Depression Medication >RESISTANT< for someone I know who really needs help!!?
He’s been dealing with depression for nearly 15 years now. He’s been through 6 drugs and at least 7 stages. The first time he was medicated, he felt MUCH better. Fast forward to a few years, the effects of the drug were lessening. He switched to another drug. Same thing happens after a few years. New drug again (Effexor). Same thing happens but this time, they increase the dosage by a little and add Eskalith to help boost the effects. After a while it’s no use. He switches to another drug and now it’s wearing off again.
It’s like he’s medication resistant!!!! He’s tried nearly every natural form of treatment that’s known to science! 
He’s looking for an alternative to ECT and is desperate. I feel sad that I can’t help him…
Has anyone heard of Tetracyclic Remeron? If any of you have tried it, can you tell me your experience!
Please! Thank you to all who want to help!
I’m sorry I couldn’t get back earlier to add more details.
Yes, the medications are prescribed by doctors.
Thanks gracie & someone, I’ll make sure to tell him that.
Although the medicine prescribed to him usually worked and he felt really great after each time. A few years go by and the effects lessen even though the dosage is the same.
Could he have something other than depression? For example I thought I have been suffering for depression for the past 15 years as well. Always trying one medication after another. Finally a psychiatrist as diagnosed me with ADD. I would have never thought of ADD because I thought it was just for children. After reading about it I realise I have probably had this my entire life. The symptoms of ADD are much like depression. I’m not sure if your friend as thought of this or not but it might be worth a mention. I feel much better now that I’m taking medication for ADD.
September 28th, 2009 at 7:26 pm
Your friends problem is serious and it is good that he has you to be there for him and help him.
Unfortunately, I have never heard of Tetracyclic Remeron but I would like to suggest that he try Biofeedback. The things they are doing with it now (helping autistic people; people with ADD; people with seizures) is amazing and it may help him.
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September 28th, 2009 at 7:58 pm
Is he med compliant? Are the meds prescribed by a psychiatrist? Does he drink alcohol?
ECT can be very effective.
Psych RN
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September 28th, 2009 at 8:32 pm
(Elisha Goldstein, Ph.D.) 3 things you can do when you find yourself getting depressed:
Treat interpretations as guesses: When your first interpretation to an event pops up treat it as a guess then ask yourself, what’s another interpretation?
To-Do Lists - "Now, where are you on this to-do list?" take time for restoration or taking care of ourselves. Pick something pleasurable for yourself and put it near or at the very top of your to-do list.
Be Present - Paying attention to ourselves sends the message internally that we care about ourselves. Learning how to approach our unpleasant feelings helps bring about more calm and peace.
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September 28th, 2009 at 9:02 pm
if meds aren’t working the way you would expect you need to make sure the meds are for the correct illness. there are a lot if misdiagnosed people out there. also, there may be a medical condition going on as well. i’ve had brain mri’s and scans and blood work ups to make sure nothing was physical. just something to think about. good luck.
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September 28th, 2009 at 9:15 pm
Could he have something other than depression? For example I thought I have been suffering for depression for the past 15 years as well. Always trying one medication after another. Finally a psychiatrist as diagnosed me with ADD. I would have never thought of ADD because I thought it was just for children. After reading about it I realise I have probably had this my entire life. The symptoms of ADD are much like depression. I’m not sure if your friend as thought of this or not but it might be worth a mention. I feel much better now that I’m taking medication for ADD.
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