It's so difficult. Less than 50% of people respond to the first anti depressant they try. Some research puts it at only 30%. But the figures for trying a second or third, or combinations of medications are more encouraging, but still far from making them the answer for all.
It seems The Star D Trial in the US is the best, most impartial study yet done.
https://www.nimh.nih.gov/funding/clinical-research/practical/stard/allmedicationlevels.shtml
I find doctors are very cavalier about side effects. But we patients must balance those with potential benefits! Psychiatrists and GP's don't make it easy.
made ME worse over time, caused permanent damage and according to an ME researcher i spoke with earlier this year said this one causes the most problems of the SSRIs for ME.
I am so sorry that Venlafaxine made you so much more ill, Alvin. It comes as sad vindication for my theory about what might have kick-started my ME.
I was physically in excellent condition. Very sporty and active. But I got very physically ill within a year of starting a Venlafaxine and lithium combo 12 years ago. Psychologically, I became incredibly stable on it, after 18 years of depression and anxiety, and remain so, 12 years later.
But every psychiatrist I've seen in check ups has insisted my ME symptoms could not possibly be down to the medication. At least they also said it isn't psychosomatic.
I wouldn't trade my ME for my depression. A million times over, I'll take ME. But I have to wonder - if my psychiatrist had listened to my reported side effects of profound exhaustion, lack of concentration, temperature dysregulation, gut problems... and then migraines too... and reduced my dose or changed me to another med...
Would I have ME today? Or would I be less ill?