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Thread: anti-depressants... sigh

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    Featured Member tampadancer's Avatar
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    Default anti-depressants... sigh

    Okay, so after several months of being in denial, I am finally recognizing that I'm not just "down" or "blue"; I am depressed. I hate thinking that because, honestly, it is admitting that I am out of control and flawed. My lows are getting progressively lower, and my highs have become periods of barely being able to see into tomorrow. I have no excitement or desire left - my zest for life is completely gone. I know that this is partially situational, but there is also a lot of unexplained sadness. I cry a lot for no reason. I've turned into this unmotivated recluse, which is the absolute opposite of who I am.

    So, today I called about twenty pschiatrists. I must not be the only one with issues because most of the doctors were accepting appointments starting in June and July. Anyhow, I managed to get in with someone on the 19th of this month, and I'm going to ask to be put on antidepressants.

    I've been doing some research on the various drugs - because I hate the idea of putting foreign chemicals into my body and I want to know all of the risks/side effects - but I need to do something. There's got to be a change.

    Anyhow, I'd like to know your various experiences with different antidepressants.

    Thanks guys

  2. #2
    Chicagoeditor
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    Default Re: anti-depressants... sigh

    Quote Originally Posted by tampadancer
    I hate thinking that because, honestly, it is admitting that I am out of control and flawed.
    Tampa, if you had a heart condition or a rash, you'd happily accept the help of some medicine. We tend to think cognition is something special, separate from the body. But your brain is an organ, too. And it's a good thing there are meds that can get one over a rough patch--in ways that no amount of talking can.

    Feel better.

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    Veteran Member Jenna78's Avatar
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    Default Re: anti-depressants... sigh

    I had a great experience with Wellbutrin. No side effects and no feeling of being on a drug--I just felt better. I had a horrible experince with Imiprimine--my heart raced like I drank tons of coffee. Take care of yourself!

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    Featured Member MadisonM's Avatar
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    Default Re: anti-depressants... sigh

    Wellbutrin is great. I also had very few side effects and started to feel a lot better after about a week (although they say it can take up to 2 months to feel the full effects). Zoloft caused me to lose a scary amount of weight and I had a lot of side effects besides just the weight loss.
    Take the road less traveled- just make sure you have a map.

  5. #5
    Yekhefah
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    Default Re: anti-depressants... sigh

    Have you thought about trying therapy first? If you need meds, then okay, but I worry when people just jump to drugs without trying anything else. Replacing your problems with a chemical dependency isn't always the best idea.

  6. #6
    CherryPie~
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    Sad Re: anti-depressants... sigh

    There's no shame on going on drugs if you're at a very low point in life, you're in good company...look at how many others have this problem! It's just a chemically needed boost.

    I too have heard many good things about Welbutrin. (just like they say) This is important though, have you ever had an eating disorder? If so, I don't think you're supposed to take it as it can have a risk of seizure. But other than that, there's an apparantely low risk of sexual side effects too. Your doc will ask you about previous eating disorders, b/c that effects which meds you can take safely.

    My personal experience? I talked a bit about PTSD before, but have been prone to depression like you have for some odd reason. I've tried many drugz, but all seem to make the problem worse, as I don't tolerate them well at all. I would advise you htough: stay away from LEXAPRO!! This was by far the scariest experience ...Extremely ill and pukey, twitching/ muscle spasms, felt like crawling out of my skin...yikes. Personally I gave up trying w/ the meds, so I hope you will find one that works for you!! Take care, hope you feel better!

  7. #7
    Yekhefah
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    Default Re: anti-depressants... sigh

    Quote Originally Posted by CherryPie~
    It's just a chemically needed boost.
    Yeah, that's what my ex-roommate used to say about cocaine, but I still think a non-chemical long-term solution would be better. Pharmaceutical companies are making a fortune off drugging people who don't need it. Yes, some do, but the entire population does NOT need to be on expensive drugs in order to function.

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    God/dess anomar's Avatar
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    Default Re: anti-depressants... sigh

    I was on Wellbutrin for a while and liked it -- I became more toned and it made me a lot more efficient. I recently got off of it for various reasons, and it's been a smooth tapering-off -- I've only taken it twice in the past two weeks, both times right before going to bed on nights when I felt abnormally depressed, and woke up fine the next day. It fucked up my sleep patterns for about a week or so in the beginning, however.

