Depressed...any suggestions for how to stay on track?

My anti-depressant meds that worked like a charm for me for over 12 years suddenly stopped working altogether.  I had started back on them 6 months post DS, and they worked very well.  I was on Prozac and Wellbutrin.  The Wellbutrin counter-acted the libido numbing effect of the Prozac that I experienced.  Anyhoo, about a year later they stopped working.  Dr, meaning well, put me on Effexor.  Bad Drug, Effexor.  Avoid it at all costs.  I later heard of the "brain zaps" experienced when trying to get OFF the Effexor.  I was only on it for 4 weeks, so I figured it would be a cake walk to decrease it quickly.  Bad mistake.  I felt like I was walking around drunk.  The earth spun every time I moved my head.  I was literally intoxicated.  I had to break the pills into quarters.  I eventually was down to one quarter every 6-7 days, then went on vacation to Key West and stopped it cold turkey.  I also drank copiously every night, which probably helped to mask the rest of the withdrawal symptoms.  (grin)

I. Am. Not. A. Doctor.

Check with your doctor before changing your prescriptions.  I always do.

glad you shared that as I am going to go off Effexor onto Celexa and have specific instructions how to do half the normal amount of Effexor and then half the Celexa. I am worried I will have adverse effects so am going to wait till after the holiday to make changes. Effexor has been OK for me except not as effective since the DS and I think malabsorption might be a factor but my Dr doesn't want to up it anymore for that. Will look for those brain zaps.  EEEEK

Zuzu

It may not be a cure, but remember you have friends and even if you need to sit and not talk just a change of scenery in your pj's don't forget their here for you!! *hugs*

You guys rock!!! Thanks so much for all your support.

I have suffered with depression and anxiety for many years.  I take effexor and I doubled my dose after the DS.  I take 150 mg and I feel good.

Hope you get help

Hugs

Donna

did you Donna? Good for you- my doctor wouldn't up mine for malabsorption and I don't think it's worked as well since. I am on a higher dose than you tho. I am looking forward to trying something else. I was on Celexa before tho & it made my dizzy like I was spinning but now my Dr said we need to try it again & doesn't think the Celexa would cause that. We will see . . .am going to switch after this coming holiday.

I had problems with zoloft.  I have heard many stories how effexor was not helpful for other or that they had problems.  When I lost my kids it was like a gift and ever since it is the only one which helps me.  Perhaps i am a rare bird but I am glad as it has kept me right side up which is where I need to be with my youngest being 11.  I am blessed my pain doc has been nice enough to take over a lot of my scirpts so I do not have to pay to see multiple docs.