I don't know what is happening to me. I am getting more depressed as time goes on and that is hard to believe. Ever since my trial run with prozac I feel terrible. The Dr. told me to stop taking it after twelve days because I was becoming more deeply depressed. I was hoping the depression would eventually go away and that it was a side effect of getting on the AD which would diminish. However, that was not the case.

Since being off of it now for 6 days the depression won't lift at all. I was better for a couple of days but I am now in a very dark place. I woke up last night around midnight screaming and crying. I have never felt that bad before. It was terrifying for me and my husband. I was begging God to help me and I couldn't be consoled.

I just don't understand this. Has anyone else experienced more depression from and AD and how long does it take to get out of your body? As this is my 5th AD I am losing hope that there is one that will help me and I am afraid to try another one right away, but I am in so much mental anguish that I don't know where to turn.

The thyroid meds haven't helped, the BHRT hasn't helped, the SJW and 5HTP haven't helped.

I reallly need your prayers.

Bev

Bev sweetie-you sound as though you have tried everything! I have just been reading some of your older posts and is it right that you are on 10mg testosterone daily?
That is a huge amount to be using and if you are -well that alone would be causing you problems. In excess it can cause rage and worse still acute depression. In the right amount it will make you feel fantastic but-10 mg? No way I cant go through all your threads so could you say whether this has been mentioned by anyone else before and if you are still using that amount?
janet c

Janet, Yes that is right. I am on 10mg of testosterone daily along with 8 gr of estradiol and 100 mg of prog. I just lowered the estradiol and progesterone on my own. You know, I had a testosterone pellet inserted in Novemeber and at one point my testosterone level was 400+. It is now in the normal range while taking 10 mg of testosterone. I can't say I have felt any worse or better whether it is higher or lower. I didn't know that testosterone could be a problem. Thanks so much,
Bev



Oops, I meant 8 mg not gr. of estradiol

My dear Bev
Am really so sorry for what you are going through.Actually I have heard of people who do react badly to certain ADs.My niece has been on about ten different medications.She is only 43,a lovely young woman but the only thing that helps her is Lithium combined with I think it is called Cymbalta.She also said she is terrified if this also stops working for her.

I know she has had good success with Therapy.Have you tried that?

Anyway,honey I wish I were there to give you a big hug.Thank God you have a wonderful husband.

You are in my Prayers.
Please do not give up hope
Keep posting.

God Bless
Elizabeth

Yes it is a very powerful hormone-especially in women and should be used very cautiously.
Is it 10mg of testosterone or 10 mg of a cream with a tiny amount of Test in it?
Honestly the usual dose is somewhere around 2mg and much less once the effects build up.
How long ago did you have your levels tested? It is so easy to overdose on it as it can build up really quickly. It does not clear from the blood like the female hormones.
Are you feeling better or worse for the estradiol? I recently went on to it for a week and it made me feel dreadful. I know I am unusual but not everyone can take all these things.
I understand progesterone can also cause depression. I don't want to throw cold water over all your treatments because they should help you but they don't seem to be.
I am obviously not an expert in these things-its just what I have discovered during my own quest for a balance in body and mind. I have always found that less is more in most things.
Maybe someone else will be along with some more advice to help you.
I hope you will find the answer soon and that you will feel better
Hugs
janet c

I had been put on cymbalta and elavil in februrary I had only taken them for 2 days when I got serotonin syndrome.Those 2 ad's mixed with imitrex proved to be an almost deadly cocktail.Worst experience of my life.Anyways it took 2 1/2 months for the symptoms to completely go away.Prozacs half life is 9.3 days.So that means it takes 9.3 days for just half of one pill to clear out of your system.So it's probably around 45 days for one pill to clear completely out.Some docs even say 5-6 weeks for a complete wash out.So hang in there.I know I suffered a long time for only 2 pills.
Here is a website that I reffer to often www.crazymeds.us/prozac.html
Hope it helps,
wishing you a speedy recovery,
T

T
Thank you so much for this information. At least now I know there is a reason for my feeling sooo horrible. I should have stopped taking the drug as soon as there was a problem but I kept pushing because I think people believe that I don't give the AD's enough time to kick in. So, since I was on the drug for 12 days how long should it take to get out of my system? About 90 days? At least I was on a very small dose. That is so frightening to know what these drugs can do to a person. I am sorry that you also had to suffer through this. What are you doing for your depression at this point(if that is your problem). My depression is pretty bad so I feel that I have to do something, but I will definitely take a break from the AD's.

