What can I take that's a better option then more antidepressant?

[nonamegirl]

I need something DESPERATELY!!!! ANYTHING that can take just a bit of this suffering away.

I am 0,01 inch away from the phych ward and if I don't get something else or have another suggestion ready for my doctor besides more antidepressants, they are gonna dope me with more of them.

So what can I take/try????

 

[Throwawaysoul]

It sucks that everything takes two weeks or more to find out if it's working.

Do you live in a place that has medical marijuana? It helps but definitely not for everyone.

 

[nonamegirl]

It sucks that everything takes two weeks or more to find out if it's working.

Do you live in a place that has medical marijuana? It helps but definitely not for everyone.

No, and I got tinnitus and medical marijuana is said to spike tinnitus badly (raising it).

But I thank you for the suggestion. Any suggestion is welcome.

 

[Sensei]

Herbs have helped me. Maybe they can help you too.

 

[chris8000]

I second the herbs @Sensei has linked. My two personal favourites are ashwagandha and St. John's wort.

There's also some new options coming through like magic mushrooms and ketamine for depression. There was just an Ayuhasuca trial recently I read about, looks promising https://www.madinamerica.com/2019/12/initial-trial-ayahuasca-depression-promising/. These aren't for taking as an ongoing treatment, but more to help give a new perspective from a single session. Can make a big difference, although they're quite powerful so it is good to be cautious as well.

 

[randomz]

For me Passion flower helps greatly when dealing with my anxiety.

 

[nonamegirl]

Are herbs dangerous to take if your on antidepressants (I am on something called Brintellix and Remeron)

Sadly I am not in America so I don't think magic mushrooms are an option.

 

[Sensei]

Are herbs dangerous to take if your on antidepressants (I am on something called Brintellix and Remeron)

Herbs are weaker than drugs, to the risks are much lower. There's much information available about which herbs might interact with which medicines. Of the most well known and used herbs, kanna and S:t John's wort might interact with antidepressants.

Sadly I am not in America so I don't think magic mushrooms are an option.

Maybe it's possible for you to find magic truffles instead? They are weaker than mushrooms, but they are by no means weak.

 

[chris8000]

Are herbs dangerous to take if your on antidepressants (I am on something called Brintellix and Remeron)

They can be dangerous if your on drugs, sometimes, yes. But that doesn't mean it isn't worth trying.

I suggest to research into interactions carefully. St. John's wort is contra indicated with SSRIs, because you can end up with too much serotonin and something called serotonin syndrome.

On the other hand starting some herbs might allow you to come off the drugs, if they're not working.

 

[Secrets1]

Liposomal GABA w/ L-theanine. Is a supplement that comes in a pump bottle. Won't solve all your problems but will help take the edge off a little

Def don't take anything that interacts with serotonin. Brintellix is an interesting choice. I'm curious about your dosages and prior antidepressant use. As well as sleep quality + quantity. If you want to discuss feel free to PM me.

I am not a medical doctor but may be able to help provide guidance on things to talk to your doc about

 

[LittleJem]

Herbs are weaker than drugs, to the risks are much lower. There's much information available about which herbs might interact with which medicines. Of the most well known and used herbs, kanna and S:t John's wort might interact with antidepressants.



Maybe it's possible for you to find magic truffles instead? They are weaker than mushrooms, but they are by no means weak.

SSRIS (like Brintellex) bomb out mushrooms - they don't work when you are on SSRIs apparently:

I don't think many psychedelics if any combine well with psych meds - they hit the same receptors so don't do well in combo.

 

[justanotherday]

You might suggest to the doctor to try an " off label" medication . I cannot tolerate antidepressants, but adderal really helped me a few years ago. It is for add, but something like that would be considered an off label medication for depression. I am not saying adderal is the med for you... just an example

 

[LittleJem]

@nonamegirl Are Brintillex and Remeron helping you at all?

How long have you been on them?

I was personally on Brintellex for 3 months and was still depressed and it was sedating me all day too. I decided that was enough time - though some people say you test anti-depressants for longer than that - but some say 12 weeks is enough. It's definitely shitty testing them. I have been really stressed deciding which meds to test next, as everything has to be tested for so many weeks.

If they aren't working for you, it might be time for your doctor to switch your medication? Hope you don't mind me asking - is there any chance you have bipolar? Everyone says that to me - and while I don't agree - often people are misdiagnosed with depression when they have Bipolar - and the medication you need for Bipolar is different. So if there is a chance of that being the case, I would look into that to ensure you are on meds that will help you. Especially if your depression is really bad and you might need to be in hospital - then it could be bipolar depression.

