Antidepressants good or bad
Posted by: mick4116
9th Jan 2012 05:28am
Hi all after being on a Antidepressant for 8 years, lets just call it paroxetine cause thats what it is the active ingredient in all SSI Antidepressants i would like peoples opinions on this.
As for me this was the worst 8 years of my life, they are a very dangerous drug and basically turned me into a mental vegtable that would do nothing have no part in society and was not a well person.
I alone took myself off them and i have never felt so good about the future and life in general for a very long time.
The side effects were terrible and withdrawals if i went into them would astound most people my opinion poison to me that affected my mental health very badly.
Any opinions if you have been taking them or are taking them
John
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Comments 38
momo23
I think everyone who takes them has a different experience. Obviously it would depend on the severity of the depression and the strength and side effects of the particular drug.
I think any decision to start taking them should be considered very carefully and information gathered from as many sources - doctors, psychiatrists, friends etc beforehand.
caz
Hi John,
I've took antidepressant for 1 year so it's not the exactly he same as you but in this short time i felt the bad effects of that medicine . Actually, it was like a real drug for me . I was used to take a lot and as you i just wanted to stay at home, do nothing, don't want to see anybody, I didn't eat anymore and I couldn't think seriously but thanks to some of my closest friends who helped me to get over it and now I have never been so happy and enjoying my life .
Caz
caz
Hi John,
I've took antidepressant for 1 year so it's not the exactly he same as you but in this short time i felt the bad effects of that medicine . Actually, it was like a real drug for me . I was used to take a lot and as you i just wanted to stay at home, do nothing, don't want to see anybody, I didn't eat anymore and I couldn't think seriously but thanks to some of my closest friends who helped me to get over it and now I have never been so happy and enjoying my life .
Caz
Anonymous
I have worked in Mental Health for about 5years and I have seen both positive and Negative effects of anti-depressants.
To be honest it shocked that you felt this way on this medication and stayed on it as long as you did. There are many different options when it comes to anti-depressants and it really is an individual thing that you need to work on to find the 'right fit' for you. For example I knew a young gentleman that took Fluoxetine and it did not help him at all, in fact he felt similar to what you have described; he then changed medication and it made all the difference. In saying that I have also seen a big change in people with the levels of medication that they are taking. Perhaps you were on a dose that was a too low or high for you. From what you have described it sounds like you were still depressed, if you were not wanting to partake in society (a precursor that you have depression). If you ever find yourself in this situation again I would suggest discussing the medication with the practitioner that scripted it to you and if your not happy with them, it is always a good idea to get a second opinion.
I do agree with many of the people who have also commented, a healthy lifestyle does make a big difference. As when you exercise you produce the 'feel good' chemical which is what these medications are creating for you. You do however, need to be careful as there are many different foods and medication (both pharmaceutical and herbal) that can interfere with the medication and have adverse effects.
I wouldn't go so far as to say that 'God: makes all the difference. In the world we live in there are so many different believe systems, having a believe in something bigger than yourself, which could be god, buddha, the universe etc can make a big difference as these believes give you hope.
There are many different levels of depression and many different reasons why we develop depression. It could be that you have a genetic pre-disposition to mental health (look at your family history, anyone else suffer, or did you have an aunt or uncle that would go away on 'holidays' that no one talked about?) or you could have had a life event such as a death that has triggered the depression; or the problem becoming more common, is that you used drugs one day and haven't been the same since.
The important thing to remember is that we are all unique, so you need to find what works for you, off course listen to people who have been there and all the advice out there, but use what of it you find works for you, that could be medication; counselling or another form of therapy- I find Art therapy is amazing, especially if you find it hard to talk about it; exercising; eating better etc. I would say the last two are probably the hardest, especially if you don't have good support behind you, as you mentioned you dont want to be part of society so why would you want to join a gym or go for a walk?
In conclusion, I personally believe that there is a place for all of the above, but the most effect thing that I have seen is when people have support from their family and friends to get through the time they are going through without discrimination.
Auntymare
I think you should try joining a group to talk about your problems. You might be feeling better now but you might start to feel worse when the drugs are completely out of your system. Why not give "Beyond Blue" a go.