  9. #9
    Chicagoeditor
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    Default Re: anti-depressants... sigh

    Not to quibble, but would you have the same advice for someone with high blood pressure? Sure, changes in diet and lifestyle can help in both cases. However, the extremely tricky issue with cognitive disorders is that when you're in the depths of, say, depression, listening to truisms from well-meaning people about "you ought to be happy!" just don't cut it. Your perceptions are OFF; this is why people kill themselves, because they aren't thinking clearly.

    Also, comparing prescribed anti-depressants to coke is silly and you score no debating points. (Unless you're trying to impress Tom Cruise.)

    Quote Originally Posted by Yekhefah
    Yeah, that's what my ex-roommate used to say about cocaine, but I still think a non-chemical long-term solution would be better. Pharmaceutical companies are making a fortune off drugging people who don't need it. Yes, some do, but the entire population does NOT need to be on expensive drugs in order to function.

  10. #10
    Yekhefah
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    Default Re: anti-depressants... sigh

    Drugs are drugs, in my opinion. The only difference is where you get them. As long as some pharmaceutical company is making a fortune, they're all okay, but if you're growing your own marijuana in the yard, then you're a horrible junkie and a crook. It's just Big Pharm's highly successful scam.

    Would I say that to someone who has high blood pressure? If their blood pressure could be lowered by switching to a better diet and getting exercise and a healthier lifestyle, yes I would. It would be much healthier (and cheaper) in the long run, but Americans would generally rather just pop a pill so they can flop down on the couch to have a Big Mac and watch TV. It's not healthy, it's not good for us, and eventually it will kill us. But hey, as long as Big Pharm gets theirs!

    I'm not anti-medication, BTW. Of course medication is sometimes necessary. I myself take an oral contraceptive, a steroid inhaler for my asthma (used twice a day), and occasionally I pop an Allegra when my allergies act up. I also carry around an albuterol inhaler in case of emergency. I've been on anti-depressants in the past as well, and I was much happier without them. I'm not against all psychiatric meds either; there is certainly a place for them with dire cases. But a country where almost the entire population is on psychiatric medication makes me really suspicious.

    I have struggled with depression and panic attacks for most of my life, but in the end I found the best solution was psychological therapy (not permanent) to help me learn to gain my life back on my own. Pill-popping won't make you happy in the long term, whether that pill is Wellbutrin or Ecstasy. It's just a quick-fix that masks symptoms.

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    Featured Member MadisonM's Avatar
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    Default Re: anti-depressants... sigh

    ^^^^ I'm on antidepressants, and have been since early high school for panic attacks, depression, and anxiety, as well as SAD (seasonal affective disorder). Without meds, I might not even be here to type this right now. For some people, all the therapy in the world won't help them. I've been to therapy, and found that it just wasn't helping me. Therapy won't help people with chemical imbalances, which is what I have. I NEED the medication in order to be able to function. Medication is not just a "quick fix." While medication can't cure psychiatric problems, it can lessen or take away the symptoms so that the person can live a normal life. All the therapy in the world isn't going to take away the symptoms from my chemical imbalances, but the meds help me. Yes, if I went off the meds the problems would come back, so if you're looking at it that way, it is a quick fix, but there is nothing else that can help me right now. It is a possibility that I could be on these meds for the rest of my life, so in that respect, its not a quick fix, it's something I need to survive.
    Take the road less traveled- just make sure you have a map.

  12. #12
    Yekhefah
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    Default Re: anti-depressants... sigh

    MadisonM, I just want to repeat that I didn't say no one should be on psychiatric meds. I said I understand that some people do need them. My point was that it shouldn't just be an automatic thing; I believe LOTS of people are being unnecessarily drugged, and that safer methods should be tried first. It sounds like you're one of the few who do need meds, and I'm glad you're able to get them.

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    Featured Member tampadancer's Avatar
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    Default Re: anti-depressants... sigh

    I guess I should have mentioned that I have been seeing a psychologist and have tried to "work through" whatever is depressing me - but there is no logical reason for these extreme lows. My life is good - of course I have stress and the typical shit going on, but there is no reason for me to feel this... hopeless. My future is bright, but I can't seem to see through this fog. I do think that my brain is not producing or uptaking enough seratonin or something.

