I crashed. I was precribled several different medications. Eventually things got better but not my depression and anxiety. I suffered the usual side effects, weight gain, low libido and found that I was becoming more and more withdrawn and tended to isolate myself from friends and family. Time passed and I continued with medication just accepting that this was my lot in life and that I would never truely be happy again. And whenever things get too much I get prescribed a different medicaition to help with anxiety (which is something I don't like to take unless absolutely necessary). A year or so ago I stupidly ran out of my meds and within a couple of days my whole world came crashing down and I was an emotional mess. I went back to the doctor and was told that I had done the wrong thing but it was a good thing as the one I was on was not the best drug to be on as it could be dangerous. I was then prescribed something different and things improved again but as before, suffered the usual side effects, more weight gain, low libido, and again not truely happy, just living day to day. I recently returned to my doctor as my weight has become a problem so he decided to change me to another medication as this was supposed to help me with loosing a little weight as well as treat my depression. Within a couple of days I was a mess, crying uncontrollably for no apparent reason, always tired, unable to sleep and at times I was totally irrational. The slightest thing would set me off and I would scream hysterically. Back to the doctor again and he doubled my dosage plus prescribed me something else. After a couple of weeks there was no improvement so back to the doctor again and I've now been prescribed a couple of medications I had some time ago. What am I asking ??? I don't know... I'm tired and just want to get better and be happy

Mallee57 The Correct Medication ?
  • replies: 3

hello everyone This is my first post here on beyondblue. I was diagnosed with Bipolar as well as a couple of other ailments. I have tried several medications including three different SNRI antidepressants and two different SSRI antidepressants etc...... View more

hello everyone This is my first post here on beyondblue. I was diagnosed with Bipolar as well as a couple of other ailments. I have tried several medications including three different SNRI antidepressants and two different SSRI antidepressants etc.... I went and visited my new Psychiatrist yesterday for the 2nd time and he suggested I try the following: 1) A mood stabiliser medication two times a day. In the morning and in the evening. This is to treat the Bipolar 2) A small dose of an antipsychotic medication often used in bipolar. This is to treat my sleeping problem. I had my first mood stabiliser yesterday about lunchtime and I felt O.K. with it except later on where I felt a slight kind of spaced out type feeling but nothing of concern. Then last night I had at around 6:30pm the antipsychotic tablet as the Psychiatrist said to take it about 4 hours before bedtime. Anyway at about 8:30pm I could not keep my eyes open and totally flaked it and woke up this morning at about 7:30 am. I did one time during the night go sluggishly once to the toilet. Anyway today I still have a tired sluggish feeling and I am slightly irritable and a bit touchy. I then went online a read some comments about both medications and the comments were a bit scary to say the least. The antipsychotic contributes greatly to weight gain and extreme feelings of tiredness and the mood stabiliser can cause depression and suicidal thoughts, and can cause liver problems etc.... I mean why do these specialists (Psychiatrists) prescribe medications which do these things to people? I really do not understand this at all. My Psychiatrist never asked me my medical history etc.... Yes, He did have some previous documents I gave him about my initial diagnosis about Bipolar and what medications I have tried but that's all. So now I am all freaked out and not knowing what to try (Medications) if any at all. Any advice would be welcome. Cheers, Mallee

Wants2smile Does medication help?
  • replies: 1

Hi im 24 and i have anxiety & depression. I grew up bullied most my school days. Both my parents worked hard so they were never really home. I delt with things by locking myself in my room and fakeing a smile the next day. I find my anxiety gets wors... View more

Hi im 24 and i have anxiety & depression. I grew up bullied most my school days. Both my parents worked hard so they were never really home. I delt with things by locking myself in my room and fakeing a smile the next day. I find my anxiety gets worse in public, i feel like im being judged or something bad is going to happen. At night i have trouble sleeping and have feelings that someone is going to break into my own. The last few weeks my anxiety has got worse were im house bound now. Going to the shops is a freak out and i cant handle it anymore. I seeking help about medication to help do they help or do more harm than good. I have a 2 yr old daughter that needs my full attention and i want to be able go outside with her and take her to the park. Please help i want to be happy

Bec05 What other help is out there for depression?
  • replies: 3

I've struggled with depression & PTSD for 8 years. I've seen several psychologists, psychiatrists and been in hospital twice. A new medication or conseller seems to help for a couple of months then i just seem to go back to the start again and feelin... View more

I've struggled with depression & PTSD for 8 years. I've seen several psychologists, psychiatrists and been in hospital twice. A new medication or conseller seems to help for a couple of months then i just seem to go back to the start again and feeling suicidal and not enjoying anything. I was recently told by a psychiatrist that conselling and medication don't work for me. I want to know what other help is there? What have others tried?

