Do anti-depressants work?

[wish it was a dream]

It's been two months so he broke up with me after a 2.5 year relationship and I feel I do not know how to live without him. I am actually getting worse. My whole life revolved around him and now I'm alone and he is having the time of his life. We do not have any contact.

 

My question for you all is do anti-depressants work? Would it help me in my situation? I am scheduling a doctor's appointment and would like to know your experiences on anti-depressants. Did they help at all?

 

I am really looking for any help here.

Thanks

[Ajax]

It's been two months so he broke up with me after a 2.5 year relationship and I feel I do not know how to live without him. I am actually getting worse. My whole life revolved around him and now I'm alone and he is having the time of his life. We do not have any contact.

 

My question for you all is do anti-depressants work? Would it help me in my situation? I am scheduling a doctor's appointment and would like to know your experiences on anti-depressants. Did they help at all?

 

I am really looking for any help here.

Thanks

 

I'm not a doctor so don't take my opinion as a professional one, but I think they often times help. I was on anti-depressants for a few years and should probably still be on them. they're not a magic bullet and they won't solve all your problems, but they can help take the edge off things and give you some breathing room. I would probably suggest getting some sort of therapy too.

 

My ex was on anti-depressants though and they didn't seem to be working for her. She claimed during our breakup that that was part of the reason she was leaving... nothing made her happy. So it might take some time to figure things out.

 

Good luck and let us know how it goes!

[J0N]

A good friend of mine went through a really tough breakup and began taking anti depressants. They made her euphorically happy, then she would crash and turn into a raging beeotch. She eventually decided to stop taking them because she thought they made her crazy. Unless you are clinically depressed I would not take meds that affect your brain chemistry, it could mess things up.

Right now I am really down about my breakup, but I am going to get over this the natural way.

[tobydog1]

I have been through a devastating break up and I am taking anti depressants. They have saved me, propped me up and kept me sane whilst things just get worse and worse.....

I will keep on taking them until I am over the worst....

 

It's no bad thing to get a little help....beats drugs and alcohol!

 

Dx

[Feelin Frisky]

Yes. I believe I wouldn't be alive now had I not reached out and gotten the right medication when I did. I had had a relationship that I really hoped would be "the one". She was beautiful, really just what I wanted in bed, liked similar things as me, was free and unencumbered. I was on top of my game, very active and really working hard on my image and earning potentials. I even proposed and she accepted. But it turns out that she had a mental illness--borderline personality disorder--and had what we call a "complex". I didn't know this and the way things went is that I kept doing things to prove my trustworthiness and loyalty just to keep facing having it betrayed back at me as if nothing I did added up to anything. We would then have periods of total ecstasy as lovers only to be followed by insane betrayal of trust and love. It made me crazy. I lost myself. I drank and lost my image. I finally ended it but the disappointment that this thing I put so much into was so horrific was something I could not lay to rest.

 

I went into therapy and then got on medication--Prozac to be precise. It was like putting a pair of eyeglasses on an out-of-focus mind. I was able to start seeing the edges between things again and decide how to manage things. If I had not, I might have just been consumed by the street--just another crazy man lost an on a mission to get instant pleasure through drugs and alcohol. Prozac and other SSRIs like it are saving lives and not only that, allowing the saved to thrive again. It annoys me when people sneer at anti-depressants and tell others to avoid them. To some, they are the one thing that stands between them and the gutter.

[wish it was a dream]

It seems like more of you have positive outcomes from the AD that's what I want from them to have a clearer focus on all of this. It really feels like the end of the world, there has to be more to life than this pain. It's been a long time since I have felt true happiness.

 

There is a stigma with AD I always thought it's for those who can't handle their own issues but here I am now considering taking them and I see nothing wrong with it.

 

I have heard too that they can make you suicidal is that true for any of you?

[cerridwen]

Anti-depressants 1) take time to work 2) come with side effects (including suicidal ideation) so please proceed cautiously.

