BS: Chemical antidepressants -- yea or nay?

Subject: RE: BS: Chemical antidepressants -- yea or nay?
From: Claire M
Date: 09 Sep 12 - 11:08 AM

Hiya,

Don't know how to put it up/where to put it but I could PM it to you if you want.

Subject: RE: BS: Chemical antidepressants -- yea or nay?
From: gnu
Date: 08 Sep 12 - 04:11 PM

Where can we read your story?

Subject: RE: BS: Chemical antidepressants -- yea or nay?
From: Claire M
Date: 08 Sep 12 - 04:06 PM

Hiya,

I was on anti-depressants all through college. I actually had a sleep disorder & thyroid problem. I'm not sure if my disability causes depression but it's not going to go away so they didn't help.

I call it the black cloud & turned it into a story.

Subject: RE: BS: Chemical antidepressants -- yea or nay?
From: GUEST,Anonymous Member
Date: 17 Sep 03 - 03:47 PM

See, Bagpuss, that's what bugs me. People who have never been clinically depressed have absolutely no idea what it's like. They don't know what it's like to cry every single minute you are alone, trying to hide it from everyone around you. And not just for one day, or two... but for a year. Every day for a year. At least. They don't know what it's like to go to bed EVERY NIGHT and not care if you wake up in the morning. They don't know what it's like to feel like absolutely nothing in the world matters, and that everyone would be so much better off without you... heck, they probably wouldn't even notice if you just vanished into thin air.

They ask, what's wrong? And you can't tell them what's wrong, because you don't know. It isn't one thing, or two things, but a whole fucking pile of things that have crashed down onto your head, a mountain so large you can't even begin to excavate yourself from it.

I'm not talking about having a bad hair day. I'm not talking about being in a bad mood because you had a fight with someone close to you. I'm talking about absolutely not caring one whit if you live or die.

And the despair that I have experienced doesn't even touch what others have been through. My depression is mild compared to some.

Thanks to counseling and Prozac, that little Gollum voice that says "you don't have any friends - nobody likes you" is very, very faint nowadays. I look forward to things.

I have love in my heart again.

Subject: RE: BS: Chemical antidepressants -- yea or nay?
From: Bagpuss
Date: 17 Sep 03 - 11:46 AM

Well without anti depressants, Im sure I would be dead by now. I've tried will power, I've tried reading up on and giving myself cognitive therapy, I've tried aromatherapy, homoeopathy etc which all helped in the milder stages of the illness, but did nothing for a full blown attack. St Johns wort was a bit more effective, but nothing really works as well as a combination of my lightbox and one of the newer antidepressants (venlafaxine and mirtazepine) - prozac and other SSRIs did nothing for me.

I too have had people try to persuade me that the drugs are only disguising my symptoms, and that there must be something really wrong in my life that I need to sort out rather than take drugs, but they really don't know what they are talking about. I have a great life, the only blight being that I suffer from this illness that makes my life seem awful sometimes.

Bagpuss

Subject: RE: BS: Chemical antidepressants -- yea or nay?
From: Fibula Mattock
Date: 16 Sep 03 - 12:17 PM

Been away from the 'cat quite a while now, partly due to my depression. I've been on 40mg citalopram hydrobromide for 10 months now, and I've just been to the doctor today and I'm finally coming off them, although it'll take about 3 - 4 months before I'm pill-free. They worked for me - I'm still alive, and that's an achievement. Looking forward to getting my sexlife back. ;)
Anyway, good luck to all those struggling through - hold on 'til you get to the other side.

Subject: RE: BS: Chemical antidepressants -- yea or nay?
From: GUEST,Anonymous Member
Date: 15 Sep 03 - 05:15 PM

Harlowpoet, if you read my previous posts, you will note that I have already done everything I can possibly do without chemical intervention. The sad truth is, even the medical community doesn't exactly know what the specific underlying causes of depression really are. Not enough serotonin? Sure, but why? They don't know. Everyone's experience with depression is different. Some people won't need pharmaceuticals. Others of us will.

Would you tell a person with diabetes not to take insulin? I doubt it.

Week Four of Prozac. I feel great. I'm still waiting for that long list of horrible side effects.

Subject: RE: BS: Chemical antidepressants -- yea or nay?
From: Lyrical Lady
Date: 15 Sep 03 - 03:44 PM

refresh please..........

