depression medications? the good and bad?

[jenfur]

Cognitive behavior therapy works by helping you learn new behaviors and how to change your automatic thought patterns. It is usually described like this:an activating event (A), leads to a belief (B), which has a consequence (C). If this belief is unrealistic or irrational, the client must dispute (D) this belief and then the new belief has the effect (E) of creating a new feeling (F). Cognitive behavior therapy is the most researched form of therapy and has been shown to be effective in most cases.

 

[midwest-mom]

Cognitive behavior therapy works by helping you learn new behaviors and how to change your automatic thought patterns. It is usually described like this:an activating event (A), leads to a belief (B), which has a consequence (C). If this belief is unrealistic or irrational, the client must dispute (D) this belief and then the new belief has the effect (E) of creating a new feeling (F). Cognitive behavior therapy is the most researched form of therapy and has been shown to be effective in most cases.

Thank you. As my appointment gets closer, I know I'm just trying to find ways to avoid meds. I just don't like putting anything in my body, even though i might need it.

So I also wondered if anyone had any personal experience with Fish Oil Capsules? Please don't laugh, I've heard that increasing those can help with mood and minor depression. Any thoughts?

 

[dcentity2000]

If antidepressants don't work, you could always try augmenting them with some Lithium or an atypical antipsychotic such as Quetiapine.



Rich::

 

[midwest-mom]

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.

Anyone know if you can take Wellbutrin every other day?

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

I guess I also have situational depression, which the Doc said isn't as severe, and that Welbutrin is good for a starter. I'm just not looking forward to taking anything, so again, wondered if you can play with it, ie take it every other day?

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 useful - it lists practically every antidepressant out there (as well as loads of other psychiatric drugs).
Rich::

I have never been on any type of medication, so this would be a first. I did try to PM you but it wouldn't go through. I wondered what you , and everyone else, thought was the mildest, gentlest anti-depressant?

Again, thank you all for being here. I greatly appreciate it.

 

[dcentity2000]

I have never been on any type of medication, so this would be a first. I did try to PM you but it wouldn't go through. I wondered what you , and everyone else, thought was the mildest, gentlest anti-depressant?

It really depends on the person. Generally though, I'd promote either Reboxetine (an NARI antidepressant) or Tianeptine (an SSRE antidepressant). You might have problems getting them in the USA.

Single monoamine reuptake inhibitors such as SSRIs (Fluoxetine, Sertraline etc) are usually better tolerated than multiple monoamine reuptake inhibitors (such as Venlafaxine and Bupropion) and are CERTAINLY better tolerated than MAOI antidepressants (such as Tranylcypromine).

For all that I know, visit my website: http://www.seratis.net/



Rich::

 

[Nette]

Thank you. As my appointment gets closer, I know I'm just trying to find ways to avoid meds. I just don't like putting anything in my body, even though i might need it.

So I also wondered if anyone had any personal experience with Fish Oil Capsules? Please don't laugh, I've heard that increasing those can help with mood and minor depression. Any thoughts?

I'll tell you my experience with Fish Oil Capsules... Two words

FISH BURPS!

Seriously, I know the stuff is good for you, but it didn't help me at all...

 

[midwest-mom]

I'll tell you my experience with Fish Oil Capsules... Two words

FISH BURPS!

Seriously, I know the stuff is good for you, but it didn't help me at all...

Ew, LOL.
Anyone else take them with good results?

It really depends on the person. Generally though, I'd promote either Reboxetine (an NARI antidepressant) or Tianeptine (an SSRE antidepressant). You might have problems getting them in the USA.

Single monoamine reuptake inhibitors such as SSRIs (Fluoxetine, Sertraline etc) are usually better tolerated than multiple monoamine reuptake inhibitors (such as Venlafaxine and Bupropion) and are CERTAINLY better tolerated than MAOI antidepressants (such as Tranylcypromine).


