[Buffheart]

I have been depression free for over two years, and glad of it. I am on Zoloft, and some other things for OCD, plus the Requip, and they work for me. I would like to help everybody who is struggling here

[MindshareHealth]

Just wanted to say hi Tuck, I'm new here too. I have depression and anxiety - getting better on Lexapro and Abilify. Good to know you are doing better and are here to try to be a support to others. Same here.

[Buffheart]

That's weird that Lexapro and Abilify are working for you, because neither worked for me. I had to have my meds tweaked a few times before we found the right combo

[MindshareHealth]

Ya everyone is different and I'm not sure I'm on the right cocktail. I'm still in tweaking mode. Titrating down off Wellbutrin which stopped working on me and titrating up on Lex. Still not feeling great but doing a lot better than I was.

[donica]

Originally Posted by MindshareHealth

Just wanted to say hi Tuck, I'm new here too. I have depression and anxiety - getting better on Lexapro and Abilify. Good to know you are doing better and are here to try to be a support to others. Same here.

Hi Linda

I'm new to this post as well. Can you tell me how long you've been using both Lexapro and Abilify? I'm currently on Lexapro and am considering the possiblity of adding Abillify. What are some of the changes you noticed and are you suffering any side effects?

Thanks

Donica

[mistiis]

Hi to all of you here. I have been dealing with major depressive disorder for quite some few years now. I also deal with anxiety and was told by my doc that one can cause the other. I am allergic to many meds, or so sensitive that even very small doses put me in bed. Its hard to deal with. I was on Effexor for a while which did help. Abilify helped me as well, until I had an allergic reaction to it and had to give it up. I am learning to deal with it in other ways, and am not on any AD's at the moment. If anyone is interested let me know. I understand it. And I am glad to see some support coming in here. Hope you all have a great New Year!

[MindshareHealth]

Donica asked: "Can you tell me how long you've been using both Lexapro and Abilify? I'm currently on Lexapro and am considering the possiblity of adding Abillify. What are some of the changes you noticed and are you suffering any side effects?"

Well I was on Wellbutrin and it seemed to stop working for me. So my pdoc added Abilify in September. I was really worried about the side effect profile, but really never had any side effects at all, just stabilized my moods a tiny bit.

Then I hit another crisis (grand baby died) and I freaked out so we decided the Wellb was really not working for me anymore so he just added Lexapro in November. At 10 MG I had horrible start up anxiety. So he raised to 20MG and I'm doing much better. Titrating down off Wellb now. 150 for a week, then none.

I really am not sure the Abilify is doing all that much for me, but it does help some people. For me I think the Lex is what's helping. But if your Lex needs a boost AB may help. Check with your Dr. of course.

[Vowel Lady]

Buffheart...I think it is awesome that you posted of your success.
I wish more people would do that on websites like this.
Of course, we all know that everyone is different...esp. in terms of medication.
It's been my experience that it often takes a multi-discipline approach to combat the difficult problem of depression.
Medication is often the first important step.
Other helpful things include therapy, exercise and vitamins...particularly the B Vitamins (a B50 tablet is very good).
Other potentially helpful supplements include: Vitamin D and Fish Oil.
I do wish everyone continued strength and all good things on this journey.

[Peter B]

Originally Posted by Buffheart

I have been depression free for over two years, and glad of it. I am on Zoloft, and some other things for OCD, plus the Requip, and they work for me. I would like to help everybody who is struggling here

hi Tuck, good for you.
I'm just wondering how bad you have to be before the medical prfession takes note and provides treatment.
Is there an avoidance approach, for instance?
I feel that I am developing depression but haven't seen my GP about it yet. When I see him every month or so I feel OK so don't bring it up.
I can see now that it is getting to be more of a problem so I will mention it next time.
I'm concerned though that he might try to minimise the problem and offer no treatment.
I have read the online checklists and they indicate I probably have depression, and I can see how it is affecting me all of the time, with a negative impact on my wife and family.
So for their sakes alone I need to have it looked at.
Would be interested to hear how others got on with their initial doctor response.

[Buffheart]

Well, they diagnosed me while I was in the hospital for something enmeshed with depression