[Horsegoer]

First I want to thank everyone for there responses. My dads depression has gotten worse... Are there any meds( not Cimbalta) that many people here have had success with? Thanks

[Jaye]

IMHO, antidepressants for people with PD are best prescribed by a psychiatrist who specializes in gerontological psychiatry. No, psychiatrists are not voodoo practitioners, but treat illnesses of the brain, which they diagnose by asking a lot of questions about sleep, daily habits, handling of problems, sharpness with reading or figures, and whatever else they can get some clues from. They know about the structures of the brain and how certain diseases can affect them.

Having said that, I know it's hard to find a doctor that fits the description. The type of psychiatrist who treats damage to the brain, whether traumatic or degenerative, called Neuropsychiatrists, are scarcer than hen's teeth. Maybe your dad's PD doctor can prescribe them, but if it's a neurologist, he/she may not be willing to. His general practitioner or internist will probably help. I didn't see your previous question about your dad, so I hope I'm not too far off base.

The thing to watch out for is the old-fashioned kind of antidepressants called "tri-cyclic antidepressants," because they make PD symptoms worse. The newer SSRI type have been prescribed for a lot of us. Some people with PD like Wellbutrin, which can't be taken if he drinks alcohol at all. I have taken Cymbalta since 2006, and it works fairly well for me.

Best of luck to you and your dad.

Jaye