I am a person who has struggled with depression and anxiety for most of my life and who also doesn't like the idea of being dependent on medication. I have used yoga, meditation, reiki, massage therapies and a bunch of other eastern philosophies. I also took Sam E and was on St. John's Wort for years, all were helpful, but none prevented depressive episodes or were a significant help during one. I have been on all of the SSRI's approved to date and every one was a huge failure. When I was recently prescribed Lexipro in addition to the Wellbutrin I was already taking, I was told it was unlike all the others and was not stimulating. It was the worst so far! I had what was the equivelent of a manic episode including no sleep for three days, inability to keep a train of thought, agitation, inability to sit still etc. anyway, I've also been on a few of the tricyclics, but had to come off due to the side effects. I never tried ECT (and never want to), but have finally resigned myself to the fact that I am probably going to have to take medication for the rest of my life. Eveytime I go off, I fall apart. I finally have a combo that works for me without side effects after years of experimentation. It could be worse, I could feel the way I used to!