I have just taken a break from psych meds to test St John's Wort - and for me, it is better than Brintellex. It reduces my suicidal thoughts straight away. I feel a bit odd and neurotic on it though and still suicidal, but I can get out of bed on it and walk around - which is an improvement. I did meet one woman who had been on different psych meds for 3 years, and then she tried St John's Wort and it was the best for her. It interacts badly with lots of other medication (and the oral contraceptive pill) so if you ever test it, handle with care. It is also not good for people with Bipolar as it can trigger mania - so it is handle with care on that front. And don't come off your meds if they are helping you at all.

I hope this helps a bit. I always write at length! Basically in the same boat....trying to find a med that works.

 

[Sensei]

SSRIS (like Brintellex) bomb out mushrooms - they don't work when you are on SSRIs apparently:

I don't think many psychedelics if any combine well with psych meds - they hit the same receptors so don't do well in combo.

Hallucinogens and medicines is a tricky subject. I'm on lithium myself and according to recent studies, it amplifies the effects of hallucinogens, something I'm prepared to believe.

 

[LittleJem]

Also you could look into Kratom. Did nothing for me, but some peopel say it is life-saving for depression. I don't know whether or not it can be combined with SSRIs and Mirtazapine/Remeron - but it might be safe. It is safe with an SSRI: https://kratomguides.com/kratom-vs-ssri-antidepressants-best/
With Mirtazapine it looks like some people do also take Kratom, but they space it away from their Mirtazapine dose. Could be worth more research.

Hallucinogens and medicines is a tricky subject. I'm on lithium myself and according to recent studies, it amplifies the effects of hallucinogens, something I'm prepared to believe.

@Sensei in that case you're a cheap date ;)
SSRIs do blunt psychedelics - people say that it stops them experiencing the trip. But Lithium is different.

I am feeling a bit better atm - wonder if it's the garlic!!!

 

[justanotherday]

@nonamegirl Are Brintillex and Remeron helping you at all?

How long have you been on them?

I was personally on Brintellex for 3 months and was still depressed and it was sedating me all day too. I decided that was enough time - though some people say you test anti-depressants for longer than that - but some say 12 weeks is enough. It's definitely shitty testing them. I have been really stressed deciding which meds to test next, as everything has to be tested for so many weeks.

If they aren't working for you, it might be time for your doctor to switch your medication? Hope you don't mind me asking - is there any chance you have bipolar? Everyone says that to me - and while I don't agree - often people are misdiagnosed with depression when they have Bipolar - and the medication you need for Bipolar is different. So if there is a chance of that being the case, I would look into that to ensure you are on meds that will help you. Especially if your depression is really bad and you might need to be in hospital - then it could be bipolar depression.

I have just taken a break from psych meds to test St John's Wort - and for me, it is better than Brintellex. It reduces my suicidal thoughts straight away. I feel a bit odd and neurotic on it though and still suicidal, but I can get out of bed on it and walk around - which is an improvement. I did meet one woman who had been on different psych meds for 3 years, and then she tried St John's Wort and it was the best for her. It interacts badly with lots of other medication (and the oral contraceptive pill) so if you ever test it, handle with care. It is also not good for people with Bipolar as it can trigger mania - so it is handle with care on that front. And don't come off your meds if they are helping you at all.

I hope this helps a bit. I always write at length! Basically in the same boat....trying to find a med that works.

You are so right about making sure one gets a proper diagnoses. It took years before I was finally diagnosed. They finally figured out I am bipolar 2. It is often much overlooked.

 

[JustVisiting]

I can personally vouch for a specific CBD brand.

 

[LittleJem]

You are so right about making sure one gets a proper diagnoses. It took years before I was finally diagnosed. They finally figured out I am bipolar 2. It is often much overlooked.

It happens all the time apparently. They miss this a lot. It takes time for them to realise/diagnose.

 

[Sensei]

They miss this a lot. It takes time for them to realise/diagnose.

I don't blame them. The first episode is usually depressive, so there's no history of mania or hypomania. They should react when antidepressants don't work properly, though.

 

[LittleJem]

OP I definitely think that if you have been on this anti-depressants for a long enough time and htey aren't helping, that your doctor needs to switch you to something else. Are you UK and NHS? (cos that's where I am...). Do you have an assigned psychiatrist who can help you?

