Nothing will work?

[SouthernSolitary]

I’ve been on Effexor xr on and off for years. My newest psychiatrist agreed to bring me back to 225mg but thinks ECT is the only thing that’s going to help my type of depression. Am I just wasting my time with meds?

[lonelyforeigner]

What other antidepressants have you tried? Did you try SSRIs, NDRIs such as Wellbutrin, or some of the older MAOIs? MAOIs tend to be more effective than newer antidepressants but doctors don't like to prescribe them since there are more risks, i.e. you can overdose on them and there are certain foods  that can negatively interact with them. 

ECT is very effective but unless you have exhausted all other options I wouldn't go down that route to be honest since there are some risks involved in that as well. 

[Epictetus]

I wish I had answers to your questions, but I am only familiar with a few types of antidepressants and have never had ECT.  Have you considered getting a second medical opinion?  I do not mean any disrespect to your psychiatrist, but sometimes it can help to get the opinion of another psychiatrist.  Maybe this is a bad idea.  Since I am not in your shoes I don't really know what I would do in your situation.  I sure hope you find something that helps you ! ! !  I am not qualified in any way to give advice, so please do no not rely on anything I have said.  

[Grounded]

I think you should exhaust all options as in antidepressants before trying ECT. Getting a second opinion as lonely said might be a good idea if your current doctor said that ECT is the only thing that will help your depression. My sister had went through ECT and although not everyone responds the same she didn't have a great response to it, I'm sure some may have but she didn't. What else have you tried besides effexor? And did it seem to help in the past? 

This is my own personal opinion of course, I hope that you find some relief very soon! 

[Atra]

3 hours ago, SouthernSolitary said:

I’ve been on Effexor xr on and off for years.

Should we take this to mean your depression symptoms have responded to Effexor in the past? What reasons led to the decision to cease taking it?

[ladysmurf]

you can look into TMS and ketamine as well as ECT ..

[SouthernSolitary]

11 hours ago, Atra said:

Should we take this to mean your depression symptoms have responded to Effexor in the past? What reasons led to the decision to cease taking it?

Yes, Effexor has been my best in years past. I either got off because of weight gain or my psychiatrist switched me to something that might be more effective for anxiety. 

 

 

To clarify for others, I’ve already done 5 ect treatments

[Atra]

Hi, thanks for clarifying. I'm interested to know whether your depression symptoms respond to ECT and how durable the relief effects seem to be, I hope its helping and that the side effects of the treatment are tolerable.

As you have responded to Effexor, I don't think medication is a waste of time for you and perhaps a different drug in the SNRI category will have as good of a result but without the weight gain. 

[Prycejosh1987]

On 1/19/2019 at 3:59 AM, SouthernSolitary said:

I’ve been on Effexor xr on and off for years. My newest psychiatrist agreed to bring me back to 225mg but thinks ECT is the only thing that’s going to help my type of depression. Am I just wasting my time with meds?

Meds are half the job, meds do not solve the issues. It is just incentive to cope with them. They (The issues) will be still there unless you take the steps required.

[Katesbridge]

I am new to this forum. I too am on venlafaxine . Have been for 10 years. I couldn’t say that it helps. I have short periods of feeling better. I am currently on 225 mg of extended relief, may not be the correct description. Due a review with my physcaritrist . Next week. I am on a 4 monthly review. I am going to discuss increasing my dose or possibility of ECT. I note others have mentioned this. I am also on pregabalin. 
I haven’t been over the front door for 15 days. Stopped taking care of myself and spend days in and out of bed. This is no way to live. 
I am 68 and first presented with anxiety aged 21. This illness has followed me through out my life.

I don’t have an answer. Tried CBT, and counselling. Nothing helps. I just shut down and there is no hope until it passes enough for me to raise my head above the parapet .

any ideas?
 

[ladysmurf]

On 1/9/2023 at 7:01 PM, Katesbridge said:

I am new to this forum. I too am on venlafaxine . Have been for 10 years. I couldn’t say that it helps. I have short periods of feeling better. I am currently on 225 mg of extended relief, may not be the correct description. Due a review with my physcaritrist . Next week. I am on a 4 monthly review. I am going to discuss increasing my dose or possibility of ECT. I note others have mentioned this. I am also on pregabalin. 
I haven’t been over the front door for 15 days. Stopped taking care of myself and spend days in and out of bed. This is no way to live. 
I am 68 and first presented with anxiety aged 21. This illness has followed me through out my life.

I don’t have an answer. Tried CBT, and counselling. Nothing helps. I just shut down and there is no hope until it passes enough for me to raise my head above the parapet .

any ideas?
 

you can also look into TMS ?