Mental Health Anything very effective in curing depression (no SSRI'S)

[Intenselife]

Hey, so i'll try to keep this short. I have cut myself off my daily dose of gabapentin by half (it was 1200mg) because it was making me feel very spacy and dreamlike (in a bad way) I did that a few months ago all of the sudden without any problems. Than my other medication seroquel 200mg, i started to take it less and less because i didn't like the oversleeping everyday to feel rested (easily upto 14hours) which is way too much for someone who is only in in their early 20's and has much left to accomplish during this time. I would take it every other day and then sometimes just 3 times a week and less and less to the point where i haven't taken it in a week now. These meds were from my psychiatrist and did not help with my heavy daily anxiety and depression (lack of motivation, hopelessness, always worried about something).

When i had enough of this and found a new psychiatrist who started me on a LOW dose of benzos to be taken daily (that i do not abuse) my anxiety symptoms fairly quickly began to disappear and i could go to job interviews, family events, public etc without over worrying about ridiculous things. Things improved greatly, but only to a certain extent since a lot of my depression and anxiety is also triggered by my current life situation and could improve if i hadn't moved to where i am now, had my old friends etc etc. So on my next visit, i was prescribed adderall ir at a fairly high dose, but instead of taking them daily (the depression, coming down makes me feel worse and wanted to avoid addiction to it) I have been taking 2-3 times a week after playing around with my prescribed dose and realized i couldn't handle the euphoria going away, and the depression greatly increasing.

Although I am not abusing or doing any other drugs at this point (I have in the past tried almost every drug once, but recreationally used others more than some ones). Now i started my new job, which helps a lot from being in a very depressed state of my mind regarding my home life, it keeps me busy and a little bit more motivated even though it wasn't the ideal job i wanted, just until I hopefully (Pray that i do) get accepted, and start nursing school in December. (If i don't i can see another big wave of depression hitting me). Since i have logically thought about what i can do to help lower this depression and anxiety in order to start my new life, the key answer is to graduate with some sort of degree that requires less than a few years (hence i chose nursing) and start my professional my life at a young age, and move to where i want and begin my new life that i dream about every night.

I have been having troubles falling asleep in the past few days unlike when i was taking my gabapentin and seroquel, and although i have managed to avoid a lot of the major withdrawal symptoms that people get from these medications especially when not even properly tapering off, i'm probably almost a full week without either. And even before that week i was only taking the gabapentin and seroquel a few times throughout the week. Although my anxiety is bearable since the potency and non-abuse pattern of the daily low dose benzos, i've noticed after hours of trying to fall asleep (even with nyquil, benadryl sometimes) I wake up pretty late still and when i do it's just i feel something is missing. It's obvious to me jumping off 600mg of gabapentin and 200mg seroquel xr, is definitely going to cause severe side effects (most of them i didn't get somehow thank god) But the depression seems like it's kinda getting a little worse or maybe just coming back (the seroquel and gabapentin helped a little bit with it not a lot, the side effects outweighed the tiny pros)

Now i don't think anyone knows about Dr.reckeweg's homoepathic tinctures because i never saw them here in the united states, but they are used to treat a variety of symptoms (depression,sleep,liver problems,nerve disorders etc etc) And i didn't believe in them since their "homoepathic" and because i never heard of them being used here, but after having tried a certain kind for sleeping problems/depression etc i realized that they are very potent, and can produce very intoxicating effects (can be recreationally used) since they are highly diluted with alcohol, valerian root, chamomile, and a bunch of other natural stuff that i don't remember. While i wait for my paycheck to get that, i don't know if their is anything else that's highly effective in the depression department when i see my psychiatrist next time. (I have to tell him about my discontinuation with the gabapentin seroquel and gabapentin, he will understand although would probably have told me to do a taper to be on the safe side). Is their anything i can ask him about for depression, (I have tried effexor, zoloft, celexa, prozac, vibryd, wellbutrin) And NONE of them worked for my depression and destroyed my sex life. I feel like if i had soma's (carisprodol) or a low dose of opiates (to take only a few times a week, like the adderall) that i could feel better even when not on them. But i don't wanna risk breaking that trust boundary with him since he already prescribed me a low dose of benzos and even adderall.

