Chronically Depressed? What to Do When Antidepressants Don't Work

Reader Comments
Back to article

I have taken Effexor xr 37.5 mg for four days and been deathly ill. I have tried Celexa ten years ago and the same thing happened. Eventually after two months of being bedridden, with an upset stomach and unable to eat anything because of loss of appetite, I started to be able too move. I'm not sure if I can continue with this since I have been through it before but also don't wanna go back to the random crying and anxiety. I seem to have an extremely sensitive stomach the doctor says? Does anyone possibly know (doctor or psychiatrist or those that have a weak stomch) know of an antidepressant that is less on the stomach. I am very weak and can barely walk to the bathroom and the night sweating and insomnia are horrid as well. I said I never wanted to ever go through this crap again and here I am.

Ruby 10:57PM February 19, 2013

i was diagnosed with OCD, anxiety disorder, and major depression around a couple years ago. i have tried 2 different medications (citalopram, prozac) and neither have done anything to improve my overall mental health. the doctor is now prescribing me on zoloft. i dont have faith that it will, and even if it were to work, i am not so sure that i want to rely on medication to solve my problems. i believe that i must solve my problems head on by coaching myself cognitively, without depending on anti-depressants. unfortunately, i find myself incapable of doing so and i feel hopeless in the sense that i can not see my condition improving. i lack motivation, energy, and the will to lead a happy life because i do not see the point in doing so. i have a nasty habit of believing that my existence is futile, along with everyone and everything. of course, i feel happiness would result from believing in the contrary, but i just cant do so. i dont believe in god, or the afterlife, so what is the point of getting up in the morning? what is the point of becoming successful, going out with friends, or leaving a footprint on the planet when i know such nonsense won't improve my mood? i contemplate suicide quite often, but i struggle with the question: is living miserably better than rotting in the ground? i am 17 years old, and i am already binging on drugs such as cocaine, ecstasy, ketamine, and various painkillers. i do so because when i am under the influence, it provides me with temporary relief. right now, thats better than nothing. what i am asking from anyone who can answer, is how can i get out of this slump? and what could i do differently in my life that will improve my overall mood? i would like feedback that does not require psychotherapy or psychiatric medication because i have tried both. for my family's sake, please help me.

filip 2:52AM January 25, 2013

lifelong depression. Been on every antidepressant. Diagnosed PTSD, more meds.
No medication has worked, except Clonazepan for panic, though I'm substituting Valerian Root and GABA. Long term use of SSRI's depletes Serotonin and meds don't work/for other reasons also. I've been told I am atypical, very hard to treat.
I'm going off almost all meds and working with a PTDS therapist. Memory gone, falling alot, breaking bones. Sluggish and disoriented. All side effects. So, wish me luck. I'll get back to the blog and let you know how I am without the anti-depressants..

Mary Shanley of NY 10:41AM January 16, 2013

I have had depression from childhood, my whole life has been miserable. No matter what I do, things go wrong. Have had prozac, sertraline and now venlafaxine, which I have been on for 2 years after a spell in a psychiatric hospital. I now feel depressed again, I take 300mg a day of venlafaxine. Where do I go from here ? I find living a punishment, I would prefer to be dead then I may get some peace.

Maria 6:09AM November 07, 2012

I suffer with major depression. I have been diagnosed with Bipolar 2. I have tried over 20 types of medication (and believe me I know well ahead of time, that it can take 3-4 weeks to start working). The medications made me completely suicidal, manic at times with memory loss, and overall have put me into a complete spiral downwards. I finally left my job and I have been working and on my own since I was 13 years old (Mom was totally bipolar and Dad abandoned the family). I have worked ever since doing every job imaginable to try to make my life better and have had the demeaning treatment when trying to get any assistance for disability from our Provincial Government. If I told you what they told me to do to make money; you would NEVER believe it. It makes me feel worse as I notice that the people that are actually High on Crack or whatever else, get their cheques immediately upon showing up, me..nope, I have to fight to get any help, even a food voucher. I am disgusted with life. And no Jesus doesn't love me. He doesn't exist in my world anymore, religion teaches you to be fearful and judgmental. People tell me: Chin - Up: It could be worse; you are strong; and all other kinds of insensitive garbage. For anyone else that is like me or has family that are having problems as least please don't feel alone, I feel the pain that you are experiencing.

Jonesy 4:13PM October 11, 2012

Fantastic beat ! I wish to apprentice at the same time as you amend your web site, how can i subscribe for a blog website? The account helped me a applicable deal. I have been tiny bit familiar of this your broadcast offered shiny transparent idea

l High PR Backlink Pyramid u of TX 2:25AM September 03, 2012

i have been on 200mg sertraline daily but still feel low and trapped and like i want to get away i was moved onto sertraline from fluoxetine 60mg daily as both these drugs have been given in maximum dose i feel helpless

big p 10:24AM June 19, 2012

I have been suffering from Major Depression for about 9 months now and I have tried 2 meds(Viibryd & on Zoloft Curently). None of these meds improved my condition in a way that I could say that I was getting to the person to whom I was before. Sometimes it's so bad that I feel like I am going mad. The medication is keeping the suicidal thoughts at bay for now. But when it stops working, I do not know what I will do. I am curently looking into ECT because I think this depresion is drug treatment resistant. It sucks really. I never thought that a human being can actually feel this way at all. It is like literally hell on earth!!!!! I hope ECT works for me.

sonny of NY 2:39PM May 02, 2012

N very understanding. I started seeingI have sufferd savere depression fo 23yrs and through i have 7 children and suffered and kepted everything under control. I also have had a marriage that has not been understandind. After all my children were born i started seeing many doctors and taking different types of medications that work and then dont thought oowf going under electroshock treatment but am afraid what should i do.

maria rivas of IL 9:04PM January 22, 2012

euthanasia is the only cure for depression antidepressants and therapy dont cure being broke because no one will hire you or make people care about you . Some people have a good life while others are cursed . It is not like you had a choice not to be born in this world . Animals have it made when they are unwanted they are put out of there misery . Humans are forced to live a life they are unhappy with and have to put up with people telling you jesus loves you. If jesus loved me i wouldnt be miserable. I feel like hitting those people in the head with baseball bat and then tell them jesus loves you.

keith of 5:42AM June 22, 2011