how can depression still creep in even though i am on anti depressants?

Question

I have been taking anti depressants for a number of years now but now and again depression still manages to creep in, which leaves me wondering, do I really need them for the 95% of the time when I'm ok?

Answer 1

Anti-depressants are not a cure for depression - they only help to relieve the symptoms. And yes you do need to take them constantly because it takes upto 3 weeks for them to become effective and also you cannot come off them straight away because of side effects - you have to be weened of them gradually - hence the reason to always take them! Also the reaon for always taking them is becaise they help to keep your serotonin levels up - if you only took them when you were feling low they would not work, because as I mentioned above they take 3 weeks to become effective!! If you were constantly on and off them your serontonin levels would fluctuate immensely and your symptoms would be worse.

Answer 2

If your depression is clinical ie caused (in part or all) by a chemical imbalance then yes you definitely need to take them for as long as your doctor recommends, otherwise depression will return when you stop taking them. They have what is known as a prophylactic effect - that is they keep you well or more importantly stop you becoming unwell. If you have little or no side effects then why stop and risk it returning? If there are other factors to the depression then have you anyone to talk it through with? Cognitive Behavioural Therapy is good and counselling can help as well. All the best x

Answer 3

what do you think is keeping you sane 95% of the time?? the meds you are using!! normal people (without depression) get depressed occasionally. so if you are ok 95% of the time that sounds just about right. i think it also depends on the life stuff you are dealing with. if someone dies of course you will be depressed. this is just life stuff--normal everyday stuff that depresses everyone. you may have some times when you are just down. this is because the meds are not 100%. sometimes they slip a little and you go down for a little while. if you have been on the same one's for a long time the effectiveness goes down and you may need a change. see your dr if this is the case or if you go down really really low and can't get back up.

peace&hope

Answer 4

Yes- it will do because even though you are taking medication it might not be the right strength so it might need changing. Sometimes when all appears well its not a good idea to just stop the medication, its always wiser to enjoy your moment or day of lesser effects than to stop it and feel worse in the long run.

Depression will always rear its ugly head whenever things seem so much worse because its your bodys 'fight or flight' and you are always being tested to see how down you really are and how you cope in stressful situations. Ive had depression on and off for many years and when Im at my lowest i try think positive.

I dont take medication at present but things could change tomorrow.

Take care

Answer 5

Because anti-depressants, like most drugs, really only address the symptoms. Maybe you would benefit from spending some time with a life coach - are you fulfilled in your life, are you living the life you want to, do you know what life you want to live, what are your dreams? If you are never unhappy, sad or a little depressed then you won't be able to appreciate when you are happy - can't have one without the other, that's just life.

Answer 6

IT is normal to have setbacks when people suffer from depression. I myself have suffered from a long term depression and there were times I would prefer to forget about, even though I was on the meds.
However, the longer you take the meds, the better, as the setback become shorter and less severe. Plus if you stop taking your drugs, you run a risk of suffering from a recurrent depression which is hardly possible to cure. So listen to the doc and keep well.

PS depression touches highly sensitive souls, so maybe there is something about our characters that Depression likes...

Answer 7

If you have been taking antidepressants for years you know the difference between the blues, which we all get, and depression. It may be that you have reached a level of tolerance for the dose you are taking and need it increased or perhaps even a different drug.
If you are clinically depressed drug therapy does not have to last a lifetime. For most people a few months in conjunction with talk therapy helps. However, once you have suffered one depression it is likely you will suffer again.
See your practitioner for reevaluation of your medication needs.

Answer 8

The first thing to say is, as I'm sure you know, if you and your doctor do decide that you should come off them that it should be done gradually. Don't just stop them suddenly yourself.

The next thing is, this is a reasonable thing to wonder but it may be that it would be even worse if you weren't on them at all.

I presume you've looked for and minimised any underlying causes. If not, this might help to clear up the breakthrough periods of depression.

Answer 9

It took me quite a few years, like perhaps 5 - to get settled on the main appropriate med for my rigidity. I take Lexapro which failed to paintings for you- yet every physique is diverse. The chemistry is funky and it takes time to discover the main appropriate formulation. I additionally tried Welbutrin, Prozac, Paxil, Elavil, Clonazapam, Trazadone, and there have been a minimum of two others alongside the line. For me, a million/2 of .5 mg pill of Clonazpam, dissolved below the tongue, stops an rigidity attack. and that i be responsive to, human beings can help be responsive to to loosen up and breath- which in case you would be able to desire to breath interior the 1st place could be astonishing advice yet they have no theory how stressful that's just to breath. As for faking it, puh-hire. How do you fake hyperventilating or fainting? do not provide up. you at the instant are not ruining your existence. that's merely an unlucky component to the experience. it will get greater advantageous.

Answer 10

I don't know. Maybe you're body is tired of these same meds, and you need a change to a new drug. Just remember that it takes 3-4 weeks to get the drug really into your system, so you may still get depressed, but you KNOW it will end soon, so hang in there!