[CognitoSchiz1989]

I have found a solution to my Treatment Resistant Depression. I decided to go to an Endocrinologist and see if there was any other disease that might be causing my depression. The answer, after blood work, was no I didn't. She also said it was highly unlikely that other diseases that took more testing was unlikely.

She looked at my previous blood work and saw that I was pre-diabetic. So she decided to put me on a weight loss drug. It is called Phentermine. It is a mixture of Topamax and an amphetamine. I had talked to my Primary Care Doctor before about going on this medicine but he was very unsure because of my Schizophrenia and that fact that being put on a stimulant can cause psychosis. Let me tell you, I am so glad my Endocrinologist took a chance on giving me the medicine because it has changed my life and it was instant relief.

I went from a severe Depression (based on Depression score) to mild Depression the day I took it. It was instant.

This has opened the key to my Depression medicine needs. I learned that my brain is so depleted of three neurotransmitters - dopamine, norepinephrine, and seratonin - that only a stimulant that works on those three specific neurotransmitters will work for me.

The Good News:

I found out that if/when I come off this medicine (because this diet pill is not for long term use - however my Psychiatrist says that there is a chance I can stay on it - that there are other stimulants on the market that can be used long term and that we can use to treat my depression.

So I am feeling hopeful.

Also, I was reading comments on how it felt to be on this drug the night before I took it (it is taken first thing in the morning). People were saying that they had almost manic energy and other things. However, I have found that this medicine brings me to a normal human functioning level. I have normal energy, a sex drive (yay!), and interest in doing things. My focus is a lot better; I can actually read again!

So, what I am saying is go out on a limb with a doctor you trust. Maybe you will find the key to your depression recovery like I have.

[laffer75]

Wow that's awesome!

[MommaD]

Who knew that a weight loss med might be the answer to severe unrelenting depression?? Thanks for posting this so we can look into it.
Any side effects at all? Especially drug interactions?

[kkrrhh]

I'm so glad you're feeling better! If I can ask, how long have you been on it? I remember early last year when I took stimulants for a short time, they did help lift depression. Just be careful with it being a stimulant, stay hydrated and make sure you don't totally skip eating even if you never feel hungry. You may already know that, but it was the most important advice I've read about stimulants and helped make them more effective for me.

[MickeyCheeky]

Thank you for posting this! Hope it will be helpful to other people as well!

[CognitoSchiz1989]

Originally Posted by MommaD

Who knew that a weight loss med might be the answer to severe unrelenting depression?? Thanks for posting this so we can look into it.
Any side effects at all? Especially drug interactions?

There are side effects with the heart so you want to be checking your blood pressure and heart rate regularly. It also has interactions with other medication. The interactions can easily be found on drugs.com. You just enter the medicine you want to take with it and it checks for interactions. And unfortunately it is not covered by insurance. It was $100.99 for a 90 day supply.

I haven't had any side effect with blood pressure. My heart rate usually stays in the 70's during the day. However, now when I am walking around stores during the day it can be in 90's.

I see my endocrinologist in March so I will (If I can remember) update what she says on stuff like this.

[CognitoSchiz1989]

Originally Posted by kkrrhh

I'm so glad you're feeling better! If I can ask, how long have you been on it? I remember early last year when I took stimulants for a short time, they did help lift depression. Just be careful with it being a stimulant, stay hydrated and make sure you don't totally skip eating even if you never feel hungry. You may already know that, but it was the most important advice I've read about stimulants and helped make them more effective for me.

I have been on it 2 weeks and 2 days (as of January 29, 2017). Yeah, it has definitely been a learning curve with eating because now I am never hungry so I have to actually make myself eat or my mood significantly decreases. And I always carry around one of those big Yeti cups with water. Some changes but it is working out.