I'm finally going to see a doctor for my depression and I'm sure there's a good chance he/she will put me on anti-depressants. I also suffer from severe anxiety. Who out there has experience with these drugs and what do you think is the best one with minimal side effects?
2006-08-02 16:43:19 · 16 answers · asked by Anonymous in Health ➔ Mental Health
As someone who has battled depression for years and has been continually perscribed anti-depressants, I'll try to sit down and impart my experience with them to you.
General things to remember:
1. EVERYONE IS DIFFERENT, so there is no one "best" drug. What may not work for you, may work wonders for someone else, and visa versa.
2. The drug[s] usually take a good few weeks (2-6 depending) to truly level out into your bloodstream and produce an effect. -- For this reason, remain patient. Also try to take the anti-depressant around the same time every day; there are no specific medical downsides if you don't, but it can help you to remember it.
3. Do not take the drug[s], realize that you're feeling better, and then STOP. Remember that most anti-depressants are now SSRIs, meaning they are altering the serotonin levels in your brain, and the last thing that you want to do is purposely mess with your brain chemistry. It is well-accepted that anti-depressants tend to be non-narcotic (that is, not addictive) physically, but there can still be terrible withdrawal side effects if you should take the medication as irresponsibly as this.
4. The number one reason for discontinuation of anti-depressant medication is: Inability to Tolerate Side Effects. // I speak from personal experience when I say that drowsiness, fatigue, and low libido all suck... but when your overall happiness is concerned, these side effects can seem minimal. They can even diminish over time. So, once you're on something, hang in there, and...
5. ... don't forget that there are plenty of options to "happify" yourself. // General therapy, exercise, sun exposure, sleep, healthy diet, stimulating hobbies are all helpful tools. But sometimes we just need that extra help from medication to get ourselves through the day.
~~~
Hang in there, and please just know that you are not alone, nor ever helpless. If you'd like to follow-up and talk to me, feel free to message me.
Best of luck. ^_^
2006-08-02 17:01:59 · answer #1 · answered by askingjonas 2 · 3⤊ 1⤋
As Salaam to you all, Taking any medication for a true illness is not Haram, even if that medicine has alcohol within it. Enough has been said about anti-depressants by other contributors to this question but it is up to the individual and what the doctor has prescribed that matters. It is up to the individual to take or not take the prescription if they truly think and believe that they can do without it, or the doctor can be influenced into prescribing an alternative medicine. Wa Salaam
2016-03-26 21:10:42 · answer #2 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I know the feeling and have had some experience with this. I found a self-help group called "Recovery" to be very helpful. Works like AA. First name only basis. Helps to talk to people in the same boat. When I feel anxious, I find it helps to call a good friend, then do something physical and tiring. Something you won't want to stop until finished - like, get down and wash the floor. Better yet, find someone who needs help, then give it. I visit, regularly, an acquaintance who has ALS (a horrible neurological disease). Most of her friends have abandoned her and she so looks forward to my visits. After I leave her, there is no way I can feel sorry for myself.
2006-08-02 16:53:03 · answer #3 · answered by TheHumbleOne 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Get ready to be hooked in by big pharm!! They love depressed people. I suggest taking a anti-depressant with anti-anxiety properties instead of Benzos though. I can not get of those fking benzos. Anti-depressants are easier to get off of once on your feet. Best wishes for a healthy mind, and don't neglect God for help as well!
2006-08-02 17:18:32 · answer #4 · answered by greentree 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I know each and every person is different and has different problems. I suffer from depression and I've been taking Lexapro for about 5 years and it's worked great for me. My son has just been to his Dr. and is now taking Lexapro. He is 100% better. He was not a believer in taking any meds, but, he was very paranoid about things and was so restless he couldn't sleep. It has been a life-saver for he and I.
Good luck and stay on it whatever you do.
2006-08-02 16:50:58 · answer #5 · answered by BelleoftheBall 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Seriously, this worked for me.
1) Sunshine (you may have seasonal affectiveness disorder)
2) Exercise (endorphins work wonders)
3) Self-analysis (find what causes the depression and drop those needs)
2006-08-02 16:47:51 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
everyone's body chemisty is different...it can take up to 2 years to find the right meds for you. It's a lot of hit and miss and can be frustrating but in the end you have a great Rx education.
2006-08-02 23:08:43 · answer #7 · answered by Mindy Jo 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
He will probably have to see what works with your body chemistry. I take Paxil, and I love it! Makes my mouth kind of dry.
But it helps me stay "afloat" and "in the game" so I can deal with the actual problems that pull me down.
2006-08-02 16:56:00 · answer #8 · answered by scruffycat 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
..that will be entirely up to your physician..explain your symptoms to him, there are many that do help, some that don't for others. Sometimes you have to try a few before you are able to find one that works for you....good luck!
2006-08-02 16:50:49 · answer #9 · answered by vinetwo 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
wellbutern is class B and that is the best when it comes to side affects i have been on it and it happend to be the one that works best with me!!!
2006-08-02 17:00:13 · answer #10 · answered by Big Mama 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