Anti depressants what's your view?

Question

I'd prefer to hear from people who've been on them at some point or who knows someone who's been on them. Are there side effects? How do you know if you need them?

Answer 1

Yes, there are side effects that come with any medications. As to what they are, they vary from person to person, medication to medication. Most of the people that I know who are on anti-depressants and similar medications have had to try a few different pills, or combinations of pills, before they finally hit on something that they tolerated well, and which worked properly.

What is true pretty much across the table is that it takes around 6 weeks before you can finally see the full, true effects of any of these drugs. It's unfortunate, but until that time has passed, you generally can't tell if the drug is going to be successful for you or not. This is the phase where you just have to stick with it and not give up just because you aren't noticing changes.

Also, these drugs are not quick fixes, which can be tossed out once you start feeling better. I know so many people who go through a terrible cycle of stopping their medication because they feel better, only to plummet down into serious depression afterward. People tend to think they will be ok once they feel better, but the drug is what is making them feel better. Stopping is very dangerous. My mother tried to kill herself after stopping her medication because she thought she didn't need it anymore. It was a really bad time.

These drugs can have really great benefits for people who take them though, once the right one is found. They really help to balance moods and relieve anxiety and depression so that people can function more normally, with more energy and enjoyment in life. Sometimes people just can't get over that hump without some help.

As to whether or not someone needs them, the old advice always holds true - your doctor will be the best person to determine whether or not you may need medication. He can prescribe it himself, or refer you to a psychiatrist and/or therapist for more in depth diagnoses and treatment. I would personally recommend therapy before medication - sometimes all that one needs is a way to vent, and a person who can guide them in a direction of positive change. People aren't always depressed because of chemical imbalances; sometimes life is just hard. Sometimes people can see great results just from changing diet, exercise, and patterns of living. If more than that is needed, the therapist can work toward getting proper medication prescribed, and then keep an eye on the progress and changes that come with the medication.

Good luck to you, or whoever you know, who may need medication. I hope things work out for you.

Answer 2

Over the years I have been on: Effexor, Prozac, aurorix, Lithium, abilify and a few others I can't recall. They were prescribed for post-natal depression and Bipolar depression.
I can't tell you if they worked or not because eventually things just got better and I always wonderded if they would have anyway, or of it was the pills.
It's like when a doctor gives you antibiotics for a flu, after a few days your symptoms improve, how can you know for sure if it's the medicine, or the natural progression of things?
One thing though, on the topic of side-effects: on every single anti-dpressant I have been on, I was unable to have an orgasm! I once asked my doctor "how happy can I be without that?"
I get aroused and just about there... but never quite, aaagh! so frustrating! That was enough to put me off taking them.
How do you know if you need them? If you are so depressed that wish you were dead, that's not normal. If your depression is affecting your ability to fulfill your obligations and perform your job, that needs addressing. If your family and friends are worried about you, then anti-dpressants may be required to ease the ride over the hurdles of life for a while.
It's not fun, but a plaster cast is a bit annoying too, but it helps broken bones repair, right?
My suggestion has always been, take them for a month and re-evaluate then. See if they are what you need, and most importantly, don't get down on yourself for needing something. Most people I kmow who are not on prescription medicines are self-medicating with drugs, or alcohol instead. It's got to be better than that, right? And try the non-medical highs too - take up an activity you love, go to the beach, surround yourself with supportive people, eat well and get plenty of sleep, emotional times can be very draining. Look after your physical well-being and the emotions will follow... Good luck!

Answer 3

I have been on Lexapro a very good anti-depressant for over a year now. At first I had nausea but that is common, if you stick with it this should go away in about a week. Also, I take mine at night so I am not groggy or feeling drugged in daytime.

You will know you need it when you feel very down for no reason or possibly a reason. You will feel hopeless and helpless to do anything to beat this feeling. You might have crying episodes for little or no reason. You might isolate yourself in some cases. Thoughts of suicide are also a possibility.

Take very good care of yourself and cantact a doctor if you have some or all of these feelings for more than a week or two at the most.

Im sorry if it is you that is going through this or someone you know. But it can be controlled.

Good Luck to you, hope you get something that will help you.

Answer 4

Many people are against using medication for an illness they don't consider "real." However, depression is a real illness. I was severely depressed and I finally had to take medication before I could function enough to help myself. Therapy helps, exercise helps, getting out of the house helps, but if one is so depressed these are impossible then medication is necessary, I believe.

The only way to be sure if you need medication is to be diagnosed. If you are suffering from depression and the doctor suggests medication, then you can try it. When you try the medication, you need to work closely with your doctor to make sure you have the correct dosage and the correct medication. It also helps to have someone close to you help you monitor yourself to see if you are improving.

I hope to go off my medication when I am able to. However, if I have to take it for the rest of my life, that will be much better than the depression.

Each medication has its own side effects. Not everyone has trouble with the side effects; there are many medications out there and it is possible to find one without debilitating side effects.

Good luck to you.

Answer 5

I think there are alot of people on them that truly need them. I think they make you feel not happy and not sad, kinda mellow. Nothing seems to be a big deal which can be a good thing sometimes. However I think you should look into diet and exercise too, I know it sounds cliche but I really think it helps. The side effects are different for everyone but there are so many that if one is not working then you can always try another. Good Luck!

Answer 6

They are awesome! Abilify is giving me my life back!

I used to just lie in bed... wishing I was institutionalized or jailed forever. I could go to school on the Geodon.. but I was a depressed, disheveled slob who could barely relate to people. Now I feel pretty normal. I love my med mix.

The biggest side effect for me is constipation, but it's manageable.

How do I know if I need them? Can't function normally. Depressed or agitated all the time (I'm bi-polar).

Three years of therapy didn't solve much. (Although I did go back to school because of therapy.) Miserable... for... 15 years! So I figured that I needed something.. and I hoped that something someday would work.

And eventually it did.

Edit: No medication for 10 years.. and trying to get the med mix right for 5 years.

Answer 7

there is a side effect to anything that you add into your body. some are more harmful than others. if you feel as if you are depressed, there are newer meds available without many side effects. meds and counseling are the only way to successfully treat depression.

Answer 8

Depends on what ur using them for and what type of depression u have....if u do start taking them don't miss a day w/o it...You feel really weird 'cause ur seritioin levels begin to fall drastically. est thingto do is talk to ur doctor he will be able to test u to see if you have low levels of dopiamine or seritionin.

Answer 9

no i havent used them,but i would hope you would try herbs,its more natural.they give you a boost
and try to change things in your lifestyle
good luck

Answer 10

Do not try Medications unless you have to!