I have friends having luck with the following medications:
- one friend is doing well on Venlaflaxine
- another friend is having luck with Agomelatine for his depression

Both of those friends were very desperate and suicidal before they found their meds.

The stuff I am about to try is more random - I got recommended it on the internet - it is Moclobemide/Selegiline and Memantine. I am going to try a few days of Tramadol first, as it has some very good reviews for treatment resistant depression - though I am a bit nervous of it.

but I would take anything to escape this....so going to try that lot for now.

Dont' be afraid to try a different thing - if you find the thing that works for you, life will change.

Another one on my try list is definitely amitryptiline. I have heard some very good reviews for that.

 

[Squiddy]

No, and I got tinnitus and medical marijuana is said to spike tinnitus badly (raising it).

But I thank you for the suggestion. Any suggestion is welcome.

I have tinnitus and I don't noticed a difference when I smoke

 

[nonamegirl]

I appreacate all your answers and suggestions but sadly I'm so stressed out in my head and body due to suffering that I have a hard time navigating through all the suggestions. It just makes me dizzy and even more stressed.

The only thing I can say right now, is that I have tinnitus and hyperacusis which means a lot of medications carry a risk of worsening these, and lots of medicine is ototoxic (toxic to the inner ear and hearing nerve) SSRI is especially one you should refrain from when you have these conditions cause they carry the greatest risk of worsening. What I mean is, I can't just try all kinds of different medications cause that would be too risky for my tinnitus and hyperacusis. Brintellix and especially Remeron/mirtazapine carry the lowest risk of worsening these, which I why I agreed to them to start with. I was also on Venlafaxine before I became aware of the possible danger of meds vs. tinnitus/hyperacusis, but that drug didnt do anything for me other then give me horrible sweats just from walking up 10 stairs for instance, and very dry mouth which didnt go away (I was on them some months.)......there were other side effects but cant remember them now, but the sweats were intolerable as I had sweat running down my face many times a day.

That is why I really don't wanna go the medication route, as least not until all other options have been tried, and if nothing works and I keep feeling this horrible, then sure as a last resort it can be nessecary in order jo keep me alive. I Know that it will only buy me more time.......cause tolerance will develop or the medicine will stop working after some years. That's just how it is. But it's better then nothing,

I don't think I am bipolar at all. I am never manic, not even close to it.

I am not in US or UK though. I don't wanna say where I'm from specifically, but I am in Europe.

A friend on tinnitustalk suggested Ashwaganda and reishi and I am gonna try those + passionsflower. And I'll try St. johns wort too. If their is any suggestions for natural supplements I have missed just let me know.

I don't wanna go the psychedelic road, that's highly illegal here and I wouldnt even know where to obtain these.

 

[chris8000]

A friend on tinnitustalk suggested Ashwaganda and reishi and I am gonna try those + passionsflower. And I'll try St. johns wort too. If their is any suggestions for natural supplements I have missed just let me know.
I don't wanna go the psychedelic road, that's highly illegal here and I wouldnt even know where to obtain these.

Yeah ashwagandha and reishi are a really good pair for a whole range of problems, people use those together reguarly. They're also safe for the vast majority of people. Likely good for anxiety and emotional balance, just those 2 would be a good starting place, it may be all you need. Usually better to be simple as possible with these things.

Passionflower is a good one, personally for that one I use a tincture which is just an alcohol extract. You could add that as well, I tend to add stuff one at a time.

St. John's wort, there is a lot of concern around this medicine as your probably aware. Basically if you take it with any other drug it will stop that drug working or working as well, including the contraceptive pill. If taken with SSRI's it can be dangerous also. Apart from that there is easy sun burning for most people, which is OK if you don't go in the sun much or use cream. However, SJW is one of my favourite herbs, and I have used it fine for years, most people have no real issues with it. It's traditional use is to reduce anxiety and nerve pain, and later was adopted as an anti-depressant.

 

[nonamegirl]

Yeah ashwagandha and reishi are a really good pair for a whole range of problems, people use those together reguarly. They're also safe for the vast majority of people. Likely good for anxiety and emotional balance, just those 2 would be a good starting place, it may be all you need. Usually better to be simple as possible with these things.

Passionflower is a good one, personally for that one I use a tincture which is just an alcohol extract. You could add that as well, I tend to add stuff one at a time.

