Is anti-depressant recommended? less addictive than relaxing pills?

Question

Is anti-depressant pill better for you than relaxing pill like Xanax or it really depends on the situation? My psychiatrist told me not to take a relaxing pill given in ER. Instead, in few weeks we'll decide whether to start with anti-depressants. Can you please recommend a good mild anti-depressant? Is it addictive? what is the main concern when giving it? My family is against medicine in general so guess I have to overcome a psychological barrier to take it. Guess I suffer from depression due to separation.
Will people be able to tell I take it due to weight gain for example or my hair will change, behaviour will be wierd etc.? THANKS.

Answer 1

Everybody is different in what works and what doesn't. I've been on 4 different Rx's and finally got a combo to work. Anti depressants take sometime to become effective. that is the main difference between the two types, the zanax will be more addictive, antidepressants work by changing your brains chemistry. Depression can be that simple you need a receptor to block something or to bond with something, and different drugs will do what you need. Most of the time no one would know anything, as you react to things with less problems. People can tell somethings wrong when you don't get the help you need. I would get angry at little stuff nobody else would react to. My family has expressed that they feel less stress dealing with me, and I can now get pleasure from simple things that I quit doing because it was too much bother with the rotten mood I was in most of the time. There is less stigma attached to depression now. There is no sense feeling bad when you can get help feeling normal again.

Answer 2

If you have depression it is better to take an anti-depressant. There are several different types of anti-depressants; SSRI's being the most common, but there are also tri-cyclics, etc. The medication and dosage you are given will depend entirely on what your doctor diagnoses you with and which med and dose is best for that condition.

Xanax is mainly used for anxiety and for panic attacks. They can become very addicting and habit forming. This is probably why your doctor doesn't want you to take them.....especially since you haven't been put on any formal anti-depressant yet. Once you start the anti-depressant medication your doctor may decide to use something like Xanax in case you have panic attacks. Some doctors are absolutely against prescribing Xanax for any reason nowadays because of the abuse issue.

No one will be able to tell if you take an anti-depressant unless you tell them. Your behavior might change........but it is usually for the better; you may not seem as down, you may seem more cheerful, more social, etc. Some people gain weight and some people don't. Again, a lot of that comes down to diet and exercise. I've never heard of anyone's hair changing.

When you start anti-depressants the main thing is giving the medication time to get into your system and time to start working. This can take anywhere from 4-6 weeks. You don't start taking it and the next day feel like a different person. If or when you decide to come off of the medication you will most likely be "cycled" off of it. There has been a huge debate lately about whether these medications are addictive or not. The general theory is to detox off of these medications slowly so as not to give the body too much of a shock.

Good luck and do what you need to for yourself.....not what your family thinks.

Answer 3

All antidepressants and sedatives [ relaxing pills ] have some addictive potential.
If your primary doctor [ psychiatrist ] thinks you need them, I would listen. You are already in therapy, right? Sedatives are not recommended for depression - they will just make you kind of numb.
The correct antidepressant will kick in within a few weeks and make you feel so much better - keep track of moods, appetite, and sleeping patterns, so the doc can determine how well it is working.
All meds have some side effects, but usually people can't tell you are on any meds [ they sure can tell if you need them, sometimes ].
You won't necessarily have to take them forever - it is up to you and your doctor.

Answer 4

There are tons of anti depressants on the market with all sorts of side effects. Weight gain seems to be one with most of them. I haven't noticed any hair or behaviour change with any of the anti depressants I've taken. Xanax is for anxiety. I have faith that you and your doctor will decide what is best for you. Just give it time, some meds take 2-6 weeks before you see any real results.

Good luck and take care of you!
Dee

Answer 5

As every situation is different, its hard to give a blanket answer. A couple years ago it seemed the kids, 6 of them, were stressing me more than normal. My wife is on antidepressants and suggested them to me. I was on wellbutrin SR for about a year or so. I did feel better and wasnt as "grumpy". the stopped taking it about a year ago, and feel as though I I am doing well without it, although my wife would disaggree.
I beleive most of the country would benefit from antidepressants. Try it, if you dont feel a difference try a different one. And dont let your family influence you on this.
BEST WISHES.

Answer 6

Zoloft is a good anti-depressant with little side effects. No one will be able to tell unless you tell them. As for all anti-depressants you have to be weaned off them. Xanax works very well for anxiety but is also VERY addictive.