I am going to see a Nautropath in the hopes that she will be able to help me out of this. I was in prayer last night with a women at church who told me God told her I would be alright. That is the truth and I just need to constantly tell myself this. Jesus will see me out of the darkness and into the light!!!

Thanks again,
Bev

Bev, I've suffered severe depression, and understand your plight - it's so, so hard to go through.

I have been helped by AD's, but there are other approaches for those who are not. Are you getting therapy at all? It sounds like you should be under a counselor's care. It's a good idea to see a Naturopath, who can help you assess what's possible to try. Hope your meeting with her goes well.

Some books have helped me: "The Mindful Way through Depression" is a non-drug approach. It comes with a CD of meditations specifically geared to depression. Also the Depression Workbook is helpful. And all books about anxiety by Claire Weekes - she also speaks of depression, stressing that it's important not to fear it. I know, that's about the hardest thing in the world!

I am praying for you that you will feel better very soon. Get lots of rest when you can, and lots of sun. Eat well. Have faith and hope.

(((HUGS)))

JJ

(((((((((Bev)))))))))))))) I have no additional suggestions, I just want to say my heart goes out to you and I am sending all good energies your way for healing and relief. Do whatever you can to give yourself some comfort - a good book, magazine, movie, music, food, etc. I know that seems trite and I don't mean that that would solve everything. I just hope you will be gentle with yourself and know that I am one of many thinking of you and supporting you. Kathleent

Dear'kathleent'
Was just thinking about you when I noticed your Post.How are you feeling?I do hope a little better than before.

God Bless
Elizabeth

Dear Bev
Really good luck with the Neuropath and that you find some relief for your depression.It really is amazing how a Med. . that works so well for one person can cause such misery for another.
I really believe in the power of Prayer and yes God will not let you down.

Many prayers coming your way
Please keep us posted
Elizabeth

Dear Bev, just wanted to add I hope you feel much better and soon. Depression is a beast and no one knows unless they have experienced it first hand. Try and be easy on yourself, know that there are people who care-they might not understand but they do care.
I sought a therapist and talking about things is a start and relief to some degree. Something about talking to a non biased person is theraputic and they (if they are worth their weight) usually will have some good suggestions to help you cope.
It might take a couple of tries to find a good fit, but find someone who is compassionate. You will know if they are right for you.
As for taking ADs also a personal choice. I found myself reading labels and instructions of things like antibiotics and steroids had side effects of depression. Alot of things do, but then don't fret over everything-just be aware.
Don't stop reaching out. And I would say never give up hope and the power of prayer!
Senecaguns

Hi Bev.........

You really are not alone, Sweety. It's a part of this crazy part of life most of us just weren't prepared for.
No that it would have changed it, but not to have even known how bad it can get.....
I swear, when I was hitting this, I thought, wait it was supposed to be a hot flash or two, a mood swing or few, and bam periods done.
How shocked was I?? Enough that I found myself here. It has been a life saver to my sanity and Heart.

There is a lot of kindness, shared and individual craziness, depression, laughs, and loads of love here on Power Surge.
You never have to worry about where you are at or who you are - there will ALWAYS be someone who will be here for you.
We all got stuff - right now I can't write too much cuz my hands were hurt - so I have to do it a little at a time.

You may find insta chat helpful at night - when some of the Gals are home, or sleeping, but there is usually someone here.
Some are just getting up in the UK or Australia - and they are also some of the nicest women you could ever meet.

There are biased people - we all get opinionated - but those who can relate to your situation will jump in and at the very, very least,
offer you a (((((HUG)))))) and an ear.

I was just saying to my husband (with whom these gals know I have had ups n downs)
that PS is a GREAT place to go when you're upset, emotional, and just don't feel like talking to a Professional
and having a label slapped on you or a judgement. Or when a Dr. treats you badly and you have to get thru the tears and move on....

No one here is a Professional - meaning you can just be you,
but it also means - as Dearest, the Lovely and devoted woman who started Powersurge reminds us,
*** it is not a substitution for Medical help or treatment. **** You need to take care of that, too.

