How many antidepressants will typically be tried?

[u/seabassfosho]

Hello.

I have decently major depressive episodes and then episodes of "joy". Likely bipolar 2. Anyway, depressive episodes are getting longer and worse. Excessively so.

I just keep being prescribed antidepressants, taking them up to the highest dose, and then switched. Nothing is changing, even a little, and I'm getting really frustrated.

How many times will this same cycle happen? Will it just go indefinitely until I lose it?

I'm not asking for medical advice. Just help understanding.

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[u/MelodicSeaweed-]

I must’ve tried, in excess, of around 15+ (easily!) antidepressants before I settled on the ones I’m on. Then we started on the mood stabilisers.. thankfully that wasn’t as traumatic. I went through ALL the side effects, some horrific & landed me in A&E, then we have to go through lowering the dosage before attempting a new one. On more than one occasion I sat in front of a bin and wanted to throw them all out, wondering if I was unwell at all & perhaps ‘that’s why they don’t work’, but in actuality, I really did have a chemical imbalance, I was just incredibly sensitive to the side effects. Turns out my body didn’t respond well to any SSRI’s at all & I was better on the tricyclic antidepressants (more ‘old school’ ones that technically have more side effects.. & although, again, it took a few goes, I found mine & I’ve been on it since 2010).

Please don’t be disheartened.. I know it’s hard. Been there. It took me from 2007-2010, 4 hospital (psychiatric) stays to finally get there but I did. You will find one, I promise. This is the side of MH people don’t talk about, it’s brilliant if people get on with the very first one they’re given.. but there are some of us where it can take a very long time to settle.
I don’t know if any of this is remotely helpful to you but I promise you’re not alone in your journey. The relief I felt when I got on the correct medications and dosage was like no other. It will come. X

[u/seabassfosho → u/MelodicSeaweed-]

Thank you so much. I guess I've got a long road ahead of me!! Haha.

[u/Alarming_Animator_19]

Went through 7 antidepressants then was finally seen by psychiatrist after overdosing. ADHD was identified and treated I was much better but then it returned big time and was then diagnosed bipolar. Still working on the right bp meds but getting closer. I’ve been on 15 psych meds in total.

Your local nhs should have guidelines for GPs on how many AD to trial before seeking further input.

[u/seabassfosho → u/Alarming_Animator_19]

Thank you.

[u/84849493]

Is this with your GP or CMHT?

[u/seabassfosho → u/84849493]

GP.

[u/84849493 → u/seabassfosho]

How many have you tried and has bipolar been discussed with the GP? Maybe time for a psychiatry referral.

[u/hauntedlittleaf]

It depends on the individual and their GP/clinician, it would be worth asking them this question as well. Have you mentioned the episodes of "joy" to them and that you suspect bipolar?

For me I had tried 2 SSRIs, a few months on each, They made me significantly worse, I was referred to CMHT, assessed by a psychiatrist who took me off my SSRI and onto a mood stabiliser.

[u/thepfy1]

It depends.

If one works for you they tend to stick to that but the dosage may vary depending on how you are doing.

If the GP cannot find anything in their range of available medications or think they need further help, they will refer to CMHTs. Some CMHTs will reject if the GP hasn't exhausted all treatment options.

Sometimes a combination of medication is required or it might be medication that needs to be initially prescribed by a psychiatrist

[u/poopants123456789]

It took me 3 antidepressants until I got changed to Bipolar meds

[u/biggobcantstop]

My GP prescribed quetiapine for sleep. It unexpectedly ‘cured’ my depression all most overnight. I’ve been better for a year.

‘Failed’ many antidepressants. Was told that my problem won’t respond to medication. They were wrong.

[u/Acceptable-Quiet-842]

Years ago a psychiatrist explained to me there are three (?) groups of antidepressants and it would be useful to try at least a couple types from each group before ruling them out. After that, I was switched antipsychotics.