[chevyjnova]

Ok, so I'm not an expert and I can't say that everything that has been true for me will be true for you but I've been seeing a lot of questions and such pop up and I though maybe it would be wise to start a general thread on Anti-Depressants for everyone to post their experiences so we can all find
someone to relate to or ask questions.

A few things I've learned:

1. Just because one med doesn't work, doesn't mean none of them will, some people go through years of drug cocktails before they find the right combination or single med to help them achieve a "normal" level of happiness.

2. It generally takes about a month for any change of mood to occur.

3. Side effects can occur almost immediately afterwards (meaning at least 20min) and should be reported to your doctor although some are just your body adjusting and will go away in a few days.

4. Meds generally do not cause people to be suicidal. I've been told by multiple Psychologists that the reason people are monitored so much for suicide after being put on an Anti-depressant is not because of the drug making us want to kill ourselves but rather giving us the energy to do so, many people with suicide on their minds that they only realize after starting a med have always had thoughts at the back of their mind but never the energy or drive to go any further (again, not true for everyone).

5. Meds aren't for everyone, there are always other options so look into them all before making a choice, don't go into anything uneducated.

6. Keep a journal before you start taking a med noting every detail so that after you begin you can notify your doctor of any changes. Sometimes changes occur so subtly that we don't notice until someone else points it out to us which can be good or bad but I figure it's better to be on the safe side.

7. Always consult your doctor before adding any medications of any sort even vitamins when on an anti-depressant. For example St. John's wart can cause many things to work incorrectly or cause uncomfortable side effects. (I can't take vitamins at all because something in them throws off the chemical balance in my body and I become very dizzy).

That's all I can think of for now. Again, I hope I didn't offend anyone or break any rules by posting this. I am new after all. I just thought I'd share my insight w/o adding to every single thread on anti-depressants. I hope I helped someone and if you have any questions feel free to ask. I've been on multiple medications ranging from anti-depressant to anti-seizure and I assure you I've had my fair share of horrible and terrific Psychiatrists if that helps....Good luck to all of you.
Nova

[Casandra]

That has been a big help for me, at least. I was once told I should take anti-depressants but when I researched what they had put me on, I learned that one of the possible side effects was "depression".

I thought that kinda ironic, and I scolded my doctor about it, because I'd just lost my one best friend in the world, and his medical terminology and willy nilly prescriptions were just making me angry.

You've shed some light on the subject for me, and I'm glad I found someone who has coached me through my depression so well, that I realized that I never actually needed the pills I'd been prescribed by my doctor.

[clairec]

Originally Posted by Casandra

That has been a big help for me, at least. I was once told I should take anti-depressants but when I researched what they had put me on, I learned that one of the possible side effects was "depression".

I thought that kinda ironic, and I scolded my doctor about it, because I'd just lost my one best friend in the world, and his medical terminology and willy nilly prescriptions were just making me angry.

You've shed some light on the subject for me, and I'm glad I found someone who has coached me through my depression so well, that I realized that I never actually needed the pills I'd been prescribed by my doctor.

In my opinion doctors way over prescribe anti depressants in this day and age.

[clairec]

Interesting post. Here is what I have found:

I have been put on three different types/brands of antidepressants over the years, from tricycles to uplifters, and I have not had a single good experience with them. I'd have been on a lot more if the doctors had their way. I once asked a doctor why they prescribe antidepressants so easily when they don't treat the root cause and just mask what is going on. He said it was because he had five minutes with each patient and his primary concern was stopping any immediate pain they might be suffering from and that he doesn't have the time or resources to "properly" deal with the issues behind depression.

My first experience with anti depressants was just after I'd had my child. I'd gone to my doctor for help with weightloss, because I was say 50lbs overweight. My doctor told me my desire to lose weight was more of a deep rooted problem with unhappiness and if I deal with my unhappiness then I would eat less and lose weight. Her answer was antidepressants. That made me sleepy to the point where I could not look after my baby and I went from worrying about my weight to crying all the time at being so down within weeks of taking them. The dr said they obviously were not working and I need a higher dose. By the end of the year I was on 265mg a DAY! Every time I saw the doctor she wanted to up them rather than admit that they were not working. I was mentally addicted to them. One night I forgot them when I was sleeping out and realised that I did not need them. I never took them again. My life started to improve. And no, I didn't lose weight while on them, but I did after I came off them.

Another time years later the same doctor put me on different ones because I said I was feeling down. Within 2 weeks I went from being down to being outright angry with everyone and everything. I was throwing things around the room to get my fustrations out and all alsorts. I went back to the doctor and said the anti depressants were making me more depressed and angry than I was previously and she laughed at me and told me not to be ridiculous. It was only when I said I would bring my mum in to verify my claims that she started to take me seriously.

The other time I just didn't see any difference at all.

I understand that anti depressants do have their place and they help a lot of people but they are definitely not for me. I get far more positive mood enhancement out of a session at the gym that I ever did on anti depressants.

My life was in a bad way a few months ago and I'd developed an anxiety disorder. My doctor (different one) suggested anti depressants and I said no, because it will just mask what I am going through and will dumb down or destroy any motivation I have to improve my life. He told me my points were valid. Sure it was hard to cope for a while but life did eventually get better. That's one good thing about life - it doesn't stand still.

[settie]

I have been on four different types of anti-depressants over the last 10 years. Some definitely worked better than others and some have fewer side effects. As the medical community is quite aware different drugs work better for different people they readily admit that they are trying the one they think is best but that they don’t really know until you’re on it.

Right now is the best I have ever felt and I’m on a combination of Wellbutrin and Celexa.

I do believe you also need to work with other methods to get as close to a full healing as possible. I have been working with a psychologist on ‘Cognitive Behaviour Therapy’, which seems to give me a better insight as to my thoughts during a depressive episode.

It is a very slow process for any type of improvement and the drugs, as Nova said, take at least a month to give any relief. It’s a long hard road.