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re: Experiences with anti-depressants

Posted on 11/23/20 at 9:22 pm to
Posted by dupergreenie
Member since May 2014
5343 posts
Posted on 11/23/20 at 9:22 pm to
quote:

Whatever you do dont stop taking them cold turkey.


Will confirm this.... my doctor went out of town and didn't refill my script and had to go off of 3 cold turkey. Was not fun.... probably need to get back on them.
Posted by Jake88
Member since Apr 2005
68234 posts
Posted on 11/23/20 at 9:24 pm to
I take Lexapro for anxiety. It works great with no side effects. Was miserable before it.
Posted by Cracker
in a box
Member since Nov 2009
17707 posts
Posted on 11/23/20 at 9:25 pm to
Mushrooms
Posted by HoustonChick86
Catalina Wine Mixer
Member since Dec 2009
57301 posts
Posted on 11/23/20 at 9:31 pm to
quote:

It’s a lot of trial & error

I heard recently that there is a genetic test you can take to see which one will help you most.

Main thing to remember is that an anti depressant medication is not a happy pill. They take time.
Posted by LSUGrrrl
Frisco, TX
Member since Jul 2007
32958 posts
Posted on 11/23/20 at 9:31 pm to
Anti-depressants can make a huge difference but they take 10-14 days to start working since they need to build up in your system. You may also need to try a couple different types before you find they one that works best for you. Very important to talk to your doctor and ask questions about side effects on your libido. There are some that affect libido less than others and supplements that can help with that side effect.

A good diet and Vitamin D are imperative on anti-depressants or not. I find that daily time in direct sunlight works better for me than a vitamin D supplement but that’s not feasible for everyone. Exercise is also extremely effective.

Motivation can be extremely difficult during depression and drugs can he,p with that a lot. However, having a set routine and commitment to that routine no matter what will make a huge difference almost immediately in that it gives you a daily “win”, increases serotonin production and can reduce cortisol in your system that causes fatigue, mood swings, weight gain and mental fog.

Create a plan of action:

1) Make a appt with your doctor ASAP. Ask about side effects and things you can do to overcome. Also ask for a blood test to determine if there are any issues that need to be addressed.

2) Get out and move every day - walk, jog, bike... preferably in daylight for vitamin D. Commit to doing it every day as early in the am as you can to boost your mood for the day. Listen to podcasts or music to keep you going. You will feel better for doing this. Immediate impact.

3) Take a multi-vitamin and vitamin D supplement

Good luck! I does get better when you take the steps needed.
This post was edited on 11/23/20 at 9:33 pm
Posted by jimmy the leg
Member since Aug 2007
34144 posts
Posted on 11/23/20 at 9:34 pm to
quote:

Bipolar is highly suspected


I’m not educated enough to give you any details, but I figured relaying the experience of someone I know would give you some more questions to ask.
Posted by TexasTiger08
Member since Oct 2006
25527 posts
Posted on 11/23/20 at 9:35 pm to
quote:

Very important to talk to your doctor and ask questions about side effects on your libido.


This took me by surprise when I first started taking Paxil. I was no good to the woman in my life at the time. After several weeks I’d say I returned back to about 85-90% in that department. It just took patience...and some freaky shite in the sack.

Also, don’t quit cold turkey. I’ll echo what a poster earlier said: doc went out of town and I ran out of pills. By day 4 I was getting night terrors, the shakes, and cold sweats.
Posted by HoustonChick86
Catalina Wine Mixer
Member since Dec 2009
57301 posts
Posted on 11/23/20 at 9:39 pm to
Also vouching for not quitting cold turkey.
Posted by LSUGrrrl
Frisco, TX
Member since Jul 2007
32958 posts
Posted on 11/23/20 at 9:47 pm to
Never quit any anti-depressant cold turkey! Your doctor should make sure you have a refill available at your pharmacy 5 days before you run out.

Personally, I found Paxil to be one of the worst for libido. There is one made that is specifically marketed as not affecting libido (can’t remember the name) but it should be avoided at all costs. Common side affect is “brain zaps” - Google searches showed many who experienced and I should have listened. It was the scariest thing I ever felt and it didn’t go away. Immediately switched back to Effexor.
Posted by Will Cover
St. Louis, MO
Member since Mar 2007
38546 posts
Posted on 11/23/20 at 9:50 pm to
quote:

kingbob


Do you exercise? And if you do, how often? Or how little?

I’ve noticed a major difference in the way I think, carry myself and view life even with things that used to weigh me down — and it’s all because of exercising.