Rich::

There are so many potential side effects with each that I'd still rather not take anything. Yes I know most are rare and by law they need to list everything that might happen. But I know I only have a mild form and I don't want something too strong.
Any other stories or thoughts out there? My appointment is tomorrow.
Thanks all.

 

[dcentity2000]

Ew, LOL.
Anyone else take them with good results?

There are so many potential side effects with each that I'd still rather not take anything. Yes I know most are rare and by law they need to list everything that might happen. But I know I only have a mild form and I don't want something too strong.
Any other stories or thoughts out there? My appointment is tomorrow.
Thanks all.

If you're worried about the side effects of drugs, you could try a light box. They're typically used to combat SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder), where people become depressed in winter, when there is less sunlight. It could just help cheer you up



Rich::

 

[NotUrsula]

Just to make something clear, since dcentity is not in the US and may not be aware of it.

The MAOI-type and tricyclic medications he's mentioning normally require the supervision of a psychiatrist in the US. (A very good idea for ANY psychotropic medication, IMO.)

An internist may prescribe SSRIs or Wellbutrin for you, but if those don't work, you'll need to see a psychiatrist if you want to try a different class of meds. This is an almost universal insurance company rule for liability reasons.

 

[MickeysMommy]

I've been on them since my Dad died in 2006. I was first on celexa which did absolutely NOTHING for ME. It was as if I wasn't even taking anything. Then my Doc changed me to cymbalta and I've been on it ever since...however, the weight gain is awful (again for ME). I am at the most I have ever weighed and I hate it but I hate how I used to feel so I will take the weight gain over that any day. Every person is different - let us know how you make out

 

[midwest-mom]

Thanks for the replies, all.
Yes, I agree with a PP, that being in the sun makes a difference! Since its's been out the last few days and I feel so much better.

Has anyone experienced a real difference by jogging and getting the endorphan high from it? I've been an athlete and still do some activities and wondering if I really got back into it, if that would make a measurable difference?

Any first hand experiences anyone?

 

[dismom2]

Thank you. As my appointment gets closer, I know I'm just trying to find ways to avoid meds. I just don't like putting anything in my body, even though i might need it.

So I also wondered if anyone had any personal experience with Fish Oil Capsules? Please don't laugh, I've heard that increasing those can help with mood and minor depression. Any thoughts?

I take fish oil capsules, but I had no idea they were suppose to help with depression. I've been taking them for a few months now. I was taking one a day, but as of a month ago I take 3 a day now (which the new bottle I bought suggests). I started taking them because I heard a Dr. on TV say they were really good for you, and my parents take them. Also, on the bottle it says they are good for heart and vascular health. I do not burp at all, or get any kind of fishy taste in my mouth. This is the first I have heard anyone mention taking them to help with depression/mood, and I have to say, they don't help me in that department. I have my moments where I get depressed, and I used to go to a therapist, but it's just too expensive for me right now to go on a regular basis. I really wish insurance would cover alternative treatments more. If you are looking to take vitamins, I recommend going into a specialty vitamin store and find a good associate who can make suggestions for you, and try it. I think it takes a few weeks before you are suppose to see the full results, so keep that in mind. And if you can, definately find a therapist, councilor, psychologist, etc... that you can talk to. I find that talking to someone definately helps, and sometimes you just don't want to, or can't, say everything you want to to just a friend or relative, so it's nice to be able to talk to someone from the outside, and someone who specializes in helping people. Good luck--- let us know if you find something that helps

 

[Maggimus]

If you can avoid depression meds at all , I would skip it and go to counselling or something instead. If your depression is severe, disregard anything I say. Your health is far more important!


That being said, I took Paxil because of anxiety. I started taking it in December 07 and tried to get off of it at a dr's request (trying to get pregnant) in August. I tried going off in 2 weeks... and suffered SEVERE withdrawals. I am in my mid-20's and have never been dependant on anything! These withdrawals weren't mild by any means. Thankfully, a WONDERFULLY dis'ser showed me to a paxil support website and there I learned that I was not alone- and that MOST Paxil patients have to taper off VERY VERY VERY slowly-- sometimes tapering longer than they were even on the medications. By thanksgiving I was off-- and this was at a very fast and not recommended pace. My primary care doctor thought it was crazy that I had withdrawals... but they are very very common.

