Positive end-to-end experience with antidepressants - anyone?

[alina_melis]

I'm about to start Escitalopram at 5 mg, Trazodone (1/6 of a pill) and Hydroxyzine (a few times a day).

Never took AntiDepressants and scared.

Tried Zoloft a couple of weeks ago and had nasty side effects, so didn't make it past the first dosage.

Anyway, my question is: is there anyone who took AD for several months, felt better, withdrew and lived more or less happily ever after?

The stories I read (regardless of which AD...) are normally about horrible side effects + years and years of AD intake + inability to really withdraw + long term consequences and health problems afterwards.

I really need some positive stories now.

[Hidden]

I have been on medications on and of for about sixty years and been moved on to different medications, taking one tablet and expecting positive changes will not work, it will take time for the drug to work consider over five weeks.

I am in my latter years now and my GP assessed my medications because as we get older the need to reduce medications becomes more important. Yes side effects do happen although if you are confident with your Doctor you should have no problems.

Remember most people with Mental Health Concerns will only be on them for short to medium term. Long term medications over the decades is very rare.

If you fail to take your medication how will you get onto the pathway of good mental health,

BOB

[legyfc]

I started on Venlafaxine a few years ago. Overall, it's been effective with no real side effects. Keep in mind though that the whole point of antidepressants is they fix the levels of the chemicals in your brain from crazy to not-so-crazy, so expect the first week or two to feel weird. I felt like a high zombie for my first week and a half. After that initial period, I noticed improvements in my mood every 3-6 months or so (it happens gradually over time, and your brain has to take the time remembering and getting used to being in a state of less-depression). No longer wanting to commit suicide, an even have enough energy to work now. Baby steps though, your brain has to re-learn a lot of stuff along the way.

[Fab_fraser]

I started taking antidepressants for the first time back in October & was one of the scariest things I have ever committed to. & yes the first 4 weeks were not good at all, the medication had the opposite affect to what I was expecting. My anxiety increased to levels I didn’t know existed & my emotions skyrocketed. I called my dr on a number of occasions & every time was advised all of this was perfectly normal & would pass after 3-4 weeks. & it did thankfully. During this time I had love & support from family & regular calls with my counsellor. AD really did stabilise me & was the help I needed. During new year I made a bucket list & at the top my aim was to stop taking AD in a controlled manner & to become a stronger person. Since January I started reducing dosage slowly & had call back with dr in feb as running low on AD & he advised I was being over cautious & could stop taking completely. I had reservations about this & continued taking for 2 days, but since I have not taken any & I am actually doing well. Guess the main thing I learnt is your support network is key to recovery & also being honest with yourself, for me saying it aloud I am

taking antidepressants was also a positive point. I needed to be honest with myself, I really did not want to take AD despite my counsellor mentioning on a number of occasions, but I got to such a low point that I needed help & am thankful every day I made the decision that was needed for me. So much of it related to the shame I felt of not being able to cope or even consider I could possibly need AD. It’s a hard route & something that has changed me, but also something I couldn’t avoid & had to deal with. Anyway that’s a lot of writing from me, but wanted to say there is always hope & good people that are on your side x

[alina_melis in reply to Fab_fraser]

Thank you! Your story is really inspiring. Day one starts for me tomorrow. Fingers crossed!

[Notknitting]

I just recently started taking AD again (Zoloft) and it has slowly but surely taken the edge off my anxiety and depression.

Like everyone says, it takes time to get in your system. Also having a counselor/therapist or some type of support network; family, friends, or even virtual support groups are helpful.

Good luck on your journey.

[PopcornLover1971 in reply to Notknitting]

Did. You have any side effects while starting the Zoloft?