St. John's wort, there is a lot of concern around this medicine as your probably aware. Basically if you take it with any other drug it will stop that drug working or working as well, including the contraceptive pill. If taken with SSRI's it can be dangerous also. Apart from that there is easy sun burning for most people, which is OK if you don't go in the sun much or use cream. However, SJW is one of my favourite herbs, and I have used it fine for years, most people have no real issues with it. It's traditional use is to reduce anxiety and nerve pain, and later was adopted as an anti-depressant.

Sounds good.

What kind of passionflower tincture do you take?

St. John's wort I am a bit concerned about, but as things are right now, I'd say my ADD's are not doing me any favour/good, so I don't think the SJW can stop it working as it's probably not working as of right now. I don't go in the sun much.......we don't get much sun where I at, lol. What dosage would you recommend if I were to try it?.

I have never really come to the conclusion if Brintellix (one of the ad's I take) is an SSRI or an SNRI. I thought it was as SNRI and a gauy I spoke to online, who seemed knowledgeable in medicine, told me it is, but on some sites it is stated as an SSRI :/

 

[Nem]

Have you tried SAM-e? That stuff is really powerful!
Peace/hugs

 

[nonamegirl]

Have you tried SAM-e? That stuff is really powerful!
Peace/hugs❤

No, never heard of that......there are so many suggestions I've never heard of. It's interesting.
Can it be taken with add's?

 

[LittleJem]

Sounds good.

What kind of passionflower tincture do you take?

St. John's wort I am a bit concerned about, but as things are right now, I'd say my ADD's are not doing me any favour/good, so I don't think the SJW can stop it working as it's probably not working as of right now. I don't go in the sun much.......we don't get much sun where I at, lol. What dosage would you recommend if I were to try it?.

I have never really come to the conclusion if Brintellix (one of the ad's I take) is an SSRI or an SNRI. I thought it was as SNRI and a gauy I spoke to online, who seemed knowledgeable in medicine, told me it is, but on some sites it is stated as an SSRI :/

Best of my knowledge, it is dangerous to combine St John's Wort with Britillex. Britillex is an SSRI, just a newer one. Combining those risks Serotonin Syndrome.

I would look at stuff that reduces inflammation. Curcurmin: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2929771/

Maybe also garlic and ginger. And the other herbs you mentioned sound fine.
Cat's Claw is said to help Tinnitus

 

[nonamegirl]

Best of my knowledge, it is dangerous to combine St John's Wort with Britillex. Britillex is an SSRI, just a newer one. Combining those risks Serotonin Syndrome.

I would look at stuff that reduces inflammation. Curcurmin: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2929771/

Maybe also garlic and ginger. And the other herbs you mentioned sound fine.
Cat's Claw is said to help Tinnitus

Bummer. And I hate that's in an SSRI, cause I really would like to avoid those, as stated previously.

I tried Curcumin a while back. Everyday for some weeks, but it didnt really help me, but I am willing to try again. Maybe up the dose. I took about 4-5 grams of raw curcumin powder when I took it. Garlic I eat a lots of already.

 

[Secrets1]

Brintellix is an SMS, not SSRI. They are similar but different. Apparently it can be combined with SOME drugs that impact serotonin, including some SSRI's, which may be what your doctor is considering adding. Regardless, I'd be careful about using anything that primarily acts on serotonin or interacts with SSRI's without doctor's guidance.

Maybe the best simplest way forward is to make a list of suggestions that sound the best to you, herbs are quite reasonable, bring them to your doc and have a discussion. I'd also still highly recommend looking into the Liposomal GABA with L-Theanine

 

[nonamegirl]

Brintellix is an SMS, not SSRI. They are similar but different. Apparently it can be combined with SOME drugs that impact serotonin, including some SSRI's, which may be what your doctor is considering adding. Regardless, I'd be careful about using anything that primarily acts on serotonin or interacts with SSRI's without doctor's guidance.

Maybe the best simplest way forward is to make a list of suggestions that sound the best to you, herbs are quite reasonable, bring them to your doc and have a discussion. I'd also still highly recommend looking into the Liposomal GABA with L-Theanine

Good suggestion. I could try, but I don't have any faith in my doctor anymore. To me they only seem interested in selling you meds. But I'll try. can't hurt I guess.

That Liposomal GABA with L-Theanine, is that addictive? I thought anything that had the name GABA in it and works on this area in the brain, is addictive?