 

Because of their side-effects, I would not recommend them without first trying 1) exercise 2) therapy.

 

Depending on what you're prescribed, weight gain is also a common side effect and that has depressive aspects in and of itself.

 

I don't want to dissuade you completely but you should see a reputable therapist first to get his/her input about whether they'd be more help than harm.

 

I'm less concerned about anti-anxiety medication. It can help prevent you from self-medicating with alcohol and illicit drugs. Do you suffer from anxiety also?

[wish it was a dream]

These side effects are very scary for me. Does the good outweigh the bad, I don't know?

 

Actually I do suffer from anxiety, and I have been suffering a lot more lately. So you think anti-anxiety medication would work better and with less side effects? Because if so that would be a really good idea because anxiety has been killing me lately.

[cerridwen]

These side effects are very scary for me. Does the good outweigh the bad, I don't know?

 

Actually I do suffer from anxiety, and I have been suffering a lot more lately. So you think anti-anxiety medication would work better and with less side effects? Because if so that would be a really good idea because anxiety has been killing me lately.

 

 

Well friend, it really does depend on the person, on the doctor, and on the medication and dosage. I'm speaking only from my experience.

 

Don't rule AD out. Just go about it the right way (see a therapist first because you may be able to purge your feelings and it may help without medication. Or, the therapist may say "Yes, you should take a low dose of something"), then see a reputable doctor and share your concerns. Say "I am concerned about side effects. Can I start off on the lowest therapeutic dosage?" Then, just be track how you're feeling. If you're starting to feel better, great! If you're feeling more despondent, tell your doctor RIGHT AWAY.

 

I had a terrible doctor and thus, a terrible experience. Then, I found a great doctor and she changed my life. Your self-awareness and a good doctor can really make a difference.

[Feelin Frisky]

These side effects are very scary for me. Does the good outweigh the bad, I don't know?

 

Actually I do suffer from anxiety, and I have been suffering a lot more lately. So you think anti-anxiety medication would work better and with less side effects? Because if so that would be a really good idea because anxiety has been killing me lately.

 

Don't let the fear of side effects give you rationality to procrastinate. The whole medicinal process is always going to be trial and error. There's no "dip stick" that doctors can put into your head to see exactly which neurotransmitter needs tweaking. So the progress calls for easing in to a trial prescription and backing off on that med before one experiences side effects he or she won't abide. You may be lucky and find that the first med works. Trust me in this: the idea behind the newer medications is to be totally transparent or imperceptible to the patient. When you get the right medication you will NOT feel it working. You will just notice it working in your reasoning and in the dimensions of your emotions.

 

The days of taking medications to tranquilize yourself are over. The current state of medicine is to start way upstream in the brain before you have hard feelings that you want to medicate away. When you tweak one or two systems in the brain on a microscopic level, you change everything that flows from there. If you take charge of it and express your issues in a timely fashion with your psychiatrist, there will likely not be any side effect you can't avoid. I understand people's cautions but I have experience perhaps they don't. And it's not to be feared any more--it's a solution that won't come at any great cost if you work it aggressively and speak up as to whether you see the benefits or just feel like it's a wrong direction. Good luck.

[wish it was a dream]

Those are all good ideas. Low doses sound managable and not as scary as a large dose.

 

I have major changes about to start in my life so it makes me very anxious. I am about to move across the country and go back to school and so maybe this pill will help me out. I am really going into all of this with an open mind.

 

So you have taken anti-depressants and anti-anxiety medication? Did they relieve your anxiety and depression?

[cerridwen]

So you have taken anti-depressants and anti-anxiety medication? Did they relieve your anxiety and depression?

 

Yes and yes.

And "relieve" is the right word.

When done right, they relieve the disproportionate anxiety and depression you feel to allow you to feel normal--not euphoric, normal. I was explaining to a friend this way:

They don't take you out of the emotional manhole you're in, into the sky. They take you out of the manhole and simply put your feet on the ground.

