Effexor XR + Seroquel.....not working! I need help

Diseases & Conditions Depression
1
I'm 18 years old and i"ve been taking 175 mg of Effexor for more than 2 months now. about 3 weeks ago, my Dr. added 20 mg of Seroquel to my daily routine.
 
These meds. are leaving me feeling no different.  My doctor said they were supposed to help with my pysical symptoms of depression...but i feel no different than before I was diagnosed. This is extremely discouraging. Is anyone in a simliar situation and would like to offer me some advice? When will this medication start to kick in? Will the combination of meds and therapy really make me feel better?
2

Hi,

The Effexor takes a while to kick in, but it should have been by now.  It sounds like you may need to get your meds adjusted.  Though a word of warning.... Effexor is a bugger to get off.  However you may be feeling... DO NOT quit or decrease your dosage without instruction from your doctor.  I was only on Effexor briefly (2 months) but the withdrawal was horrific. 

Goodluck

Honey 

3
i think in your case, i have to say the drugs don't do magic they just help you , in my case i take 5 difirent drugs including lithium and lexapro and lamictal as well as others, and frankly i don't feel anything this is for over 2-3 months, but i must say my general behaviur shows improvment, i seem to make better decisions etc, take more care about how i look, but the deppresion is still here, i can feel it anytime.

so to sum it again, don't expect the drugs alone to fix everything, you have to also push your self a little

                                                     To be or not to Be

4

Hi rachv12,  Welcome to healing well forum.  We are glad to have you.

I was wondering what "physical symptoms" of depression are you referring to exactly?  Are you meaning that you just haven't received any benefit from either of these medications?  Typically it takes 4-6 weeks for an antidepressant to reach its therapeutic level in your system.  It isn't uncommon that an antidepressant that works well for some wont work for others.  Also, for people that are drug resistant psychiatrist can do what is commonly called stacking antidepressants (usually 2) to get a response out of the patient.  I would suggest that you communicate your feelings to your doctor so they can make necessary adjustments to your medications accordingly.  Take care....

5

physical symptoms...

lack of concentration
constant fatigue
headaches
irritabliity
...and so on

the doctor said the meds would help this...so yeah...they aren't. my appointments with him only last about 5 minutes. i dont think he's really taking too much time to evalutate my depression. should i consider finding a new one?

6

How long have you been seeing him?  Most psychiatrists that are in their own practice do only spend short periods of time with patients.  Then they have counselors in office that do longer therapy sessions.  My psychiatrist, I only see for about 10 minutes or so but I also see a counselor there.

I would suggest calling his office and letting them know how your feeling, see if they will do a med change over the phone or if he wants to see you sooner.  You always do have the option of changing doctors but in the mean time it wont help your symptoms now.  Also, have you have a physical exam with your regular doctor?  Have they ruled out any type of medical problems for what your feeling physically?  I'm not saying that depression wont cause that or the medication combination but just to rule out everything.