My question is... what are peoples experiences with anti-depression medication?
I was diagnosed with mild depression back in August. The last 3 years have been challenging. I'd recently seen a psychologist, as a result, old wounds have opened and it has made me feel really down. I have been prescribed medication, but unsure if I should take them, because the side affects really concern me. From what I've been told, it is not a drug you can just go off of? I've done some googling, but would love to hear othet peoples experiences? Thanks
8 Replies
I suffer from severe panic attacks. The worst the drs have ever seen . I've been hospitalised in the past because of the severity of the attacks. I was finally given anti D's. I looked at them for 10 years before I finally took them. I was terrified of the side effects.
3 days after taking them I was back to my normal self. The only side effect was physical numbing in the middle of my brain and in my sex organs. Kind of like when you sleep on your arm and it goes numb . The numbing lasted 2 to 3 weeks and then disappeared and I've never had any further issues.
And yes never, just suddenly stop taking your medication as it can make the symptoms worse.
20 years later im still on my meds, I still get high level traumatic anxiety but it has never escalated to panic attacks again. The meds stop it from going over the top. All those years I was afraid to take my meds, and once I did I was so annoyed at myself for not trying sooner.
Thats my experience though. Everyone's is different. I fear to think where I would be today if I never took the plunge and taken my medication.
Its given to you for a reason. I can only speak from my own experience.
Always take medical advice as not everyone reacts the same to their medications.
Do you research, there are loads of options and different ones (some with less side effects). If this is the first time the doctor will likely put you in a low dose and look to review it in 6 weeks. You may get some good short term relief. The important thing is to not see the meds as a fix. Excellent for temporary relief so you can function and start to deal with those painful wounds. Talk to you psychologist about on going psychotherapy and treatments. My best wishes.
Contrary to popular belief Doctor's dont prescribe anti-depressants without serious consideration. Not taking prescribed medications but then expecting your healthcare team to keep being able to help you though is problematic. 'Common' side effects of most medications happen to less than 10% of people who take them however if you Google anything you'll be lead to believe that everyone gets the worst possible side effects. When it says that you shouldn't stop medications abruptly it doesn't mean you can't stop them it means you need to reduce the dose slowly over several days (maybe a couple of weeks) then stop. If you have concerns please don't look to Google or the internet speak to your GP or pharmacist!
I've been on and off meds for about 20 years. Currently I take Cymbalta for anxiety (I was misdiagnosed with depression for years).
The first few weeks on these meds can make you feel really weird. I've usually felt sleepy, spaced out, anxious, nauseated and low appetite. This usually lasts a few weeks while my body gets used to the medications.
It's a really good idea if you are going to start meds to ensure someone trusted and close to you knows you are starting them, just to help if you feel really unwell. I always make sure my husband knows where I'm at, medication-wise.
I have, more times than I care to admit, decided off my own bat, or due to not bothering to refill a prescription, stopped meds abruptly. I don't recommend it. It can be pretty rough - I generally get 0-100 panic attacks, get extremely irritable and can't think straight.
They are amazing and worth any side affects. Just need to find the right one and they can take time
I was lexapro for two weeks and i was literally a zombie. Didnt eat eat and felt empty inside. I am now on valdoxan. And ive no side effects what so ever. I have the odd down days but nothing like i used too. Good luck x
Oh honey, I'm on Zoloft, went on them a year after our eldest son past away, came off them a few years ago, but am currently back on them now, I ended up in a horrid dark place last year, I'm only on a fairly low dose to keep me balanced enough to function, no real negative side effects except I gain a few kilos, not heaps, but they help me cope, sometimes it takes a while to find the right one, good luck and sending love ❤
Oops forgot I did have minor side effects!! Slight dizziness in the beginning and a bit of brain fog, usually for a few hours after taking them in the morning, so I started leaving one next to my bed with water, and when I got up to pee in the early hours of the morning I slept through the worst of it xxx lasted a couple of weeks