Fear of going back on antidepressants

[Indiegal]

I've been on meds a few times in the past for my anxiety and depression but went off the last time just before the pandemic hit (perfect timing, huh?). I really felt Prozac helped me a lot before and had mild side effects but then the effects would fade and my doctors would change me to something else. I've had some unpleasant side effects from those other meds and the last one I was on, Effexor, I had terrible withdrawal symptoms for months that I said I would never go on antidepressants again.

Lately though I've been feeling really down, unmotivated, and like everyone hates me (not in a paranoid way but in that any slightly negative interaction like a look or talking to someone else and not me can make me feel like that person is annoyed with me and doesn't want me around). I've seen several therapist that helped some but it didn't help enough and was expensive. I've thought about seeing a psychiatrist to go back on meds but am afraid of the side effects and possibly being on something that would make me worse (I've had that happen from a few meds) or interact badly with my other minor health issues that I've had past docs ignore. I'm not looking for anyone to give me medical guidance as I know only a doctor can do that. But has anyone had the same fears, or you did and then you were glad you went back on meds afterwards? Just looking for some support.

[LilyAnnepuppy]

When my psychiatrist was trying to find the correct combination of meds for me, it was scary. Some I had side effects immediately, but others worked. I’m presently on Prozac, which is working well.

So with my therapist, psychiatrist, meds, support group, meditation and prayer, I have an even playing field.

[Marysblue]

I use natural antidepressants, I too don't want to go through withdrawal again.

[Indiegal in reply to Marysblue]

What kind of natural antidepressants do you use? I was researching some as an alternative but didn't find much about a good safe and effective one.

[Marysblue]

Right now l-methyfolate, NAD,Tumeric, rhodiola, cardamen.

In the past I ve had good luck with St John's Wort, 5-HTP, Sam- e, mythelene blue, albizia.

[Kinlay]

The way my psych explained it to me was that I may have to take meds for the rest of my life, but so what? Taking pills every day is FAR better than feeling horrible every day! I have also had to switch meds more than once, and I could not even take Effexor because it made me so sick, but once you find the right med, it is life changing. Good luck!

[LadyZen]

I've always had those fears. I've had to go on medication 3 separate times in my life. Once in my late 20's, then in my early 30's, and another time in my early 40's. But each time I was happy when I did. I also knew when I was ready to come off of them again. I'm hoping I won't ever need them in the future, but if I do, I know that it's an option. I had one doctor that made it sound like I would be on it forever, and another doctor that preferred that I see a therapist and work towards coming off of it. For me, I preferred the 2nd type of doctor because I really wanted to address the root of my issues since my problems were not likely biological/chemical.

[Dbaja]

effexor was the worst! Had horrible withdraws with ringing ears just a nightmare! Im back on prozac and its the oy one that seems to agree with me.

[Indiegal in reply to Dbaja]

Yes, it was the worst. I had brain zaps and stretches of super irritability or just angry for no reason. I'm glad the Prozac is working better for you.

[Dbaja in reply to Indiegal]

i forgot about the brain zaps! That was the horrible. Utimately i would like to be off everything, just been going through a tough time ( lol 5 years now).

[Darkhouse]

It's so tough to know what to do, there's so many options and opinions out there. The research that's coming in now is really saying that moderate exercise is more beneficial than therapy or medication (psypost.org/2023/03/review-.... Meds seem to help in the short-term, but exercise seems to build long-lasting results against depression. Who knows. It may be worth a shot, and there's no risk of withdrawal. I'm w you on the effexor, it's dreadful, the shocks!! Yuck, no thanks.

[jeff78]

There are way newer meds for our condition now that work much better. Like SSRI's and new antipsychotics. On Proxac years ago I was almost suicidal and Effexor made sex with my wife impossible. Please see a Doctor.

[Indiegal]

Sharing an update. I decided to try some natural antidepressants first. Although it's only been a few days, I'm already starting to see some improvements. I also think PMS was a factor in my low point over the last week, which has subsided. And the weather here has been somewhat nice the last few days so I've been able to take a walk outside. If I find my improved mental state doesn't last, I'll bite the bullet and see a doctor. But I'd rather not spend the money and risk the bad side effects for now. Thanks for all the advice and support! 😀