I have been on MANY medications since 2001. I guess I had a nervous breakdown then?? I'm not sure what that really means. But I could not eat, sleep, stop crying or even recognize myself! I had every depression symptom in the books, excepting alcohol abuse and a suicide plan. I became emaciated---101 lbs at 5'5"; I dwelt in a nightmare fog. I had daily migraines and felt like a complete wreck, cut off emotionally from everyone except for myself and my own horrified state.

Zoloft saved me at the time. And trazodone for sleep. But they aren't a perfect solution. The apathy/poor judgment is my main complaint about the SSRI's. I've tried instead:

Paxil, Celexa
Trazodone
Wellbutrin
Effexor
Depakote
Lamictal
Zonegran
Trileptal
Geodon
Abilify
Zyprexa
Klonipin
Xanax
Seroquel
no medication at all
counseling

So far ONLY Zoloft relieves my depression--but I want to be myself without it, like I was before 2001! I had had just a few other depressive episodes in my life before then, but not nearly so intense. And it always lifted on it's own sooner or later. But on Zoloft, I'm too entertainment oriented and apathetic. Being on this medication the rest of my life is not acceptable. Plus I *really* don't like what I'm hearing about the dangers of long-term use of SSRI's.

Please, please, share with me your success strategies, if anyone out there has any!

You'll need to be weaned off over a period of time. Please don't try this on your own - let your doctor know you want off the meds.

Getting off SSRI's is tricky. I weaned myself off Prozac, and did it WAY to fast. 5% per week; that's what the experts say. Otherwise you get all kinds of weird and uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms. I ended up going back on. Talk to your doctor...I'm sure he/she will help you taper off...

Thanks so much for answering! I am so glad to hear others have had "issues" getting off of this stuff. Marrin & Robin--as you slowly came down off the SSRI--did you employ any other tactics (besides "weaning") to strengthen you against depressive tendencies? Like, I don't know, meditation? Behavior Mod? Biofeedback? Chocolate?

I have weaned myself from Zoloft 3-4 times before, always under a doctor's supervision. And all that long list of other meds from my opening post above were tried under the supervision of a Psychiatrist who specializes in med management. Both he, and the other doctor I've been too suggested taking 2 weeks to wean off. But I now know better. The third time I went off Zoloft, I nodded politely at what the Dr. said, but then went home and took 2 *months* to do it. After I was med free, I was great for about a month, then relapse slowly set in.

So did you both take longer than two months to kick this stuff? I DO plan to speak to my Psych. about this next visit (in 2 weeks) but may end up finding another one if he doesn't "get it."

Again, thanks so much ladies!

Anyone else have experience? I so much want to hear.

~Lavender

I had clinical depression most of my life before taking Zoloft. It was like a freaking MIRACLE to me when and I finally had a real LIFE!

I took Zoloft for approximately five years and then very slowly weaned myself off.....and my depression is cured. My doctor told me at the time (it's been about six or seven more years since) that studies showed that for some people a five year minimum of taking an SSRI will sometimes "reset" the brain to normal functioning so that you actually cure your depression.

I even live in the Far North, where there is very little sunlight in the winter and don't even suffer from SAD!

As everyone else said, take it verrrry slowly.

When I went through a divorce and was basically holding up the world working two jobs and managing EVERYTHING, my doc suggested I go back on an SSRI to help me cope. I tried, but had an allergic reaction. I tried two before I gave up. I am now ALLERGIC to SSRIs. Go figure. But it's okay, since I don't need them now.

Hello Ladies
What are SSRI's? Are they in the family of Anti-Depresants, or anti-anxiety meds.....or both?
Thanks

Dottie

Hi Dottie how are ya?

SSRI's are "Selective Seratonin Reuptake Inhibitors." They are a type of antidpressants that came out in the late 80's or early 90's. Prozac is probably the best-known brand. Others are Zoloft, Celexa, Paxil, to name a few. I think they are sometimes also used for anxiety.

There. Now you're "in the know." see ya

Lavender

Thanks Sadie! That was helpful. I too live north--people here who know about my depression thing are always assuming it's SAD. But my worst episodes have been in the summer....

So glad for you, that you don't need Zoloft anymore. That gives me hope that I can one day say that. Thanks again.
Lavender

I lived in Eugene for ten years and that was where I got SAD the most. Those gray days are AWFUL because they seem to be endless! At least in Interior Alaska we have sunshine nearly every single winter day, regardless of the darkness surrounding it.

I think gray is far worse than a lot of dark with one bright spot. It sure holds true for me.

