depressed in Seattle

[wylie1204]

Hi, new to this board. I am a 33 year old female in Seattle with a 15 year history of depression and anxiety. I have tried almost every SSRI out there to no avail. I am currently on a combination of Lexapro, Wellbutrin, and Xanax as needed. Since my depression has not lifted as much as I would like, the doc added Lamictal to the cocktail. How is Lamictal as an add on therapeutic drug for depression? I am scared it will make me a zombie or worse (gain more weight.) I would almost rather be depressed then get fat. Sad but true. I haven't picked up the script yet so I am just curious what others thought about it. I hate the fact that I need to take so many different types of meds, but it seems to be the only way out of this MISERABLE condition. Depression sucks ass, and I am so tired of fighting this ongoing battle.

Anyway, just saying hello and it's good to know many others are going through very similar experiences. Bye!

[bpladybug]

Hi, new to this board. I am a 33 year old female in Seattle with a 15 year history of depression and anxiety. I have tried almost every SSRI out there to no avail. I am currently on a combination of Lexapro, Wellbutrin, and Xanax as needed. Since my depression has not lifted as much as I would like, the doc added Lamictal to the cocktail. How is Lamictal as an add on therapeutic drug for depression? I am scared it will make me a zombie or worse (gain more weight.) I would almost rather be depressed then get fat. Sad but true. I haven't picked up the script yet so I am just curious what others thought about it. I hate the fact that I need to take so many different types of meds, but it seems to be the only way out of this MISERABLE condition. Depression sucks ass, and I am so tired of fighting this ongoing battle.

Anyway, just saying hello and it's good to know many others are going through very similar experiences. Bye!

It is over 90 today, has the sun and heat, finally, helped your depression at all? I live in the Pac NW also. Listen, a low dose of Lamictal is not going to make you a zombie. Lamictal does not cause weight gain. It is a good idea, in my opinion, for your doctor to try Lamical. This might be just what you need.

You would rather be depressed than get fat? ok..................... Look this could be very helpful for you. Lamictal has other side effects however. Have you done in research yet? check ou www.crazymeds.us

There are other thing you can do. Some of them you might have done so I will just rattle off a few - thyroid, Vit D level, exercize, Cognitive Behaviorial Therapy, (there is lots of this is Seattle). I am sure there is more and maybe some other folk will give you some other ideas.

[olga]

Hi wylie, and welcome to Crazyboards.

I agree that you should do some research on Lamictal, but I have heard several people here and there comment on it favorably. Our bodies are all very different, but you might do well on it.

I also think that both depression and anxiety respond well to diet, exercise, various types of therapy and certain supplements. As ladybug pointed out, Vitamin D is helpful to some people, and some of our members take fish oil every day. I don't think that drugs alone will treat mental illness effectively: I think you need to do all the other stuff to help yourself.

Easier said than done, I know. I struggle with a lot of this stuff every day.

Please contact a mod if you have any questions. I'm glad you're here, and I hope we can help you.

olga