    Yek, I agree that as a nation, we are overdrugged. And I am probably one of the biggest proponents for homeopathic and naturalistic approaches. And pharmaceutical propaganda disgusts me. But...

    At this point, when a "low" comes on, it scares me. I can't control it, and I can't see through it, and I think I need some more help.

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    Veteran Member veteranprincess's Avatar
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    Default Re: anti-depressants... sigh

    I took Paxil for about 6 months one time. I think that's more of an anti-anxiety med though as opposed to anti-depressant. Anyhow, it worked to get me out of my funk. Killed my sex drive though.

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    Yekhefah
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    Default Re: anti-depressants... sigh

    Tampadancer, I hope you get the help you need. Good luck.

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    Senior Member lalitha's Avatar
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    Default Re: anti-depressants... sigh

    I don't reccomend paxil. I took it for a year and found it to have a lot of bad side-effects and was VERY hard to stop using. Weird electric shock feelings in my fingertips were one of the withdrawl symptoms. Better off using one of the newer generation drugs, I think.

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    Default Re: anti-depressants... sigh

    awwww, I hope you get to feeling better. I've had problems with depression since I was a teen and if I could afford it I'd probably seek counseling now but I'm not paying somebody $100+/hr just to talk. However, in the past when I've been treated through therapy and medication it has helped. If anything, I've learned that it'll get better. It always does get better though sometimes the depression lasts a while.

    I used to take Prozac after a really bad period in my life. I also saw a counselor. I've probably seen at least 3 psychiatrists in my life and honestly, I don't really like them. They are very clinical and seem sort of cold to me. But they are the ones who write the medication prescriptions and not the therapists.

    I tried Effexor I think first and it made me feel like I was on crack. I couldn't tolerate it. I tried another one that after one dose I was almost comatose for over 15 hours so stopped that one. Then I tried prozac and had to adjust to it some but it helped me. I did gain weight on it but my lifestyle changed too so it may not have only been the Prozac. Overall I think it helped.

    There are newer ones out now. I just saw a commercial for a new antidepressant but I can't recall what it was. I think it's a personal thing and everyone's body is different. You may have to try a few to see which helps you but I'm sure something will make you feel better.

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    God/dess greenidlady1's Avatar
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    Default Re: anti-depressants... sigh

    Quote Originally Posted by tampadancer
    Okay, so after several months of being in denial, I am finally recognizing that I'm not just "down" or "blue"; I am depressed. I hate thinking that because, honestly, it is admitting that I am out of control and flawed. My lows are getting progressively lower, and my highs have become periods of barely being able to see into tomorrow. I have no excitement or desire left - my zest for life is completely gone. I know that this is partially situational, but there is also a lot of unexplained sadness. I cry a lot for no reason. I've turned into this unmotivated recluse, which is the absolute opposite of who I am.

    So, today I called about twenty pschiatrists. I must not be the only one with issues because most of the doctors were accepting appointments starting in June and July. Anyhow, I managed to get in with someone on the 19th of this month, and I'm going to ask to be put on antidepressants.

    I've been doing some research on the various drugs - because I hate the idea of putting foreign chemicals into my body and I want to know all of the risks/side effects - but I need to do something. There's got to be a change.

    Anyhow, I'd like to know your various experiences with different antidepressants.

    Thanks guys
    Well, they do affect everyone differently. I have been on several myself and like the one I am now the best (Effexor). I have a little bit of depression sometimes and feel unmotivated at times but this one has the least amount of side-effects for me. Starting out at the lowest dosage is important too because I think the more you take and the longer you take it the more your body gets use to having the serotonin. There are new ones out now too there are suppose to be better with less side effects than some of the older ones. I have a girlfriend who has also been recently experiencing depression and I adviced her to deal with it on her own if she could. The medicine doesn't remove the pain but just numbs things enough for you to deal with them better. I definately think if you are suicidal,violent or starting to isolate yourself than you might need something. However, counseling can be just as good. I have been on anti-depressants since I was 12. First Prozac, made me violent, then Serzone which did very little for me except give me restless legs, then Paxil which made me gain 40 lbs and become VERY dependent on it. I have a tried a couple of other like Wellbutrin but they just caused more anxiety. There have been short stress-free periods in my life where I have not been on anything but I find that I function better when on something. I would say do your research and try talking with loved ones. And don't let the doctor put you one more than one thing at a time, otherwise, if you have side-effects you won't know what it's from. Also, please start a low dosage and settle with the lowest dosage possible. I have seen a lot of people get messed up taking to many psych meds and not know who they are anymore. Good luck to you.