You might tell your doc what mine told me and see if he/she can look into the research about that.

Best wishes on that! And hey, life with Zoloft is waaaay better than life with clinical depression! Although Zoloft totally nixed my sex life. Not as bad as menopause has, but it was pretty bad. So I feel for ya!

HUGS,
Sadie

Lav - I totally went about it incorrectly and I'll never make THAT mistake again!

Sorry I ended up hitting "send" too soon.

Anyway, I was on Prozac for a zillion years and I didn't feel it was working on a therpeutic level anymore so decided to quit. I didn't quit cold but I didn't do under a doctor's supervision either. I just started spacing my pills further and further apart, rather than stepping down on dosage. So what was REALLY going on was that peri hit and that was where additional stress and dpression were coming from. So now I am back on Prozac after a year off and am also back on thyroid meds. I guess at this stage of my life I'll just stay on. I feel good - much better than 3-4 months ago.

P.S. Sadie - I am fascinated by your life in Alaska!

Hi Lavender,,

You may or may not have tried St Johns Wort ...When I was weaned of Effexor with Doc supervision. I started on SJW at different times and it has helped so much...We`all have different body chemistry and one thing may work for me and not you and vice versa...

I needed to get off the Effexor because my insurance ran out due to a divorce..So I tried the SJW and it worked..

I pray you are able to get off the SSRs if you want too ..and you find that happy medium that fits you perfect..

Pamela

Thanks so much Pamela! I have never tried St John's Wort. Do you know more about it, like how it works and any other effects it produces besides depression relief? I love the idea of "going herbal" for this--but I always wonder/worry how to know what brand to buy and which claims to believe. Should I go to a naturopath, or is it okay to try on my own?

Sorry to pelt you with so many questions.....

Lavender

I am definitely depressed after having a chronic illness for 6 months that doesn't seem to be going anywhere. I was on Wellbutrin when I got sick, but went off because we thought it might be hurting my liver. I tried to go back on, and had bad side effects (after being on it for 8 years or so with no problems). I then tried Lexapro--different bad side effects. I need something, but my body seems to be so messed up that it rejects medication and even natural supplements. Arghhhh!

Do others have problems with side effects? How long do they tend to last for you?

So glad to hear that some of you are doing well without ADs--or with them--it's doing well that counts!

Chauchat:

I tried many AD's before settling on Prozac. I am not sure why, but it always scared me. It however seems to be the one that helps me the most. It does seems to cause a little stomach upset at first and I have VERY vivid dreams (hey, at least I am sleeping). The other AD's made me very jittery. I also use Remeron for a whilem was given it to help with a sleep disorder and the side affects I had with it were it made me very drowsy (that was the point) and I gained weight. Gaining weight is why I got off of it but I am sure that does not happen to everyone.

Chauchat:

Chauchat,

Prozac was the first SSRI I took in 1998 when I was diagnosed with anxiety/panic disorder. Worked & got off after 6 months because hubby didn't like me to be on it. Then had another episode in 2001, took Celexa. went off it after about a year & a half. Tried going back on Celexa now because of peri & have not had any success with it - causes severe hunger. Tried Lexapro, severe headaches, spaced out... Tried Effexor, again side effects were too strong. Now I'm on generic Prozac 5 mg, just a tiny dose. It helps me a little with energy, but I can't go any higher & anxiety. Tried 7.5mg, tried 10 mg, too strong. I'm also on Ativan.

I've tried to be without them but I couldn't function at work. I think like some of you, my body/nerves has gotten supersensitized with estrogen deficiency, & just reacts badly to all SSRI's or simply drugs. Even antiobiotics cause me GI distress.

I'm staying on Ativan & this Prozac for now during this peri & take it a day at a time. Hang in there. - K

I was on Lexapro for 3 months one winter, then off and did fine until the following winter. Tried Lexapro again, but it didn't help this time. Changed to Effexor, stayed on it for 4 mos. went off and am still doing fine 2 1/2 yrs later. I didn't like the side effects of either one, but they sure lifted the depression and anxiety. I've still got some anxiety issues, but I treat them when I have them instead of having to take and SSRI everyday and having to deal with the side effects of that 24/7.

I had NO problems coming off either of those meds. I still take an occasional Xanex .25 or less when I'm so tight I can't relax, but I'm thankful the depression and constant...I mean CONSTANT crying have lifted. I just know it was hormone fluctuations.

Doin fine now...there IS life after A/D's and it is JOYFUL again!

hugs, cheryl

Thanks so much everybody, for writing out your experiences! This has been great. You guys are the best.