Are their any other types of depression medications that have been real effective (without the sex drive problem or any other side effects) The only times i feel good is when i take my adderall a few times a week especially with music (makes everything seem so possible, positive, and very intense emotions). But i just want to feel that way or similar everyday and be able to just participate in my old hobbies, i don't have any new friends here and don't plan to etc but i can't even watch the tv shows i used to love, or randomly research things that i used to. It's clear to me, i have real bad depression (since i was very young) and sometimes it's just so emotionally painful but because i realize any addiction or abusing drugs will make it worse i try to steer away from that, otherwise i'd probably be going through my whole script of adderall or searching for drugs, since i'm really at a critical point to make some life changing decisions regarding school (which is my only option to move forward in my life, a salary, ability to move, buy and do what i want etc and i don't wanna fuck it up or make things worse than they already are.)

If this was too long for many of you, if you can kindly just answer the questions in simple sentences.

1) Other than the SSRI'S, are there other types of depression medications (with limited side effects) that are quiet effective in day to day depression.
2) I just don't understand why i had to be stuck with the life i had and didn't chose, and left with so much depression and anxiety from such a young age, and don't want it to get any worse because i'm almost barely 22. Natural chemical imbalances? situations and such that have impacted me mentally?

----Thanks to myself and bluelight/erowid, it has helped me prevent from following a path of heavy addictions, homelessness, and probably way more depressed and anxious. If i didn't know what i know for awhile now, i would of have definitely been addicted to something to numb this daily pain of depression which is what many users do, and I feel their pain. I love meth, heroin, a bunch of pills, but I am aware of how much more problems that would create and am legitimately trying to cure problem without causing more.

-Thanks much love to anyone who bothered to read my mess, it's just when i do post something I tend to go into to much detail.

 

[NerdOnDrugs]

Well, tramadol has SNRI activity, not an SSRI technically. And it's fast-acting, doesn't take weeks like most anti-dep meds. Plus with some opioid and speedy effects, which can help with motivation. Not effective for everyone tho, and u have to watch for seizures esp. if u take a large dose, esp. if you're seizure prone. Very addictive, but if it works for u, verrrry effective. Always taper off slowly.

In some places, Russia if I recall correctly, it's sometimes prescribed for depression. Usually prescribed for pain occasionally, like getting wisdom teeth out.

 

[atara]

Honestly: have you considered exercise? What are you eating? Do you have good social connections?

It could be that you're unhappy because, well, some parts of your life aren't very good, and you have to learn to accept the things you can't change and change the things you can, as the old saying goes. Some of that might include finding some new recreational activities, going to the gym, setting an alarm and getting up in the morning, buying healthy food at the store and learning how to cook:

http://whatthefuckshouldimakefordinner.com/

I would try not to get in the habit of letting the medication or the sensation take priority over the behavior.

Also, it sounds like you're feeling a bit isolated in your new living situation, is that true?

With that said... in your case it seems like (the reversible monoamine oxidase A inhibitor) moclobemide would be the best bet, maybe (the irreversible monoamine oxidase B inhibitor) selegiline or (the 5-ht2a / alpha-1 antagonist) trazodone. Those three are all generally well-tolerated and they act differently from normal antidepressants. The thing is, I'm not a doctor! Don't take medical advice on the Internet, it can be dangerous. It seems like you're worried about sexual side-effects, which is a totally legitimate concern.

Also, obligatory: cannabis can help with depression, if you can use it responsibly. The key word is "responsibly", you're 22 so you should be able to figure that out.

Edit, double obligatory: benzos will eat you alive and everyone can handle them until they can't.

 

[Intenselife]

- I do occassionally go to the gym, but lose more and more interest in going, since i have already been losing weight without the seroquel and gabapentin and already am a slight bit underweight now. But in the past i did notice an effect in terms of anxiety after exercising.

- My eating habits were normal, usually food made at home, now since i have lost 15 pounds, i don't eat much anymore, i drink enough water eat a little here and their, and drink green tea nightly.

