Anti-depressants
 

So it doesn't take too much to work out why I'm posting this!

Have thought about taking the pills for a while.

Does anyone have any thoughts / experience that they would like to share on this subject?

ie do they work?

Re: Anti-depressants
 

Have you tried alcohol?

Re: Anti-depressants
 

But really I would also be interested in hearing accounts from a couple people who have taken them over a long period.

Re: Anti-depressants
 

My father is a psychiatrist, and I have defended psychotics in court, so I am eminently qualified to answer this question.

Of course, they work. And there are a variety of them out there. If there is no improvement after 4-6 weeks, a doctor would probably try another.

Whether they should be taken "over a long period" is a whole other question.

But needless to say, not all conditions merit anti-depressants.

Has a doctor recommended these for you and you are debating whether to go along with the plan? I hope you weren't planning to self-medicate, somehow.

Re: Anti-depressants
 

[ QUOTE ]
My father is a psychiatrist, and I have defended psychotics in court, so I am eminently qualified to answer this question.

Of course, they work. And there are a variety of them out there. If there is no improvement after 4-6 weeks, a doctor would probably try another.

Whether they should be taken "over a long period" is a whole other question.

But needless to say, not all conditions merit anti-depressants.

Has a doctor recommended these for you and you are debating whether to go along with the plan? I hope you weren't planning to self-medicate, somehow.

[/ QUOTE ]

Thanks for your response.

I too have defended psyhotics in court, but that's a bit of a different issue, right?

Has your father said that they work? (Or implied this in the course of conversation?)

I guess there wouldn't be such a demand for them if they didn't?

Cheers.

Re: Anti-depressants
 

Definitely not planning to self-medicate don't worry!

Re: Anti-depressants
 

I was kidding about being qualified to answer the question.

But for what it's worth, I have had many conversations with my father when the topic came up, and I'm sure he believes that they work and considers them an important tool.

Re: Anti-depressants
 

[ QUOTE ]
I was kidding about being qualified to answer the question.

But for what it's worth, I have had many conversations with my father when the topic came up, and I'm sure he believes that they work and considers them an important tool.

[/ QUOTE ]

doh irony detector ON!

Re: Anti-depressants
 

I have taken them on and off for the last few years and yes, overall have made a huge difference.
It took a long time for me to recognize and then admit to having depression. I really believe that it took away two years of my life.
Anyway it was a process of trial and error to find the right medication. I was told by a neighbor who is a psychiatrist that it is pretty common to try three medications to find the right one and it took six months. The side effects of the medication at times were worse than the depression itself. For me the side effect was anxiety, very jittery and quick to react to even the most minor things. Driving one night in bad weather and I get so scared that I started to cry uncontrollably, not something I would normally do. I hated feeling crazy. Because of it I would stick close to home. The side effects would cause me to stop taking them. Eventually I would talk with my doctor about another one. Eventually I found one that worked for the depression and although there were side effects, not anxiety, I could live with them.
After a year or so I was able to get off of them for a few years. I just recently started again, finally recognizing my symptoms and knowing what would be the best course of action. I refuse to lose years of my life again.
I was also able to find a medication in which, for me, works really well and the side effects are good. [img]/images/graemlins/smile.gif[/img]

If you choose to see someone and start a medication be prepared that it can take time but it is worth it.

Re: Anti-depressants
 

Thanks for your post - appreciate it.

Re: Anti-depressants
 

I'm on wellburtrin..it works goot

Re: Anti-depressants
 

[ QUOTE ]
I'm on wellburtrin..it works goot

[/ QUOTE ]


That seems to be the one that I have talked to a lot of people about who have had very good results, myself included.

Re: Anti-depressants
 

[ QUOTE ]
I'm on wellburtrin..it works goot

[/ QUOTE ]

Re: Anti-depressants
 

I went to my doctor due to my insomnia and after discussing life and what not with him for 20 mins he decides to give me Paxil for anxiety, vs. sleeping pills. I was like, um ok whatever, I just want to sleep! They are AWESOME for sleeping, always knocks me out in about 20 mins.

After reading this thread it actually dawned on me that my lack of sexual desire that started about 6 months ago coincides with the time I started taking the Paxil. Sigh.

Hmmm...sleep or sex??

That reminds me, I need another refill. [img]/images/graemlins/wink.gif[/img]

T

Re: Anti-depressants
 

[ QUOTE ]
I went to my doctor due to my insomnia and after discussing life and what not with him for 20 mins he decides to give me Paxil for anxiety, vs. sleeping pills. I was like, um ok whatever, I just want to sleep! They are AWESOME for sleeping, always knocks me out in about 20 mins.