 

If you truly have an "imbalance", they just correct it. Just as a diabetic needs medication, some people need a correction for their brain functioning. It's not testimony to one's strength or character. It simply is about body function.

[health]

I have been through a devastating break up and I am taking anti depressants. They have saved me, propped me up and kept me sane whilst things just get worse and worse.....

I will keep on taking them until I am over the worst....

 

It's no bad thing to get a little help....beats drugs and alcohol!

 

Dx

 

Some drugs and alcohol are actually safer than anti-D pills!

 

They are basically legal drugs. I don't do any drugs - alcohol is the worst cause it is a deppresent - but marijuana is natural.

 

It's tricky. Take them if they work for you. I just don't like the side effects.

I had crazy anxiety - worried about my heart when it is healthy and the side efects of those pills are heart attacks. Also for men it can mess with your sex drive! <<< Hellz no!!!!!!

 

I find doing a vigourous exercise helps me out alot - also connecting to friends and creating art. Feeling down - everyone feels it - the trick is - just try not to stay there for too long! When you're happy - try to stay there, and determined and use that energy to be productive and loving to your self.

[Feelin Frisky]

...

So you have taken anti-depressants and anti-anxiety medication? Did they relieve your anxiety and depression?

Absolutely. As I said in my first post they save my life. I could not stop reliving the misery of my break up and could not reason my way out until medicine gave me a level playing field.

[Feelin Frisky]

Some drugs and alcohol are actually safer than anti-D pills!

 

.....

 

This is typical disimformation that can have grave consequences. Medicating one's self with unspecific central nervous system depressents and stimulants CAUSES problems. And they are never "safer" than working with a professional to achive real medicine. People don't know physiology and chemistry better than their doctors. They know thier own emotional states but they don't know enough to prescribe their own medicine--especially with inebraiting substitutes.

[health]

This is typical disimformation that can have grave consequences. Medicating one's self with unspecific central nervous system depressents and stimulants CAUSES problems. And they are never "safer" than working with a professional to achive real medicine. People don't know physiology and chemistry better than their doctors. They know thier own emotional states but they don't know enough to prescribe their own medicine--especially with inebraiting substitutes.

 

As long as it's supervised and councilling is there. I like this quote

 

 

A hundred years ago, opium and alcohol were the mainstays of medical treatment, along with cannabis (Marijuana). At the turn of the twentieth century, doctors doled out cocaine for all sorts of complaints. Today the benzodiazepines are some of the most widely consumed drugs. Certainly, they have their place in medicine, but prescribing them for weeks or months at a time to people who are anxious, depressed or unable to sleep is symptomatic treatment of the worst sort.

- Dr. Weil

 

Sayng that - obviously don't get into coke or alcohol - I'm saying Marijuana may help - it made me anxious like crazy once though - BUT the whole thing is this

 

You feel emotions - cause break ups are a dissapointment, it's how you associate it in your head.

 

We need to feel the pain so we can act. I say try everything you can first before getting on pills - if you absolutley must then go for it - and even then try not to be on them for life.

[Feelin Frisky]

..I say try everything you can first before getting on pills - if you absolutley must then go for it - and even then try not to be on them for life.

 

You ought to change your screne name. What you advocate is the worst advice there is. I HAVE tried everything there is. And it is a fools errand to do so. I come from a time before SSRIs where psychiatric medicine was questionable in some ways. But not since SSRIs came out--the world changed on that day. The whole model of medical treament changed--it went from taming the nerves after the fact of emotional flood to giving the patient the ability to intepret feelings and direct them in proportion. No one is "not feeling" by taking an SSRI. They are taming an over-flow that not everyone else experiences before it swamps them. Please don't urge people to self-medicate.

[health]

You ought to change your screne name. What you advocate is the worst advice there is. I HAVE tried everything there is. And it is a fools errand to do so. I come from a time before SSRIs where psychiatric medicine was questionable in some ways. But not since SSRIs came out--the world changed on that day. The whole model of medical treament changed--it went from taming the nerves after the fact of emotional flood to giving the patient the ability to intepret feelings and direct them in proportion. No one is "not feeling" by taking an SSRI. They are taming an over-flow that not everyone else experiences before it swamps them. Please don't urge people to self-medicate.