- I am going to do more looking into tryclillics, maybe they may work for me.

- Lol i used to smoke cannibus a lot and it helped me, but i can't now because i don't have any connections for any (and don't wanna start the whole looking for drugs thing again). Lastly i can't control my hunger on them and am enjoying my weight loss and don't wanna risk getting caught with any as it's harder to hide or smoke than other drugs. (Since i live with parents who have and will kick me out of the house if they knew i drank alcohol even though i'm of age now).

-I don't think everyone handles benzos "till they can't". Their are people who have been on the same dose for years with minimal side effects. Theirs two things that people do to make benzos even furthermore dangerous, A) Take very high doses, daily or frequently developing a much more complex physical dependence/other side effects. B) (if prescribed) constantly upping their dosage because it doesn;t "work anymore" or for other reasons.

 

[atara]

- I do occassionally go to the gym, but lose more and more interest in going, since i have already been losing weight without the seroquel and gabapentin and already am a slight bit underweight now. But in the past i did notice an effect in terms of anxiety after exercising.

!!! this isn't normal. Seroquel makes you gain weight like a black hole flying through a massive dust cloud.

- My eating habits were normal, usually food made at home, now since i have lost 15 pounds, i don't eat much anymore, i drink enough water eat a little here and their, and drink green tea nightly.

I suggest eating more! Health is not a function of weight. In all honesty... eating some red meat a few days out of the week probably wouldn't hurt.

- I am going to do more looking into tryclillics, maybe they may work for me.

Indeed.

- Lol i used to smoke cannibus a lot and it helped me, but i can't now because i don't have any connections for any (and don't wanna start the whole looking for drugs thing again). Lastly i can't control my hunger on them and am enjoying my weight loss and don't wanna risk getting caught with any as it's harder to hide or smoke than other drugs. (Since i live with parents who have and will kick me out of the house if they knew i drank alcohol even though i'm of age now).

Do you think your relationship with your parents is good or bad?

Do you feel they've been supportive when you've had psychological difficulties?

-I don't think everyone handles benzos "till they can't". Their are people who have been on the same dose for years with minimal side effects. Theirs two things that people do to make benzos even furthermore dangerous, A) Take very high doses, daily or frequently developing a much more complex physical dependence/other side effects. B) (if prescribed) constantly upping their dosage because it doesn;t "work anymore" or for other reasons.

I suppose I worded that poorly. I think you should try to keep the benzodiazepines temporary, because the side-effects are pernicious, which is to say they tend to build up slowly and get worse over time. The part that always worries me is that stopping is so difficult that many people who want to quit find that they are stuck taking benzos for years; protracted withdrawal syndrome is real!

 

[Intenselife]

!!! this isn't normal. Seroquel makes you gain weight like a black hole flying through a massive dust cloud.



I suggest eating more! Health is not a function of weight. In all honesty... eating some red meat a few days out of the week probably wouldn't hurt.


Indeed.


Do you think your relationship with your parents is good or bad?

Do you feel they've been supportive when you've had psychological difficulties?



I suppose I worded that poorly. I think you should try to keep the benzodiazepines temporary, because the side-effects are pernicious, which is to say they tend to build up slowly and get worse over time. The part that always worries me is that stopping is so difficult that many people who want to quit find that they are stuck taking benzos for years; protracted withdrawal syndrome is real!

Lol you seem pretty helpful:

-I didn't lose weight on seroquel or gabapentin but i also didn't gain any either, i'm 5'5 and weighed 120 at some point in time, than 135 which was fine but after a massive wave of depression a little over a year ago, i quit talking to anyone and just sat in bed all day, ate quiet a bit and slept (wasn't on meds), and the lack of physical activity made me upto 160 pounds and it stayed that way after being on seroquel or gabapentin, but since i stopped taking them and once in awhile take the adderall, i dropped to 145 yay!.

-Lol well i don't "starve" myself, and don't mind eating a burger here and their, i just eat smaller portions and less often even when i'm not taking my adderall because of the difference i noticed in weight loss.