I try to think of it as Vitamin PS. A Supplment of lovely friends and support and information and shared stories....

((((((((((HUGZZ))))))))))

Bev,
I've been on Prozac for years and get deep depression cycles since this meno stuff started. I believe, although I don't know if there is medical proof, that our hormones just get so out of wack sometimes that they override the AD. I get good cycles too where I don't feel depressed (theres always one symptom or another going on though). When I have tried to go off the Prozac I can tell a difference...fewer good days.

Hope you feel better soon,
Robin

Bev - I will keep you in my prayers.

((((((BEV)))))))))

-MB

Bev,

I can feel your pain...I too am going through a tough time right now...I feel like it's a form of exorcism of my soul and I just fight to keep the pain down and it's harder and harder...

I struggle with such relationships issues and I feel as though I was stripped of the ability to feel as a kid due to the trauma I endured....as if I shut down my emotions and fudged through life pretending...now, as a 50 year old perimenopausal banshee at times, those feelings are stirring and I do not know what to do with them as they are so foreign to me yet they remind me of how much I missed because I didn't have them....

I tried ADs once after being diagnosed as functionally depressed but they bothered me so I stopped them (per doctors orders)...

Thinkng about contacting a local hospital clinic that is running research on women who were sexually abused as children and are now suffering middle-age depression ......got the summer off so that 's high on my agenda of "things to do".....

I hope your search for answers is fruitful...

Momz

(((scbev)))

Just wanted to check and see how you are doing. Sending good thoughts and prayers.

(((momzoffour)))

I will be keeping you in my prayers, dear.

Thanks everyone for your support. Well I finally got the prozac out of my system, but it took a couple of weeks which my Dr. said it should be out in a couple of days. I don't know where to turn from here. I am very deeply depressed with absolutely no relief for over a year now. That is just far too long for anyone to have to live like this. Since the hormones, thyroid, D3, and all other supplements don't seem to be helping either I am truly at a loss. I have really tried it all. All I can do is pray. Thanks to everyone for being there for me.
Much Love,
Bev

Bev
I was thinking about you and I will pray that you get some relief soon...

big big hugs char

Bev, I'm so sorry you are not feeling any better!I think about you often. I get the same way you do, that deep depression. I am better in the summer, I'm not sure if it has anything to do with the sun?Come end of September, start of October I am just in a deep pit of dispair

I sure hope you find an answer to this!!!
Hugs,
Amber

Bev,
I'm sorry I have no answers for you but I just wanted to add my support and encouragement. Don't give up! I don't know when this will end but I am confident that it will in time. Make sure you get yourself outside, keep a regular routine that includes rest (if not sleep), a good healthy diet, and FRIENDS who make you laugh. Force yourself to get out of the house socially and only for things that will boost your spirits and only with people who are positive. I wish you peace and (((((((HUGE HUGS)))))). You are in my prayers.
Jan

Dear Bev
Prayers coming your way,my love
I know this is a real struggle for you but please do not give up hope.
I believe you are one of those un-lucky ladies that are extra sensitive to Meds.
How about seeing a Herbalist?Some of them can really offer relief and perhaps a new perspective.
Try to get a short walk each day and keep coming back here to let us know how you are doing

Warm Hugs
God Bless
Elizabeth

(((((((((((HUGS)))))))))))))))

I know what you're going through. I've been having panic/anxiety/severe depression for six months now and have been to many different doctors. I'm on my fourth AD now and have had to step up the dose very slowly hoping for fewer side effects only to have a terrible reaction before I can get to a therapeutic dose. : (

Going to an herbalist certainly couldn't hurt. The most important thing is just to NOT GIVE UP. I know, I've wanted to recently. Even looked into checking into a mental hospital but couldn't find one that takes my insurance!

Anyway, keep searching and don't give up. If one doctor doesn't help or doesn't listen, go to another one.

I will pray lots for you.

Hi Bev,

Honey I really feel for you. Know that you are in my thoughts okay. Please do your best to hang on through this........it will ease I assure you. The time it takes is the most difficult part of this entire process. There is a reason why I am not a fan of SSRI's. While the medication itself can and often does work for many there are the exceptions to the rule....like yourself...like me. The withdrawal is often worse than the cure. Hang in there girl. I have complete faith that you will see this through.