Ssri plus mood stabaliser?

[Bluecity]

Hi all. I've been on an SSRI for 18 months, increased last week. My psychologist has suggested I look at having a mood stabaliser at same time as my current medication.

Has anyone else done that and can you tell me about your experience?

[Guest_9809]

Hello Bluecity and welcome to the Beyond Blue Forums.

You havent told us a lot about yourself. I can reassure you the Forums are a safe place to speak openly and are moderated to ensure safety and anonymity.

Can I ask you a few questions to help both myself and other responders to better advise you? Has your GP prescribed the SSRI you are on now, or have you seen a psychiatrist in the past who prescribed them? As you would know, a psychologist is unable to prescribe medications. What therapy are you currently undergoing with your psychologist, and how helpful are you finding it? Can you elaborate a little more on your current diagnosis?

It is my understanding that mood stabilisers are generally prescribed for bipolar disorders, however they can also be added to AD medication for Major Depression when you are not responding to ADs alone. Where SSRI medications aim to lift your mood out of a depressive episode, mood-stabilizing medication helps to regulate your mood and to keep moods from fluctuating dramatically.

I have no experience with mood stabilisers myself, although I have heard that they carry a number of unpleasant side effects. If you are considering this option, I would strongly advise that you seek a consultation with a psychiatrist. Ask your GP for a referral. A psychiatrist is the best person to review your current medications and to assess any need for a mood stabiliser. Your psychologist cannot prescribe meds.

There are a number of existing threads here on the Depression forums which you may like to have a browse through. Other members stories and experiences may prove helpful to you.

I'm sure there will be others who will be happy to share their experiences with you. It is often a bit quiet over the weekend, hence a lack of responders until now. But I expect you will find other members will respond to you during the week.

I would also suggest you post a question to our resident health professional, Dr Kim. She has her own thread. Just copy and past the following address into your browser, give some background and ask any questions you have. Dr Kim will respond next time she's in, which is usually a couple of times a week.

https://www.beyondblue.org.au/get-support/online-forums/treatments-health-professionals-and-therapies/got-a-question-related-to-mental-health-ask-dr-kim

I am sorry I could not be more help to you Bluecity, but I hope you will post again.

Taurus

[Bluecity]

Hey ,

my GP prescribed the SSRI. I felt an improvement for about 6 months but gradually got worse again. Currently on the full dose of the SSRI.

wake up with anxiety and depression then from about 2pm start to level out.

the SSRI I think has done some great work. I also have seen my psychologist 10 times this year. She helps me be more positive about myself and about how my brain works. I've also been diagnosed on the low level of the spectrum.

im not working at the moment and each time I've had a job in the past few years I've become dark/depressed and anxious. Kinda tired of how my brain is, still get things done during day.

At a loss, hence wanting to know more about mood stabalisers before I talk to doc or psychiatrist about them.