-My relationship with my parents has usually been pretty bad, it's pretty good at the moment and good to me means (no fights, arguments usually only with dad (not mom), and not being bitched at about something). If you mean good as in, do I speak to them frequently, express my problems and emotions etc then no. I don't talk to them for days, simply because of past events, them being very religious, and having to get into multiple fights with my dad to even get him to understand a lot of the reasons why i am depressed and have anxiety since he didn't and still sorta doesn't believe in that whole thing. So it's neutral but not "good" like others i've seen. If it was good, and my dad wasn't extremely bi-polar than a lot of the shit that happened in my life wouldn't of happened, i do from time to time get a tiny bit jealous being around other cousins who are very close to their parents. But it's whatever as long as we are not on bad terms i'm fine.

-As someone very social and liked (in the right settings) i have a poor social life, not knowing anyone in a new city, haven't really made any friends worthy of being close to the last semester i went to school unlike my old city. When i travel to chicago (which is where i want to move) I already have some friends their, and find it easier to make new ones over there, which DOES play a HUGE difference in depression and such. I know that working part time, and sitting around home all day when i'm real outgoing also severely triggers my depression but i can't do much about it at the moment.

 

[atara]

My relationship with my parents has usually been pretty bad, it's pretty good at the moment and good to me means (no fights, arguments usually only with dad (not mom), and not being bitched at about something). If you mean good as in, do I speak to them frequently, express my problems and emotions etc then no. I don't talk to them for days, simply because of past events, them being very religious, and having to get into multiple fights with my dad to even get him to understand a lot of the reasons why i am depressed and have anxiety since he didn't and still sorta doesn't believe in that whole thing. So it's neutral but not "good" like others i've seen. If it was good, and my dad wasn't extremely bi-polar than a lot of the shit that happened in my life wouldn't of happened, i do from time to time get a tiny bit jealous being around other cousins who are very close to their parents. But it's whatever as long as we are not on bad terms i'm fine.

Have you discussed this with your psychiatrist?

People who come from difficult environments often benefit from counseling. It can be helpful to "deprogram" some possible sources of fear and anxiety that can come from an unstable parent-child relationship. You shouldn't feel shame or guilt about this, it's sadly quite common.

Lol well i don't "starve" myself, and don't mind eating a burger here and their, i just eat smaller portions and less often even when i'm not taking my adderall because of the difference i noticed in weight loss.

Oh, adderall, okay, that makes sense.

When i travel to chicago (which is where i want to move) I already have some friends their, and find it easier to make new ones over there, which DOES play a HUGE difference in depression and such. I know that working part time, and sitting around home all day when i'm real outgoing also severely triggers my depression but i can't do much about it at the moment.

It'll get better. Have you ever tried meditation? Alan Watts is sort of controversial, but he is very clear and understandable and a lot of people find him quite helpful:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A4Qkgmm5qQM

 

[DexyDevil]

Mirtazapine is the only AD that has worked for me. No sexual side-effects either.

 

[Intenselife]

-Counseling just doesn't work for me, i've tried it and although it's great to have someone listen in reality their is nothing they can do to fix the actual problems, and i'm past that point of discussing my difficult past, i've done it enough.

I want to try and ask for carisoprodol (soma) because it isn't as bad as asking for an opiate, and to just take a few times a week at low doses, i've heard it also decreases anxiety and some symptoms of depression. Rather than start an addicting anti depressant that most likely won't work and come with shitty side effects. But i have no idea what his opinion on it will be, it isn't a narcotic and isn't generally heard about when talking about medications of abuse or addictive ones (like benzos, amphetamines) which i'm already on. Even if i got it, he may just do it for a one time thing considering i stopped taking two medications, but he might just prescribe it once a day.

So i'll either try to get carisoprodol (soma) or maybe remeron ^ mirtazapine and continue to look up other anti depressants meanwhile.

 

[Pretty_Diamonds]

ECT. Sounds crazy but it works for some people.

 

[Mel22]

-Counseling just doesn't work for me, i've tried it and although it's great to have someone listen in reality their is nothing they can do to fix the actual problems, and i'm past that point of discussing my difficult past, i've done it enough.

