Trigger? Medications to take the edge of suicidal thoughts

[Maybell]

************TRIGGER: brief mention of suicidal thinking******************

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This week my suicidal ideation has progressed to suicidal intent. I'm not in any immediate danger but have accepted the eventuality, with a timeline of 1-2 years (allowing myself time to get a solid chunk of therapy and if that doesn't work to try ECT).

I have a doctors appt tomorrow and will be telling him this, along with requesting a referral to therapy. I suspect he may refer me to a psychiatrist as well given that he doesn't specialise in mental health.

As I can recognise that I'm vulnerable at the moment (some days much worse than others), I think adding in an anti-psychotic or similar is probably a good idea. I am currently prescribed a small amount of lorazepam, but my doctor doesn't like to prescribe too much due to it's addictive qualities. I'd prefer something that I don't have to take regularly but can take on an as-needed basis to get me through this rough patch.

The last psychiatrist I saw was pretty useless, and I don't expect much given that they are provided through the public health system...so if I have to see one, then I would like to go in prepared, and be able to have done a bit of my own research on different medications beforehand.

So if anyone can suggest anything, maybe something that has worked for you in the past? then I would be really grateful. I'm not asking anyone to diagnose me....I just don't know much about these type of medications, except for zyprexa that I was on briefly a few years back.

Again, I'm not an immediate threat to myself. If anything, I feel disturbingly calm and detached about the whole thing.

edit: spelling

[dreadOHdreads]

The strong sedative AAPs are good and halting mood swings in my experience. However also when used long term they made me extremely flat and lead to suicidal thoughts. The best AAPs for me to help with those thoughts long term, but don't have that quality like sedating ones, have been Abilify and Latuda. But your reactions may vary.

[gizmo]

I don't have much suicidal thoughts anymore, but I do have mixed episodes, which do contain some "down" issues. I've personally found depakote to be extremely good at preventing mixed episodes. I believe it is also approved for bipolar depression. But it's a mood stabilizer and not an AAP.

I've heard many people on this board rave about how seroquel pulled them out of the deepest of depressions. I briefly used it for sleep and anxiety agents, but it didn't work out for me. Also, I've heard that abilify, when it's not too activating or causing akathesia, can really help with depression.

I highly recommend your train of thought - to see a pdoc. GPs are really great for prescribing basic meds such as common ADs and benzos, but they tend to not have in-depth experience that you need when you move beyond that.

I personally think you have a ton of medication options to try before you consider ECT, but that's just my opinion.

[Screamingbutterfly]

I hope you can find a good Dr. that you like. I had to go through a few before I found one I liked. Everyone is different but for me Geodon and Tegretol have worked wonders for my mood swings and depression. I used to get really bad suicidal thoughts and even though I get depressed once in a while it has gotten a lot better. I think going in prepared a head of time is a good thing and hopefully other people here give you good suggestions. I hope your appoinment goes well!