I’m not saying this is the answer for you. But I do know it won’t hurt either.
This post was edited on 11/23/20 at 9:54 pm
Posted by toesinthesand
One Particular Harbour
Member since Dec 2011
182 posts
Posted on 11/23/20 at 9:50 pm to
I got to a point where I was completely miserable, but couldn’t figure out why. I exercise every day, eat right, in pretty good shape and get plenty of sun. I have a pretty good life & family that loves me, but was depressed most of the time, and had irrational worries about things that were more unlikely to happen than actually would. I never got to the point of contemplating suicide, but didn’t care if something were to happen to me. I finally had enough misery & started seeing a psychologist about 6 months ago. They suggested an antidepressant & anxiety medication. I was afraid of the same thing, feeling like I would get dependent on the pills & it would make me zoned out for the most part. Also the stigma of having to be on drugs to feel “normal”. But I was willing to try anything that would help. They put me on Wellbutrin, Zoloft & trazadone for sleep. All are slow release so you don’t get an immediate high so you’re not supposed to develop a dependency by association of meds = feeling good. It did take about a month to six weeks to see a difference, but It has worked wonders for me. I feel like myself - the way I felt before the depression & anxiety. I’m happy the majority of the time, have a positive outlook & am motivated to do things that I wanted to do but didn’t have the energy or feel like it.

tl;dr:
Do it
Posted by TheBob
Metairie
Member since Jun 2005
16935 posts
Posted on 11/23/20 at 9:51 pm to
Had a panic attack for the first time ever last October. Thought I was dying, blood pressure was 207/110, hands were shaking uncontrollably. Started recurring more for the next few months with one happening driving over the causeway.

Didn’t feel like myself at all, and found myself waiting for the next panic attack to happen. Like walking around waiting for a piano to fall on my head. The only time I felt good was when I had a doctors appointment. I also became pretty reclusive. I didn’t want to leave my house.

Long story short, I am now on 100mg of Zoloft a day and feel perfectly fine. My personality hasn’t changed a bit, and I feel like my old self again. I highly, highly recommend giving them a try. Understand, it may take a few months before you feel the full effect, but definitely try the SSRI’s before you fool with Benzos. Benzos could turn bad for you.

Posted by Dawgholio
Bugtussle
Member since Oct 2015
13047 posts
Posted on 11/23/20 at 9:51 pm to
I was on Zoloft for 2 years. It helped but it kind of zones you out. Decided to ween myself off it and haven’t used it in years.
Posted by tigergirl10
Member since Jul 2019
10310 posts
Posted on 11/23/20 at 9:56 pm to
quote:

Bipolar is highly suspected
Honey, my ex boyfriend was bipolar and without his meds he felt just awful. When he finally found the right combination of meds, he felt such an amazing and huge difference in himself and the world around him.

Don’t be afraid or ashamed to try medication. Sometimes it’s trial and error and/or a combination, but don’t give up. I was on different antidepressants and anxiolytics for 15 years, and they saved my life when I needed them.

I wish you the best and will keep you in my prayers! Take care of yourself, because you’re worth it and keep us posted on your progress. Best wishes to you!
Posted by BeachDude022
Premium Elite Platinum TD Member
Member since Dec 2006
34812 posts
Posted on 11/23/20 at 9:57 pm to
Avoid Wellbutrin. It destroyed my last relationship. It turned her into an emotionless zombie. It was like she flipped a switch overnight and went from a bubbly, sweet, fun girl and became a totally different person with zero personality and emotions. Other than that, that’s the only advice I have.
Posted by tigergirl10
Member since Jul 2019
10310 posts
Posted on 11/23/20 at 9:58 pm to
quote:

LSUGrrrl
Thanks for sharing this, because this is exactly what worked for me!
Posted by Duke
Twin Lakes, CO
Member since Jan 2008
35623 posts
Posted on 11/23/20 at 10:00 pm to
My issues are more anxiety related, as in an unhealthy anxiety about things too small to panic over.

My doctor got me on the right medicine and it's world's better. I still have feelings of anxiety, but it's now in line with the stimuli. Its the healthy kind. Not numb to feelings, just better.

The side effects aren't a ton of fun, especially at the start. I couldn't sleep well, couldn't keep my legs still, and generally felt overstimulated. Frustrating process but once the initial stuff was done, it was worth it.

I'd definitely go through the process of I were you. It'll be challenging, both to get the right medication figured out and to get it established in your system. They're not the sole answer, but with therapy work you ought to find yourself in a more stable and functional mental space.

Posted by Kentucker
Cincinnati, KY
Member since Apr 2013
19351 posts
Posted on 11/23/20 at 10:01 pm to
quote:

I had friends growing up who took various meds for add, anxiety, and/or depression and they would sometimes become entirely different people


Yes, you’ll become a different person but, damn man, that’s what you need. It isn’t like Invasion of the Body Snatchers, FFS. You are just able to handle life’s constant turmoil and you actually enjoy life. Give it a try. If you don’t, I see a lot of unnecessary suffering on your part.
Posted by toesinthesand
One Particular Harbour
Member since Dec 2011
182 posts
Posted on 11/23/20 at 10:36 pm to
quote:

Avoid Wellbutrin. It destroyed my last relationship. It turned her into an emotionless zombie.

My experience has been the complete opposite. These drugs can affect every person differently. One of the reasons the precautions state that they could cause suicidal thoughts - one of the symptoms they’re supposed to be treating! Talk to the doc about your concerns with side/negative effects of what they recommend. Like someone mentioned before, you should be started at a low dose for these types of medications to see how you react & if they’re working for you.
Posted by windshieldman
Member since Nov 2012
12818 posts
Posted on 11/23/20 at 10:44 pm to
I’ve heard buspirone works well and doesn’t impact libido
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