Subject: RE: BS: Chemical antidepressants -- yea or nay?
From: Lyrical Lady
Date: 13 Sep 03 - 12:58 PM

IMO ... if you like sex then paxil is not the drug for you.
At least it wasn't for me. My doctor prescribed paxil for me as a preventive to stress. I'm in throws of a very nast y divorce at the moment and high does of stress triggers my diverticulosis, which in my case is quite severe and requires constant mangement. Well, paxil certainly did the trick. I just breezed through the day not giving a shit about anything. It wasn't until I heard about the death of a friend that I realized something was wrong. I had no reaction. I didn't grieve, I didn't cry...I cared... but had no physical response! I then switched to celexcia ... it was fine but as the days went on, I would forget to take it and eventually I just stopped taking anything. But like Sorcha, I too feel I suffer from SADS, this summer has been great, all this lovely west coast sunshine!

Now for the best part... lately, I have been feeling better than ever I remember...why?...I QUIT smoking! My body is sooo happy with me.. all this wonderful oxygen! I can breathe..I have so much energy now... and because I don't smoke, I don't drink ! (well, not very much!) and that has worked wonders as well! This winter I plan to get a special lamp and I think that will do the trick.

Anyhoodles, for what it's worth... that's my story!

LL

Subject: RE: BS: Chemical antidepressants -- yea or nay?
From: harlowpoet
Date: 13 Sep 03 - 03:49 AM

There are hundreds if not thousands of various anti-depressants on the market, and I dont see the general population getting less depressed. Nor are the shares of the drugs companies that make them any less depressed.

Chemical intervention isn't going to get rid of underlying problems that cause depression, and will just leave you at the mercy of the drugs companies that give you these foul concoctions (read the long list of side effects that come with them).

I've been there as well, and with the right outlook, its not a permanent state. Leave the drugs alone, or at least use those ones from the natural health store, which have been proven for thousands of years. They are cheaper as well

Subject: RE: BS: Chemical antidepressants -- yea or nay?
From: Deckman
Date: 12 Sep 03 - 06:34 AM

This is a ballsey thread, and I'm VERY impressed with the courage displayed here. It ain't easy taking your clothes off in public. And, as Ellenpoly said, it can be good to share. In my own case, I've been very fortunate to escape the hell of depression personally. However, I do want to mention another aspect of this subject, insanity. My Mother passed away 18 months ago. For the last year and a half of her life, she was insane. She died insane. She, and Dad, lived in a nursing home four blocks from me. I was called over there almost daily to help with the necessaries. Depression, mental stability, alcoholism, mental illness, all had been life long problems for her. My point is this ... get help and get it now.

The world of drugs and research is an everchanging one. I've read some very good advice here: get a good Doctor, trust him, trust others, reach out to others, get therapy, get a support group, etc.

Fight to stay alive. CHEERS and best wishes to all, Bob(deckman)Nelson

Subject: RE: BS: Chemical antidepressants -- yea or nay?
From: RichM
Date: 11 Sep 03 - 05:25 PM

I have taken prozac for about 10 years.
Currently I am taking 20 mg a day. I fought taking it--considering it an easy out, and an admission of failure of character. I tried to quit it several times, but sunk further each time into depressive episodes.
With Prozac I am *normal*.
I remember thinking shortly after beginning prozac: so this is what normal feels like! I had always thought from the time I was 5 or 6 years old, that my depressive feelings were what everyone felt! Now I know different.

Drugs have literally saved my life several times: from recurring bouts of pneumonia and from cancer, heart attack and massive peritonitis. Yes, exercise diet, and healthy eating is important. But it can't prevent all sickness. It is not an admission of personal failure if you use antidepressants.


Work with a good doctor to find the antidepressant regime that works for YOU.

Subject: RE: BS: Chemical antidepressants -- yea or nay?
From: Chief Chaos
Date: 11 Sep 03 - 05:04 PM

I think the point here was to ask about the different drugs and their experienced side affects. A lot of good info has passed without anyone advocating any particular drug, just what has worked for them. No one is writing a prescription here.

Sick Critters? Kindness of Critters? It may just be my depression but I feel that these are negative labels. Yes I am certifiably sick! Getting others to understand that this is not a joke is part of the problem. I wish it was as visible as a broken arm, but its not. Please don't tell me you are the sort that would stand at the ground floor chanting Jump!

