ARE DEPRESSION MEDICATIONS more HARMFUL THAN GOOD?

Question

Somebody suggested that I take some kind of depression medications because they said they could tell I'm depressed, but I don't think they take any. Everybody that I know that has taken any kind of Meds for depression have all said it either made them more depressed or they had real bad side effects. Please only respond if you take meds yourself or are very close to someone who does.

Answer 1

Personally, I am a nurse and take antidepressants. I have no side effects from them. Just a year ago my meds were changed and I have never felt better. They do not change who you are, they do not contain hormones!! If you see a psychiatrist for med management they can change meds to deal with any unpleasant side effects. It is a good idea to seek counseling also.

Answer 2

I have taken three different ones, and two of them worked and one was absolutely terrible. It really depends. Some medications will work for some, some won't. You need to work with your doctor. Try one and if you can tolerate the side effects, give it 6 weeks before you decide if it is helping or not. It takes that long, if not longer for them to work. Some people don't give them enough time, and therefore think that they are worse off. If you cannot tolerate the side effects OR if after 6 weeks, you feel the same if not worse, talk to your doctor about either increasing the dosage (if it is not working) or switching to something else. Be patient. It takes a while. Also, don't expect the medication to do all the work for you. In parallel, you HAVE to want to get out of your depression. Force yourself to be involved in some activities you used to enjoy, even if you don't feel like doing them. Sooner or later you might regain interest in them. Good luck

Answer 3

I myself take antidepressents and also anti-anxiety meds. For me they have been a life saver. But do not go by what someone tells you about you being depressed. That can only truely be diagnosed by a compitent psychiatrist. Don't even count on your medical doctor to prescribe antidepressents for you. Not the same ones work for every one. What may work for one person, will not work for another. So a good doctor will have you come back to see how well the medication is working for you and if the doseage needs ajusting or a different medication is needed. Also all antidepressents have to build up in your system before they work really well, and that usually takes any where from two weeks to 4 weeks and in some rare cases longer. Another big mistake people make about taking medicine for depression or anxiety is that they think it will make all their problems go away. It doesn't. No medication is a "miracle" medicine. What they do is take the edge off the depression or anxiety so that it is bearable. Depression is caused by chemical imbalance in the brain and the medication helps that to get back in correct balance, but it does not "fix" everything and you still need to talk to a counselor or therapist to help with your problems. Some people only need medication for a few months, or maybe a year or two and some people will have to be on it for the rest of their lives. Everyones body is different and how fast their depression goes away or if it totally clears up, is different for everyone. But remember, no medication is a miracle thing and you will need additional help. But also remember it does take the edge off the feelings, emotions, etc. so that it is not totally overwhelming and is copeable.

Answer 4

I took prozak and wellbutrin for a little while. I didn't have significant physical side effects except for impotence. The meds did help for a little while, but eventually decided that I didn't want to be reliant on drugs and being limp in a heated situation was embarrassing and frustrating. You can always try different meds if the side effects are bothering you, but if you can life a happy life by surrounding yourself by positive people and a healthy lifestyle thats the best route to take.

Answer 5

You have to decide that for yourself. Depression medications contain hormones and they change who you are. Some times popping a pill is a band-aid to a major wound so it will only make the problem worse. Counseling is a good option too. However in some cases I have seen the meds have positive effects, rarely though.

Answer 6

I am close to a Viet Vet. He has P.T.S.D. He said his Doctor gave him the same medication that his father was receiving.
His father was in a facility, being treated for Psychotic Episodes. He said, should I use them?, I feel so wiped out. He said he also had a Script for Marijuana. I said, "Whats Better", taking the Drug, and laying on the couch, and waking up depressed, not able to get up, or just having a spliff and getting a different mind set.
Working with Alzheimer's Patients, and managing the many Prescriptions they take, I think that all of these drugs are the cause of Parkinson, Alzheimer's. and many Neurological Diseases.

In my experience, Diet is the key. Nutrition, and someone to help you get you blood chemistry straight, without drugs. Too many recreational drugs out there now, that are deadly in time also.
...A good book is: YOU, The owners manuel: Michael Roizen, M.D.. The one I work with the most with my Neurological patients is: Brain Longevity: Dharma Singh Khalsa, M.D. An easy read on both. I used the Longevity book to detox my Alzheimer's patient, and she improved, and re-connected to her language center. Amazingly....... Peace........

Answer 7

It could be, it all depends on which ones work for you, you should at least Try. If you don't have any Bad side effects, then try it @ least 3 months, nothing, then on to a new 1.

Answer 8

TRY LEXAPRO