My current plans are to at least reduce the dose of Zoloft--but with each reduction, wait about 3 months to be sure I'm stable before making anymore changes. If I can't ever get all of the way off of it, just a dose reduction will still be much better than 100mg. If I do come all of the way off of it, I'd really like to try St. Johns Wort.

I also currently take Trazadone for sleep, and that is primarily because Zoloft has always exacerbated the insomnia I sometimes get. I'm assuming (hoping?) to be able to reduce the dose of that at the same time. And, all of this of course under my Psychiatrist's supervision. For anyone who wants to use me for a lab rat, I'll try to blog my dose changes on my profile page. And I'll continue to do research on the newest info about SSRI's, from the best sources I can find.

So! Here's hoping I don't completely freak out !! Psh. It wouldn't be the first time.....Take care everybody.

Lavender

Thank you Lavender

Good Luck
Dottie

I suffered terribly from depression after the birth of my second child ten years ago, and took antidepressants to help (non-SSRI at that time) in addition to anxiety and sleep medication. I weaned off successfully, but then went back on during a really bad time in my marriage a few years later. I was on Celexa for about 18 months but kept gaining weight, feeling numb, etc. Once I felt the depression symptoms were better, I started weaning off but had AWFUL withdrawal symptoms (sleeplessness, weird dizzy feelings, etc.). I did alot of research and discovered that 5-HTP (a supplement that is a precursor to serotonin) can help. I started taking 5-HTP along with some other supplements (multivitamin, fish oil, iron), and the withdrawal symptoms definitely eased. Eventually I stopped taking the 5-HTP, but kept taking the other supplements. And I made a commitment to regular exercise, which helped alot too.

Now that I'm full-on in peri, I'm back to taking 5-HTP. I have some of the depression symptoms again, although this is different from before. I'm glad to say that I don't suffer as much from the severe anxiety that always accompanied my depression in the past. However, I constantly feel tired, sad, distant from people, irritable, etc. Life just doesn't feel worth living sometimes--although I'm definitely not suicidal. Just bored and lost and TIRED. Ugh.

So, anyway, sorry for the long story, but there are some ways to make weaning off SSRIs easier. I really think 5-HTP helps. There are lots of sites on the web that explain how it works, and you can buy it in almost any drugstore (in fact, my grocery store sells it).

Best of luck. Sux to be us!!!

Hi LB

Thanks so much for writing out your experiences! What is 5-HTP? And what does the HTP stand for? I would be interested to learn more from you--I know I could google it but I'd like to hear from someone who uses it, not sells it.

Lavender

Here's some info from Wikipedia:

5-Hydroxytryptophan or 5-HTP is a naturally-occurring amino acid, a precursor to the neurotransmitter serotonin and an intermediate in tryptophan metabolism. It is marketed in the United States and other countries as a dietary supplement for use as an antidepressant, appetite suppressant, and sleep aid.


The appetite suppressant part never worked for me! But it definitely helped with the weaning off. I take 100 mg each morning.

I have been reading this thread with interest, and have one question, with all due respect. What is the reason that you want to get off of SSRIs? I'm sure it is a valid reason, but I was just curious--is it because you don't want to take more medicine than you absolutely need; is it because you want to see if you can get by without it; is it for financial reasons or to make life easier (one less pill to take)? All of the above; none of the above; or what?

I started taking Lexapro eight months ago, and after feeling incredibly better, I would not be without it for anything. My husband crashed with depression in 2002, and he's on Lexapro; same thing--it gave him his life back. I don't think either of us wish to try and do without it anytime in the near (or distant) future.

I also work with a woman in her late thirties (no hormone issues yet). She said she took Lexapro in college, then went off of it. She started sinking very slowly; it took maybe ten years to crash, but she did (I was working with her then). She could not get out of bed to come to work and if she did, she would cry at the slightest thing and go home sick. She told me her husband and kids (she has two) didn't want to be around her at home, and she spent a lot of time lying in bed. She almost lost her job, making a lot of mistakes and not getting things done. She was transferred to something simpler (they said "less stressful," but I know it was because she couldn't do the first job). I advised her to talk to a counselor and I suggested that she might need to go on Lexapro again. So she did, and the upsweep was just as good as it was for me and my husband. It took a couple of months, but I could see that she started dressing better, fixing her hair, saying "Hi" to people, smiling; she was coming to work regularly, having a good attitude, and she was upbeat and friendly when she chatted with me.