I would be the first to tell you to look in the PDR III or other available guides and to consult a doctor ( a nutritionist might be a good idea to keep from degrading or changing the performance of a drug by consuming something that might counteract the drug or have a sylogistic (sp?) effect).

And beer, or any alcohol, is an extreme depressive.

Subject: RE: BS: Chemical antidepressants -- yea or nay?
From: Janie
Date: 10 Sep 03 - 05:25 PM

That is really good to hear. thanks for letting know how it is going.

Janie

Subject: RE: BS: Chemical antidepressants -- yea or nay?
From: GUEST,Anonymous Member
Date: 10 Sep 03 - 03:45 PM

I started Prozac three weeks ago. I feel great and have had almost no side effects. :-)

Subject: RE: BS: Chemical antidepressants -- yea or nay?
From: GUEST,Anonymous Member
Date: 17 Aug 03 - 01:18 AM

Thanks Garg --- I am reading everything I can get my hands on, and I have a doctor whose opinion I trust. I have not considered this lightly at all. I did want to know what sort of experiences other people have had, though, and it's just as I expected - a mixed bag. I am fortunate to have the support of family and friends, and that goes a LONG way. :-)

Subject: RE: BS: Chemical antidepressants -- yea or nay?
From: GUEST,.gargoyle
Date: 16 Aug 03 - 10:33 PM

I always knew there were a whole bunch of sick critters at this site. Not all of them have logged into this strand....BUT....

There are many more lab-animals lurking within other threads.

PLEASE do not rely on the "kindness of kindred kritters" PLEASE.....DO TALK to your doctor and PERSONALY RESEARCH the chemical compositions and interactions of the compounds you place in your body!

There is a lot more knowledge that there was in the 60's.

You can start with ... one of the world's best resources.:

http://www.merck.com/pubs/mmanual/section15/chapter189/189d.htm

Sincerely,
Gargoyle

Exercise and beer is a damn powerful antidepressant - you just gotta get off your pathetic fat-ass to access it!

Subject: RE: BS: Chemical antidepressants -- yea or nay?
From: Janie
Date: 16 Aug 03 - 10:10 PM

Anon Member,

Don't worry too much at this point about which one you should try, just work with your doctor on this. I imagine your insurance drug formulary allows exceptions if it is medically documented that you can't take what is on the formulary, but as far as you know at this point in time, any of those three will work fine.   I do note decreased libido on the Prozac. Ditto when I was on the Paxil...it is a quite common side effect of the SSRI's. No other lasting side effects for me on either Prozac or Paxil--but as noted before, the Paxil was really nasty to come off of. That doesn't mean it would be difficult for you however.

As I have read your post here, it sounds like you have a good handle on what you need. Trust yourself.

Janie

Subject: RE: BS: Chemical antidepressants -- yea or nay?
From: Rapparee
Date: 16 Aug 03 - 08:01 PM

I take 20 mg. of Celexa per day. No problems, no side effects (apart from the twitching, purple spots, bright red eyes, hair clumps falling out...no, I'm just kidding).

My father-in-law takes Paxil. Without it he is nearly suicidally despressed. With it he can function normally.

If you need it, go for it. There is help.

Subject: RE: BS: Chemical antidepressants -- yea or nay?
From: Art Thieme
Date: 15 Aug 03 - 11:58 PM

How about weight gain?? Some psychoactive drugs warp one's metabolism until you turn water into fat or so it seems. Well, you can't have everything. If a person is depressed it's amazing that there are now drugs that can truly help. There are always side effects to every drug out there.

Art

Subject: RE: BS: Chemical antidepressants -- yea or nay?
From: Chief Chaos
Date: 15 Aug 03 - 01:55 PM

Its a little strange the way one drug works and others don't. The doctors had me try lexapro which is supposed to be better for anxiety. It didn't work at all.

My wife keeps getting prescribed different meds (the doctor thinks she is suffering from depression she says she isn't) She has tried several with side affects like severe drowsiness, involuntary shakes, and insomnia.

Subject: RE: BS: Chemical antidepressants -- yea or nay?
From: GUEST,Alice without cookie
Date: 15 Aug 03 - 01:10 PM

Dear Anon, Celexa is worth jumping through that extra hoop. The doctor I went to said Celexa is one of the newest antidepressants and that she doesn't prescribe the older ones like Paxil or Prozac because of the side effects. I can sincerely say that I have not noticed side effects with Celexa; I just feel normal again.

