?'s about treating depression?

jersey cyster · 10-14-2003, 07:48 PM

I have had depression as long as I can remember, but it wasn't a big deal before the baby. If I wanted to spend the entire day in bed or moping around the house, I just did. Now, with a baby, I don't have that luxury. I just made an appointment for Sat with my primary. I have never seen anyone before for it(aside from an eval or two when I was in junior high & high school & was in denial & lied & said everything was fine)
Does a primary generally treat the condition or will I get a referral somewhere else? What should I expect from medicines-does it really make you feel much better? If you feel more comfortable, you can just email me at tpt1997@flashmail.com

Making that telephone call to schedule an appointment was the hardest call I have ever had to make, I am hoping I don't chicken out on Sat for my appointment.

daculadawg1 · 10-16-2003, 12:13 PM

my primary does treat mine, but most of the time they send you to a psychiatrist(sp?). i'm on lexpro now and it seems to be working. i hope yu will find some meds to help you.
linda mull

beads · 10-24-2003, 02:51 AM

Try Lexapro or Celexa
They seem to be the best low/no side affect meds out there.
and i swear by my Celexa!
ask your Dr about them.. it couldnt hurt.

Annaw · 10-24-2003, 03:48 AM

Hi!

I second that opinion on Celexa. Lexapro is one of the best by far right now though. Different things work for different people.

(By the way, If you are breastfeeding some drugs may be passed onto the baby so keep that in mind.)

Your primary physician should at the very least know of your depression but they are not experts on the subject of medication to treat it. The first drug I was ever put on for depression was prozac and I had horrible side effects. My family doctor actually didn't know what other drugs to try, he had to flip open his pdr and didn't know the newest and latest treatments or the studies regarding them...

which is why I ended up getting a referral. If you can get insurance to cover most I'd go to a psychiatrist. There are several positives to it.
1) They are trained to know ALL the different depression treatments, all medications, and therapy types etc.
2)They can better help you determine whether therapy would be beneficial on top of the medication.
3)They get TONS of samples from the drug co. and often give you the first month worth of pills in samples that your general physician may not have on hand. When they prescribe something I always ask "whats this going to cost" and they will give me a free sample or coupon. That way if it takes you some time to find the right med, you won't have to pay for wasted ones.

Also talk to them about ANY other problems you have. They usually know the best therapists as well as medications that will help you get through before the antidepressant kicks in. For example, Ritalin, provigil, metadate etc.....drugs that help with the sleeping problems/energy problems depression can cause. But a lot of problems can be eased with therapy so drugs alone are not a cure, only a treatment.

Sheesh I've babbled enough. Hang in there!! Good luck!!

-Anna

ps. These are powerful drugs and no matter what, make sure whichever physician you choose is one who is capable of monitoring your usage.

Lendi · 10-24-2003, 10:29 AM

I've always been treated by my primary with the exception of when I had to go to a specialist (rheumatologist) for another condition. He put me on a different one because it was better for my condition. I took myself off of it because I kept me draggy all day, but I'm very sensitive to that kind of thing. But, just for depression alone a primary is fine unless you have difficulties. I've taken several. Sometimes it takes awhile to find the right one for you. Also, remember it can take 6 weeks before it becomes fully effective so don't give up if you don't notice an immediate imporvement. Celexa worked the best for me but the others helped somewhat. I just had the least side-effects with Celexa *lexapro is celexa with some of the un-needed ingredients removed* Welburin has the least side effects of weight gain, but Dr.s seem to hesitate to use it as much. It kept me from sleeping! Remeron is suppose to be good, but if over weight is an issue it's not for you. It is used to help put weight on. What I'm trying to say is yes, they can help. Please give them a chance, but remember that it may take a little work on the dosage and the type that is the best for you. Good luck. Keep us posted. Lendi

sunnieflower · 10-27-2003, 10:24 PM

My OB/GYN is actually treating me for depression. I'm on effexor I've only been taking it for 4 days so far and my hubby has really noticed the difference the only complaint so far is nausea and lack of appetite and I can deal with lack of apetite. I still eat just not as much. maybe I'll lose some weight!

CocoRumGirl · 10-27-2003, 11:49 PM

I've been treated by my primary physician and my former gyno. Remeron was the first drug I took. Before medication, I wasn't sleeping at all. With Remeron, I slept about 16 hours a day. I could not drag myself out of the bed. I also took prozac. I really couldn't tell I was even taking it. I'm currently not on any medications for depression, although my current gyno does at least touch base on it when I go in to make sure it's controlled. It may take a while to find the right drug for you, but it will be worth it when you find the right one. Please don't chicken out at your appt Saturday. I know how hard it is to ask for help the first time, but the depression is so much worse than talking to your doctor. I'm here if you need to talk. Feel free to PM me or Email me anytime. Hope things start to look up soon!

daisyangl@earthlink.net

patti plummer · 11-18-2003, 12:36 AM

I have tried so many different meds. I am losing hope.