is taking an antidepressant bad for you?

Question

i've been taking lexapro(10mg) for a few months now and I am afraid of the possible side effects. I notice a difference. I am better able to handle my stomach problems and other problems in my life, but i do experience fatigue. I'm also worried that I will become apathetic to life's emotions.

Answer 1

this is not a yes or no type of question. it depends on who u r and what u have.
if u have depression, then an antidepressant is absolutely essential. depression is caused by a chemical imablance in ur brain, that cannot be corrected by anything else on the market...even homeopathy, herbs, etc.
keep taking it...if u still feel like it is not working for u, then either ask ur doctor to increase the strength or switch to another one. there r multiple types of antidepressants...so be willing to switch if one does not seem to work as well.

Answer 2

Antidepressants can have some side effects but they can also make your quality of life much better. Perhaps a new one may be in order that will help with your fatigue. Try not to worry too much about side effects BUT also be an informed consumer. Do some research about the side effects of different medications and make notes to ask your doctor about anything that you do not understand. Communicate with your doctor about your concerns and how the Lexapro is making you feel. Maybe he will suggest another antidepressant that will do a better job for you. If he does, it will take at least 4 weeks for you to know if the new medication is working, if a larger dose is needed or if a new medication is needed. Please be patient. If you want the best results, it may take some time. Some studies have also stated that staying on an antidepressant for a minimun of six months will help the patient stave off further bouts with depression or anxiety. Patients that stop taking their medication as soon as they begin to feel better are hurting their chances of full recovery.

Talk to your doctor about your concerns and write down any questions before your appointment so you will remember to discuss and make notes about any possible instructions that your physician may have. Make sure that you follow all directions and take your medications every day. If you want to discontinue any medication, talk to your doctor FIRST because you do not want to make any anxiety or depression worse by just suddenly stopping your medication.

Working as a partner with your physician will help in your recovery. Sometimes talking to a counselor or therapist will teach you how to cope with your problems and will work with your medications for good results.

Answer 3

Generally antidepressants are not bad for you. Risking apathy is probably preferable to depression. When you feel like you are not at risk of depression, talk to your doctor about tapering off. The average length of time to remain medicated used to be one year, but that might not be true anymore or may not be true for your situation.

Answer 4

I knowtest that when I starteed to take my medications was I became less sexual like i wasnt into anymore. Also I felt other people emotions were hard for meto coinside with my friends would ask me for advice and i had nothing. It was and emptyness. But it dose go away. I take Depaokte ER, Seriqule, trazadone, and prozac.

Answer 5

its not bad for you it sounds like its working the way it is supposed to and most mood stableizing drugs can make you some what appathetic but isnt that better than crying all the time

Answer 6

The side effects should be monitored by both you and your doctor.
If you find you are functioning better, then the benefits outweight the risks...
That is how you should evaluate each drug you take.

Answer 7

You need to be aware of all the facts. I recomend reading Toxic Psychiatry and Your Drug May Be Your Problem. Dunno the author

Answer 8

This should be discussed with your doctor.

Answer 9

not if you are depressed