After reading this thread it actually dawned on me that my lack of sexual desire that started about 6 months ago coincides with the time I started taking the Paxil. Sigh.

Hmmm...sleep or sex??

That reminds me, I need another refill. [img]/images/graemlins/wink.gif[/img]

T

[/ QUOTE ]

Paxil worked well for depression and I took it for a while. It does sedate and squash sexual drive. It can also be a cause of weight gain. For a while that was worth it for the relief of the depression without the anxiety.

The Wellbutrin, which I recently started gives a boost, like a strong cup of coffee-not the best for sleep-but not the over the top anxiety. Sexual drive is back and I lost the weight I gained and then some. I need to get a few new things as my pre-paxil stuff is too big. [img]/images/graemlins/smile.gif[/img]

I am curious T, why not take a sleeping pill like Lunesta or Ambien? There are really no side effects to those if you are only needing to relieve insomnia.

Re: Anti-depressants
 

I got to say I was very nervous about Ambien or Lunesta because I know how addicting they can be and I have an addictive personality by nature. When I expressed that to my doc, he advised the Paxil and said it works great for sleeping problems which is caused by my anxiety (just didn't realize that!) and he assured me it was safe and non habit forming and he's been taking it for sleeping reasons for years (not regularly, but that's what he uses).

CORRECTION: I looked it up and I got the name wrong, I'm not on Paxil, I'm on Xanax. My bad.

Same side affects though....I think. [img]/images/graemlins/wink.gif[/img]

T

Re: Anti-depressants
 

Something that would calm anxiety, help with sleep, help with weight loss and allow some level of alcohol consumption would be good.

Re: Anti-depressants
 

How does drinking alcohol and taking Anti-depressants work for you guys?

Re: Anti-depressants
 

anti depresents work but they also suck, in my case im sick of taking them. so i stoped. they made me lose weight and made me into a diff person. ive ben off them for a long time now and my next step to fixing depresion is to just get it over with if it comes to a point where i cant stand it n e more. i actualy had the worst day of my life 3 days ago. very scary week for me. but im still hear n trying hard to get by. i should actualy start on the anti depresent again. if your depresed and suicidal take it. but if it dosent work like my case just try to find happiness some how...

Re: Anti-depressants
 

[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
I'm on wellburtrin..it works goot

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I started on Prozac. It smoothed out the mood swings that were apparently a symptom of my depression. I'm not sure if it was a side effect or just the way the drug works, but I started to feel like a zombie. Sure, I didn't have rages anymore; in fact I didn't feel anything at all. Sexual side effects were there, and I posted a huge weight gain.

Switch to Wellbutrin, helped considerably. I even quit smoking. After a year of bicycle commuting, I was in pretty good shape, felt good, and quit them.

Lately I'm seriously considering starting up again. Oddly, for someone with a past containing an extensive 'recreational' drug history, I'm loathe to take a drug that attempts to fine tune my mind. [img]/images/graemlins/crazy.gif[/img]

Re: Anti-depressants
 

I started Prozac about 2 months ago after years of knowing I needed medication,but avoided it. It has really helped me immensely. I dont feel drugged at all, just not iritable all the time and I no longer have anxiety attacks.

They only side effects I have had where I couldnt sleep well for the first week. And it takes me a long time to "Climax" during sex (OBV a sweet side effect)

Re: Anti-depressants
 

[ QUOTE ]
anti depresents work but they also suck, in my case im sick of taking them. so i stoped. they made me lose weight and made me into a diff person. ive ben off them for a long time now and my next step to fixing depresion is to just get it over with if it comes to a point where i cant stand it n e more. i actualy had the worst day of my life 3 days ago. very scary week for me. but im still hear n trying hard to get by. i should actualy start on the anti depresent again. if your depresed and suicidal take it. but if it dosent work like my case just try to find happiness some how...

[/ QUOTE ]

Thanks for your post Nicky. gl.

Re: Anti-depressants
 

Took paxil for 1 year and a half.

Even if I was suicidal at the time, if I could go back, I wouldn't use any anti-depressant.

If you can get over your depression without it, I suggest you do so.

Re: Anti-depressants
 

There's plenty of clinical evidence showing that anti-depressants work, at least of a percentage of people. If one type doesn't work then another probably will. They have various side effects, including a change in personality. That's not necessarily a bad thing though. My mother takes SSRIs and they help her a lot.

