Depression Understood Forums

This may be long but I should start out telling you all about myself. I have had depression for 16 years. Tried different meds. that worked well at first then after a couple years didn't have any effect. Several years ago I started on Lexapro which worked the best. I had to increase the dose though after awhile. But a few years ago, it didn't seem to work anymore, so my general practitioner just upped the dose as high as he could. I am currently on 20 mg twice daily and I don't feel any different then when I took it once daily. I decided to see a psychiatrist instead of my regular dr. to see if she can help me. I think the problem isn't dosing me higher but that I need another medicine like Wellbutrin or Abilify to help with what the Lexapro isn't helping. Here is how I'm feeling; extremely tired all the time, lazy, unmotivated, irritable, so sad for no real reason, feel gloom and doom, can barely get out of bed to go to work, no zest for life, I'm just barely living not seeing joy in what I should as I have 3 beautiful young daughters and a great Husband. I can barely prepare dinners and clean my house, I just want to sit on the couch and watch tv. My depression is hereditary not from any traumatic experience. Please help me.

Hey. Just wanted to let you know, I feel your pain. I myself have pretty much been depressed since the day I left the womb, and I've been on every last antidepressent known to man, with no result other than the lovely side effects. Right now my psychiatrist has me on Remeron, and all it does it put me in a coma basically 24/7. When I'm not asleep, I'm either hungry or have an ungodly migraine... but guess what, still depressed as all get out (when I'm awake, that is).
I hear there are some people who simply DON'T RESPOND to medication...or only to a certain point before it plateaus. I think we may very well both be in that realm...
All I can say is, sorry about your luck? Hope you're in therapy though- I am, and it's basically the only thing that even remotely helps me.

I think you are on the right track to see a psychiatrist (who should be a more specialized doctor).

Try it & see where it takes you.

I agree with crystal. Seeing a trained professional who knows a lot more about your specific condition is the best course of action.

I see what you're talkin' about. I live in a small community, and have had the experience of more is better in regards to professional help. Your Post shows me I am not unique, but just "Plain-Old"!!! The things we suffer in common are just that. COMMON.

No pain is ever common or should ever be ignored. You are important. You matter. And reaching out to get help is a very responsible thing to do.