Auntymare
Auntymare
Auntymare
lesleyt
Your medication is only as good as your GP. I am so gratefull to have had 3 wonderfull GP's since being diagnosed with Major Depression over 20 years ago. I am currently taking Efexor and have been for about 9 years, it's the best for me. I still sometimes have bad days with the "Black Dog" and sometimes he can hang around for a week or two, but I have to care for my Husband who is very unwell and suffered 4 nasty bouts of Cancer. This is about the only thing that can put me in a slump. Before Efexor I could relapse for no reason at all. Talk to your GP. Eat pasta. Indulge in sunlight. Go for a long walk. They all add up to a positive you.
lesleyt
mmarketing
I agree with some of the other commenters, everyone is different.
I was first diagnosed with depression 20 years ago, when my anger and self-loathing reached the point of violence, to others
.
I was trialled with what was considered the "new" family of antidepressants.
I ended up with about 10 physically averse reactions, until they settled one one which basically turned me into a zombie.
I lost 2 years of my life there, where I couldn't quite tell, if something was real, I had dreamt it, imagined it, or just wished it had been real.
So, I started to self-diagnose when a dose was necessary and, slowly the anger returned, without me recognising it - apart from the comfort of an old habit returning.
Then I changed doctors - BIG difference.
Some doctors continue to this day, as do most of my fathers generation (anything pre-baby-boomer), to believe that "real" men don't need this nonsense - suck it up, just get over it, etc.
In any case, I was subsequently put on efexor.
For me, one hell of a difference.
The anger disappeared, so too did the noise in my head, I was actually able to function and emote, as needs must.
Now, I must say that I am on one hell of a dose, however, I would not be without it.
I pretty much expect my kidneys to give out at some stage, from the drugs, but I would not change a thing.
Efexor afforded me the luxury of a relatively normal life, that most people take for granted.
I even managed to stay in a loving relationship for 12 years.
Typically, that ended because there was no anger in me!
It just wasn't there, I wouldn't argue, couldn't see the point.
She got tired of arguing with herself and, I refused to play.
Nonetheless, she remains my most beloved friend.
My previous record averaged out at 2 years. One particularly incendiary relationship lasted an entire 11 months, before thankfully self immolating.
If it had not been for antidepressants, I would have missed the most glorious period of my life.
I would not have been able to cope the way my life had become beforehand.
I expect I would have killed myself, if not some other innocent bystander to my personal whirlwind.
Thank you.
Chris.
mmarketing
Hello there Auntymare.
I do not mind at all.
I am "currently" on 3 x 150.
Have been on this dose for some years now, and have had some hellish times in there, however, this seems best suited to me.
All the Best to You and Yours.
Chris.
Auntymare
Hi Chris,
I understand everything you are saying - I don't think I will ever come off Efexor. I take 1x150 per day. Would you mind telling me what dose you are on?
Chow for now
Mary-Anne
Anonymous
Like most things in life Antidepressants don't work the same for everyone, but personally I have nothing but good opinions.
I suffered postnatal depression after both my children and just after the second one was born I was given a diagnosis.
I spent most of my pregnancy and the first year of my first childs life in hell and after about 6 weeks on peroxitine I was able to operate on an even keel. after 6 months and some counselling (the main key in my recovery) I was able to start reducing the dosage.
ranicles
hi, I have been on efexor for about 10 years for anxiety. Could not live without it. It was difficult to start (sick for first 4 weeks, then ok). I refer to it as my happy pill
No longer crying all the time, do not hide from husband. I will
stay on it as long as my husband is alive or i am dead. I am 61.
baggage
Antideppresants!!! Do they work or don't they, I have had a life experience of seeing someone use antidepressants,.
of having a mentally ill father and see n his life dimished away.
Myelf after my first child I h had PMD and was put on antidepessants,, they are only are temporary alternative, like taking a panadol.
tRicci
I am sorry ,but this is so depressing, I have to stop .
uruz
Having read all statements on this topic, I have to agree with MelissaD. I take Efexor and also Epilim (Valproate) for depression and mood swings caused by PTSD. I fought against taking them for quite some time but in the end found that the choice was taking my life or accepting these drugs and living a balanced life. I chose the latter. I have been suicidal on several occasions and have also spent time in a clinic for my PTSD. Fortunately I have a wonderful loving wife who stood by me through the worst of it and I have a good psychiatrist. Becuase of the chemical imbalance in my brain I will be on anti depressants all my life but I fully accept this. As MelissaD has stated. drugs are not for everyone and different drugs have different effects on different people. I was placed on several different ones before finding one that worked.