There are a variety of nutritional supplements that have shown anti-depressant properties in preliminary trials. The two main ones are 5-HTP and Omega 3. Personally I take both and a vitamin pill each day, which seems to keep me stable.

Looks at wiki for tons of info.

Re: Anti-depressants
 

[ QUOTE ]
Took paxil for 1 year and a half.

Even if I was suicidal at the time, if I could go back, I wouldn't use any anti-depressant.

If you can get over your depression without it, I suggest you do so.

[/ QUOTE ]

Why?

Re: Anti-depressants
 

[ QUOTE ]
There's plenty of clinical evidence showing that anti-depressants work, at least of a percentage of people. If one type doesn't work then another probably will. They have various side effects, including a change in personality. That's not necessarily a bad thing though. My mother takes SSRIs and they help her a lot.

There are a variety of nutritional supplements that have shown anti-depressant properties in preliminary trials. The two main ones are 5-HTP and Omega 3. Personally I take both and a vitamin pill each day, which seems to keep me stable.

Looks at wiki for tons of info.

[/ QUOTE ]

Thanks very useful.

Re: Anti-depressants
 

Out of curiosity more than criticism, why is the thinking on this forum so unsophisticated when it comes to matters of science?

Presumably the OP was evaluated for symptoms of major depression and prescribed an antidepressant. In his mind the logical next step is to ask for lay-opinions about whether or not that class of medication is helpful? And then the question is seriously entertained? Some of the responses even reminding me of the "home remedy" thread from a few weeks back.

I just find it interesting that in a forum like BBV, where the average age is likely to be 19 and the majority of posters likely have little or no college education, there is a clearly decipherable underlying level of critical thinking and logic permeating through even the most recreational threads whereas in this forum, where the average age rates to be a decade older and the average level of education almost certainly includes at least some college, you are more likely to run across a comment about how grandma cures the hiccoughs than you are to stumble across a sound criticism of some flimsy thinking.

It's just quite striking to juxtapose erudite, professional-level film critiques with campfirey 20-questions exerpts oozing with superstition and inanity.

I imagine my description of this observation will piss everyone off, but I suppose that type of response would only bolster my suspicions.

Irieguy

Re: Anti-depressants
 

[ QUOTE ]

I just find it interesting that in a forum like BBV, where the average age is likely to be 19 and the majority of posters likely have little or no college education, there is a clearly decipherable underlying level of critical thinking and logic permeating through even the most recreational threads whereas in this forum, where the average age rates to be a decade older and the average level of education almost certainly includes at least some college,

[/ QUOTE ]

http://forumserver.twoplustwo.com/showth...16#Post12033282

Sigh*

Irieguy, I just read through this and I have not found anything that suggest that someone should stop taking A med for B med.

It seems that the OP was looking for a bit of support, wondering if they were alone with depression. They were also wondering how many attempts it took for a proper dose/ med.

So, yes, some people admitted that they took x med and went to y med. There is nothing wrong with this. I did not see any thing proscribed here, as you seem to imply.

I took anti-depressants years ago. I went through about six meds with no avail. I think that hearing that you are not alone is an "upper," if you will. As a "doctor," you must have a great pulse for all of your patients if you are this insensitive. And yes, that was an insult.

I think BBV4Life you have to take more for face value. I hope that you can re-read this with a better interpretation.

Re: Anti-depressants
 

[ QUOTE ]


Presumably the OP was evaluated for symptoms of major depression and prescribed an antidepressant. In his mind the logical next step is to ask for lay-opinions about whether or not that class of medication is helpful? And then the question is seriously entertained? Some of the responses even reminding me of the "home remedy" thread from a few weeks back.


[/ QUOTE ]


Did he ever say if a doctor prescribed him medication? I thought he was toying with the idea. Asking for lay-opinions isn't uncommon, especially when these types of medications are so widely prescribed now.

What surprises me is how many people on these forums have tried some form of antidepressant. I'm curious what percent of the population has actually tried it. I think people are "seriously entertaining" the question because they want to help. They feel empathy.

Anyway, I don't quite get what your point is Irieguy. Are you saying that it is weird to discuss a doctor's prescribed treatment with lay people on an internet forum? If a doctor told me that I might want to try taking Paxil or something, I might want to ask some of my friends and even the forums if anyone has tried it and what they thought of it. I just don't get what you find so objectionable about that. Could you explain which part you found "superstition" and "flimsy thinking"?