There is a lot more to therapy than simply "having someone to listen." Look around for an experienced therapist, and keep searching until you find someone that you like. CBT is one thing that you should thoroughly investigate. There are also many other things you should look into other than medication, because unfortunately, there is no magic pill that will alleviate symptoms of anxiety/depression and be able to sustain these effects long term. You need to heavily incorporate lifestyle changes and therapy into your treatment plan in order to have the greatest chance of success.

When i had enough of this and found a new psychiatrist who started me on a LOW dose of benzos to be taken daily (that i do not abuse) my anxiety symptoms fairly quickly began to disappear and i could go to job interviews, family events, public etc without over worrying about ridiculous things. Things improved greatly, but only to a certain extent since a lot of my depression and anxiety is also triggered by my current life situation and could improve if i hadn't moved to where i am now, had my old friends etc etc

You are having trouble transitioning into this new stage of your life. Therapy is often very helpful in these situations.

Well, tramadol has SNRI activity, not an SSRI technically. And it's fast-acting, doesn't take weeks like most anti-dep meds. Plus with some opioid and speedy effects, which can help with motivation. Not effective for everyone tho, and u have to watch for seizures esp. if u take a large dose, esp. if you're seizure prone. Very addictive, but if it works for u, verrrry effective. Always taper off slowly.

In some places, Russia if I recall correctly, it's sometimes prescribed for depression. Usually prescribed for pain occasionally, like getting wisdom teeth out.

This is bad advice. Do not self-medicate with Tramadol. The potential risks heavily outweigh the benefits IMO.

 

[cashmunny]

Remeron and Wellbutrin are available in the US, do not have sexual side effects, and are not SSRI's.

Some Doctors are using ketamine for depression these days. I have a scrip for intranasal ketamine and I find it helpful and fast acting with very few side effects other than insomnia the day I use it. It may be hard to find a Doctor who is willing to prescribe ketamine though because of it's abuse potential.

Another medication I've used successfully is moclobemide. It is a reversible monoamine oxidase inhibitor. It's not available in the states but you can get it in other countries and you can order it online since it's not scheduled. I actually have a prescription for that as well but I have to fill it through a non US pharmacy. It doesn't have the sexual side effects of SSRI's.

 

[sleepmogul]

Have you considered trying non-prescription interventions? Here are several that may be of use, either as a stand alone, in tandem with other natural remedies, or in conjunction with your current precriptions.

1. Rhodiola rosea
Its roots contain a sap that has long been used to improve physical and mental endurance, relieve symptoms of anxiety and stress, and even lift mood and alleviate depression symptoms.

2. St. John's Wort
St. John's Wort (Hypericum perforatum), has long been used in many cultures to treat depression. Numerous research studies, including a 2008 study published as part of the Cochrane Systematic Review, have found that St. John's Wort is at least as effective as standard antidepressant drugs at treating mild to moderate depressive disorders, but with few potentially harmful side effects (http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/10/081007192435.htm).

When taken as a whole extract, St. John's Wort has also been shown to help naturally alleviate sleep disorders, promote relaxation, and boost energy levels in such a way that avoids the "spikes" and "plunges" typically associated with consumption of caffeine and other stimulants. St. John's Wort is considered to be a safe, inexpensive herbal remedy that can help promote improved overall mental health.

3. Camu Camu
Camu Camu (Myrciaria dubia) fights the negative effects of the herpes virus, promote immune health, alleviate inflammation, and fight bacteria and viruses. Camu Camu also has adaptogenic properties that normalize bodily processes during stress, and help relieve symptoms of depression.

4. Ashwagandha
Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera), an Indian plant that has long been used in Ayurvedic medicine, contains powerful adaptogenic compounds that are known to relieve symptoms of anxiety and depression. The plant is also known to help fight degenerative brain conditions like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's, as well as inhibit the growth and spread of cancer cells.

