Depression

[Blue_water]

Hi,

Really debating going on antidepressants, any thoughts?

[mer10]

I was always so afraid to start because I thought they would make me a zombie. I started with lexapro and then added welbutrin. It may take some time to find the right one for you but it is so worth it. I'd suggest seeing a psychiatrist rather then your general practitioner because they are specialized in what you need. Good luck!

[Missy_D]

I have been on antidepressants for 4 - 5 years now continuously and before that I had periods where I would be on them before being weened off for 17 years. Since being on them continually, they have really helped me. I have been through a few different types before finding the right one for me, and they all take between 4 - 6 weeks before you notice the benefits. Sometimes (and I experienced this several times) they make you feel worse before you feel better. As has already been suggested, it would be a good idea to see a Psychiatrist or Mental Health Practitioner, rather than just your GP as you will need specialised support for the first few weeks especially. Taking antidepressant medication is not a sign of weakness and the taboo around this and shaming those who do is sometimes a hard hurdle to get over, but the MHS community will help you and support you if you do decide that taking medication is the best option for you. Let us know what you end up doing and how you get on. Good luck!!!!

[MAS_Nurse]

Hi Blue_water,

Welcome to this very caring community. I'm sure you are finding that the members here are very supportive. In case you wanted some additional information in regards going on antidepressants, you may find our pinned posts very informative or the website mind.org.uk has lots of frequently asked questions and advice.

Best Wishes,

MAS Nurse and Moderator

[elijah_effaces]

I think antidepressants are great because they can treat a wide range of symptoms and disorders, mainly anxiety disorders and depression. Perhaps a low dose of a more common antidepressant like citalapram or fluoxetine? Of course, you'd have to speak to your gp (and perhaps your psychiatrist, depending on age, location, circumstance) because they'd have access to tests, baseline scores, your history and personal information. Always great to have someone qualified to do the job, because although the side affects may not be major, they're still side affects or one med could conflict with another, ect.

[Hidden]

I started on sertraline a couple of months back, I had been swerving them for at least 7years, finally I gave in and it was the best thing I ever did, I’m not saying I’m cured but my god I’m so much better than before, I started on 50mg then moved up to 100mg. Be warned though they make you feel rough to start with but I was feeling so rough before I started them anyway so it didn’t make much difference to me, I just went with it, if that makes any sense! Don’t suffer life is far to short and remember you”re never alone. Good luck and take care.

[_Alex_]

Well, you can find people that say they have really benefited from them, and you can find people that say they have had major problems from them, like difficulty coming off.

I wouldn't say they are "mild" medicines. However many people can take them with only apparently mild side effects. They aren't that scary to try. (Unless you are unlucky and your body really doesn't like it.)

[_Alex_]

Also, it's worth looking up the risks of possibly permanent sexual dysfunction with SSRI use. That's a major problem for some people, and doctors don't warn about it.