I’m an 18-year-old female who has been in and out of various hospital wards for bipolar disorder with atypical psychotic tendencies and suicidal tendencies. The first drug I was on was Seroquel, which didn’t suit me at all. It made me drowsy all day long at a mid-range dose (250mg). After I stopped that, I went on Risperidal, which caused increased appetite and drowsiness, but these side effects dissipated in the first month of treatment. The doctors added fluvoxamine (Luvox/Movox) into the mix to help conquer the severe depression. All medication was stopped after my final exams. Bad move. I was then shortly tried on Olanzepine, but was quickly removed from it when it made me constantly hungry -- this was only a few weeks ago. Now Im being trialed on a combanation of Risperidone and escitalopram with the thought of adding a mood stableiser into the mix in mid january. Published: December 29 ::

I have suffered severe depression, anxiety, panic disorder, and insomnia for many years. I’ve tried Cymbalta, Paxil, and Effexor. Recently, my doctor prescribed Prozac, Ambien, Abilify, and Xanax. This combo seems to work well, although I still have severe insomnia. I’m hoping he can suggest something in combination with the Ambien or increase the dosage; otherwise, the symptoms have dramatically decreased for me. Published: December 29 ::

I am 21 years old and genetically predisposed to clinical depression/major depressive disorder. All my life, I've suffered from it, but the symptoms became more obvious when I was 13. It was then when I was diagnosed. I was prescribed Prozac, but I did not take it as my mother was concerned about its side effects. A few years later, I visited another therapist who prescribed me an SSRI called Cipralex. It did not suit me at all. I gained a lot of weight, felt anxious and groggy all day long, had disturbed sleeping patterns and lost a lot of hair. Last year, I began treatment with another therapist who prescribed me one of the milder SSRIs called Cipram and advised me to exercise for at least half an hour daily. I take half a tablet every evening after supper. It has helped immensely and suits me well. I used to cry for hours every day, but now I don't even remember the last time I did! As far as the side effects are concerned, I am only prone to occasional mild headaches, decreased appetite (but not so much) and drowsiness at night after I've taken the dose. I hate to admit that I don't exercise at all these days, but when I used to, I felt a rapid improvement in my life. I intend to start exercising once again. I must mention that my two best friends and my boyfriend have provided me with unconditional emotional support, which is virtually half the treatment. For all those in the same boat as me who are reading this, my therapist said, "Fake it until you make it." As weird as it may sound, it actually does help! I wish each and every one of you the best of luck with your treatments. If I can “make it,” so can you. Published: December 29 ::

I've struggled with depression since my late teens and at 38 have finally begun to feel really good. I've tries a lot of different meds but for me, a low dose of the new drug, Cymbalta, works for me. I have combined this with daily walking of at least 1 mile and regular games of basketball, volleyball, or football tossing with my son. I was the most sedentary woman on the planet for a long time and it just made my depression worse, not to mention the fact that I gained a lot of weight. I used to hate the people that said, "Exercise! Exercise! You'll feel gooood." LOL, now I have become one of them because it's true. My 11 year old son is my best motivator because he loves the new me and makes me go with him every single day to do some type of activity. Fortunately we just moved to a great new house beside a large city park and both the move and the proximity to the park have to change me dramatically for the better. All I can say in closing is find a really good doctor and be honest with him/her. I adore my doc and he's a PA but better than any MD I've ever seen. I trust him and feel very "safe" discussing anything with him. Take your meds regularly and don't be afraid or intimidated by doctors. They're just guys who do all the same things we do, albeit wealthier most times, but if you find the right one you'll know it. I hope this helps someone. Don't give up. I've finally found the sunshine after so many years of dark clouds and tears. If I can pull out of it, anyone can. Published: January 07 ::

I have been on duloxetine now for about a year and I have been a lot better on this than venlafaxine. I also take Seroquel at night to help me sleep better. I still feel tired all the time, but I don't feel so depressed. Published: December 15 ::

I'm a 48-year-old female, suffering from depression and anxiety for more than 20 years. I have tried Prozac, Paxil, Effexor, Depakote, Xanax, Klonopin, Wellbutrin, Lexapro -- hmmm -- think I covered it all. Oh, I also take Ritalin because I read that it can help -- and it does (sometimes). My problem is that stuff stops working after two years. I'm currently retrying Prozac and am thinking of also taking a mood stabilizer. I'm not manic in the sense that I have highs, but I'm either normal or very depressed. As you all know, it's a hard life. I sleep a lot, and I have trouble wanting to do anything. It’s as if I have no energy. I have been in therapy for years with a wonderful person and have a new psychiatrist. The frustrating thing is that no one can really say what's going to work. I hope that in the near future they'll be able to do blood work and figure out the right cocktail. Published: December 12 ::