Several studies, including one published in the journal Phytomedicine back in 2000, have found that ashwagandha works as well as, or better than, antidepressant drugs at relieving anxiety and treating depression symptoms. And ashwagandha naturally prevents stress-induced free radical damage without causing harmful side effects (http://www.lef.org/magazine/mag2006/jun2006_report_ashwa_01.htm).

5. Maca
Maca (Lepidium meyenii), also known as "Peruvian ginseng," is a root vegetable that is packed with amino acids, phytonutrients, vitamins, and minerals. Like the other herbs mentioned, it has long been used in traditional medicine to increase energy and stamina, enhance libido, and boost the immune, adrenal, and endocrine systems.

In a 2008 study published in the journal Menopause, researchers found that maca helps reduce anxiety and depression symptoms in women with menopause (http://drtorihudson.com). And in a 2006 study published in the journal BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine, researchers found that maca clearly exhibits general antidepressant activity in all people when consumed.

Learn more: http://www.naturalnews.com/035463_depression_herbs_remedies.html#ixzz2kJ6XT9CZ

You might also consider the inclusion of a natural sleep remedy. A sound sleep does wonders for physical and mental well-being, but prescription meds can leave lingering effects that counteract the benefits of the sound sleep. A whole-food remedy is available from http://naturalsleepformula.net. The advantage of whole food supplements is that they are safe to use, and will not interact with RX drugs. Although you do need to consult with a Dr before adding any new supplements to your regimen, whole food remedies are widely considered to be safe for anyone.

 

[crestfallen]

Ok I know you said you tried a bunch of AD's but sometimes it takes running through all of them to find one that works. Wellbutrin worked but gave me immense anxiety, effexor made me feel zombiefied, prozac did the same thing, and pristiq made me constantly think of suicide. Then I tried celexa and it worked great and my life has changed almost completely. I feel like myself, without most of my insecurities, and can actually make friends now because my anxiety has lifted a bunch. Have you tried old school tricyclic AD or MAOI's? Some of those can help better than SSRIs. All I'm saying is that maybe you could continue to try just a few more before totally giving up. I also take a very small dose of klonopin to keep panic attacks away but don't really use them. Adderall is only going to make you feel good for a few hours before you crash and get even more depressed. There are studies showing suboxone is a very potent antidepressant so that might be an option.

These are all assuming you exercise at least 3x a week and SHOULD be seeing a therapist who you can talk your issues out with. CBT along w/ an effective medication is the best route out of this hole your in. Maybe pregablin could help as well but before you try searching for this magic pill, look for natural remedies like st johns wort, 5htp, and even kratom (which helped me out a lot). I would cut out the weed which can easily cause anxiety and depression. Soma isn't gonna do a damn thing for you and tramadol isn't worth the risk associated with it. Good luck mate.

 

[DementiaSavantPlus]

I want to reinforce the rhodiola and St. John's wort recommendations. For me, they have worked and are benign. I went through a tricyclic and bupropion and both were a mixed bag and ultimately ineffective. I am also in the long process of tapering off of a five-year-long gabapentin regimen, so I know all about the slowly evolving negative effects. I have avoided SSRIs as well.

 

[Tristurbed]

I haven't tried any of the herbs that sleepmogul listed other than Ashwaganda which I personally didn't have any noticeable effects on.

I've been taking 5-HTP for 2 months now (by NOWFoods, you can order it online) at 1 capsule a day (2 if I feel really down from real life issues) right before I go to bed. I've noticed myself be significantly happier throughout the day. Not only happier but also more energized.

Could very much relate with "The only times i feel good is when i take my adderall a few times a week especially with music (makes everything seem so possible, positive, and very intense emotions). But i just want to feel that way or similar everyday and be able to just participate in my old hobbies"

I have the exact same experiences with adderall.. I believe its because of higher levels of dopamine but I'm not too sure on that

 

[paranoid android]

- I do occassionally go to the gym, but lose more and more interest in going, since i have already been losing weight without the seroquel and gabapentin and already am a slight bit underweight now. But in the past i did notice an effect in terms of anxiety after exercising.

- My eating habits were normal, usually food made at home, now since i have lost 15 pounds, i don't eat much anymore, i drink enough water eat a little here and their, and drink green tea nightly.

