I've finally accepted that I need an anti-depressant... but I tend to have bad reactions to medications.......

Question

I don't even take pain medications. I am starting counseling, but I'm so depressed, I'm having trouble taking the least care of myself. I get so mad at myself for my lack of motivation, and that doesn't help me. I've run out of ideas and energy to get going.

I'm partly afraid of anti-depressants because I know there are legitimate problems in my life that I need to deal with. I do want to deal with the pain and not just mask it - and I do feel tempted to do just that - medicate and run.

What's anti-depressant is easiest on the kidneys? Is there anything that is easy to taper off of as I deal with the pain behind my depression?

I have asthma and I've had kidney stones since I had a series of hysterosalpingiograms a few years ago. That also caused a lot of edema and pain from inflammation. So I'd need to avoid anything that would exacerbate those conditions.

I know I need to see my doctor (she's wanted me to take meds for a while) but I'd like to know what's safe.

Answer 1

Since you have trouble with medications, consider finding a licensed acupuncturist. I was on depression/anxiety medications for 10 years and just did not want to take them anymore and have not had to take them for 3 months now.

This would be in conjunction with your talk therapy.

Answer 2

Hi. I have GAD - General Anxiety Disorder. It's not the same as your depression but often a person who has anxiety problems also has depression problems. Sometimes the medications are the same. So my experience with medications may help.

I was diagnosed with GAD almost 2 years ago. At this point we still haven't found a medication that will calm my anxiety or stress. I have tried at least ten different drugs now. While my case may be a little excessive it is not uncommon. Sometimes it takes a while to find the correct drug or combination of drugs that work. Do not let this worry you.

Next, from what I've learned, a lot depends on the level or degree to which you are depressed. My physician and psychologist both explained to me that there are levels to anxiety and depression. At the lesser or lower levels, counselling, meditation, group therapy, etc. can be quite effective. However at greater or deeper levels, you need medication. At one time (10 years ago) meditation worked for me. But both doctors tell me that at this time the degree of my condition is such that I need medication to lower the level down to where meditation and other things such as exercise will become an effective treatment again.

In regards to the correct medication, hopefully your doctor will know best. I started with my personal physician treating me in regards to prescription drugs and my psychologist treating me in regards to mental and emotional aspects. When I didn't respond to the first 4 or 5 medications we tried, my personal physician told me that he was now beyond his experience and referred me to a psychiatrist. This is what your personal physician will probably do - ie try and treat you first him or herself and then refer you to a specialist if needed. If you are referred to a specialist, either you or your doctor or both will make the specialist aware of your kidney and other health problems. My personal physician sent the psychiatrist a copy of my medical file. The psychiatrist sent reports to my physician.

Like you, it took me a while to accept that I was actually sick and that I needed to take medications. At first I thought that I just needed a break or vacation from my job and the routine of my life. Then I thought that I would only have to take drugs for a while and then the counselling and therapy would become effective and I would go off drugs. Here I am two years later and we are still looking for an effective drug therapy. Now I am trying to face the possibility that I may be on some kind of drugs the rest of my life (I'm 50). The point is don't come up with preconceived ideas about how treatment and therapy are going to work or how long it's going to last. (Cliche time!) Just take it one step at a time. That way you won't be disappointed or depressed or stressed out if things don't work out the way you expected them to.

Finally in regards to specific medications, no one outside of the medical profession can tell you what's safe FOR YOU. I can tell you this - based on my experience, your doctor will start you on the drug or drugs they think will be the least harmful. Initially they will have a bunch of different ones to try if necessary. It will be only if you do not respond to any of these medications that your doctor will consider trying some drug with a higher level of possible side effects. Before they do so, your doctor will probably discuss the options with you. You will probably have a voice in the matter.

This is my experience. I hope it helps.

Answer 3

First of all, your doctor should not give you anything with side effects that could make your existing condition worse. Yuo should definitely speak to her about your concerns with regards to side effects prior to starting medication, but know that most are quite safe, particularly the more popular SSRI class of drugs.

Second, you should not feel that taking these drugs amounts to masking your pain r not dealing with it. Right now, your lack of motivation prevents you from dealing with your issues. These drugs will help you function better so that you can deal with problems in a positive and productive way. You do not need to feel guilty about this, it is a proactive step to helping yourself.

Finally, don't forget that these meds usually take 6 weeks to work, sometimes a bit longer. Be patient with yourself and kind to yourself.

good luck!

Answer 4

I am within the same boat. I have PTSD (submit disturbing stress disorder) and foremost melancholy. Contrary to your notion anti-depressants don't "mask" the pain, just make you extra emotionally stable so that you can work via your problems. Psychiatric meds aren't an precise science however your doc will likely be equipped to monitor your meds and aspect effects. The doc will work with you to find person who rather works. As someone who close to took her possess lifestyles before I went and got the aid I wanted, take your doc's recommendation and provides the meds a threat, you could just be amazed with the aid of what they may be able to do for you. Just right success!

Answer 5

I also have bad reactions to medications sometimes, so I understand. I also see how you would want something to take away some of the pain and weight of depression, but please, please, DON'T take prozac--it can cause so many major problems, like an increased suicide rate and other health problems. If you already don't react well to some medications, you stand a greater risk of problems than everyone else stands, and that is bad enough.

Good luck, I know how hard your struggle must be, I know it isn't perfect, but it may help if you belong to a strong religeon, that helps me a lot when I'm feeling depressed.

Answer 6

I am speaking as a nurse and a friend...Keep in mind that they are working under the guidance of a physician especially when placing you on medication. They will need information on you to find out about allergies and drug reactions (past and present) also what you may have taken in the past and how it worked for you. The great thing about you getting help is that there are so many more medications out there for all kinds of problems that if you didn't have a good reaction to one medication there are many more out there for you. Give your trust to your mental health counselor and be assured they will be looking out for you and give you the very best chance of success. I wish you the best.

Answer 7

Well conseling helps but i have the same problem im mad at myself fot not being motivate. I think you should get a pet like a cat or dog and you'll take care of that because you feel the need to and that might get you on the right track.