depression meds stop working Posted: 05-19-08 10:24am
My meds seem to have stopped working for
depression, and the doctor put me on
lithium. I now take effexor, seroquil
along with lithium. I have bipolar. Prior
to this I was on many other meds, but they
all stopped working after a year or so. My
psychiatrist calls it the poop out
effect.
I just retired from school teaching, and
think the kids kept my mind stimulated and
now there is nothing to keep me going. I
keep thinking this depression will pass,
but it hasn't for over a year. I have had
a few episodes of mania and really like it
since I can take care of business.
|
antigone
Supporter
Joined: 27 Jan 2008 Posts: 847 Location: IL
Thanks: 40
Thanked:15
Posted: 05-19-08 13:01pm
Ah, the duplicity of bipolar disorder.
Many people report enjoying the manic
aspect of the disorder. The downside is
that mania can progress and result in some
behaviors that are less than desirable.
The depressive side of the disorder can be
very debilitating. Has your doctor
considered a mood stabilizer like
lamictal? That can sometimes cover the
breakthrough symptoms. It does seem like
medications that worked in the past be no
longer effective. Anticonvulsants are used
as mood stabilizers and are frequently
used with bipolar disorder. If you do not
seem to stabilize a bit more with the
lithium perhaps you could suggest a mood
stabilizer to your doctor.
Have you tried to tutor? There is always a
need for private tutors. Go to the local
high school and let them know that you
want to have your name on file so if
students need help outside of school they
can refer them to you. This will keep you
busy, add a bit of income, and give you a
sense of purpose. You can limit how much
you do to suit your lifestyle. It may help
with the depression if you are busy.
I wish I could tell you more. There is no
magic bullet. Perhaps a mood chart would
help you keep track of your condition. It
is a great tool for your doctor, as well.
He can see your progress and make
alterations in medication accordingly.
Trying to remember it all can be
difficult. Google search mood chart. Many
will come up so you will need to look at
them and find one that you can do easily.
Hang in there. I hope the lithium does the
trick. Let us know how you are doing.
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