Anyone on anti-depressants?

hooliface · October 2010

I have been on lexapro for about 6 years now. I was just put on a higher dose (20mg) after our last failed IVF#3. I was miserable for about a week and then felt like myself again. Well, that only last about 3 weeks and now I feel bad again. I am wondering if the 20mg is too much for me or if the medication is not working since I have been on it so long.

Anyone have to adjust dose to see the benefit? If you went down, what made you adjust the dose? Also, what medication are you on and how is it working for you?

I have to get this figured out soon! I hate infertility for so many reasons I can't explain it. It is amazing how many areas of your life it changes. I am calling my Dr. (general doc) who put me on it and see what they say as well

Thanks

DavezWife · October 2010

While I'm not on them, I have someone very close to me that's delt with this for years, and I've been working psych for years, too.

Two thoughts come to mind: (well, 1st, Yeah for you paying attention to yourself and saying "something's wrong, I'm gonna fix it!" Whoo hoo!)

1. Please consider seeing a shrink just for the med. A GP does not generally know how to massage the dose and finesse what you're on. There's a LOT of good meds out there, but it does take some work to see which one, and which dose, works.

2. I suspect you're due for a switch. These meds are like shampoo... if you use the same one over and over for years, eventually your hair will be dull. lol. Those that do well on lex seem to do well on celexa. But then again, that's another reason to see a shrink for them. (no couch time needed, just some conversations about how you feel with the med/dose your're on)

;-)

LSUBride3 · October 2010

DavezWife:

While I'm not on them, I have someone very close to me that's delt with this for years, and I've been working psych for years, too.

Two thoughts come to mind: (well, 1st, Yeah for you paying attention to yourself and saying "something's wrong, I'm gonna fix it!" Whoo hoo!)

1. Please consider seeing a shrink just for the med. A GP does not generally know how to massage the dose and finesse what you're on. There's a LOT of good meds out there, but it does take some work to see which one, and which dose, works.

2. I suspect you're due for a switch. These meds are like shampoo... if you use the same one over and over for years, eventually your hair will be dull. lol. Those that do well on lex seem to do well on celexa. But then again, that's another reason to see a shrink for them. (no couch time needed, just some conversations about how you feel with the med/dose your're on)

;-)

Thanks for this! I needed it too!

dusk42 · October 2010

Do you think that there is any interaction with the hormones for IVF that might have skewed your response?

I started with Zoloft, which helped a little, mostly with mood and attitude, but not the crushing fatigue, so my psych started me on Wellbutrin, and the combination basically has me back to 95% of "normal."

Are you seeing a psych? I would try that if you can. I had an awesome psych-NP that helped figure all of this out.

roaringrock · October 2010

I think you need to see a psychiatrist to adjust your meds. I was on anti-depressants when my mom passed away years ago - zoloft. I ended up feeling nothing. I was completely numb and that was just as bad. eventually they adjusted my dose and it really helped me cope with my grief.

of course, now I just started taking a low dose of wellbutrin because of my marriage situation. it's keeping me from completely losing it. I do think meds need to monitored and it sounds like lexapro may not be appropriate or effective for you anymore. there are so many new options out there and I'm sure one is the "right one" for you. IF DOES suck and I'm so sorry you have to go through this. hang in there.

beebe929 · October 2010

I was on wellbutrin years ago and that was what I needed then. I have now been on Zoloft for over a year. I upped the dose after about 2-3 months.

Hang in there. A new med may do the trick, and I agree with getting a pych opinion.

DavezWife · October 2010

If I may rant for a sec about Zoloft - it's a good med. I'm not a doc, but I've seen HUNDRENDS of people on it. It's generally the 1st one GP's & OB's go for, because it's "safe" and it works. It works too well, usually, and thus begins either a person that's not happy, not sad, not ANYTHING.... they are so numb, or they hate how they feel and stop taking it. I'm not bashing Zoloft, it's just a pretty "blanket" anti-d. More of a one size fits most.

Now if you're taking it, and it works, great. (really) but THIS is why myself, and others, say to see a shrink for the RX. THEY know what meds are out there (the "big thing" right now it to add Abilify, which is kinda a drug rep thing trying to just get more people on more expensive meds) but for some people, they need a lil' cocktail. Or they need one med b/c it works better for some componets of depression (like celexa for anxiety, or cymbalta if you deal with chronic pain, etc.)

Shrinks know how to ask the right questions, and what to do depending on your response. PAIN IN THE ARSE to go see another doc, I know. Who has time for this. But they're generally pretty quick in and out, and it's honestly, like seeing a RE when you have no fallopian tubes - what the heck is an OB/GYN gonna do for ya? KWIM?

ok, rant over. kinda. lol.

ps - check your insurance about coverage. Some may say you need to try A & B before they'll cover C (you can often view their formulary online) and be careful if any doc gives you samples, s/he could very well be getting you on something that will cost a higher co-pay or not be covered at all. Who wants to spend that 4-8weeks getting settled on a new drug, only to find out it's $200 a month??? right? RIGHT! (often a simple appeal can get you past the "trying A & B thing")

itsmevkb · October 2010

I am not on anti-depressants but I wanted to say that it's good to see you posting again. I'm sorry you're having a hard time and hope they can tweak your meds.

hooliface · October 2010

Thank you to all that posted. I am seeing my GP tomorrow afternoon for a referral and see also what he has to say. I DO NOT want to add anything additional such as valium, etc. My mother dealt with addiction issues for years and I am utterly terrified of anything that could cause addiction issues.

When you all say psych opinion, are you referring to a psychatrist? Where do you go about finding one that is reputable? I figured my GP would know but I wanted to start researching today. I have a little wild woman that is in much need of her mom being 100% again.

Thank you ladies! And for itsme, thank you so much. It has been really hard for me this last couple of weeks and just being away from things for a while helped. I am getting back into the swing of things again and considering doing intralipids before we either quit all together or go donor route. Thanks again, I appreciate you thinking of me!

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