 

I see what you're saying. I appologize if I've offended you.

I'm not advocating self medication. All I'm saying is people should try everything else first. In your case it looks like you have tried everything.

So now you've found that medication works for you. That's good.

 

Know that I was perscribed pills - didn't take them and I am proud that I actually fought my anxiety - I'm talking frozen at work anxiety.

 

I got through it naturally. Today I exercised heavily, felt great and feel great now. I also believe that my happiness comes from within me - not another person or anything else - external. I feel good, and give my love and good feelings to others. I see you have researched the matter alot and I respect that.

[marqueemoon4]

I know a few people who are on Lexapro and have had good results with it. It is also known to not have alot of side effects.

[wish it was a dream]

This is all confusing but I think I am going to try it out, what do I have to lose? I haven't felt better in two months it's like I am in a permanent black hole.

 

I hope to feel the same as you Feeling Frisky. I want to be back to normal and move on with my life and I think I might need medicine to do that.

 

Thanks everyone for all the advice and information

[ccfan]

I´m kind of an expert in this issue as i had to take them after i was kidnaped a couple years ago (but that´s another story, i live in a dangerous country) and now i´m taking them to make it thru my break up.. I´ve spent insane amounts of money with top doctors and also did tons of online research myself as i was cautious at first that the A.D. could end up be worse than the problem itself.

 

In short the answer is Yes. they do help a lot, if taken under the supervision of a doctor who will usually prescribe some mix of anti-depresant and anti-anxiety (i.e. xanax) it can be very helpful, obviously it won´t help or fix the problem itself but it will help people that are really depressed and anxious abut a break up to start getting out of the "dark side"

 

The key is to find a great doctor, not one that will keep you hooked on pills and sessions for years and years and also to put your best effort to get out of the depression (exersice is a must).

 

Yes, they do help

Edited January 7, 2011 by ccfan

[GrayClouds]

What you can do to fight depression without meds:

 

Stay Away from Booze and Dope - both will only make you feel better for a short period and likely lead you deeper into the pits. They both depleate the hormones that is needed to "feel" good.

 

Force yourself into routine - Get your but out of bed in the morning and go to be at night the same time.

 

Exercise - Force yourself to do something everyday. Even if it means going for a hard walk for half hour to hour. If you can do more the better. Almost every study done shows one of the best treatment for depression is exercise. So more the better. The benefits of pushing yourself is your not only will feel better but will look better which will make you feel better.

 

Eat Well - Forces yourself to eat well and regularly. Eat all the stuff mom tried to get you to eat; fruit and veggies, protein (meat) complex carbs, healthy fats, but stay away from sugars.

 

Try Vitamins/Supplement - D, Fish oil, Sam-e, St John Wart, 5-HTP

 

Find someone professional to talk to - Depression fuel with poor/negative thinking, get it out and learning some positive cognitive tools will help.

 

Try Anti-d Meds - If you are doing all of the above then remind yourself that life is just to short to feel this crappy. Sometimes the body chemistry needs a little help to start working like is is suppose to. Often individual do not give them enough time to work. Though it usually takes a few weeks for them to work and may need dosage a adjustments. The side effects are generally temporary. Most people will only need them for a period of time. Though then can be just the push to help you do all of the other things listed and get you over the hump.

 

Finally be kind to yourself.

 

I will just add yes they Anti-Ds can help. If you do decide simple find a Doc who has work with them and has a good deal of experience. Like I said earlier sometimes it our chemistry needs a little help.

[Brandi 2]

Anti-depressants 1) take time to work 2) come with side effects (including suicidal ideation) so please proceed cautiously.

 

Because of their side-effects, I would not recommend them without first trying 1) exercise 2) therapy.

 

Depending on what you're prescribed, weight gain is also a common side effect and that has depressive aspects in and of itself.

