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• Housecall
• Alzheimer's caregiving
• Living with cancer

• December 8, 2009 3:01 p.m.

  I am on Cymbalta. I am over the middle age group by a large margin.I have a condition at home which is not alterable. Exercise is my outlet. Constant caring for a loved one prevents my exercising enough. I am gaining weight although watching my caloric intake. Between the proverbial rock and hard place. Any suggestions.

  - mala

• November 8, 2009 9:33 p.m.

  Hey there guys! I'm on Paxil (50 mg daily), and I have put on over 40 lbs in a year. My life is more active now that I've started treatment than before I started Paxil. This weight gain is the pits! I eat right, and have started exercizing,... but I know the meds have a lot to do with it. Any Ideas on any meds that don't cause weight gain?? I want to talk to my doc about it.

  - Erica

• June 16, 2009 6:33 a.m.

  I've suffered from depression for a number of years and have become much more aware of the symptoms in others. I recently had to let a valued employee go because of his frequent outbursts of rage in the office. He had also admittd to being a heavy drinker in the evenings. Knowing his background, I am convinced that he is suffering from male depression and even though he no longer works for me, I worry about him. I've tried to think of ways to help him, but I haven't come up with any good solutions. He is in his 60s, lives alone and has no close friends. I'd appreciate anyone's thoughts or suggestions.

  - Jenny

• June 6, 2009 10:27 p.m.

  Robert, I used Lexapro for a while, but then switched to Cymbalta. I take it with Wellbutrin, which I believe helps with energy levels. It seems to be an effective "cocktail" for my dysthymia.

  - Margie

• June 1, 2009 11:02 a.m.

  Louise's comment was correct. Studies have shown that massage therapy is effective in decreasing depression in a number of different scenarios, including chronic fatigue syndrome, adolescent mothers, fibromyalgia and more. The KEY is that recovering from depression is a process not an event. In my experience as a massage therapist, massage therapy sessions that most effectively decrease depression include not only bodywork, but also breathwork and relaxation training over a period of time.

  - Pixie Stevenson

• May 29, 2009 11:38 a.m.

  I take Lexipro 10mg once nightly and also find it very effective, mainly for anxiety, but also mild depresion. My afternoon blahs seem no more profound than when off meds and I have no side-affects at all. I read and hear that the different SSRIs have slightly different affects. I also hear Effexor is different and effective. Good luck and take good care of yourself.

  - Paul

• May 21, 2009 4:34 p.m.

  I don't know if this is a new drug, but I have been taking Effexor Xr 37,5mg for the last one year. It does not have any side effects, but coming off it needs medical attention.

  - cila

• May 20, 2009 4:49 p.m.

  I found that massage therapy to help treat my depression was extremely useful and very much contributes to my overall well being. If my week was very stressful I would be counting down the days until my massage. Give it time, it works best over a period of time and find someone you are comfortable with. If cost is a consideration teaching colleges are very reasonable. Remind yourself of it's health benefits and that you are definitely worth it.

  - Louise

• May 19, 2009 3:36 p.m.

  Are there any new drugs on the horizon for treating depression; drugs that promise to be as effective as the SSRI's but with far fewer side affects? I have been on Lexipro (10mg daily) for more than a year. It has been wonderful in treating my depression. This is my third round of treatment and my doctor is recommending that I just stay on it continually. However, the side affect of having a very depressed libido and a continual feeling of fatigue throughout the day have become burdensome. I'm looking for something new that shows promise with less side affects. I have tried Wellbutrin and zoloft, but Lexipro seems to work best.

  - Robert

• May 19, 2009 3:31 p.m.

  Are there any new drugs on the horizon for treating depression on the horizon; drugs that promise to be as effective as the SSRI's but with far fewer side affects? I have been on Lexipro (10mg daily) for more than a year. It has been wonderful in treating my depression. This is my third round of treatment and my doctor is recommending that I just stay on it continually. However, the side affect of having a very depressed libido and a continual feeling of fatigue throughout the day have become burdensome. I'm looking for something new that shows promise with less side affects. I have tried Wellbutrin and zoloft, but Lexipro seems to work best.

  - Robert