Whatever you do-- just be prepared for a long haul. Im now Paxil free, pregnant, and will NEVER go back on an anti-depressant for anxiety. I can deal much better with my symptoms than the drug was worth.

Yes, I gained weight, yes you aren't interested anymore in sex. While on the medicine things aren't so bad... but its the point where you want to get off thats really bad. You become dependant and I don't like that feeling (and i wasnt on it very long compared to most... at 20mg dosage).

 

[3jsmommy]

http://www.paxilprogress.org/forums/
drugawareness.org
Just two very good websites to check out if you want the truth about how SSRI's affect many people. Your Dr. will probably prescribe paxil, zoloft, cymbalta or a similar drug. All SSRI's pose dangers, especially when first starting & all have dangerous withdrawal symptoms.
Black Box warnings have been issued on all SSRI's in the US, this was not something the FDA did lightly. The Pharma industry makes BILLIONS every year off of these meds & it took ALOT of evidence to convince the government (which gets lots of $ from that powerful industry) to issue warnings that strong.
If you can get therapy, change your diet, take some time to heal & can feel better with any of those things...you will be so much better off!
How will you know if your getting better of worse if you take the meds?
You won't know if time has healed you or the meds have & you'll be afraid to get off of them.
I know people take them for grief, I know that time & support can heal grief because someone I love died from a adverse reaction to Paxil & I am definitely not in the same shape emotionally that I was when I lost that person. (and I haven't taken any meds for my sadness, grief or stress) There are people who suffer from mental illness that absolutely need to be medicated, & there are people who medicated that do not need to be & if anything that just leads to more meds & eventual mental illness. I don't know your situation except for what you've written here, but all I can say is if you want to feel better change some things before trying meds.
Your life will be the same on the meds, your just not going to feel it as much. About the exercising, I find it definitely picks me up!

 

[Maggimus]

I also meant to mention in my post above that i have not read what the other posters wrote, so sorry if i say something that isnt needed or has already been said.

I Also wanted to note that different meds do different things to the brain. If you cannot handle norepenephrin, try a seratonin anti-depressant and vice-versa. This is why some people try different meds before there is one they can stand... they trigger different things in the brain. I could take Paxil but NOT Effexor...

 

[Maggimus]

http://www.paxilprogress.org/forums/
drugawareness.org
Just two very good websites to check out if you want the truth about how SSRI's affect many people. Your Dr. will probably prescribe paxil, zoloft, cymbalta or a similar drug. All SSRI's pose dangers, especially when first starting & all have dangerous withdrawal symptoms.
Black Box warnings have been issued on all SSRI's in the US, this was not something the FDA did lightly. The Pharma industry makes BILLIONS every year off of these meds & it took ALOT of evidence to convince the government (which gets lots of $ from that powerful industry) to issue warnings that strong.
If you can get therapy, change your diet, take some time to heal & can feel better with any of those things...you will be so much better off!
How will you know if your getting better of worse if you take the meds?
You won't know if time has healed you or the meds have & you'll be afraid to get off of them.
I know people take them for grief, I know that time & support can heal grief because someone I love died from a adverse reaction to Paxil & I am definitely not in the same shape emotionally that I was when I lost that person. (and I haven't taken any meds for my sadness, grief or stress) There are people who suffer from mental illness that need to be medicated. I don't know your situation except for what you've written here, but all I can say is if you want to feel better change some things before trying meds.
Your life will be the same on the meds, your just not going to feel it as much. About the exercising, I find it definitely picks me up!

THANK YOU!!

This is the support site that I mentioned above -- it was recommended to me by a fellow DISser who's son suffered severly from Paxil. Hey, maybe it was you!! If so, hello!! And I owe you a lot for showing me that site a while back!

My story is there and you might be able to search it under the same username. This stuff isnt something to take lightly!

