Do anti-depressants actually work???

Do they actually make you feel better?? Don't want to go on them unless I REALLY need too....

Thanks for the replies in advance x

[Gambit62]

I understand your reticence as will many here.

Unfortunately 'do they work?' is a really big question. they definitely work for some people. for others not so much - and unfortunately at the moment they only way of knowing if they will work is to try them. There are lots of studies done and there is a lot of evidence out there. Most of the evidence seems to point to the conclusion that they are one part of a puzzle and are most effective in conjunction with other therapies.

A few weeks ago the results of a US study into the effectiveness of meditation were published and implied that meditation was as effective as having a medical practitioner spend time with the person ... can't really comment on the study as I haven't read the study and have to admit that the article was very poorly written (despite being in one of the 'quality' papers). I've found meditation incredibly useful for me - much more so than medication or talking therapies but that's because it works and is right for me. It doesn't mean it is right or going to work for everyone.

I found fluoxitine (prozac) helped me for a while. One effect was permanent - used to get really wound up about other people's driving but now I don't.

Whilst people understand a lot more these days about how the brain works and what impact chemicals have on it ... and even what impact someone else smiling at you as you walk down the street has on the brain ... there is also a lot that isn't know and isn't understood and sometimes medicine is more of an art than a science.

This is probably one of the most annoyingly non-conclusive answers you can imagine. Sorry about that but in my defense, the one specialist that I have seen down the years (about migraines rather than depression) was the one that had the self-confidence and integrity to admit that he was following treatments that he seemed to work, though nobody actually knew why they worked.

[Suzie40 in reply to Gambit62]

That's such a good answer x

[Hidden]

Hello

Generally these medications work although they will need to see if the one given will suit you, sometimes you may have contraindications in the early days and they may not work properly for about three or four weeks. If you are having treatments from a CPN She/He will decide on the medication that you will take and it is generally agreed that treatment will not be given if medications are not taken. Of course that way forward may be different and the CPN may not press the taking of medication. Generally many patients may only be on this type of tablet for a short period of time and the medication will be withdrawn if they feel your condition has improved.

Many people may be on medications for a few months, then carry on with there lives, it depends on the patient.

Initially the GP may have prescribed medications for you, take them for six to eight weeks and see how you go, they can settle you down and that will be it. Most people who have been depressed recover.

Try and see how you get on, remember here you will have support and understanding, you know where we are.

GOOD LUCK

BOB

[Hidden]

Took 3 goes to get the right one for me...and if I don't do good self-care it doesn't work BUT it gives me the capacity to do good self-care

[gardengnome]

glad that you are starting cbt soon, it maybe that that is all you need, you will soon know. For myself i had to up my dose of prozac from 10mg to 20. before it really worked

I know people are scared of possible side effects, i was lucky there, i think starting at the lower dose helped avoid side-effects.

I really do hope the cbt does the trick. You will always have the option at a later date of taking up meds if you feel things going down hill.

[Hidden]

Thanks for all the replies guys. Just wanted to know that it worked so if I ever did get to a stage where I didn't want to go on or couldn't cope I knew that they'd be there to save me! Sounds dramatic I know but I do appreciate the responses xx

[Suzie40]

I completely agree with everything Gambit has written. Medication is one part of the puzzle. I've been taking medication on and off for almost nine years, and while it has definitely helped, it's been in the last year where I've had a combination of meds and talking therapy that I've really seen a difference.