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    God/dess greenidlady1's Avatar
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    Default Re: anti-depressants... sigh

    Quote Originally Posted by Yekhefah
    Drugs are drugs, in my opinion. The only difference is where you get them. As long as some pharmaceutical company is making a fortune, they're all okay, but if you're growing your own marijuana in the yard, then you're a horrible junkie and a crook. It's just Big Pharm's highly successful scam.

    Would I say that to someone who has high blood pressure? If their blood pressure could be lowered by switching to a better diet and getting exercise and a healthier lifestyle, yes I would. It would be much healthier (and cheaper) in the long run, but Americans would generally rather just pop a pill so they can flop down on the couch to have a Big Mac and watch TV. It's not healthy, it's not good for us, and eventually it will kill us. But hey, as long as Big Pharm gets theirs!

    I'm not anti-medication, BTW. Of course medication is sometimes necessary. I myself take an oral contraceptive, a steroid inhaler for my asthma (used twice a day), and occasionally I pop an Allegra when my allergies act up. I also carry around an albuterol inhaler in case of emergency. I've been on anti-depressants in the past as well, and I was much happier without them. I'm not against all psychiatric meds either; there is certainly a place for them with dire cases. But a country where almost the entire population is on psychiatric medication makes me really suspicious.

    I have struggled with depression and panic attacks for most of my life, but in the end I found the best solution was psychological therapy (not permanent) to help me learn to gain my life back on my own. Pill-popping won't make you happy in the long term, whether that pill is Wellbutrin or Ecstasy. It's just a quick-fix that masks symptoms.
    I absolutely agree with you. However, several years ago I would not have because I was pursuing nursing and there was a pill for everything and still is. But while working in the hospital I saw people more ill from the side-effects of medications than the orginal disease or illness to begin with. I also see people like my grandmother and father take cholesterol, blood pressure and late-onset diabetes meds to mask the systems like you said but doing nothing but sitting on the sofa and continuing to eat junk food. The same thing with anti-depressants, I agree, you can mask the symptoms but ultimately need to fix the problem at hand.

  20. #20
    AlexxaHex
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    Default Re: anti-depressants... sigh

    It's really great that you are realizing you have a problem and are going to get help!! That's really half the battle...the rest is really wanting to change, and doing the work to help yourself. You can't do it alone, and it's totally normal for people to seek outside help. Your road to getting better is less about drugs than it is about learning how to cope with your life. Perhaps you were never given the tools to deal with issues by your parents, or you are so lost in your negativity, you are unable to see the light at the end of the tunnel.
    I've dealt with depression and anxiety for years. I realized that drugs have a completely counterproductive influence on my life, anti-depressants being no different. It was all a matter of literally pulling myself out of my pit of hopelessness and re-empowering myself.
    A therapist can help you do that...maybe drugs will work for you. I'm just saying how I dealt with it. If you want my feedback on what I used to take, I'll list them here.


    I used to be on:

    Prozac - Made me absolutely nuts! I made awful decisions, cut myself, burned things just to watch them burn, walked into oncoming traffic....very bad drug for me.

    Paxil - Did very little - was still depressed in my drug cloud.

    Buspar - Same as Paxil, with a slight tinge of craziness.

    Zoloft - The best of all of them. Very few side effects and seemed compatible with my normal mental state.

    ~~~~~~~~One thing to seriously consider is that no two people will react exactly the same to a particular drug. Just because Zoloft worked for me, it doesn't mean it will work for Jane Doe down the street. Anti-depressants (like mental disorders) tend to function similarly in people who are alike genetically (i.e. - if there is anyone in your close family with depression, chances are, the same drug will work for both of you).
    Ask people in your family if they have ever received treatment for depression and/or anxiety and find out what drugs they were/are on. Those are all important things to tell a psychiatrist if you do decide to take drugs to alter your mood.

  21. #21
    Banned All Good Things's Avatar
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    Default Re: anti-depressants... sigh

    Quote Originally Posted by tampadancer
    At this point, when a "low" comes on, it scares me. I can't control it, and I can't see through it, and I think I need some more help.
    TD, I think you are right on target. Good for you for having the courage to make the leap.

