Are antidepressants really effective?

Question

I have never taken them before, but at 52 years old, and going through menapause---I feel that I am driving myself and everyone crazy!!! I have been to counseling and that helps, but I guess I haven't felt so good, (emotionally) in such a long time, would I benefit from a little medication therapy? Thanks. Sue

Answer 1

They work great for me but it took a long time to find the correct med & dosage. Good Luck & hang in there.

Answer 2

The most definitive studies conclude that there is no scientific basis to conclude that antidepressants work. This is even stated in the literature which accompanies the medication. Supposedly, they affect certain chemicals in the brain. However, since there are no tests to determine the amount or balance of those chemicals in a particular patient, this is hocus locus. In the most exhaustive mega analysis of clinical studies, the author concluded that antidepressants are approximately as effective as a placebo, and he ironically further concludes that the belief of patients that the drugs work is based on the affirmative effect of the statement by their physician that they "will work". Then the psychiatrist says if this one does not work, another one will. AND they always tell you that it may be WEEKS before you notice any effect. So, how does one know whether the passage of time alleviates the depressive symptoms rather than the medication. Essentially, without the existence of such supposedly effective drugs, there could be no placebo effect. The side effects can however be troubling, and there is therefore a balancing test between prescribing the drugs, which psychiatrists know are ineffective, to achieve a reinforceable placebo effect and refusing to prescribe as a result of the side effects.

Answer 3

I was depressed off and on for 8 years before I got on meds. Like you I went to counseling and it helped, but it wasn't enough. It wasn't until I was diagnosed with epilepsy that I couldn't take it anymore- life was just too depressing. I have been on Effexor (anti-depressant) since Oct of 2005. The medicine helped me to think clearer and actually see I had at least some control in my life. The littlest things used to set me off into bawling tantrums of how much I hated myself, my life, and all the bad things that happened around me. I wanted to kill myself. I stopped crying all the time. Looking back some of my situation was worth crying about, but some was just stupid and I just didn't see that at the time. Depression can be cause by problems in the brain, hormonal changes, etc so I really do recommend getting on meds. Counseling is the first recommendation and because you've tried that don't be afraid to take something in addition- you will feel so much better and deserve to! Be patient though they take a while to work and don't be frustrated if you don't get the right pill the first time. It may take a few different meds to try out until you get the one that works for you.
I am happier right now in my life then I have ever been! I wish the same for you! Best of luck! xoxo Melissa

Answer 4

Antidepressants can really change you're quality of life. You may not realize how depressed you are until after the medicene has took effect. Only warning is be patient. Most antidepresants take about 6 weeks to take full effect. Go see your doctor and discuss which would work best for you. My only recomendation is discuss with your Dr. a med. that has a generic. Some of the antidepressant can be kind of costly(even on insurance). There are many good drugs with generics out there.

Answer 5

Yes, antidepressants can work. However, you may need to try several different kinds until you find one that helps you. Some of them that don't help can make you feel even more depressed, so beware. You have to work closely with a psychiatrist to monitor the effects of medication and find one that works. S/he may also recommend counseling, but that's up to you.

Don't underestimate the value of physical exercise. If you can't or don't want to join a gym or exercise class, just go for a brisk walk or bicycle ride. There are lots of things you can do at home, with an exercise partner, or in a whole class. Check your local "y', read the newspaper for classes offered in your area.

Answer 6

I'm not fully knowledgeable about anti-depressants save for having some family members who took them. The thing about anti-depressants is that they react differently depending the situation with the patient. My twin sister was on them for years and they didn't seem to help. Her psychopharmacologist kept using trial and error to get the correct combonation and doseages, but nothing seemed to work right for her. Years later, she was able to take herself off them and the change was so dramatic (for the better). It was as if she were never on them in the first place.

Basically, if you feel there's a need to go on them, talk to your doctor, make sure that you've exercised all other options before having to turn to medication and once on them, try your best to monitor your mood and behaviors (especially how they differ on and off the meds). If you notice that the medication is negatively affecting your behavior, go back to your doctor so he or she can either adjust the doseage or perhaps recommend an alternate medication.

Answer 7

Talking therapy is just as effective in the long run, with less side-effects. Also, you might have to try several antidepressants for several months each, until you find one that works for you. Many anti depressants also have withdrawal effects, so stopping can also be a problem.

I say all this as a person taking antidepressants for anxiety. They help me a bit, but I won't stay on them forever, I hope.

Answer 8

I took them in the past for a bout of depression, and they helped quite a bit. I only took them for 6 months to a year. I tried Prozac, but that didn't help. I took Paxil, and liked it. My sister liked the Prozac, but not the Paxil. I am telling you that because even if your first med doesn't help, try another until you find something that works for you.

Answer 9

Yes Sue they do help, without them I would have become a bad person who hit her kid. I would have tried to kill myself. I am so much better now, mix them with some therapy. Good luck and take care of you.

Answer 10

They are, but only if you were diagnosed with the major depressive disorder and took it for at least 6 weeks regularly