I am so glad I wasn't drinking anything when I read Zen's line about berzerkers. Incidentally, Zen, there are other treatments other than medications for depression - what I am specifically thinking about here is Vagus Nerve Stimulation. [link] I am most familiar with VNS as it is used to treat seizure disorders. As amazing as that is, If I had the sort of trouble you have described with such a wide range of medications, I'd be begging for the VNS for my own depression. I am not certain what criteria they use to decide who is a good candidate for this treatment, or what other steps they require before trying it.

Wow, Andi, I never heard of that before. Do you know people who use it successfully? I see the new doctor on Tuesday, I'll see what he says about helping me try it. Thanks!

I only have experience with using VNS to treat seizure disorders. In that context it is freaking amazing. Because of how impresssive that application is, is my sole basis for believing it could be freakin' amazing for people with depression for whom medication is ineffective and/or carries too many adverse reactions. IOW, this is a jumping-off point. If I were in your shoes, I would specifically look for a doctor who is familiar with the technology. Barring that, I'd start doing a lot more research so I could educate my doctor about it. At this time, I do not know precisely what the parameters are for deciding any given patient is a good candidate for it, or what hoops by way of "step therapy" insurance companies might expect you to jump through before trying it.

Topamax has been helpful for me too, and that's also used to treat seizure disorders. Interesting.

Hi all. Sorry I haven't responded sooner, but I'm glad (in a weird way) that my post and run led to others sharing their pain and getting love and support in return. Sometimes we just all need to hold hands. I have no suggestions; just love.

I'm doing a bit better the past couple of days. And struggling with a tricky Catch-22: I have been on the Pill since I was 16 because of my PCOS. Going off it will likely lead to more ovarian cyst ruptures, which are the opposite of fun. But I'd really like to go off to see if that helps with the depression. Dilemma.

I am seriously thinking about ordering that thing.

Shiny blonde hair 2 shades lighter, woo! I decided to forgo the platinum streaks until I can commit to the upkeep. Self-knowledge is a good thing.

Pix, could you try different formulations? The first pill I ever took, a few days on it and I was literally thinking every night of driving my car into traffic. Freaked me right out. But later I tried a few others and those were fine. So...

Pix, what meara said. Would a low estrogen pill still help with the cysts?

brenda, it doesn't look like we can get it without a prescription, but if we can? I'm buying one.