depression medications? the good and bad?

[midwest-mom]

This is such a great forum of people so I hope someone can help me. I've actually created a new name because family and friends know me here. Please don't jump all over me because I know depression isn't at all shameful in the least or anything else but I don't want certain people to know which would just add to the situations.

Anyway, I finally made an appointment with my doctor because I'm recognizing the signs. At first I thought I was just down in the dumps because of some awful situations lately, and I think there's something called situational depression, too. But now I know its much more than that and worse so I'm going to see my doctor and maybe ask for a prescription.

But I've always heard that the meds either make you gain weight or mess with, as they say, your libido. And with all the other stuff going on in my life I don't need either of those issues on top of everything else!

So while I know this isn't a medical forum!! and that everyone is different!! I'm wondering if anyone could tell me what they've heard, either from a relative or friend or even what you might know personally, such as what works without those side effects.

Again I know everyone is different but would really appreciate knowing something before going to see my Doctor. Seems like everything else is discussed here so would really appreciate your thoughts.

Thank you in advance for anything you can tell me.

 

[ToddyLu]

I am taking Welbutrin XL 300 mg. It was 150mg until Katrina and due to other stuff I have needed to stay on it. I tried Effexor and Serafem (more for PMDD) before that and had the libido problems like you discussed--not so with the Welbutrin. I have known others who have had side effectes from Welbutrin. It will take a good 2-3 weeks to work. My medication just makes things that used to bother me seem like mere issues that last for a few moments. It is like one day you say, "You know that used to really make me mad but now--eehh, not so much". I have tried to talk my father into taking something for his anger and impatient issues that have gotten worse of over the last couple of years.

He won't get a hearing aid (which is really most of the problem, he cannot hear) because it is just too expensive but he won't ask the dr. for a "happy pill" either. My Mama, brother and SIL have tried to tell him he needs one. We love him dearly but ooooohhhh! When he just flies of the handle.....I could....I could.....OK my Welbutrin just took care of that.......so Mama decided she needed a "happy pill" to live with him (both retired he is 71, she is 65 ...she wants to do things....he just wants to nap and watch TV...you get the picture). She loved it and was taking her little pill for a couple of months, but then she stopped because it was "medication".

I look at like this, if in today's world you need a helping hand and you are a responsible adult, if a pill can help you be a better person, function more successfullly in relationships and work and take the edge off, do it---do it for yourself and it will aslo benefit those around you.... If it had been avaliable and understood years ago, peole would have done it then and the world of Mental Health would be decades ahead of where it is now. See your health professional regularly and if the one prescribed doesn't work for you then let them know so they can help you figure out what does....take care adn God Bless.

 

[Jennasis]

My DH didn't have much luck with Wellbutrin or Paxil many years ago. Not only did it kill his libido but he began having suicidal thoughts. HE and his doctor tinkered around a bit and found one that worked for him. He no longer needs to take any medication.

Just communicate everything with your doctor. Let him know any side effects you are having and do not settle for "you'll just have to live with it". There should be a drug that will work without messing you up too much.

 

[connorlevismom]

I was on Wellbutrin XL and I really liked it. I had PPD prety bad and it just really helped with it. I was no longer so angry and sad all the time, I felt I was back to normal.

I did not have any side effects from it at all and I had tried Lexapro before and it made me gain weight.

One thing about Wellbutrin, if you are someone that has an anxiety problem, they do not recommend it. Apparently it can make your anxiety worse.

Good luck and I am proud of you for recognising there is something wrong.

Kristine

 

[clarabelle]

You also can play with the time and days you take it a little.
(Still take it as directed) but you may be able to skip occasionally when you are wanting to have couple time. Also you may find a time that works for you to minimize side effects.

 

[STLDisney_Freak]

I am cymbalta for depression. I've been on it for a few years now and it is working pretty well. The side effects that you have asked about are there, but I would rather be a happy fat person for my kids that a depressed person.

 

[themarquis]

Wellbutrin is the one to be on if you're worried about sexual side effects. In studies, it does not decrease libido any more than placebo. Most or all of the other ones to my knowledge do have that problem, though a lot of people don't ever experience it -- it just depends on your body. A lot of people have success combining wellbutrin with another med -- that often doesn't decrease libido or only decreases it a minimal amount.

But like somebody else pointed out, Wellbutrin is bad for anxiety. It made me really crazy (anxious, racing heart, nauseous, irritable, jittery) and I had to stop it. If you don't have anxiety, it can be a great medication.

 

[james'mommy]

I have Bipolar. If there's a med out there for depression I've tried it. I still haven't found one that works. I just made an appointment with a new doc because my old one said I was out of options. I can't spend the rest of my life feeling like this. There has got to be something out there that will work.

 

[MoniqueU]

I have tried them all too. The wellbuttin sent me over the edge. I am currently on pristiq and it is the best for me and I have been losing weight since on it. The libido issue is a problem but I need to function more for my faamily then worry about that at the current time. I got a nice new haircut and that is lifting my spirits even more

 

[yoopermom]

I was on wellbutrin for a situational depression, made my anxiety terrible, changed to lexapro, killed the libido, so really talked it out with my doc and ended up on lex, but only the few days that my PMDD was the worse each month. Also went through INTENSIVE psychotherapy, which I think is just as important as "popping the pill". My doc also insisted on diet/exercise, which couldn't hurt!

