Should I switch from effexor to an maoi for my chronic depression, or maybe try getting off meds altogether?

Question: I have suffered from chronic depression for years, and have taken all kinds of ssri type anti depressants. Currently, I am thinking about switching to an MAOI. Is this a good idea? Another thought is to try no meds, since they don't seem to completely relieve my symptoms. I am in the mild to moderate range. I have been in a 12 step group for about 10 months now for addiction to pot, which I had used to self medicate, along with the prescribed meds, but I'm still depressed. My friend suggests that I try going chemical free, relying on prayer and the program for the while. What do you think?

Answers:
DO NOT make any changes without talking with a doctor. There are a wide variety of meds out there now, and sometimes it takes trying several to find what is a good fit for you. BUT you do not need to do this yourself - it needs to be done under the supervision of a qualified medical professional.
And, as a Christian, I believe in the power of prayer. But as a person with depression I know that my faith did not help the chemical imbalance in my body that resulted in my depression. I believe God gives doctors the knowledge to treat and dispense, and that they are His instruments.
Medication will help with the imbalances and stabilizing emotions, but it alone will not "cure" you. Medication in conjunction with counseling will give you the tools to deal with the depression over a lifetime. And group sessions work well for some. But some type of therapy with the med regimen offers the best long term solution.
I wish I had gotten both meds & counsel sooner - would have improved the quality of my earlier years. As it is, I will be forever grateful that I had the courage to seek answers out. Good luck and Godspeed!

Other Answers:
One book that comes to mind is "potatos, not prozac" It's about using natural things to deal with depression.

I've no experience with the medications you listed, but have used Zoloft, which is a reuptake inhibitor. It worked good for me, but I had to go to something else as it made me tired. My son, however, who's autistic, uses it successfully without the tiredness. It keeps his violent rages under control.

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Do not stop medications or change medications without consulting your psychiatrist. Prayer will not do it and your friend is unwise to meddle in your illness. Talk to your doctor before doing anything. Intensive therapy in a hospital outpatient program would be good for you and adding the medicine lithium to the anti-depressant. Lithium is used to treat bipolar disorder, but does a great job getting rid of stagnant unipolar depression. MAOI's should not be touched due to lots of side effects. Meds + therapy = better chance of recovery.

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