Subject: RE: BS: Chemical antidepressants -- yea or nay?
From: GUEST,Anonymous Member
Date: 15 Aug 03 - 08:42 AM

I talked to a friend who said Prozac did nothing for him. Didn't make him sick, but didn't help him either. He has better results with Paxil, but it gives him those Lackanooky Blues. (which isn't a big deal, he is single and doesn't date much - his mental situation is usually too much for anyone to put up with for very long)

My mother seems to have had good luck with Prozac - however, I do not discuss these sorts of things with her. Don't ask. Long story. I would have talked to my father but he died a few years back.

Another friend has had good luck with Zoloft.

Anyhow - I am going to the doctor next week, and we'll talk about it. Thankfully this is someone I have seen for awhile, and I trust her very much.

Subject: RE: BS: Chemical antidepressants -- yea or nay?
From: GUEST,Ellenpoly
Date: 15 Aug 03 - 05:47 AM

I did have a few side effects from Prozac. It brought my libido down to zero,and because I was in theatre then I was worried that I wouldn't be able to access my more intense emotions when I needed to. But then again, that's what acting is all about.Faking it magnificently...
Just remember that antidepressants are just like any drug. The first one may not work for you. I tried one (it was one of the older kinds)and I was also a zombie. That didn't work for someone who has to be at their peak performance first thing in the morning (I was also doing children's theatre.)But the point is not to give up. Get a therapist who will work with you on this,and monitor your reactions. Don't feel like it's any kind of personal failure if one drug doesn't suit you. If and when you get it right, you'll know. And even then, there will be times when the dosage will need to change.
Depression a hard nut to crack, but working to find an even keel is worth the effort. I would not be alive to write this if that were not the case, believe me.

Subject: RE: BS: Chemical antidepressants -- yea or nay?
From: GUEST,Anonymous Member
Date: 14 Aug 03 - 11:45 PM

mg - I am pretty confident I am eating what I need, and even what I want. And I don't WANT a daily cheeseburger. However I do eat cheese almost every day. Although I imagine someone is going to tell me that's going to stop up my heart and my bowels.

I have heard good things about Celexa. My insurance will cover it IF I get an exemption - but there's another hoop to jump through.

Subject: RE: BS: Chemical antidepressants -- yea or nay?
From: Alice
Date: 14 Aug 03 - 11:24 PM

Anonymous Member, I'm one who takes Celexa. No side effects, only the Good effect intended by the medication, relief from depression.

I went to a local community clinic earlier this year because I do not have health insurance. I was able to get the Celexa, 30mg a day, for a subsidized prescription. Try checking into other ways of getting medication besides your health plan, if all they will give you is Prozac. It is interesting now that several people I've met also are on Celexa. We all share the positive feeling that it has changed our lives tremendously for the better.

Alice

Subject: RE: BS: Chemical antidepressants -- yea or nay?
From: GUEST,mg
Date: 14 Aug 03 - 09:29 PM

Your body might need more than the occasional cheeseburger. It might need a daily cheeseburger. Please check out the metabolic body typing diet or something like that...there is all sorts of research converging on the need for good fats, sometimes fairly high amounts of protein for some people...some do well on what we are told is the perfect diet, and some do horribly and one result could be depression and other mental problems.....not to knock your diet but just because 4,000 nutritionists say to eat soybeans and groats night and noon doesn't mean it is what a particular body needs...mg

Subject: RE: BS: Chemical antidepressants -- yea or nay?
From: GUEST,Anonymous Member
Date: 14 Aug 03 - 04:39 PM

I appreciate that you are all trying to help but please understand I have already done many of the things you are advocating. I get plenty of physical activity, and my diet is pretty much beyond reproach, except for the occasional cheeseburger that I absolutely must have. I have already been to therapy, and have not ruled out the possibility of going back. This is a lifelong battle and I believe it must ultimately be fought by any means necessary.

Now. Does anyone else have any personal experiences with side effects?

Subject: RE: BS: Chemical antidepressants -- yea or nay?
From: GUEST,mg
Date: 14 Aug 03 - 04:02 PM

consult with a naturopathic physician about rhodiola rhodesia..I have started to hear of it..an adaptogen.

