chronic depression. Has anyone been given an older style (or any) medication that worked?

[foreverdepressed]

Name changed for this as although I shouldn't feel ashamed I do. I've suffered chronic depression on and off for 15 years. This has lead to no qualifications, no job, no friends and a crap life.

I've been though so many medications and treatments (CBT) that don't work, I sense the GP is out of ideas. Just increased my medication to the maximum dose 2 weeks ago but I feel worse.

I've been reading about how the older medications are thought to be more effective but just not prescribed much due to the risks. Has anyone tried a tricylic, MAOI, lithium, etc, with any success?

I feel like I am reading the end of the road. If I got hit by a bus tomorrow it would be a relief.

it sounds as though you need to ask your gp to refer you to a psychiatrist. Lithium and MAOI's can be very helpful but need to be used in situations where they would be appropriate for the symptoms you have. Have you been tried on combination anti depressants or had any other kind of augmentation therapy-all of which might be used before resorting to the older fashioned medications

My psychiatrist got me on the right combination. I tried old & new & had to stop due to bad side effects. Imipramine & chloripramine I think it was called just wiped me out for a whole week. My body felt like I had bad flu & I couldn't stop crying. It made my mood worse. I always end up back on Sertraline. I currently take 75 mg Sertraline & 2.5mg Olanzapine which acts as a boost to the Sertraline. I can't tolerate high does of most AD's & this combination works for me. I also take Clonazapam when needed.
Lithium didn't do a thing for me either. It just gave me a headache & a funny taste in my mouth.
Have you seen a psychiatrist they are more clued up on the meds then GP's are?

I've not seen a psychiatrist but I am going to ask the GP to refer me. I can only assume there will be a massive waiting list for that as well.

I don't really like the idea of taking antipsychotics like olanzapine or quintiapine though. I don't need to be any more fat and tired.

you can be on a combination of 2 anti-depressants and there are other ways of augmenting treatment apart from using antipsychotics

The 2.5mg dose of Olanzapine has no effect on weight for me. Mines taken as a boost effect to sertraline & a mood stabiliser. I don't have psychotic episodes.
The older tricyclics can cause weight gain too.
Meds effect people in different ways so it's just a case of trying them.
Just don't try Mirtzapine. It's notorious for weight gain.

Psychiatrist is way to go - privately you will pay c £290 for an hour BUT it might be the best hour you've had in terms of treatment. My GP almost laughed when I asked how long the NHS wait would be. I have long lasting, recurring severe depression with suicidal ideation and this latest bout has been the worst. I take fluoxetine, agomelatine, lithium all together. My GP has already said he doesn't know a lot about the last 2 but my psychiatrist is brilliant and incredible knowledgable.