Re: Anti-depressants
 

I have been on Lexapro (or Celexa, which is similar) for 2 years. I have a strong history of depression in my family, but despite this, when I became depressed I fought going on medication.

I don't know why I did. I tried other things, I went to therapy every week, focused on getting sunlight (harder than it sounds when you don't want to leave the house ever), exercise, good diet.

After about 3 months of therapy, I started on medication. It took a few weeks to start working, but when it did, it was like having a weight taken off my back. They didn't make me giddy or silly, they just made life ok again.

I haven't had problems with side affects. They have not affected my sex drive at all, you might even say they increased it, but I think getting past the depression was a factor there.

Because of my family history and my current life situation, I have not tried to go off the medication. I think there's a good chance I will take them for the rest of my life, and I'm ok with that.

Re: Anti-depressants
 

[ QUOTE ]
Out of curiosity more than criticism, why is the thinking on this forum so unsophisticated when it comes to matters of science?

Presumably the OP was evaluated for symptoms of major depression and prescribed an antidepressant. In his mind the logical next step is to ask for lay-opinions about whether or not that class of medication is helpful? And then the question is seriously entertained? Some of the responses even reminding me of the "home remedy" thread from a few weeks back.

I just find it interesting that in a forum like BBV, where the average age is likely to be 19 and the majority of posters likely have little or no college education, there is a clearly decipherable underlying level of critical thinking and logic permeating through even the most recreational threads whereas in this forum, where the average age rates to be a decade older and the average level of education almost certainly includes at least some college, you are more likely to run across a comment about how grandma cures the hiccoughs than you are to stumble across a sound criticism of some flimsy thinking.

It's just quite striking to juxtapose erudite, professional-level film critiques with campfirey 20-questions exerpts oozing with superstition and inanity.

I imagine my description of this observation will piss everyone off, but I suppose that type of response would only bolster my suspicions.

Irieguy

[/ QUOTE ]

*sigh*

Your assumptions are all wrong.

Do you really think I would come to an internet forum looking for opinions on hard science?

I am just looking for some shared experiences. (And these have been very helpful).

I find your tone so condescending, not to mention pretentiously phrased. So wordy, ugh.

Amusing that you came in so hard and got it so wrong.

Has given me something to smile about though [img]/images/graemlins/laugh.gif[/img]

Re: Anti-depressants
 

[ QUOTE ]


So it doesn't take too much to work out why I'm posting this!

Have thought about taking the pills for a while.

Does anyone have any thoughts / experience that they would like to share on this subject?

ie do they work?

[/ QUOTE ]

At the risk of raising the ire of irieguy, I would like to add to the thread. From what I have read or been told by professionals working in the field, anti-depressants are prescribed in attempt to correct a chemical imbalance in the brain.

When working properly, anti-depressants are supposed to correct the imbalance within 6-18 months. The correction is supposed to be permanent and once corrected, the medication is gradually stopped.

Since so little is known about individual brain chemistry, the prescribing of anti-depressants, both in type and dose, is a hit-or-miss affair. Multiple attempts may be required to find the "right" medicine and dose.

If anyone knows otherwise, I would be glad to hear if the above is not accurate in any way.

Re: Anti-depressants
 

I was on Zoloft for a year. It saved me from the situation I was in at the time. I'm not sure that I actually learned my lesson from that, but it was very helpful at that point.

Re: Anti-depressants
 

[ QUOTE ]

I just find it interesting that in a forum like BBV, where the average age is likely to be 19 and the majority of posters likely have little or no college education

[/ QUOTE ]

Yeah we be so stopid in BBV. Please be for educating us.COLLEGE MUST MAKE YOU SMART! MY SOUSIN WENT TO THE COLLEGE AND HE MAKES 30K A YEAR NOW!

Re: Anti-depressants
 

lol, I thought he was complimenting BBV and insulting the Lounge. Was he insulting both?

Re: Anti-depressants
 

[ QUOTE ]
lol, I thought he was complimenting BBV and insulting the Lounge. Was he insulting both?

[/ QUOTE ]

yeah

Re: Anti-depressants
 

[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
Took paxil for 1 year and a half.

Even if I was suicidal at the time, if I could go back, I wouldn't use any anti-depressant.

If you can get over your depression without it, I suggest you do so.

[/ QUOTE ]

Why?

[/ QUOTE ]

It affected my thinking and emotions in a weird way. I felt "artificially better", if you will. Combined with the side-effects like loss of libido, I was left wondering who I was and what I liked and where was I going in life.

Without it I felt depressed, but I least I was thinking clearly ; I understood the roots of my feelings.

