Need some advice re mental health stuff

[hexagon]

I’ve been on sertraline for 2.5 years now. And also haloperidol for 1.5 years and trazodone for a while too.

the sertraline only seems to do something for my ocd and nothing else. The haloperidol seemed to work but for the past however long it’s become less and less effective. I had a couple periods of taking only about half my medications sort of 2-3 months ago.

I’m still very depressed, not as bad I was last year but still shockingly awful. I still have delusions and hallucinations, though I only sort of believe this.

I feel like I should be doing better by now, and family think I should be doing better too.

I’m not really sure what options I have. I’m very confused by all this. I’m in the uk. I want to change meds but the psychiatrist thinks that would be counterproductive but I want to be better than I am now, I don’t want to stay like this long term. I wonder if there’s a med that would suit me better. I’ve tried aripiprozole and quetiapine both did absolutely nothing.

anyone got any advice? I’m not really sure what advice I’m looking for but I just don’t have anyone else to ask.

I know I need to talk to the psychiatrist (Which were gonna phone tomorrow) but I need something to bolster my argument. Maybe not argument but view.

[sully301]

If you're not happy with they're opinion can you be seen by someone else for a second opinion?

[hexagon]

Originally Posted by sully301

If you're not happy with they're opinion can you be seen by someone else for a second opinion?

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I could probably see someone else, that’s an idea I hadn’t considered. I think if he doesn’t want to change meds this time then that’s an option. Thanks.

[Guest]

I don't have any advice but wanted to send support. You can only recover in your own time as it comes, so please don't feel pressure 'to be better' - you will get there.

[hexagon]

Originally Posted by klairbear

I don't have any advice but wanted to send support. You can only recover in your own time as it comes, so please don't feel pressure 'to be better' - you will get there.

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Thanks. I know but I just feel like I’m going backwards rather than even staying in the same place. I know that’s part of it but I feel like it’s more than it should be.

[buryboy]

I think getting s second opinion is a great suggestion , IF your existing team won’t do anything and you feel like nothing is improving
Do you have any alternative medications that have been suggested or considered ?
My daughter has fluoxetine but her GP has been considering changing it but ex a little reticent without further specialist advice . Coming off any drug can be dangerous .

Good luck

[DisneyDaffodil]

I don’t have any medical knowledge so couldn’t advise you on the medication but your health care team should listen to your concerns and offer you some alternatives if you feel your current medication isn’t working after you’ve been on it long enough to get used to it. I definitely think you should speak to them and if you still aren’t happy, ask to see someone else for a second opinion

I think you’ve worked really hard at trying to improve your health Hexagon and certainly come a long way in the last year or so. I really hope you get some help from the medical team

[hexagon]

Thanks guys. Gonna phone the secretary today so hopefully We’ll be able to speak to him in the next few weeks

[hexagon]

Originally Posted by buryboy

I think getting s second opinion is a great suggestion , IF your existing team won’t do anything and you feel like nothing is improving
Do you have any alternative medications that have been suggested or considered ?
My daughter has fluoxetine but her GP has been considering changing it but ex a little reticent without further specialist advice . Coming off any drug can be dangerous .

Good luck

See more...

The only other thing he’s suggested is clozapine but that’s very heavy duty and you need weekly blood tests so I’m reluctant to go on it, I’d rather try something else first. The clozapine was also suggested last year before I went on my current med. there’s a couple other options so hopefully we’ll try one of them first.

[scottishmum]

You have good insight , can I ask what dowse of haliperidol you are on.?
I think clozapine is the gold standard but yes its very invasive.

What outcome would you like , it sounds like your delusions are weaker and you know they aren’t real.
My son takes aripiprazole and fluoxetine.

I myself take a small dose of sertraline.
Maybe even a different combination is what you need. It’s all trial and error isn’t it.
I wish you all the very best though. Seems like the sertraline is helping your depression though as you say you are no where near as bad as you did feel, what about going up a little with that?