That was about a year ago, and this last spring she mentioned to me that she was going to taper off of Lexapro again. Why would she do this? I asked her, and she said she "could take care of herself." Okay, so I left her alone. And now, three or four months after she told me that, I can see that she's getting a long face again, and three different times when she has come over to chat with me, she is depressed and has nothing good to say. Oh well. It's her life, but I really do not think she should try to get by without an SSRI.

As Lavender Fields said in her first post:

Quote: But on Zoloft, I'm too entertainment oriented and apathetic. Being on this medication the rest of my life is not acceptable. Plus I *really* don't like what I'm hearing about the dangers of long-term use of SSRI's. Unquote

I have to agree, having spent some years on, and more off, of SSRIs and other antidepressants. After a while, the side effects, especially "numbing" of emotions and destruction of libido, become very difficult to live with. Certainly they are helpful when you are in the worst depths of depression, but long-term, many of us have serious issues with their use. So I'm also one of those who made the decision to stop taking them, and luckily I was successful (I've been off of antidepressants for several years now).

The first time you take an antidepressant, it seems like a miracle (if you're one of the lucky ones who has good results with your first med, which is pretty rare). But I've known MANY people who have gone on, then off, then on, etc etc. over many years. Ultimately, many decide to try to live without. In far too many cases, the meds stop working or become dramatically less effective over time. And then you have to try another, and another . . . I just found that working with diet, exercise, lifestyle, supplements, and therapy ultimately made me feel more in control of my life. But that's just me. Everyone is different.

So, CSugarGrove, I think it's wonderful that both you and your husband have had great success with Lexapro. But for others, it may be a case of diminishing returns.

Hope this is helpful.

I don't know where to begin. Two years ago I strarted to have panic/anxiety to the point where I thought my life was over. The first thing that happened was that my husband made an appointment with my family doctor because he was obviously worried. My then doctor(who Ihave since left) checked my thyroid and various other labs, telling me that hormone labs were worthless!!! My TSH was considered out of range but barely. She said we will WAIT and see.I could have died. I told her that from the very beginning that I felt like I was going thru menopause. I was skipping periods months at a time, which i never did in my life. Needless to say, I went to another doctor and she said you need and AD. It was very hard for me to accept that I needed it because I felt so weak. I did start on Paxil 25 mg and w/in a few weeks I started to feel better. Since then two years later I have been diagnosed hypothyroid/Premature Ovarian Failure. I am 37 yrs old and I felt like I was going to have to be admitted to a mental hospital. I do feel better, But I want to get off the Paxil. I have tried once before but had to back on. I don't know why I want off. Maybe because I tell myself I went for 35 years w/o it and why can't my brain work properly? I guess it is a sense of shame because of the way our society looks at AD's. Like you are nuts if you are on them.

Yeah, I know this thread is a month old, but in case anyone still peeks at it...I just thought I'd put in an update. I started this thread because I've been unable to get off of AD's since 2001. Although I'm very grateful for the rescue the meds provided at the time, long-term use (i.e. years) is causing enough trouble that I'm determined to (cautiously) find some alternatives.

It's been 2 months since I began to reduce doses of Zoloft and Trazodone. Currently I'm at 50 mg of each, half of what I used to take. There have been emotional changes, but not all bad. The problems I described before are somewhat better. I am less emotionally numb, less apathetic about getting stuff done etc. I remember better what it is I'm intending to do, and follow through more often.

I also notice that sometimes I feel anxious. With Zoloft at 100mg, I NEVER felt that. And I don't believe that's normal. So when the feelings of tension began to creep up, I recognized what was happening, and told myself--"yes it seems intense because I've been numb to it for awhile...but I need to get used to dealing with stress in reasonable amounts, for that is a normal part of life." I now have things I do so I can handle fluctuations of feeling without resorting to the higher dose of Zoloft: I practice yoga and meditate, and I stop and quiz myself about why I feel stressed right when it starts. Then I can figure out how to deal with it. This whole experience has taught me recognition of these things, which for me has been key.

Before Zoloft, I just let stress and anxiety build up to incredible amounts, not realizing what was really happening. Then Zoloft worked as a rescue medicine and numbed everything, which was good for a time. So the doctor and I are monitoring dose reductions, and I feel I'm successfully learning to "rehabilitate" myself into managing emotional stress properly. I don't know how much lower the doses will go, but I'm doing well so far. In a couple more months, if I'm still doing fine, we'll drop the dose again and see what happens.

Thanks again, everyone, for your insight.