Once again, if you do not give your body the right hormonal substrates, which is fat/cholesterol, and if you don't give it the fats to build up cell membranes, in your nervous system and elsewhere, you can count on some problems with something. Read Dr. Mary Enig, Ph.D. in biochemistry and fats researcher. Your ethnic heritage and body metabolism will determine what fats you need. I don't think anyone has quite the answer, but they are saying for people of Russian, Scandinavian, Irish, Welsha nd Native American ancestry to eat a whole lot of salmon type fish and/or take fish oil supplements. We evolved with fish handy and our metabolisms don't take other fats and turn them into the fatty acids we need. Some people do very well with saturated fats; others need less or who knows, maybe none, although I find that unlikely. If you are depressed and watching every fat gram, take a second look at your diet. And get rid of the refined and manufactured foods (except maybe for Coke which is the elixer of the angels). mg

Subject: RE: BS: Chemical antidepressants -- yea or nay?
From: GUEST,Anonymous Member
Date: 14 Aug 03 - 03:13 PM

I already know what the problem is. The psychologist referred to it as chronic recurrent depression.

My insurance will only cover generic fluoxetine (which is Prozac), Paxil, or Zoloft.

Subject: RE: BS: Chemical antidepressants -- yea or nay?
From: Bill D
Date: 14 Aug 03 - 01:50 PM

I think the message thru all of this thread is that "it is worth trying" if you have problems...but it is not for everyone...

I am not what anyone would call 'depressive'...but I have had some problems with feeling down and un-motivated...just sort of 'flat', so 3-4 times doctors have convinced me to try anti-depressives to see if they would help...(once in a clinical trial for a new one!)

To put it succinctly, they turned me into a zombie. They fogged my brain and turned my libido to mush. I was not manic, I was not depressed...I was just plain nothing...so I stopped. Extra caffiene is just as useful for ME...but I have several friends who truly respond to Celexa and other drugs.

It is a VERY delicate matter to adjust this sort of medication to fit the needs of different individuals, but when it works, it is amazing!

Be SURE your doctor (medical or psychiatrist) understands and listens and follows up with you...some just throw pills at you mechanically and don't really hear the problem....

Subject: RE: BS: Chemical antidepressants -- yea or nay?
From: GUEST,Anonymous Member
Date: 14 Aug 03 - 01:43 PM

Thanks Chief. The analogy of the leaky temple is much appreciated. I am already working on the mental and spiritual, and have been for some time. I think the physical needs a little push, that's all. :-)

Subject: RE: BS: Chemical antidepressants -- yea or nay?
From: Chief Chaos
Date: 14 Aug 03 - 01:22 PM

I won't bore you with the history of how I got where I am, suffice to say between growing up, my job, and to some extent the family I started, all contributed to severe depression and anxiety. Not being able to "Get Over It" as the Eagles so eloquently put it. Depression contributing to weight problems, sleeping problems, magnifying aches and pains, a downward spiral. Those closest to me only knew that I had changed without being able to tell me how, but no...they didn't think it was depression. When the suicidal thoughts came I got help. I'm on celexa now. I used to try to remain totally drug free, thinking that my body was a temple and that I was polluting it somehow by taking these drugs. But then I thought about it. Even temples get leaky roofs and cracked foundations and have to be repaired! They don't fix themselves or "get over it". I initially doubted that the medicine was working until the week I ran out and kept forgetting to get the prescription refilled. I went down like the Titanic!

If you feel (or don't feel as the case may be)like you need help please get it. Therapy to help you deal with the underlying mental problems, possibly chemical to immediately deal with the physical side (it might take a little time to find the right drug for you), watch your diet and exercise, and it doesn't hurt to explore the spiritual side. Each of these things alone can help, together they can (notice I don't say will)help you get on your feet.

And in case you're wondering, it is hard to write this.

God Bless

Subject: RE: BS: Chemical antidepressants -- yea or nay?
From: GUEST,Anonymous Member
Date: 14 Aug 03 - 12:21 PM

I exercise every day except Sunday for at least 30 minutes.

My diet is pretty much impeccable.

Religious GUEST, go fuck yourself. You don't have a clue.

Subject: RE: BS: Chemical antidepressants -- yea or nay?
From:
Date: 14 Aug 03 - 11:05 AM

Imagine my surprise that this thread has lasted for 3 years...

