antidepressants question?

[tamisue]

Hey Everyone~
I have been off and on prozac for about 15 years, my dr had been increasing my dosage but it just doesn't seem to be working like it used to (I am up to 60 mg daily). He has me trying effexor, and I can't STAND it--I am so calm and mellow and quiet--not at all like me. I think I'd rather be depressed some of the time than numb 100% of the time. I have chronic headaches, body aches, etc. and was thinking of asking him to put me on Cymbalta. I realize all medicines react differently to each individual, but has anyone tried it? I am not looking for a giant miracle, I understand I cannot find that in a pill; but I am wondering what everyone else has tried and what they recommend. I have tried effexor, prozac and wellbutrin (which worked for a little while but eventually wasn't working as well so he put me back on prozac). I have tried going off meds too, which didn't work at all (according to my family). : )
Any advice? Thanks!
(I go to the dr tomorrow)

[ladypam]

It is really frustrating to try out several medications and still end up with nothing that can work. Being on these medications, especially for a long time can be habit forming and thus giving you a hard time getting off it.

You said you have tried going off these medications. Is it because you feel that you do not need them anymore or because you hoped that the symptoms and side effects will go away? In any case, if you were trying to stop taking them, there will still be several side effects but at least you will get off it after a few weeks or months.

Based on what you have said, maybe you do not need any antidepressant anymore but more of an analgesic for all the aches and pains you feel in your body. I feel that trying out other medications will just add to your frustration whenever it doesn't work out like you need it to.

But if your doctor feels that you still need to take antidepressants, then by all means, follow his advice because he knows more of your condition than I do. On taking Cymbalta, this medication has been found with several risks for suicide and liver problems which is actually common with most antidepressants. Just keep on trying until you get the one that is effective for your body soon.

Hope this helps even a bit