Anti depressant medication, does it work, or......?

Question

Does it make everything worse? I already can't stand living.....with the thoughts of everything, everyday .....

Answer 1

Anti depressant medications work very well with many people. They are worth giving a try. However, remember that their are several different families of antidepressants. Some work well with some people - some with others. So you must commit to the possibility of trying several meds and not give up if the first one does not do the job. They are much like blood pressure medications in this respect. But they have to my certain personal knowledge helped many people. Give them a try. It can only help.

Answer 2

Depression is caused by a number of different factors. Most anti-depressant medications fall into a category called SSRI which is Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor. One of the major causes of depression is a biochemical problem in the brain in which a neurotransmitter called Serotonin is absorbed by brain cells in larger quantities than in normal people. Thus, one has less serotonin acting as a neurotransmitter. However, other medications will also increase chemicals such as dopamine which has also been linked to depression.

It is crucial to mention however that not all antidepressants are the same. They work in different ways depending on one's brain chemistry. You may see warnings on some antidepressants that say to contact your doctor if you being to feel more suicidal while on the medication. This is most often the reason. There is no way to determine which medication is best for you other than to just try them all and see what works. The important thing to remember though is not to panic if one medication doesn't work out. It's perfectly normal for some people to find that the first medication they start taking works and it is also normal to find that you may need to switch medication eight or nine times. It also must be stressed that the medication takes 2-4 weeks to work in full. During this time you may have bipolar like symptoms in which you experience moments of happiness and sadness that rapidly change. If you stick to it though, your body will eventually get used to the medication and the antidepressants will start taking full effect.

Because of these circumstances, people often report that antidepressants were not helpful to them and some will sadly give up treatment because they have a sense of hopelessness. Years of medical research suggest that over 95% of patients with clinical depression will respond to some kind of medication. It is important that you keep trying until you find one that works. Even if you are in the bottom 5% that don't respond well to medication there are other treatments available which have proven successful in many patients.

Answer 3

Everyone reacts differently to different meds. The prescrip meds can really make a difference sometimes but also on the other hand they can have many side effects so it is important to find which ones work best for you.

Many doctors can give you trial samples of the drugs and that is a good way to find out if they will work for you. Or you can try natural alternatives because many prescrip depression meds are placebo anyway (you think you feel better until the symptoms pass of their own accord.)

I I use nautral medecines which mostly help to balance out chemical defficencies and make you feel better. There is also a link here that lists common symptoms and has some self assessments youcan try: http://www.jigsawhealth.com/articles/depression-symptoms.html

Answer 4

Im sorry to hear that you cant stand living! Anti depressents can help, but are not a long term solution. They do work as Ive used them before, they take 2 weeks to kick in, and you do start to feel less depressed.

They are not a cure-all tho. If your depressed for a specific reason, then you should talk to someone about it, either friends/family, or someone professional. Working thru your issues is the best way to solve them, and rid yourself of this depression permanently!!

If your feeling suicidal or are harming your self, you need to do something about it now!! Tell someone close to you and get to your doctor!

Answer 5

I've been on anti-depressants for 6 years and they've helped me a lot. It may take a little bit of experimenting to find the one that works the best for you. I tried 3 different ones before sticking with the one I'm still on. All 3 worked, but the one I'm on gives me fewer side effects.

Answer 6

Only in the short term do they have any benefits at all.long term is a big no no.i have been on them myself and am glad to be off them now.they make you lethargic and emotionally numb.i have seen people on them and the longer someone is on them in my experience what i have seen is people who become more and more withdrawn and less motivated.i have seen it too many times,people bloating up on meds and feeling worse off than they ever did.they can help initially with depression while you sort it out proper but bear in mind these meds are toxic drugs just like any other drug and over time they do you no favours at all.if its for the short term they may help but in the long term i would never recommend them.people forget that these meds were only ever meant to be used in a 6 weeks framework but cause there is money driving them they get grossly abused

Answer 7

All medication has different effects on different people. For people who need anti depressant medication, you can tell weather it helps you or not. Give it at least a week to kick in tho. I know someone close to me who started out with Prozac but she felt it made her too mellow. she later tried depacote and it only made her more frustrated. She back on Prozac but a lesser dosage and seems to do fine as long as she takes her medication regularly.

Answer 8

Personally, i have been on Fluvoxamine since 1995, and it's been a lifesaver. They tried me on other stuff over the years, but this one was the one that helped. Talk to your doctor about the side-effects, or any concerns you have first. Before i got on meds i swore i would never use them, but my life got so bad i was willing to try anything. Just my experience though. Good luck!

Answer 9

go to the Dr. many medications take up to 6 weeks to be fully into your system and working,yes the do work it just takes time. everyone should be looking forward to tomorrow

Answer 10

These drugs are prescribed only when they are really needed. Just follow the directions of your Doctor, you will be alright within one or two months time.