Overcoming the physical changes in depression.

[villeneuve1979]

Hi everyone,

I would be interested in hearing from anyone that has taken, or is currently taking the (SRI) antedepressant, paroxetine. I have been prescribed paroxetine by various GP'S since April 2009, and am currently taking the drug now. I have been reluctant to continue to take ante-depressants,( including paroxetine) in the past beyond the point at which I felt I was improving. I can tolerate paroxetine well enough at 20 mg, but find that 30 mg leaves me feeling lethargic and comotosed and without any energy. Striking a balance and selecting an antedepressant for your treatment that achieves the dual goal of improving an stabilising your mood, whilst not rendering you lethargic and at least give giving you a chance to lead an approximation of your normal life is a difficult one indeed !

Overcoming the biological and physical changes of depression is why we are all prescribed ante-depressants in the first place of course, and I do feel a little brighter and optimistic for short periods duriing the day, but the extreme lethargy still remains. I keep my strength up and eat regular balanced meals. There is evidence I think, that some sufferers lack nutrients such as vitamins B3, B12, & folic acid, the amino acid trythophan and omega-3 fatty acids or (fishoils). Does any anybody in the community take any of these vitamins or supplements in conjunction with ante-depressants, and if so what difference than just taking ante-depressants alone. I have long understood the benefits to mental health of regular exercise and through my work as a Tennis Coach and as a regular runner,over longer distances, but at the moment walking 100 metres or so pick up a newspaper and a carton of milk is exhausting enough !!

I have suffered from severe debilitating episodes of clinical depression for over 20 years and whilst I remain sceptical as to the effiacy of any ante-depressant to prevent further relapses, I nevertheless realise that medication is still a part of the holistic aprroach, that I am trying to put in place in order to promote well being and prevent relapse.So I will continue to take the paroxetine and probably for the rest of my life, but if anyone had any ideas or insights through their own experiences into ways of restoring depleted energy levels during depresson or indeed ante depressants that dont leave you feeling so tired, I would very grateful to hear from you.

Enjoy the sunshine, if your lucky enough to have it in your part of the country !

Good Mental health !

Damian X

[knowles8586]

Thats depression not being able to do the things we like to do. The sun helps me function better. Try and aim to do one good thing a day and not put yourself down for not achieving what you used to do. I used to run and swim 5 times a week at times, it gets me down because I havnt been training for ages

I take effexor which works well for me it gives me the least side effects

[Burstcouch]

Like you sunny days make me feel better. The one thing I hate about the AD's is the weight gain. Its making me feel really low at the moment. I have gained 8kgs in 1 year,

Not good...........and I do loads of exercise too, even when I feel lethargic I still get out for walks.