Huge family history of depression/bipolar problems. (Six branches of my dad's family - six of six where depression shows.)

I know many things i have to do to stay mentallly/spiritually/emotionally healthy. When I'm on my meds, I can do those things. Without, I fade in and out.

Depression is a cold and lumpish thing. Mania is terrifying. When depressed, I have only to remember not to do anything stupid - this too shall pass. I've done very dangerous stuff while manic... Thank God that for me, mania comes rarely.

Subject: RE: BS: Chemical antidepressants -- yea or nay?
From: GUEST,ellenpoly
Date: 14 Aug 03 - 10:54 AM

And please forgive my typos...!

Subject: RE: BS: Chemical antidepressants -- yea or nay?
From: GUEST,ellenpoly
Date: 14 Aug 03 - 10:51 AM

This is a fascinating thread!

One thing it points up is how much and how good it is to share one's experience.
My story is much like a lot or yours. I come from a family of depressives,and suicides.
I've been in and out of therapy my entire life, and finally after all else failed, I was entreated to try Prozac.
It did indeed change my life.
I stayed on it for 2 and a half years, which was all I could afford with no insurance.Fortunately, it seems to have done the trick. Eight years later and I'm still without a major depression. I wake up every day with a joy I never thought I'd know...

Though I am,and will always be, waiting for the other shoe to drop.

But what I wanted to say here is that I would give ANYTHING ON EARTH if my mother had been around to try anti-depressants. Her doctor prescribed her depression with, wait for it,SLEEPING PILLS!
Need I tell you how she died?
I miss her every day of my life,and only hope that anyone out there reading this does whatever, WHATEVER it takes to help yourself.
Personally, I think it all helps-therapy,diet,community,sunlight,and medication. Keep looking and asking. There is obviously a huge community our there (here) waiting and willing to share and help.

Subject: RE: BS: Chemical antidepressants -- yea or nay?
From: mg
Date: 14 Aug 03 - 10:49 AM

By all means do what you need to do in serious cases. I would of course look at diet...eliminate all white sugar and flour and trans fats. Make sure you are eating sufficient fats for your body type. If you don't have the right fats, you won't have the right nervous system to handle this. Don't fear chocolate..make your own with stevia and dark chocolate if you want. It ups the amount of seratonin. Get enough sun every day. Fresh air. Daily walks..at least two short ones.

Subject: RE: BS: Chemical antidepressants -- yea or nay?
From: Julie B
Date: 14 Aug 03 - 07:12 AM

Those in the UK may be interested to learn of the "Outlook Depression Fellowship" organisation, founded in 1993 by someone called Geoff Thompson who had suffered terrible depression (survived several suicide attempts) for many many years, but never stopped looking for an answer. He honed his own "recovery plan", a kind of correspondence course of depression, and it's helped thousands of depression suffers since. I spotted one of their leaflets in my doctors surgery.

The Outlook "course" comprises many "modules" with literature and cassette tapes. Sadly it's not free, as it's not government funded and the organisation naturally has to be able to cover it's costs, or it could not exist at all. Participants are asked to contribute at a level they can afford, but the minimum is £15 a module (max 11 modules - you can cancel at any time), with £30 being the normal contribution. But £300, if you can afford it, seems a small price to pay to get your life back from depression. And Geoff REALLY understands what depression sufferers are going through as he was one.

Anyway, details are:

"Outlook is a non-profit making organisation backed by professionals. We have had great success in training thousands of depression sufferes thoughout the UK in how to control depression by using a self-help recovery plan. For a free info pack under no obligation call 0161-926-8480 "

Subject: RE: BS: Chemical antidepressants -- yea or nay?
From: harpgirl
Date: 14 Aug 03 - 05:58 AM

There is a boatload of excellent advice on this thread for anyone struggling with depression problems.

I've been in the business thirty years (of course around here, that and a $1.75 will get me a grande at Border's!)and those that "have been there and done that" are giving you better information than you will get from a professional about how to manage life's struggles! Get some medical help and find a sympathetic therapist! Good luck! love, harpgirl

Subject: RE: BS: Chemical antidepressants -- yea or nay?
From: mooman
Date: 14 Aug 03 - 05:08 AM

I have suffered from (still suffer from?) depression and have had both five years psychotherapy/psychoanalysis (with a well-qualified and sympathetic psychiatrist) which was excellent and have been on medication. After I finished the psychotherapy, I later lapsed again into anxiety and depression, largely through stress and job pressures, and was prescribed Prozac.

