Posted by ed_uk2010 on July 31, 2010, at 17:24:25
In reply to Re: What steps should I take?, posted by Dima on July 31, 2010, at 16:02:43
> Well, I tried the Effexor for two months, so it seems like some effects should have been noticeable by then.
>
> Also, I forgot to mention, benzos don't do anything for me. I've taken Klonopin and Ativan, and neither seems to have any effect, which is another reason I think something's different about my depression.Effexor should have worked after two months, yes. The usual effective dose is 75 to 150mg per day. Higher doses are often used but there is little evidence that such doses are more effective than standard doses. Did you take 150mg or more for two months? If so, I think it's fair to say that Effexor probably isn't the right treatment for your depression.
Benzodiazepines are not supposed to relieve depression: they are not antidepressants, although they can sometimes help to reduce associated anxiety and insomnia.
I assume you are seeing a psychiatrist on a regular basis? Also, have you been given a diagnosis? eg. major depressive disorder, or something else.
You mentioned irritability - and bipolar disorder. Irritability is a very common symptom of depression. Irritability is also common in bipolar disorder, but irritability in itself does not mean that you're bipolar. For a bipolar diagnosis to be made, you need to have had at least one manic, hypomanic or mixed mood episode. Mixed mood episodes (manic symptoms + depressive symptoms together) can be confused with 'agitated depression'. Features which are suggestive of mixed mood rather than plain depression include: racing/rapid thoughts, rapid/pressured speech, reduced need for sleep, anger/aggression, severe fluctuations in mood, aggravation of symptoms by SSRIs and other antidepressants, impulsive (risk-taking) behaviour, severe excitement and a family history of bipolar disorder.
poster:ed_uk2010
thread:956554
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20100731/msgs/956605.html