Oh and as has been mentioned a healthy diet and lifestyle is of tremendous help too.
My advice is don't ever let anyone, regardless of who they are, tell you that drugs are the only option but don't dismiss them as being useless either.
Good luck to all of you and stick with whatever works for you.
chickclaire
Remember to be patient with the mood control. Not many people are aware of it's use as a mood related issue. Thats all I've got to say.
chickclaire
I know someone who says he understands the similar symptoms to you. His bedroom is kind of like a war zone, when he wakes he can't tell me the time or date. We would be on the opposite ends of the scale with the busy dreams. Busy people are wonderful for weekend conversations. I'm not too busy atm (at the moment) Cheerio Claire
uruz
As I understand it I take Valproate as a mood control. Before my breakdown and being placed on it my moods swung wildly but now they are quite smooth and controlled. This doesn't mean I don't have days where the Black Dog comes snarling around but nothing like the past.
uruz
I guess I'm one of the lucky ones as my medication is paid for by Dept of Veterans Affairs as are all my other medical expenses, however I do agree contacting Beyond Blue or Blackdog.Org is a good idea
Auntymare
Hi Claire,
Dreaming isn't really the word for it. The dreams were so real they wore me out. They weren't nice dreams. They were busy, busy,busy. I felt like I had done all the things in the dreams. I also felt the heat from an explosion and the bullets from a gun. I never got into the deep sleep you need.
Sounds crazy - but that's what happened. Hope this wasn't too much information for you.
If anyone has had the same thing happen I would love to know.
Chow
Mary-Anne
chickclaire
The interesting thing is that you can improve in somatic symptoms but my not experience full recovery. Your Muscoloskeletal system is under stress as you age it's just part of the natural aging process. Claire
chickclaire
That's unusual dreaming you have described.
I don't know Fibromyalgia but I will find out from an encyclopeadia.
Claire
Auntymare
I take Valpro to help me sleep and it also helps to settle the vivid dreams I have.
I suffer from Fibromyalgia and if I wasn't on these meds I wouldn't be able to function.
chickclaire
You're a remarkble individual which is a compliment to your effort to accept the balanced lifestyle of medicated psychological illness. Do you have to take the medication for severe depression? Some one I know tells me his psychological state is his biggest problem. That means anti-depressants will not work for him nor wll they calm his nerves. As my own insticts tell me you have a relaxing massage now and then with your loving wife I am agreeing that drugs re not the only option but useful for those individuals with particular needs.
The Valproate may be specific to your circumstances but I would be interested to know why you take it as it is a control med for seizures.
chickclaire
You're agreed with on a few points but I would be concerned by the side effects if they cause withdrawals or bother you while you are coming out of a mood. For me the experimental stage is over. I have only been prescibed depression releif for management of mental health. Thats all it is at the moment.
Auntymare
I agree with you uniz. I take the same meds you do - Melissa is right about everyone has to find the medication that is best for them. It's a case of trial and error. If I wasn't on the antidepressants I don't think I could survive. You need to know the difference between " feeling do in the dumps"
and a real depression.
Think about contacting "Beyond Blue"
MellissaD
Sorry - also meant to say that paroxetine is not the active ingredient in ALL SSRI's. SSRI's are a class of anti-depressant, but the active ingredients differ. Some other examples of SSRI's and their active ingredients are Cipramil (citalopram), Prozac (fluoxetine) and Lexapro (escitalopram), but there are many others.
MellissaD
Anti-depressants can be very useful - indeed, life saving - if prescribed properly and in combination with other therapies.
There are many types of anti-depressants available and not all of them will suit all people. It's important to work closely with your GP or psychiatrist to find the right one. A good doctor will always listen to your concerns about what you are taking. In my opinion, a doctor who will keep prescribing you a medication that makes you feel terrible for 8 years is not a good doctor. However, you need to always keep your doctor appraised of how you are feeling and what effects the medication is having on you.
