Depression meds: could one stop working for you?

[TheLittleRoo]

I've been taking Wellbutrin for over 8 years. I'm going through a difficult time right now and I feel more depressed than ever. I have all the symptoms of basic depression, and I'm taking Wellbutrin. Is it possible that I've grown tolerant of it over time and it's lost its efficacy on me?

Also, I've always gotten refills through my GP or my OB/GYN. Who is the right specialist for the most thorough, knowledgeable approach to finding the best medication for me? Is there any better process now, than just saying try this for two weeks and see how it makes you feel? I know Wellbutrin works on different receptors (dopamine I think) instead of the basic SSRI's which never seemed to work for me 10 years ago. I hope they don't say my body chemistry has changed and what didn't work then may work now, and I have to go through all that trial and error again.

Anyone have any suggestions?

 

[tazdev3225]

My understanding is that your body can build a tolerance for anti-depressants just as it can for any medication. I would see a psychiatrist. They are trained in dealing with emotional issues and the drugs needed to treat them. Good luck and I hope you are feeling better soon.

 

[Teresa Pitman]

I'd suggest you see a psychiatrist. They have the most knowledge about medications for depression (and other mental health issues, for that matter) and would be able to help you find the best option for you right now. Are you also having counseling? The research seems to show that medication alone isn't likely to be effective in the long-term - you need to combine it with counseling or therapy to really improve things.

Teresa

 

[lsyorke]

These drugs are not "forever" drugs, contrary to what people are told. 10-15 years appears to be when alot of people start experiencing what those going through this call "poop out." Officially it's called tolerance, when the other processes in the body overcome the effects of the drug.
Sadly, few are told about this potential problem until they experiencing problems. Some find relief with a higher dose, but that relief is usually short lived.

 

[shellybaxter]

I'd suggest you see a psychiatrist. They have the most knowledge about medications for depression (and other mental health issues, for that matter) and would be able to help you find the best option for you right now.

Teresa

Actually for most mental health issues I feel that a psychologist is best, but for meds I agree a psychiatrist is better.

OP - I'm sorry the Wellbutrin isn't working for you. I just started taking it a month ago and I can't tell if it "works" for me or not. My depression goes in cycles so I don't know if I'm just cycling or if its working. How long did you take it before you figured out it was working?

 

[The Mystery Machine]

Maybe you need your dosage corrected? Yes, Your body builds up a tolerance. Then you up the dosage.

At some point you max out on the dosage limit and that is when you change meds.

A psychiatrist would be the person to see you through this better.