Prozac, for me, was a complete disaster and I had strong reactions to it including feelings of loss of control and swings between feeling hot and cold. I know for millions of others it works very well. I went back to the doctor who immediately changed me to Effexor (venlafaxine HCl) which has worked extremely well for me with no side effects. Venlafaxine works on both serotonin and norepinephrine and is one of the newer antidepressants. I continue to take it although I have reduced my dosage.

I now do a great deal of meditation (at least once daily) and this also helps with the underlying root causes of the depression....I hope eventually to wean myself off of the Effexor.

The points behind all of this are:

- it is important to find a good doctor, preferably a specialist
- different antidepressants work differently for different people and what works for one person may not be right for another
- finding the correct dosage is important and, again, a good specialist is recommended
- other treatments like psychotherapy or psychoanalysis may be valuable although not everyone is receptive to such treatment
- other activities like meditation or, especially, exercise may be very useful
- natural remedies, e.g. St. John's Wort (Zibrine is a reasonable strength preparation) do work for many people
- depression is very common (one in three or one in four of the population at some time in there lives if my memory serves me right) and there can be many causes of depression
- people are sometimes reluctant to talk about depression and may especially be reluctant to reveal it to employers who often, unfortunately, have mediaeval ideas about it.
- depression can be treated effectively in very many cases and there is no reason to suffer if this is the case. Often, a small correction in brain chemistry makes all the difference to your daily life and, if there are other underlying causes, can help you to address them.

Don't hesitate to PM me if I can be of any assistance.

Peace

mooman

Subject: RE: BS: Chemical antidepressants -- yea or nay?
From: GUEST
Date: 14 Aug 03 - 03:57 AM

In some cases depression is a manifestation of sin with our personal lives. Repent, Seek Forgiveness, Go Forth and Rejoice.

Subject: RE: BS: Chemical antidepressants -- yea or nay?
From: Art Thieme
Date: 13 Aug 03 - 11:09 PM

Zoloft has helped my outlook quite a bit. It allows me to guide someone very close to me through her regimen of high tech shock treatments. Those are now down to once a month and they are 100% less barbaric than in the old movies. Best of all, they have stabilized her quite a bit after her MANY medications over the years simply pretty much quit doing the job. The meds she takes now are for "other" mental illness aspects other than depression. It's important for me to BE THERE for her and Zoloft helps a bunch. Neither of us can drive now so we get transported 70 miles and back by medical tansport (with my wheelchair) to and from those ECT treatments of hers. It has been a hell of a road for both of us---but we are making it happen so far. Being depressed myself as a symptom of my MS (etc.) allowed me to understand her pain better. My passion used to be my music. Now I've pretty much dedicated that energy to keeping her on an even keel----and WITH me.

Art

Subject: RE: BS: Chemical antidepressants -- yea or nay?
From: Bobert
Date: 13 Aug 03 - 09:54 PM

Yo, Anon. GUEST. Amos suggested some natural things that can be used for fighting depression and you said that you are doing them. I want to focus on exercise here. Just how much exercie are you doing?

Bobert

Subject: RE: BS: Chemical antidepressants -- yea or nay?
From: Sorcha
Date: 13 Aug 03 - 09:50 PM

Sorry, Selective Serotonin Receptor Inhibitors. Anon Member, I was on Zoloft for years and developed serious libido problems. With the advice of another Catter I researched all anti depressants and decided to try Lexapro. Several months now, the libibo prob has gone away and NO other side effects. I cannot/will not take the Tricyclics--all the side effects in the book. I too tried to get off completely, SINSULL, and it was also a disaster. The drugs have saved my marriage if not my life. Feel free to PM me when you are ready to come out of the closet.

Subject: RE: BS: Chemical antidepressants -- yea or nay?
From: Sorcha
Date: 13 Aug 03 - 09:43 PM

Selective Serotonin Inhibitors. For me, yea for sure. Lexapro is my drug of choice. I think I probably have Seasonal Affective Disorder. I'm not too bad without it in summer, but winter....don't go there. I don't get suicidal at all, but boy o boy do I have major mood swings, nasty temper.........