When used in combination with counselling or other therapy, exercise, a good diet, and good sleep hygiene, the right anti-depressant can be very effective. Some people are able to deal with their depression with therapy and life changes alone. But some depression is caused by chemical imbalance, and this can be addressed by the medications.
I myself take paroxetine, but not for depression - I take it for panic attacks. When I am not on the medication, I am unable to leave my house and live in a constant state of fear, which in turn makes my physically ill. I have undergone many years of therapy and tried other types of treatments, but paroxetine is what works best for me.
I think it's fantastic that you are now feeling so good and positive about your future. But everyone is different. Just as some diabetics are able to treat their illness without insulin, but some need medication - so too to different treatments for depression and other mental health issues work different for different people. One drug may be dangerous for one person, but will save someone elses life.
ex_khun
i agree myself am on anti dep called cymbolta for major depression and since being on them for last few months it has helped me alot with feeling better and being able to concentrate anti depressants also saved my brothers life. so yeah i agree with some people they can make a big difference and help them and some it may react badly.
mt
I agree wholeheartedly with MelissaD. There are many antidepressants drugs & it can take time to find the right one for you. Getting diagnosed properly & with the help of your GP, psychologist, psychiatrist and councellor are very important to keep you on track with managing your depression. Some people will need to take medication for a short time & others it is needed for life. Same as people treated for blood pressure or high cholesterol can get better if their diet,exercise,life stresses change- Depression and mental illness need to be treated with out stigma - we can lead very fulfilling & successful lives.
musicmum
Good on you for taking charge of your own health. They are very dangerous as are a lot of medication. Looking at healthy and safe alternative methods are a much better choice. Eating well is not only good for your body but your mind too. A lot of people who suffer from depression are simply lacking in minerals,hormones or vitamins,get these checked out. Serotonin is a common one which there are natural supplements for. St Johns Wort is also a good herb supplement which can help a lot of people,these are safe and non-additive without side affects,see a naturopath or visit a health food shop. Conventional medicine is great for surgery but they struggle to really help people with a lot of health problems be it body or mind.
Anonymous
Hi I hope that this post you get to read as its been along time since you posted your question.
8 years on these drugs is a along time but you didnt mention why you went on them many years ago, anti depressants are given for alot of different reasons. the cloudyness that people experiance on these is not nice and it does feel like you are lost or a mental cabbage and can be isolating.
I was on these and then I stopped and then tried a way that suited me. I made a list for what i needed to do each day and I stuck to it and days i was good I didnt do somethings and when I could feel myself slipping and I know you will understand what I mean I went to my fridge and started my list again.And this got me through some hard times .If i organise to do something I never shy away or find 100000 excuses to not do it now, It took awhile to get there but it does happen. Everyday is a new day stuff up one day go to bed sleep wake up day 1 again. You can reset anytime anyday it is up to u . Happiness isnt handed to us by right WE ALL make our own happiness and it takes work. I have a family and kids and grandkids and friends and they are sometimes are allright and some days right dicks but I get through it and I know that everyday I wake up it is good to be alive and I will TRY make it a good day.
Anonymous
I think that antidepressant pills are useful for severe depression. But I do believe they are used unnessessarily to treat mild depression. Sometimes it is a matter of excersizing more, keeping busy, and changing jobs that "cure" the depression. it worked for me anyway.
Anonymous
I used to take antidepressant pills for mild depression and would completely agree that they are horrible. I would often get anxiety, nausea and headaches from the medication I was taking. I never wanted to go anywhere of do anything and being around people made me feel numb and isolated.
in my personal experience, medication doesn’t cure the underlying problem and is rarely a long-term solution. Things that did help were exercising, healthy eating, being around close friends and family and staying away from alcohol and drugs.
In some cases, antidepressants can even cause an increase in depression and therefore, an increased risk of suicide making them quite a dangeous remedy.
Martina
I agree as a christian believer my two kids battle depression for few years after the tragic death of their dad knowing the law of health I decided to apply it fully in their lives and with prayer eating the right food and some counseling they are finally on their way for recovery....Having a healthy diet exercise and faith in God plus some natural remedies work wonders...... yet its your choice to obey these rules and follow them or do it your way and stay in your depression Marie