Fetzima for Clinical Depression

[needing_help_now]

I have been clinically depressed since late October.  I've tried three different combinations of medicines, three to four weeks each, with no results.  Today I went back to my dr and he started me on Fetzima.  He says it's new on the market but shows a lot of promise for Major Depressive Disorder.  I am his first patient on it.  It is so new, in fact, that I am having trouble finding forums such as this where I can ask others' experiences with it.  Even my pharmacist doesn't have any useful info on it; he has only had one other customer so far to get a script filled for it.  

If any of you have tried this medicine, how long did it take to take effect?  What type of side effects did you experience?  I am feeling very hopeless and desperate at this point because my level of despondency is worse than ever before.  

[AnnieLynnMyers]

On day 3 of Fetzima. No real significant side effects yet, other than I feel kind of fuzzy headed and a little shaky. I am assuming this is my body getting used to the drug.
I have been on something for over 25 years, and I do know it takes time for the body to adjust to the meds and for them to start working. It's a slow but steady process. When I've switched meds in the past, unless I've developed nasty side effects at the onset, I've stuck with the drug until it supposedly has reached it's full efficacy (usually about 6 weeks or so...). So far, no nasty sides, so I will stay on this and give it its due time.
Because it is so new, the best info you'll get is through your doctor and through your own personal journey with the med. Even if you DID have every shred of info out there on this drug, you'd need to see how it effects YOUR body.
Sometimes the only way through something is through it!!

[4JennyWren]

I hope he thinks it will help, adding the Abilify.  I tell you, I've had major depression all my life.  It's a challenge, to say the least, to just feel like you can function daily, let alone feel "well."  But, if I can do it, I know you can, too!  Just hang in there and keep trying.  Try to find small pleasures in daily life, and be kind to yourself.  Treat yourself, too, to small things - even if it's just indulging in a pint of Ben & Jerry's :-)))  Also, make sure you have a good support system around you of friends and family who understand and are supportive of you and your struggle with depression.  Reach out when you need to, and don't hold it in.  Keeping in touch and having a good conversation and/or a laugh does wonders.

Keeping you in my thoughts.  

Jen

[needing_help_now]

Jenny,

I replied to your PM before I noticed your post here.  I am not taking anything with the Fetzima, but after reading your post I am eager to ask my doctor if he would recommend me adding Abilify, as it can sometimes boost the effect of other antidepressants.  

[4JennyWren]

Hang in there.  I've been on just about every antidepressant on the market since the late 80's.  Before just starting Fetzima 3 weeks ago, I was on a combo of Cymbalta, Wellbutrin and Abilify.  Also, Valium up to twice a day as needed, AND Lunesta to help me sleep.  I'm a pretty major case!  Anyway, now I'm off the Cymbalta and on the Fetzima with everything else staying the same.  I'm feeling much better - more energy and a more positive outlook.
It's helped me a lot with a bad work situation in that it's given me more confidence and I stand up for myself more against a bullying co-worker.

I'm a firm believer that you WILL feel better with the right meds.  My doc is top-notch and on top of the newest meds and how to use them to their full potential.  He's not afraid of trying combinations - hence the Fetzima, Wellbutrin *and* the Abilify.  He lets me decide when/if I want to try a different approach.  This time, after crying for three days straight, I eagerly nodded my head when he asked if I wanted to try the Fetzima.  It's been great so far.  I'm only on 40 mgs right now, but have a feeling it will need to be increased in time.

I hope by now you are feeling better and are sticking with your treatment plan your dr. has determined is best for you right now.  Keep us posted and let us know how you are doing on the Fetzima.  What else did you say you are taking?

[4Maddie44]

I have been on many different anti depressants over the years.  Some worked better than others.  I think it is trial and error unfortunately until we find the one that suits us personally.

We are all different, and what suits one person may not suit another.  It has always been said that we need to give anti depressants up to 6 weeks, maybe 8 weeks, before we feel any improvement.  It is so difficult when we want immediate results, because we feel so bad.  

I do hope you feel some improvement soon.  I remember my exact words when I got depression, were similar to yours, "swimming in  molasses" describes it exactly.  Oh, I do so hope you begin to feel better soon.  Depression is such a difficult illness to deal with.  

Keep in touch

[needing_help_now]

Thank you both for your comments and encouragement.  The last ones I tried were Prozac and Welbutrin (together).  I went for almost 5 weeks, and wasn't feeling anything at all.  So yesterday when I went back to my dr., he said at that point I should have been feeling SOMEthing.  And my counselor had told me that, in his experience, Prozac was one of those that either works or it doesn't, no in between.  I should have been seeing at least small signs of improvement.  I'm really a tough case, as my pharmacist said.  From what little I can read online about this new med (mostly copied from the manufacturer's website), it shows a lot of promise for MDD.  I absolutely will take it every day; I'm religious about my anti-depressants because I so desperately want to get out of this hell.  I feel like I'm swimming in molasses, just trying to do everyday things.  It's terrible.