Depression keeps worsening even with increased meds

Dear Anonymous, I've had depression since I was a child and I understand how debilitating it makes you feel. Sometimes it's the situation that we are in that is feeding the depression and it becomes a vicious circle. I understand it is hard for you right now, but you need to tell yourself everyday 'I can do this', 'I am happy' (even though you don't feel that way). It's re-training your brain to think positive thoughts in order to reset to get yourself into positive mode. Trust me, I go through depression every 2 to 3 months. And try to change you situation whatever it is that is negative to help you to become more motivated. There is light at the end of each tunnel. And never make a permanent decision on a temporary emotion. I wish you all the best.

Hello Anonymous,

Welcome to the EmpowHER community. My heart goes out to you. With all that you are dealing with, it is not at all surprising that you are crushed by depression, feel hopeless and overcome with despair.

Why can you not speak with your husband? Is he unreceptive to your feelings or do you not feel comfortable talking with him?

Unless he has openly refused to listen or talk about your feelings, give him a chance. He may be your best friend and helper in coping with all the issues facing you. You should not try to go this alone.

You mention counseling. Do you feel that you are getting any help or benefits from these sessions?

Did you mean Cymbalta, which is an anti-depressant?

Anonymous, I am very concerned that you are taking Paxil and Cymbalta together.

Using Paxil together with Cymbalta can increase the risk of a rare but serious condition called the serotonin syndrome, which may include symptoms such as confusion, hallucination, seizure, extreme changes in blood pressure, increased heart rate, fever, excessive sweating, shivering or shaking, blurred vision, muscle spasm or stiffness, tremor, incoordination, stomach cramp, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Severe cases may result in coma and even death.

The use of stimulants like Adderall for cases of treatment-resistant depression is not very common these days. It is much more common for a psychiatrist to put the patient through the ringer of SSRI, SNRI, Tricyclic, and MAOI classes before they are likely to consider a psychostimulant. This is in part due to the fact that these have not been directly approved by the FDA for “depression.”

Anonymous, we are here to listen and offer any support that we can. My only suggestion is consider a second opinion with evaluation by another psychiatrist. I am concerned about your current medication regime.

Regards,
Maryann