 

I don't want to dissuade you completely but you should see a reputable therapist first to get his/her input about whether they'd be more help than harm.

 

I'm less concerned about anti-anxiety medication. It can help prevent you from self-medicating with alcohol and illicit drugs. Do you suffer from anxiety also?

 

I would agree with this. A friend of mine acted REALLY weird on them, breathing weird and loud, and his personality was different.

 

I would be very careful.

[denise_xo]

I've taken Prozac, too, and I now regard it as one of the best decisions of my life. I was on it for about two years. I was extremely reluctant to go on them, for all kinds of reasons (scared of side effects, wanted to 'fix it' without medication, etc.) but eventually gave it a try at a time when I was very low and never regretted it.

 

What it did for me was to give me enough of a mind set to actually constructively address my problems. Prior to taking them, I was just drowning in an emotional mess and all my efforts were focussed on occasionally coming up for a enough air to keep me alive. After I started taking medication, it put me in a state where I could address the root causes of my problems and take a more long term perspective on my personal development rather than just trying to get through the day. Within that framework, the meds were only one tool in the tool box, and something that facilitated the more substantive work of consciously and systematically addressing my issues through therapy, physical exercise, change of life style etc. In short, it was a means to an end that came in conjunction with a lot of other work and not, like others have also pointed out, a magic bullet. I don't think we need to look at this in a linear manner (try everything else first, then medication - alternatively, take medication and then do other stuff) - it's one ingredient in a multifaceted tool box that's available out there for personal recovery and development, and what will fit for one person may not fit for another. You'd need to discuss your particular situation with a professional.

 

I never had any negative side effects apart from yawning a lot the first couple of weeks. My mother has been on various kinds of similar medication and did get suicidal from one of them. Although you read the horror stories in the media, if you look at it statistically I think the number of people who positively benefit from anti depressants vastly outnumber those who have detrimental side effects. If you decide to take them, you just have to try and carefully monitor yourself in the beginning to see which side of that fence you end up on.

 

Good luck to you, and hope you feel better soon.

[reknown29]

Yes. I believe I wouldn't be alive now had I not reached out and gotten the right medication when I did. I had had a relationship that I really hoped would be "the one". She was beautiful, really just what I wanted in bed, liked similar things as me, was free and unencumbered. I was on top of my game, very active and really working hard on my image and earning potentials. I even proposed and she accepted. But it turns out that she had a mental illness--borderline personality disorder--and had what we call a "complex". I didn't know this and the way things went is that I kept doing things to prove my trustworthiness and loyalty just to keep facing having it betrayed back at me as if nothing I did added up to anything. We would then have periods of total ecstasy as lovers only to be followed by insane betrayal of trust and love. It made me crazy. I lost myself. I drank and lost my image. I finally ended it but the disappointment that this thing I put so much into was so horrific was something I could not lay to rest.

 

I went into therapy and then got on medication--Prozac to be precise. It was like putting a pair of eyeglasses on an out-of-focus mind. I was able to start seeing the edges between things again and decide how to manage things. If I had not, I might have just been consumed by the street--just another crazy man lost an on a mission to get instant pleasure through drugs and alcohol. Prozac and other SSRIs like it are saving lives and not only that, allowing the saved to thrive again. It annoys me when people sneer at anti-depressants and tell others to avoid them. To some, they are the one thing that stands between them and the gutter.

 

We are on the EXACT same boat. The breakup was extremely painful for me as a result of the bpd my girl has. No closure, her not hearing a word I said, complete disregard to my emotions, etc. etc. etc. If it wasnt for the therapy, I would be drinking and partying every night. instead Im bettering myself, excercising, and finding the core of why I did not see the signs of getting into a relationship with a person with bpd. It can mostly be pinpointed to yourself as to why you didnt see the warning signs in your relationship.

 

To the one asking this question, get some help. Go to liveperson.com if you want someone to talk to right now. Someone there will suggest whether or not you should be on meds.