Posted by JohnL on November 17, 1999, at 3:37:11
In reply to Im cracked up, posted by Refractory on November 16, 1999, at 23:17:11
It's very heartbreaking, and all too common with many of us, to hear your story. My heart goes out to you. Just realize you are nowhere near being the only one dealing with this handicap. Sometimes I think I would be less handicapped if I were undepressed in a wheelchair, rather than depressed on two working legs.
Though you've tried several drugs at therapeutic doses for appropiate amounts of time, there are plenty of options still open. Just from a gut-instinct point of view, I would consider some of the following:
Effexor+Prozac. Prozac. Prozac+TCA (desipramine or nortriptyline). TCA alone. Any of these with Lamictal (instead of Lithium). SSRI+Naltrexone.Basically I still think Prozac is the time-tested powerhorse of the SSRIs, with unique qualities different than the others. I also feel the older TCAs have a certain magic to them, especially when there is disappointing response to the newer ADs you've tried. Often an SSRI+TCA is way better than either alone. Or a TCA+Wellutrin for refractory depression. And of course the MAOIs.
If you were partially satisfied with the Effexor or Zoloft, you might want to go back and retry by combining with a TCA. Or start fresh with one you haven't tried, like Prozac, and add a TCA to it. Effexor+Remeron is touted as being 'big guns'. I know you've tried both seperately, but what about together? There are plenty of options, many being combinations much more effective than anything you've tried yet. I especially like the SSRI+TCA option. Others here find only MAOIs work. And for some the combo of an SSRI+Naltrexone is magic. Another option to consider.
Take what you've learned and move on to better choices. God isn't pissed at you. It's satan to blame for the evils of the world. But that's another thread... In any case, I am wishing you a smooth day. Hang in there. Talk to a doc about the drug options I've mentioned. The right one is just waiting for you to come along. :)
poster:JohnL
thread:15345
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/19991108/msgs/15356.html