Subject: RE: BS: Chemical antidepressants -- yea or nay?
From: GUEST
Date: 13 Aug 03 - 09:12 PM

...was on Prozac for a few months. What I noticed was a general ambivalence and apathy towards everything, much like what Guest described above when s/he said s/he didn't care about such and such. That's the way I felt when I was on Prozac, as if an earth moving machine had levelled my emotional landscape flat as a table. At least when I was depressed I was feeling something, i.e., depressed. With Prozac I wasn't feeling anything at all, which, in my opinion, was worse. I felt detached and aloof, far away from everything. I felt that if I had been eating at McDonald's and a crazed maniac came in and blew everyone away but me, it wouldn't have bothered me. Later, friends would try to jog my memory about an event that happened while I was 'medicated' for those few months, and I would have no recollection of it. I think I was in a mental fog all that time. Nothing made an impression on me. I didn't have any interest in anything. Total lack of sex drive as well. In my opinion, it was worse than being dead, because I was alive but not connected to anyone or anything - a walking corpse. I'll take depression any day. It may be a godsend for some folks, but it wasn't the right medication for me.

Subject: RE: BS: Chemical antidepressants -- yea or nay?
From: Janie
Date: 13 Aug 03 - 08:48 PM

Jeri--I'm having a slightly senior moment and no PDR at home. Either the 1st S or the 2nd S stands for "selective"

Janie

Subject: RE: BS: Chemical antidepressants -- yea or nay?
From: Jeri
Date: 13 Aug 03 - 08:33 PM

I took it for my migraines for about a year and had no negative side effects and a couple of good ones. I was able to focus on things and I felt more like, well, ME. (This might have not been such a great thing for other people, but I sure was happy with it.) They quit working on the headaches and I gained about 40 lbs. Went off of 'em until a different neurologist started me back on them - at more than twice the previous dose.

In retrospect, I might have been ok if I'd been started gradually. As it was, I had nearly all the side effects in the book within a week and stopped.

Anybody who thinks proper medication with Prozac turns a person into a zombie really doesn't have a clue. Tri-cyclic antidepressants, yes. (Did those too.) The modern SRI's (what's the second 'S' for?) are more beneficial, and get better all the time. If I had that "don't give a rat's ass about life" feeling all the time instead of just once in a while and my doctor thought anti-depressants sounded like a good idea, I wouldn't hesitate to give them a try.

Subject: RE: BS: Chemical antidepressants -- yea or nay?
From: SINSULL
Date: 13 Aug 03 - 08:06 PM

The only side effect I had initially was burning during urination. Lasted a week. Then, inch by inch the feeling that someone was clutching my chest so tight I could hardly breathe just went away.

I have been taking Prozac for over five years. On two occasions it stopped working and I had to play with dosage (under a doctor's supervision) temporarily.

After five years of therapy I decided with support from my therapist to gradually wean myself off Prozac and see if I could control depression without it. It was a disaster. I was fine for about six weeks and then suddenly developed full blown depression with a new twist - panic attacks. It seemed to me in retrospect that years of therapy had put all my issues out in the open. When the seratonin dropped, there was no place to hide. The numbing lack of feeling of my previous depressions was gone. I felt everything full force.

Never again. My doctor has suggested that I switch to a newer drug with the additional benefit of weight loss but it would mean getting the Prozac out of my system.

My most vivid memory of depression pre-therapy/Prozac is the day I looked at a sharp knife and wondered if I would feel any pain if I cut myself. And I looked at the hot stove and wondered if I grabbed the burner and branded myself, would it hurt? I was numb to pain, feelings, the entire world.

Last weekend I spent time with my niece who sought out therapy and anti-depressants when my brother and I begged her to get help. She is happy and vibrant, recently divorced from a loser, and hired to head up a complete department in a local college. She also spent the summer training with a world famous doctor because the new Kelly simply walked up to him after a lecture and insisted on a meeting.

Guest - I do not support drugging people into happiness. I do believe that refusing to consider drug therapy to counteract clinical depression makes about as much sense as a diabetic refusing insulin. When I first was prescribed prozac, I fought it tooth and nail. I was mortified at the idea that I was too weak to handle life. I was terrified that people would find out. Now I am happy and healthy (still overweight but I continue to fight the battle) and don't care who knows or what they think. PM me if it will help.

Mary