Sweetdreams Never ending binge eating
  • replies: 1

I've lost the plot and can't control my eating. I've always struggled with food, but never have been overweight as I've always been able to stay committed and a binge sesh has only every lasted a day or 2 before getting back on track. But since start... View more

I've lost the plot and can't control my eating. I've always struggled with food, but never have been overweight as I've always been able to stay committed and a binge sesh has only every lasted a day or 2 before getting back on track. But since started meds about 8 months ago I've gained a whopping 30 kg. and have spiralled into more self hate and emotional eating. Bingeing most days. Please help me- I don't know where to turn? Has anyone had similar problems and overcame them? thanks.

dano How to find the right help?
  • replies: 2

How do you know if you need a psychologist, clinical psychologist or a psychiatrist? And how do you find that right person? I know i can do a search on here, but it's just a long list of names. How do i sort through them and pick the right person for... View more

How do you know if you need a psychologist, clinical psychologist or a psychiatrist? And how do you find that right person? I know i can do a search on here, but it's just a long list of names. How do i sort through them and pick the right person for me? Do they offer a test drive? It's kinda confusing knowing you need help but don't know where to go.

Scotty2013 Cure or Maintanance
  • replies: 5

Hi BBr's was thinking do you think there's such thing as a cure?, or is it maintenance?, like to hear your thoughts. TC.

Hi BBr's was thinking do you think there's such thing as a cure?, or is it maintenance?, like to hear your thoughts. TC.

miss_weepy Just diagnosed,looking for tips
  • replies: 10

Hi there, I was diagnosed with depression/anxiety yesterday, and my psychiatrist has put me on antidepressants. Ive never taken them before and i start tomorrow. Ive been told 1/2 tablet daily for 1 week 1 tablet daily the following week and 1 and 1/... View more

Hi there, I was diagnosed with depression/anxiety yesterday, and my psychiatrist has put me on antidepressants. Ive never taken them before and i start tomorrow. Ive been told 1/2 tablet daily for 1 week 1 tablet daily the following week and 1 and 1/2 tablets daily the following week which will be 75 mg its only a month trial to see how it works out for me as im new to it and my GP will be able to lower my dosage if required. Is there anyone out there who is on, or has been on antidepressants who can tell me how it worked out for them? Im dont know how active this forum is so not sure if anyone will even see this post but im looking for all of the support i can get seeing as though i get none from my family. If anyone can direct me to information, resources, other online communites or any information or tips that they feel like sharing with me then it would be much appreciated. I know i cant solely rely on the antidepressants to help me but I want to add that it was a SUGGESTION by the psychiatrist and I chose to give them a go, id like to find out for myself. Anyway thanks to anyone who takes the time to read or respond xx

flagpole confused and needing help
  • replies: 2

Hi, I have been dealing with depression for many years and have deteriorated in recent years (3 stressful pregnancies and pre term babies and several other contributing factors). I am on a farm and pretty isolated and alone so find it impossible to d... View more

Hi, I have been dealing with depression for many years and have deteriorated in recent years (3 stressful pregnancies and pre term babies and several other contributing factors). I am on a farm and pretty isolated and alone so find it impossible to do the recommended abc things to keep mentally healthy so thought it was time for medication. I started taking 25mg of X on tues and was feeling pretty revolting side effects. By thurs my depression levels had dramatically deteriorated and was feeling unsafe which has never happened before. I saw a dr on Fri who recommended trying a day off the X and if I didn't feel any better to start taking it again at 50mg or try a new type of drug (Y). I have had little sleep all week and feel unable to make a decision right now. I would like to see a psychiatrist to find out what medication would definitely suit my situation but there isn't any of those services here. I am not too far from Albany, is there any psychiatrists there that anyone knows of? Don't know what to do, looking for advice and need help urgently. Thanks.

Chin_Up New Dosage
  • replies: 2

Hi all fellow bber's, My doctor recently increased my anti-depressant from 10mg to 20mg. I was just starting to feel great on the first dosage but now I have similar side effects from when I first started medication, the insomnia is exhausting. Do yo... View more

Hi all fellow bber's, My doctor recently increased my anti-depressant from 10mg to 20mg. I was just starting to feel great on the first dosage but now I have similar side effects from when I first started medication, the insomnia is exhausting. Do you think I will adjust to the increased dosage faster the second time around? Shattered I'm back in this position. ChinUp.