Anyone else got some experiences getting off of AD's? I'd still love to hear from you!

Lavender

wean off slowly , but do get off . has anyone told u these drugs can make u worse as well as cause long term side effects and damage 2 vital organs . we have all been there , but many go natural no it is not easy . daily i have anxiety , i think oh no my heart is going 2 stop this is it , but iam here encouraging u because i know u need it . meno is the worse but i have spoken with woman who did get thru and so will u . meds r so bad . drs do not care they just dispense what they r given . meds r 4 terminal patients not meno . i will pray 4 u .

roxanne

I have been on Effexor for the past month, but the side effects have been so intense - diarrhea, extreme sleepiness, no sexual response, - I could go on and on! I decided the effects were just not worth the benefit to my mood. So, I am now starting the weaning process. I am hoping since I only took 75 mg for a month that the withdrawal will go easy. I have started opening the capsule and taking a few more granules out each day, and so far, no ill effects. I figure I cannot feel much worse than I do on these pills. Plus, everything I read about them makes me scared to keep putting this poison into my body. I know I can't quit taking them cold turkey - but I will be so glad when I am totally off them!

At this point - unless I get really depressed and anxious again, I will try to stay off these types of meds. I am taking a very low dose of FemHrt, and hopefully I can get by without any additonal help. I know now that these feeling are normal for this stage of peri, and this fact helps me to face each day.

I respect anyone's choice to use AD's and I know they can prove real lifesaver's at times. But, for me, the ill effects outweighed the benefit from the Effexor. Good luck to everyone, no matter what medicine choices you make. Let's all be here to support each other, no matter what the choices.
Di

I havn't taken SSRIs but I know a couple of friends who have. One came off them very slowly and took lots of vitamins such as B vitamins and magnesium. Do you have 5HTP over there? I know it can be dangerous to take at the same time as SSRIs but, if you manage to come off them, and I hope you do, then 5HTP seemed to help as a more natural substitute.

I am still weaning off the Effexor - need to be done in 10 more days, since I run out of my capsules then, and can't afford more! I am taking a few more granules out each day, and so far I am feeling pretty good.
I did purchase some 5HTP to try once I am totally off the Effexor. I figure it may help me get through those dreaded withdrawal symptoms that I keep reading about!
Good luck to everyone with whatever meds. you are presently taking!
Di

Hi Girls,

I am finished weaning off Lexapro. I have had 4 full days without any. So far so good. I feel a bit dizzy at times but nothing major. I actually feel much better off the lexapro.

That said, I am thankful that these drugs are an option for those who have tried natural products with no relief.

Good luck to everyone.

Kaydee

Dear divluvlabs
I am so sorry to hear that you have to pay for your Effexor. It makes me upset that your insurance doesn't cover what is obviously a very much needed and very useful medication. Don't worry about the withdrawal symptoms. I have heard of many people that have eased out of AD's with much success. Hopefully this will be the case for you.
Keep us posted as to how you are doing.
Cheers and Hugs
Dottie

Dear Kaydee
Wonderful news that you have been successful at weaning off your meds. DID YOU HEAR THAT divulabs? See there is always a success story
I agree wholeheartedly with you though.....thank goodness that there are meds out there for those of us who need it. I for one can not imagine my life without the occasional valium....or drink......but that is another Forum
Cheers and Hugs
Dottie

Dottie,

You echoed my sentiments exactly!!!!!

Thanks for the encouragement.

Kaydee

Thanks so much, Dottie, for the encouraging words! It sure helps getting through the rough spots! I will keep you posted on my progress...
Kaydee, that sure is encouraging news. Lexapro and Effexor are very similar meds, so if you got off it without much trouble, that is sure encouraging to me! How long had you taken the Lexapro before going off, if I may ask? How long did it take you to wean yourself off?

Hang in there, everyone! We are all in this together! And, yes, Dottie, a drink sounds good right now! I guess I better wait until I am off my meds! Something to look forward to!
Di

I also went on Lexapro and then off of it and weaned it very slowly down, with Sam-E suppliments to help. The Lexapro cured depression but made me apathetic, as many have noted, and Prozac gives me arthritis (fairly rare side effect.) I might try Wellbrutrin, but am trying to stay on exercise, soy and less invasive anti-depressants. Anther reason I went off SSRI is that my job requires close attention and it effected my memory. My Dr. put me on small dose Ritalin and it has helped both with depression and attention span. The energy drop in the afternoon is annoying (I do short acting) but it has been helpful in menapause.

