[MedShadow]

Here is a current article on MedShadow discussing the mental health topic, but I’d love to better understand individual, personal processes or tips on how you found a good balance: https://medshadow.org/mental-health-matters-what-to-know-about-mental-illness/

medshadow.org

Mental Health Matters: What to Know About Mental Illness - MedShadow Foundation | Independent Health & Wellness Journalism

Mental and physical health are intertwined. Here's how to take care of both, and what to know about side effects of medications for mental illness.

[Ash Finley]

I still cannot find a medication that works. I am focusing on some of the tips noted in article, like walking, sleeping schedule, eating well, etc.

[Lexi]

I tested many myself, but finally landed on Zoloft (generic) which works for me. I had been on it for many years and recently had to add Wellbutrin too. I had asked my doctor about the negative side effects (known by many) of Zoloft, and was concerned about (I’m female) sex drive. They suggested to try this addition. I am still unsure if it is making a difference. How do you tell if yours is working?

[MedShadow]

MedShadow does offer a symptoms tracker. I think, when starting any new med, but especially these where we are trying to see if new additions are working, it is a great way to keep track. https://medshadow.org/symptom-trackers/

medshadow.org

​​How to Track Your Disease Triggers and Side Effects

Using a symptom tracker to understand what makes your disease flare up can help you manage symptoms and minimize drug side effects.

[Jessica]

I was on so many meds, I can’t even remember the number anymore. Do these things even work? I am with Ash. I have yet to find any that have helped move the needle for me. I’m not sure these things are just a pharma sham, aimed to make more money but not actually “cure” anything.🤬

[Bryan]

I wish there was a better way. I feel like every person is different, so of course every med works differently (or not at all) on each individual. I have heard of genetic testing or using what may have worked for a direct relative (a parent)? Has anyone done that?

[Katie Rowley]

Hi Bryan,

I don’t have personal experience with using genetic testing for helping to choose an antidepressant, but on the Ask a Patient website, there are some examples of patients who took genetic tests to help them choose an antidepressant, leading them to take Viibryd.

Check out these patient reviews where patients used genetic testing to help choose an antidepressant:
Viibryd: prescribed because of genetic testing (https://www.askapatient.com/viewrating.asp?drug=22567&name=VIIBRYD&Reason=genetic+testing) – unfortunately, this patient not happy with it due to side effects.
Viibryd: genetic test pointed to Viibryd (https://www.askapatient.com/viewrating.asp?drug=22567&name=VIIBRYD&SideEffect=genetic+testing) These two patients report good results.

Also, we recently updated an article that talks about the topic – including a new test that was recently authorized by the FDA to test the way individuals metabolize drugs. Check out: “FDA approved genetic test for testing
metabolism, not for use as drug recommendation test”

A company called Genesight claims to be able to recommend actual drugs for psychotropic conditions – but the products are not authorized or overseen by the FDA.
https://www.askapatient.com/news/genetic-testing-drug-suitability.asp