- I am going to do more looking into tryclillics, maybe they may work for me.

- Lol i used to smoke cannibus a lot and it helped me, but i can't now because i don't have any connections for any (and don't wanna start the whole looking for drugs thing again). Lastly i can't control my hunger on them and am enjoying my weight loss and don't wanna risk getting caught with any as it's harder to hide or smoke than other drugs. (Since i live with parents who have and will kick me out of the house if they knew i drank alcohol even though i'm of age now).

-I don't think everyone handles benzos "till they can't". Their are people who have been on the same dose for years with minimal side effects. Theirs two things that people do to make benzos even furthermore dangerous, A) Take very high doses, daily or frequently developing a much more complex physical dependence/other side effects. B) (if prescribed) constantly upping their dosage because it doesn;t "work anymore" or for other reasons.

Exercise is great for depression and any mood disorder really. I have bipolar disorder and when i am working out on a regular basis i feel alot better then when i am not. Also not eating never fails to make me feel way more miserable then i already am. I know how hard it is to work up the motivation to even eat during a major depressive episode but eating healthy does help.

As far as anti-depressants go the only 2 that have really helped me are bupropion (wellbutrin, Zyban) and amitriptyline. Tricyclic anti-depressants like amitriptyline, nortriptyline, doxylamine, imipramine, trimipramine, etc) do help many people with depression who don't do well on SSRI's or SNRI's. I never got any sexual dysfunction from amitriptyline at all and the only side effect i had from it really was waking up feeling drowsy in the morning for abit and the godawful dry mouth that amitriptyline causes for most of the fucking day . Other then that i had no side effects from it unless you count getting a good nights sleep a side effect. So i would definitely recommend giving tricyclics a try.

As someone mentioned the reversible MAOI Moclobemide and the selective MAO-B inhibitor (and in higher doses like the Emsam patch a non selective MAOI) selegiline. With the lower oral doses you don't have to worry about food restrictions like you do with the non selective MAOI's as MAO-A inhibitors are what is responsible for the severe life threatening hypertensive effect when you consume any tyramine containing food. With the Emsam patch selegiline is a non selective MAOI but as the tyramine inhibition happens in the stomach and the transdermal patch bypasses this you don't have to worry about the food restrictions nearly as much either. The drug interactions still apply however. Don't take this as gospel though as it's been abit since i have read up on much pharmacology. The older non selective and irreversible MAOI's such as Tranylcypromine (Parnate) and Phenelzine (Nardil) help alot of peoples depression who do not respond to other drugs. They have all the food and drug restrictions as these are classic MAOI's but if nothing else helps your depression they would be worth a shot in my opinion.

There are other psych meds not classified as anti-depressants that do help some peoples depression quite well. Lamotrigine (trade name Lamictal) although mainly used for bipolar disorder and as a anti-convulsant works well in some people for treating unipolar depression. I have found this drug to be a lifesaver in treating bipolar disorder and if not for it i may very well have topped myself ages ago. The other mood stabilizer Lithium is also sometimes used to treat unipolar depression. Atypical anti-psychotics such as seroquel, zyprexa and abilify also help some peoples depression especially when combined with anti-depressants. Both seroquel and zyprexa work better on my depression then most anti-depressants do for me anyway.

As for benzos in my own personal experience (everyone is different so don't go solely by someone elses reaction to a drug) i have not found them to be the evil drug that many people make them out to be. I have been on benzos mainly clonazepam for 8 years with no problems. I have been on 4-6mg's a day for about 6 years or longer and have not had to raise the dose. I don't abuse them or take more then prescribed though unless i am really stressed out and need a higher dose so maybe that's why i haven't run into any problems with them. Due to being in a foreign city far away from my doctor and any doctor afraid to give me more then 10 pills i had to make 20mg's of clonazepam last me over 10 days which is a very big drop off from 6mg's a day to say the least. I had a rough time of it and probably lost 5lbs of water weight in sweat but i didn't get nearly as bad of a withdrawal syndrome as most people get coming off that kind of dose or even much lower doses. It was nowhere near as bad as the withdrawal symptoms i got quitting alcohol although it felt like minor DT's. I would suggest trying lower potency benzos with long half life's such as Valium if you are going to be on them a long time as people generally find longer acting benzos much easier to taper off from.

