Do anti-depressants really work?

Answer 1

They do but not for everybody. They can be a life saver. There are no simple answers, They do not work like aspirins much more complicated. please see a medical professional if you are thinking about them for yourself.

Answer 2

In a word, Yes. If I had not had medicinal interventions during the last 25 years, I guarantee I'd have left this planet.

The depression I experience is so heavy and all-consuming, painful beyond any experience I've ever had (including my Mom's death) and never, ever letting up--feel bad 24/7.

Lucky for me, one of the first meds I tried worked. For some time. Then I had to adjust the meds, add some more meds, and again was stable and happy.

Everyone's brain chemistry is different, so the chemical necessary to adjust it is different for almost everyone. You have to try them until you find the best solution for you.

There are some people that anti-deps don't work for--chronic resistant depression. Those people can be helped by ECT or there's a new Vagus something treatment that implants electrodes in your brain to shock it when it starts to send you into depression (loosely explained of course). That's supposed to be fairly effective, though I don't know how widely available it is.

Exercise is a natural antidepressant. You will feel better after you exercise. Period.

Therapy is provenn to be effective as well.

The most effective treatment is therapy and medication.

I probably blew your question right out of the water with answers you didn't even know you had questions for!

If I didn't, check out NAMI.org--National Association for Mental Illnesses. It's got every bit of information and contacts anyone could need.

Good luck

Debbie
Not a mental health professional

Answer 3

The truth is, it really depends on the people.
The average doctor decides what the problem is with the patient in about 18 seconds after you tell your problem.
Does it mean they're right? Not necessarily.
Anyway, when you pay attention to anti-depressant commercials it'll either have a sentence on the bottom in the tiniest font saying "This may cause suicidal personalities / depression, etc..." or the person talking in the commercial might actually say it.
The point is, it works for some people, and it doesn't for others...mainly because they might have a different problem not relating to depression or it's just not the right meds.
I have some friends who take anti-depressants, and some of them are real, hardcore meds that take them to mental level of a child.
Some of my friends are actually getting better from it.
So, good luck and if it doesn't work I'm sure there are a million other ways to get rid of depression.

Answer 4

Yes, but, most anti-depressants can take up to 2-4 weeks to kick in and you feel the difference( affect). There are many anti-depressants that are available. Some even treat anxiety and depression,which frequently,most people have. I hope that this helps.

Answer 5

they do indeed do the job they are intended to do, but they are not happy pills by any means. this is a common misperception, and needs to be stopped. antidepressants balance your neuro chemicals and make it possible to think rationally and reasonably, something you cannot do when seriously depressed. But, they are NOT the ENTIRE answer.
One must also engage in therapy to discover and deal with the issues that caused the depression in the first place. Else, over time, the antidepressants will simply cease to work and you end up back where you started more depressed than you were to begin with.

Answer 6

Don't take them. Try therapy, exercise or yoga instead. Anti-depressants work differently on each person. I took them for 8 years and i gained weight, attempted suicide, and went to juvenile hall. I'm not saying they don't work, but think about it: Do you you want pills to alter your personality? Do you want to depend on pills? What are the risks in the long run? I think I'm better off now! I chose to go off them about a year ago and i have lost weight, am engaged, going to school, and working. To be quite honest, i think its all a bunch of mind games! I felt like i was being tested. Look, i think the best thing would be to talk with whoever is recommending them, asking them a bunch of questions-that is, your concerns. Maybe one or two pills wont be so bad, but what about when they start recommending more and more to balance out mood swings,etc...? really think about what you want. If you want to try them, go ahead, or if you want to try and take on life with your self and state of mind, be my guest. I used to think that i couldnt function without my pills...ye right! I was way wrong! I just want you to know that i have many ppl who wish they had never taken them...some have even committed suicide as a result changes the pills brought. I have been through all this, and all i have mentioned is true and its simply my experience and knowledge. What you do is up to you.

Answer 7

Yes most anti-depressants work, but you should consult your doctor before taking any. Your doctor will know whats best for you. Hope that helps!

Answer 8

Yes they do.. I take anti depressants and anti anxiety meds. When I don't take them I know the difference in my personality.

Answer 9

If you find the right one. Everyone's body chemistry is a little different. A med that has terrible side effects for one person is like the miracle cure for someone else. Unfortunately, there's no way to know which one, or combination of ones, will work for you except through trial and error with your doctor.

Answer 10

Depends on the person. Everybody will have a slightly different reaction to medication, so you have to find the one that works best for you. All medicines can have side effects,sometimes worse than the thing they are trying to treat, and can be addictive.
Try exercise first.

Answer 11

Yes, if you allow them. You need to try to work through what ever problems were causing you stress and depression for the medications to work properly