Hang in there and know we're all there for you. I've been off for a few years, but keep up with the talking/diet/exercise....

Terri

 

[dcentity2000]

There are countless antidepressants out there, from SSRIs (such as Prozac or Celexa) to the extremely powerful MAOIs (such as Nardil or Parnate).

Antidepressants are not the answer but are often a decent aid on the path to recovery.

If you PM me the meds you are on I'll tell you everything I know on them.

Alternatively, you may find my site (http://www.seratis.net/) useful - it lists practically every antidepressant out there (as well as loads of other psychiatric drugs).



Rich::

 

[midwest-mom]

Thank you for your thoughtful replies. I appreciate all of them. Its good to have some idea of others personal experiences. I really tried to do this on my own but its just getting worse and affecting everything. It makes me wonder how many others are really suffering too, especially with the economy and how its affecting people.
So thanks again and if anyone else has any other thoughts, I'd love to hear them, too.

 

[Nette]

I am taking Welbutrin XL 300 mg. It was 150mg until Katrina and due to other stuff I have needed to stay on it. I tried Effexor and Serafem (more for PMDD) before that and had the libido problems like you discussed--not so with the Welbutrin. I have known others who have had side effectes from Welbutrin. It will take a good 2-3 weeks to work.

This sounds very much like my experience with Welbutrin. I love that it doesn't have libido side effects and I have lost about 25lbs.

I have been on all kinds of drugs.

Effexor made me gain weight (those 25 lbs) and lose libido. I was also exhausted all of the time. It did work for depression, but it was also HE** to get off of.

Lexapro had serious tummy side effects.

Zoloft flat out doesn't work (for me).

I've also taken Cymbalta, Celexa, and probably others I've forgotten about. I disagree w/ the poster that says meds aren't the answer. For some of us, they are. I've tried to live without drugs multiple times, and every time I end up in a hole so deep I almost don't make it out.

You can read about my switch from Effexor to Welbutrin here: http://jmday.com/?p=52

OP - I hope you find what you need!

 

[texaslassie]

Hi, I've been on Prozac for 15 years. I believe this med has been well studied since it's one that's been around since the 60's.

I've had to increase my dosage here and there according to the messy stuff going on in my life.

I started on Prozac for postpartem depression. I had a really hard time caring for my newborn. I'm thankful it made me feel normal and motherly.

I'm very leary of some of the others ie Cymbalta. I think it's farily new and I'd rather not be a guinea pig. I know it certainly helps somebody but I'd rather stick with my old Prozac.

Hope you find the right meds for you.

 

[Liberty Belle]

There are countless antidepressants out there, from SSRIs (such as Prozac or Celexa) to the extremely powerful MAOIs (such as Nardil or Parnate).

Antidepressants are not the answer but are often a decent aid on the path to recovery.

If you PM me the meds you are on I'll tell you everything I know on them.

Alternatively, you may find my site (http://www.seratis.net/) useful - it lists practically every antidepressant out there (as well as loads of other psychiatric drugs).



Rich::

Unfortunately, in the United States, therapy is not an option to many people. Most insurances do not cover mental health like they do physical health. It's a HUGE pet peeve of mine.

OP, I've had good luck with Celexa. The side effects (for me, anyway - yawning, upset stomach, diziness, gritting my jaw) went away after about a week or two. I've not noticed any change in my libido.

 

[Liberty Belle]

Thank you for your thoughtful replies. I appreciate all of them. Its good to have some idea of others personal experiences. I really tried to do this on my own but its just getting worse and affecting everything. It makes me wonder how many others are really suffering too, especially with the economy and how its affecting people.
So thanks again and if anyone else has any other thoughts, I'd love to hear them, too.

You'll wish you would have done something sooner.

 

[SereneOne]

I am on Lexapro for my depression and luckily it works wonderfully for me.

I agree that if at all possible that one needs to combine therapy with medication, it is a symbiotic relationship and promotes higher success in combatting depression.



Thank you for reaching out and please, talk to your doctor and get medication and if possible, therapy.

 

[jwhtewolfd]

In college I was on Paxil CR, but more importantly, I had a psychiatrist available at the student center. They initially set me up with a psychologist, but after one session, she referred me to the Doc. I think the sessions were the most important part of my treatment. The Paxil helped for sure; I didn't gain weight and it didn't seem to effect my libido at all (but I WAS in college ) but the therapy did more for me than anything. It helps to talk it out with someone and make SENSE of it all.

I think it's important to have theraputic support when starting antidepressants b/c of the potential of side effects. I was lucky in college that I had alot of support from friends.

 

[suzimar57]

have been using Zoloft for 5 years - only wish i had known about it sooner - makes what used to be big "issues" not so important - my father should have been on something like this 40+ years ago, but that didn't happen and never will at this point - seeing signs of depression in my son, but he equates meds with being crazy...

 

[raysnkaysmom]

All I really know is well-butrin is a mild one...something good to start with..AND, if you smoke, helps you stop if you want!!

My mom takes prozac and swears by it