[quote name='Lavender Fields' date='Jul 26 2007, 10:24 PM' post='179718']
Thanks Sadie! That was helpful. I too live north--people here who know about my depression thing are always assuming it's SAD. But my worst episodes have been in the summer....

Lavender, I just read an article about Dorothy Hamill in a woman's magazine. I think it was Woman's Day, from last week. She had the reverse of SAD where she was depressed and anxious whenever summer began. She was to the point she had to be put on antidepressants and couldn't get out of bed before they finally figured out what was causing it. She is a "cold weather" person and her symptoms disappear once winter appears. Its a rare condition, but very real.

I've also been taking myself off Effexor. I was on it for 3 months and my husband said I had turned into a zombie. No emotion whatsoever. I didn't realize you needed to wean, so I just stopped taking it. That wasn't the best idea I ever had. I've been working on weaning myself down. The pharmacist says I should take 4 weeks. I've been taking 1/2 dose and adding as many days as I can stand before the light-headedness hits me. I'm on my 3rd day w/none. I'll see how it goes. Last time I lasted 3 days. I figure if I make it a week, I'm done.

You can do it - I did it, of course I weaned myself off slowly with smaller doses each day! The first week totally off is bad - I won't kid you, but if you can make it a week, it gets much better. You will still have some side effects, but they will be much more managable. I have been off a month now, and feel so much better.
Feel free to PM me if you need any more help or support.
Hang in there!
Di

Lexapro is also an SSRI, I've been taking it since 2003. I was previously on Prozac. I have tried with and without doctors help to wean off but get sick everytime. I was told I have to stay on them for life because of a chemical imbalance I have. I got very sick suddenly in the late 80's. The SSRI was the only thing that worked for me.

I was on Paxil for 18 months in 1999-2000 and at the time I needed it desperately. I had been in a very unhappy marriage and was so depressed it was horrible. After going on the Paxil, I quickly realized it was my marriage making me so depressed and broke up with my hubby. After we separated I weaned myself of the Paxil over a period of 4 months. I was taking 30mgs per day...so I cut it back by 5 mg every couple of weeks or so. I had absolutely no withdrawal whatsoever.

I carried on my life with no depression until September! I had to go back on the Paxil, and it is working for me, although it took much longer to feel the effects this time! I also started at a real low dose and slowly increased it in order to avoid the side effects!! Too often people stop taking them because of side effects before the med gives the desired effect. I will remain on the Paxil as long as I need it, it is important to me to be able to function.

I have not tried SAMe or St Johns Wort, but would use them if I thought they would help, honestly I don't think they would have! Paxil reduces anxiety as well as treating depression...also my hot flashes almost disappeared on the Paxil (who knew?!?).

I was hoping back in 2000 that my depression was cured forever....apparently unreasonable stress and menopause did me in!! Again!! Oh well, at least our lives aren't boring!! LOL!!!

Kathie

Well, it's day 6 without any effexor and today is much better than the last few days. I think I took the best time to get off it since my husband is off hunting this weekend. Yesterday I felt like I could have slept all day. My stomach has been a bit upset, but I found some very strong natural ginger ale that seems to take the queasiness away. The only problem is when I wake up in the middle of the night with terrible stomach pain. I know from what I've read that it is the smooth muscles reacting. Hopefully that will subside as time goes on. I am much less light-headed today. Hopefully I am on the downhill side of this.

I too suffer, and have done for a long time, with Clinical depression, and I have yet to find an anti-d that suits me. I am currently waiting to see my psychiatrist, have been waiting for months, who put me on Zispin 30mg, but they really do not a lot at all. I have been told that Venlafaxine (Effexor) is quite helpful with hot flashes, has anyone else heard this, I think that the next step is Prozac, as I think I have tried just about everything else, if she does not want me on Venlafaxine, but I have heard a lot of scare stories about Prozac so its really a last resort for me, unless someone can tell me otherwise.

Any ideas????

Rhiannon

Hi Rhiannon,

For me, I once tried an SSRI and just totally disliked the feeling it gave me, but further back in my ancient life I was given "Doxepin" when I had PTSD and suffered sever depression. For me, this drug saved my life, and if I needed to take an AD, it would still be my drug of choice because it worked so well, but at the very same time, we are all so different.

Doxepin is good for anxiety, but is also excellent for depression.

I have no idea if it would help with hot flashes as I was too young then to have them, but it might be worth asking your Doc about this med. She/he may say it is an old med, but for me, old med=tried and trusted. I am such a coward with meds!!

All the best to you,
Viktoria