    The challenge with psychopharmacological drugs is that everybody reacts differently to them. They also have far more side effects than most medication, and can take weeks to months to take effect. Finally, dosing is really important, and it can take a long time before your psychiatrist and you have found the right balance that gives you the best benefit without the side effects.

    I'm surprised to read all about the positive experiences with Wellbutrin because it is the hidden gem in the antidepressant universe and most people have to beg their psychiatrists to put them on it. Nobody knows about it. Everything else is marketed and pushed much, much harder -- especially the SSRAs like Celexa and Lexipro, which practically have their own marketing departments in most shrinks' offices.

    I would strongly suggest that you avoid the SSRAs (selective Seratonin reuptake inhibitors) like Celexa, Lexapro and their relatives for several reasons. They can have nasty sexual side effects that are usually understated. They can also lead to weight gain, and can take weeks to have any effect on you at all. Plus, you are better off not playing around with your seratonin levels -- it's just too damn complicated.

    Wellbutrin does not have any affect on your seratonin levels -- it works to keep your dopamine levels elevated, and that's easier to deal with (alcohol does the same thing, actually, which is how it makes you feel happy, but Wellbutrin is a stimulant, so it's without the depressant effect). Other benefits -- it has almost no sexual side effects, can give you a bit of an energy rush and the final benefit is that you are more likely to lose weight on Wellbutrin, not gain it.

    The hard part is dosing. Most shrinks start you off at low levels that do nothing for you, and it takes weeks for you to even know whether they are helping you or not, because their effects can be subtle and hard to define. Generally, don't let your doc start you on Wellbutrin at anything less than 150 mg per day, and see if you can get the extended release versions.

    As you can see, it's a bit complicated, but I think you are a prime candidate for some chemical intervention to help you deal with something that sounds a bit overwhelming for you right now.

    I really hope you find a good regimen and feel better soon.

  22. #22
    Yekhefah
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    Default Re: anti-depressants... sigh

    Quote Originally Posted by greenidlady1
    I absolutely agree with you. However, several years ago I would not have because I was pursuing nursing and there was a pill for everything and still is. But while working in the hospital I saw people more ill from the side-effects of medications than the orginal disease or illness to begin with. I also see people like my grandmother and father take cholesterol, blood pressure and late-onset diabetes meds to mask the systems like you said but doing nothing but sitting on the sofa and continuing to eat junk food. The same thing with anti-depressants, I agree, you can mask the symptoms but ultimately need to fix the problem at hand.
    Yes, thank you! That's what I meant. I'm glad you understand and agree... I did realize I was starting to sound like Tom Cruise, but that's the power of a huge advertising industry. More than 70% of the American population, including children, has been on some kind of psychiatric medication - you can't tell me they all needed it. People are getting filthy rich off this, and those drugs do not come without consequences.

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    Default Re: anti-depressants... sigh

    Gee, Yekhefah, I think that you should stop using Advair and albuterol and instead focus on changing your environment. After all, you did choose to live in L.A. And asthma is exacerbated by stress, so the next time you have an attack perhaps you should forgo the inhaler and meditate instead.

    I'm sick and tired of people treating mental illness as a fucking character or lifestyle defect. We can argue about the evils of pharma companies all day long, but Jesus Christ, if a fucking pill is going to take you from nonfunctional to active human, don't feel bad about it. Explore the other things that can help you. Antidepressants (and therapy) saved my life so I beg your pardon, but I disagree. When you have someone with an acute condition you don't think about the long term, you're going to do what is best for them.

    And I would like to know where you got that 70% figure. I bet not that many Americans take prescriptions, period.

  24. #24
    Yekhefah
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    Default Re: anti-depressants... sigh

    Um, Susan, that was exactly the opposite of my point. Perhaps you should read my posts next time before jumping down my throat... it might save you a little embarassment in the future.

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    Default Re: anti-depressants... sigh

    I'm not embarrassed, but I apologize for snapping.

    I think calling the use of antidepressants a "chemical dependency" is insulting, and the idea that "drugs are drugs," lumping Wellbutrin and cocaine into the same category is similarly so. And how can you tell people to avoid medication for their illnesses when you rely on it yourself?


    The assertation that anywhere near the majority of the population is taking these medications, unless you believe they're being dumped into the water, is ludicrous.

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