Also once I started taking paxil, everyone went with the "clinical approach" with me. Like a schizophrenic who needs constant attention or something. It only made matters worse to have people literally spy on me and having to answer questions everyday.

I find it easier to get better when people don't EXPECT me to be clinically depressive.

EDIT: When people know you're depressed, their attitude towards you changes. And it sucks, because everytime you talk to them, it's like they're reminding you "hey, you're supposed to be suicidal!". I kept thinking "leave me alone dammit, I'm trying to get better!"

Re: Anti-depressants
 

[ QUOTE ]
: When people know you're depressed, their attitude towards you changes. And it sucks, because everytime you talk to them, it's like they're reminding you "hey, you're supposed to be suicidal!". I kept thinking "leave me alone dammit, I'm trying to get better!"

[/ QUOTE ]

QFT

Re: Anti-depressants
 

[ QUOTE ]
I just find it interesting that in a forum like BBV, where the average age is likely to be 19 and the majority of posters likely have little or no college education, there is a clearly decipherable underlying level of critical thinking and logic permeating through even the most recreational threads whereas in this forum, where the average age rates to be a decade older and the average level of education almost certainly includes at least some college, you are more likely to run across a comment about how grandma cures the hiccoughs than you are to stumble across a sound criticism of some flimsy thinking.


[/ QUOTE ]

I guess they didn't teach you how to make sentences at your college?

Re: Anti-depressants
 

[ QUOTE ]
It affected my thinking and emotions in a weird way. I felt "artificially better", if you will. Combined with the side-effects like loss of libido, I was left wondering who I was and what I liked and where was I going in life.

Without it I felt depressed, but I least I was thinking clearly ; I understood the roots of my feelings.


[/ QUOTE ]

This is the polar opposite of my experience with antidepressants, although I do have to say that the brief period of time that they had me on Paxil (which is also prescribed for anxiety) is the closest I remember to feeling this way. So it may be a characteristic of that drug.

With Zoloft and later with Wellbutrin, I felt MORE like myself, not less. Depression is a curious thing. It seems so normal when you're in it, as if this is your world.

This was my daily thought process when I was depressed:

"You are lazy and unmotivated and doomed to be unsuccessful and everyone dislikes you and the people that like you wouldn't if they really knew you...so you better try as hard as you can to prevent anyone from getting too close. All you've done with your life is piss away all of your advantages and opportunities, even though you know that you're intelligent, all you have done is waste it. Now it's over, you're too far gone, you have no way out, and you just have to survive until you die, which hopefully will be soon. Maybe you'll be in a car accident. Of course, then they'll see your messy closet and find out what a loser you are."

Things like that literally ran through my head for most of my waking hours. And every night I'd tell myself, "tomorrow, you lazy idiot, you're going to get up and be productive and do all the stuff you have to do. It won't help, but you're going to do it."

During this time I was a college student, lived with roommates, had a regular boyfriend, held down jobs, all the while with this constant litany of self-hatred. I didn't do any of these things up to my expectation, though. I was never good enough to my boyfriend, I felt like a crappy roommate, I didn't go to enough classes, I was bad at my job. The fact that I got As and Bs, was an honors student, was always being promoted, and my roommates loved me (and are still my closest friends to this day), and my guy couldn't get enough of me never even pinged my radar as hints that I might be wrong about myself.

When I lived alone for the first time in my life was when I had a breakdown. For the first time I wasn't accountable to anyone else, and I had lost the ability to care about doing things for myself.

I won't go into details, but it essentially forced me to get help. My doctor put me on Zoloft. Taking the Zoloft was a revelation. I remembered what it was like to feel like myself. I discovered that I didn't have to take crap from people. I was able to reasonably assess my situation and apply my brain to making it better. I discovered goals and desires and wishes and motivation. I could think clearly.

After about a year, they took me off the Zoloft, which was a relief. Some of the side effects weren't great: stomach troubles, occasional flashes of rage. But I was more like myself than I had been in years. I finally felt like the person everyone around me saw, and the person that I dimly remembered being. Which was funny, because while I was depressed, I had no memory of that person at all.

Kind of stupid example: my whole life I have loved thunderstorms. I find them compelling and magical. I like to stand out in them, to watch them, to hear them. When I was depressed I didn't even notice storms, AND I didn't notice anything different. I just stopped doing something so completely simple that gave me so much pleasure. Same thing with hot baths. Reading. Wearing earrings and perfume. Anything that was just for me, I didn't do. And I didn't notice.