As for Amphetamines i would not suggest them for depression unless everything else failed. They may work much better then anti-depressants in the short term and have less side effects but i don't know many people who have used Amphetamines for a long time without running into serious trouble. I have used Dexedrine at low doses of 15mg's a day in self treating my bipolar depression and it worked great but i could easily see myself reaching the point where i was swallowing handfuls of Dexies at a time just to feel "normal" as tolerance builds very quickly. In high recreational doses i would get awful depression worse then i ever naturally got on the comedown or even while still taking Dextroamphetamine if i binged on it and stayed up for days on end. So treat lightly if at all with amps.

 

[Rybee]

I can't praise Agomelatine/Valdoxan enough.

Sick of SSRI's and all the shit that comes with them. Been on it 3 months, depression lifted within 2 weeks. Zero side effects.

 

[Transcendence]

Remeron and Wellbutrin are available in the US, do not have sexual side effects, and are not SSRI's.

Some Doctors are using ketamine for depression these days. I have a scrip for intranasal ketamine and I find it helpful and fast acting with very few side effects other than insomnia the day I use it. It may be hard to find a Doctor who is willing to prescribe ketamine though because of it's abuse potential.

Are you in the US? I'm assuming you were once part of a clinical trial for ketamine use in depression? That's amazing.

As far as this thread goes, the most effective "traditional" anti-depressant I've had was mirtazepine (none of the worst SSRI side effects and works fast). It works amazingly well for some people. For me, although it was one of the best I've been prescribed it was still mediocre and I was alarmed at the weight gain.

I went on Lyrica for anxiety only and figured I could focus on my depression once the anxiety was successfully treated. Well, damned if pregabalin doesn't seem to have an anti-depressant effect too. I don't know if this is only in the beginning of treatment (only been on it for a few weeks) but my depression has improved markedly (though definitely still present).

I agree with paranoid android in that benzos are over vilified. If they help you then you should be aware of the dangers but not feel guilty for using them. Clonazepam and diazepam have helped me greatly during some of my worst times. HOWEVER they will not help depression (apparently there's some evidence that alprazolam might have AD properties but the evidence is sketchy at best). Everyone reacts differently. If I take my prescribed moderately low dose of clonazepam I feel fine. If I take a higher dose I feel more depressed. It's a different kind of depression that's hard to explain, but definitely a gray listless what's the point of existing type of feeling. I can imagine that they might deepen depression for some people. Withdrawal should not be a concern because they can always be very slowly tapered. My concern is that anxiety will be an issue for quite some time after stopping use due to down regulation of receptors.

As everyone says, exercise is more effective than most anti-depressants currently out there, but the problem is you are undoubtedly, like me, too depressed to maintain an exercise regimen. During the times of my life when I went to the gym every other day I felt great. And yet even knowing how much it helps doesn't motivate me to do it. You need pharmaceutical help to get to this place.

I can't praise Agomelatine/Valdoxan enough.

Sick of SSRI's and all the shit that comes with them. Been on it 3 months, depression lifted within 2 weeks. Zero side effects.

I've always thought this would be an interesting option (I've noticed slight antidepressant qualities from normal melatonin) but unfortunately after the results of the phase III trials it was discontinued from submission to the FDA and as such will likely never be available in the US market : (

 

[lalune]

I used to have very severe depression that I thought would never go away. When I mean severe I'm not playing. I'm not in the greatest environment which contributed to my depression. I took a bunch of meds, therapy And hospital stays. None of those helped. However I am no longer depressed. I finally found a purpose in life, a reason and desire to live life. For the first time, i had something very bad happen to me back in August, and instead of thinking dark thoughts i told myself it would be okay. Every one is different though this is just my own experience. I'm just saying, it is very possible to recover from even the most treatment resistant depression. If you want any more details feel free to ask.