are they any good for dysphoria? or do u need to be clinically depressed for them to have any effect? what are people's experiences?
2006-08-20 01:03:25 · 19 answers · asked by Anonymous in Health ➔ Mental Health
. . . I used to find the Fast Show was a good anti-depressant, then Little Britain - waiting for the next one while I pop my Prozac . . .
2006-08-20 05:02:36 · answer #1 · answered by Astra 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I have suffered from depression and/or dysphoria for several years and have tried a number of different antidepressants. The old tricyclic type (e.g. Clomipramine) are good for anxiety if you get that, but left me feeling a bit woozy too. The SSRIs (e.g. Prozac, Seroxat) I had a v bad experience with: could't sleep, was constantly anxious and even more irritable than ever. The best one I've found is an SNRI (works on the brain chemical noradrenalin as well as seratonin) called venlafaxine; this has got me through the worst times. But in my experience anti-depressants are only really effective in the short term, when you're in a real crisis. Nothing does much for the sort of persistent dysphoria I think you're describing.
Some people find cognitive behavioural therapy (learning new ways of thinking and coping with bad thoughts when you feel down) helps, and the NHS is very keen on this. It did help me a bit. Psychotherapy can be hard to access and/or expensive but may be worth considering - I have to confess I'm not a great fan.
The big thing to remember that at the end of the day you have to devise your own way 'out' or at least onward with your own brain and life. You're probably more resourceful than you think. Getting out of yourself and trying to focus on the world around you instead is the first thing. Distract yourself from your own feelings by throwing yourself into something else, be it work, a hobby, friends, as much as you can. Whatever you do don't pull the curtains and hide from the world all day. Tell yourself you have chosen to be happy, and work towards that goal. Good luck.
2006-08-20 04:26:34 · answer #2 · answered by Clodia 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Yes I was on prozac for a couple of years. It's horrible, the side effects of prozac become worse that being depressed. I had horrendus back ache and headaches from taking it.
What ever you do, dont just stop taking it though, I did this and it sends you wacko, you need to come off the drug slowly.
2006-08-21 09:39:36 · answer #3 · answered by LadyDeville 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
My mother was on anti depressants for several years and became totally dependant on them. Avoid if at all possible. For that reason, when I struggled with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder myself after losing my father in very bad circumstances I was very reluctant to go on any medication. A chemist suggested that I tried a herbal, non addictive, alternative and it did seem to do the trick to a certain extent. I think that the stuff I used was called Rescue Remedy and it was a spray that was put on to the tongue. Best of luck.
2006-08-20 01:16:57 · answer #4 · answered by robin_peel 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
No tradtional one. I have used St Johns wort- in capsules, and Valerian- herbal and homeopathic. Also , homeopathic ignatia is good for depression in many people. There are supposedly no side effects using homeopathic medicines. Herbs are NOT homeopathic and could have side effects in some individuals. Another safe remedy is "Rescue Remedy" a Bach flower remedy from the health food store. Very helpful stuff. Hope this helps.
2006-08-20 01:20:53 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
I have suffered from Post Natal Depression twice & found that they helped me no end.
My family have a hereditary link to depression so I can't get away with that one.
I think positive thinking, healthy eating & exercise are crutial to feeling better.
The one thing I hate is the side effect of tiredness & fatique - some days I crawl out of bed feeling terrible.
It definately has helped my mood swings & I do feel more able to cope when I take them, but I would recommend anyone to try to change their lifestyle & out look first before taking them.
2006-08-20 01:14:50 · answer #6 · answered by cuteglitterbabe1970 1 · 0⤊ 1⤋
I've used them in the past. I found them to be very helpful BUT I also think taking the medication should also be linked with some 'talking therapy' and like one of the other respondents think that changing your lifestyle helps etc. I found that going to the gym helped me a lot even though I didnt particularly want to go. I think medication is fine as long as you see it as being only one of a number of things to make you feel better not just being reliant on the medication itself.
2006-08-20 01:20:45 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
Try not to take them at all, but if you do make sure you only take them for a very short period - they are far to easy to become dependent upon. You would be better advised to try a practical remedy - physical activity, yoga etc, something you can immerse yourself in. If you become addicted, some antidepressants will make you feel worse than you did originally and can be harder to kick than heroin.
2006-08-20 01:25:11 · answer #8 · answered by Purple 8 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋
I suffer from panic attacks and have been put on many different ones over the years. Afraid to say they haven't helped me just made me feel worse. But I do know people they have been a life saver for.
2006-08-20 01:18:41 · answer #9 · answered by carrie 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
i have used prozac/fluoxetine in the past and it helped me. basically it made me feel more numb so i did not feel the bad, sad low grey feelings that I had previously felt. to be honest it helped me and it wasnt addictive cos when i wanted to give up, it was easy. but they are not recommended for under 18's
2006-08-20 14:45:35 · answer #10 · answered by Donna : 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