Hi there, I've been really enjoying the forum. I came here after exploring the topic of NMDA receptors, glutamate and depression.
I have treatment resistant depression. I'm bipolar but that has been controlled, hasn't been my problem as much as depression. I have tried everything and only have a handful of tricyclics, MAOI in pill form and a blood pressure medicine left untried. I burn out on SSRIs and have bad responses to antipychs. I have a therapist and psychiatrist. Unfortunately, I have also had ECT. I know it helps a lot of people but I am not a fan and had a very negative experience and was left changed.
I'm at crossroads where my depression is getting worse. I'm trying to figure out what is worth trying based on the few things that did help, my insurance only offers more ECT. Other than the depression I live a healthy life, you could call me a Girl Scout with a dirty mouth, but the depression is debilitating.
Lithium, lithobid does help. A small dose it's supposed to help for treatment-resistant depression and I'm diagnosed bipolar and it absolutely helps. I tried going off of it with a doctor's supervision and I ended up in a mixed state. I'm on a lower dose. I am tired of the side effects but oh well. As well as Selegiline in the form of the Emsam patch except its effectiveness has decreased over time. Not as much as an SSRI burnout but none-the-less.
I was wondering if there's any direction to be pointed in given that these where the few things that were effective. I've been fascinated with the theories about glutamate and the NMDA receptors. While being studied in various disorders just seem to correspond well to a more anxious depression which tends to be my problem. Although I'm overwhelmed in sifting through the information and Agonist vs. Antagonist. I've also been interested and the amygdala discussion. Also I'm limited on emsam although if I have to give that up I will.
I'm considering a ketamine trial but it would involve a considerable loan and I would also want to go into that as prepared as possible. Otherwise I'd like to know what sort of supplementation or experimentation that can help. I'm lucky enough to have a supportive doctor but he kind of has to be with the problems with coverage.
Thanks again, I appreciate any advice.