 

[midwest-mom]

Just two very good websites to check out if you want the truth about how SSRI's affect many people. Your Dr. will probably prescribe paxil, zoloft, cymbalta or a similar drug. All SSRI's pose dangers, especially when first starting & all have dangerous withdrawal symptoms.
Black Box warnings have been issued on all SSRI's in the US, this was not something the FDA did lightly. The Pharma industry makes BILLIONS every year off of these meds & it took ALOT of evidence to convince the government (which gets lots of $ from that powerful industry) to issue warnings that strong.
If you can get therapy, change your diet, take some time to heal & can feel better with any of those things...you will be so much better off!
How will you know if your getting better of worse if you take the meds?
You won't know if time has healed you or the meds have & you'll be afraid to get off of them.
I know people take them for grief, I know that time & support can heal grief because someone I love died from a adverse reaction to Paxil & I am definitely not in the same shape emotionally that I was when I lost that person. (and I haven't taken any meds for my sadness, grief or stress) There are people who suffer from mental illness that absolutely need to be medicated, & there are people who medicated that do not need to be & if anything that just leads to more meds & eventual mental illness. I don't know your situation except for what you've written here, but all I can say is if you want to feel better change some things before trying meds.
Your life will be the same on the meds, your just not going to feel it as much. About the exercising, I find it definitely picks me up!

Great information, thank you.

Thanks everyone very much for your very helpful posts. I greatly appreciate them all. I'm sorry some of you had bad experiences and thats why I'd like to avoid meds if possible. And I'd love to talk with a therapist because I think lots of what I'm feeling are more situational and not medical, if that makes sense. I've done more research than just here but honestly, you all are so much nicer. Thank you again.

I have a feeling there are many people reading these posts that might be in the same spot, different circumstances but still somewhat down, blue, in a funk, mildly depressed. Its such a crappy time in our country right now for everyone, so much fear and anxiety and yes, depression. So I think every post is helping way more people than just me.

And about changing my diet, what do you all recommend?

 

[midwest-mom]

Bumping to ask another question.

Thanks to everyone for your help last year. It helped me ask doctor for something and have been on Wellbutrin for a year now. It was working well, making just enough difference.

However our insurance plan changed and am now getting a generic. Didn't think it was working as well so did some research and found MANY saying the same thing! Including law suits and FDA investigations!

I've been taking 150XL a day but want to ask doctor about the SR, since those generics are said to be much better.

So anyone been changed from
150 XL once a day, to
100 SR twice a day?

Did it work about the same? Better, worse? Thanks.

 

[dcentity2000]

There are LOADS of depression medications out there, any sometimes they aren't really meant to treat depression.

Try my site here for answers on each and every drug: http://www.seratis.net/

Or these forums for a personal touch with antidepressant veterans: http://www.crazymeds.us/

The spread is incredible, with some drugs like Prozac being reasonably free from side effects whist there are others like Parnate which demand a rigid diet and no over the counter medications (lest you want to go into a coma/have a stroke.)

Mark my words - these things are not to be taken lightly, BUT when used correctly in the right circumstances, they can be life savers.



Rich::

 

[Nette]

Bumping to ask another question.

Thanks to everyone for your help last year. It helped me ask doctor for something and have been on Wellbutrin for a year now. It was working well, making just enough difference.

However our insurance plan changed and am now getting a generic. Didn't think it was working as well so did some research and found MANY saying the same thing! Including law suits and FDA investigations!

I've been taking 150XL a day but want to ask doctor about the SR, since those generics are said to be much better.

So anyone been changed from
150 XL once a day, to
100 SR twice a day?

Did it work about the same? Better, worse? Thanks.

I started on the brand name XL and switched to the generic bupropion XL. I think there is more than one generic, though. Do you know which one you are on? I had read the same thing you did so I was concerned when I switched. Fortunately for me, I didn't have any loss of effectiveness. It would probably be worth a try to switch to the SR generic... I stay on the XL because it has an almost negligible risk of seizures (which I have a history of).