Depression Medication

[YamYamMan]

Hi all,

I've been suffering from depression for over 3 months now, and have probably had underlying depression for at least 5 years now. I am currently undergoing CBT treatment and have done for the last 3 months, but with little success. I am thinking about approaching my GP to discuss prescription medication for helping me get back to a positive frame of mind, but am very anxious about how strong they are, the side effects and how long I will need to be on them. I wondered if anyone out there has had success with them and if they have now found it possible to live happily without them?

Thanks in advance.

[blackcat64013]

Hi,I have tried to manage without antidepressants but found I had to take them to improve my mental health and to combat the physical affects such as sleep problems, low energy levels.

Antidepressants are medications prescribed by your doctor to treat major depressive disorder, some anxiety disorders, some chronic pain conditions, and to help manage some addictions.

There are about twenty-one most commonly prescribed antidepressant medications so there is bound to be one that works for you. You may have to trial one or two before finding the best treatment for you (we all have different chemistry)

The benefits certainly outweigh the usually minor side-effects of antidepressants include dry mouth, weight gain, dizziness, headaches, sexual dysfunction, and emotional blunting. There is a slight increased risk of suicidal thinking and behavior when taken by children, adolescents, and young adults.

A discontinuation syndrome can occur after stopping any antidepressant which resembles recurrent depression.You can continue with CBT can be used in conjunction with medications.

Wishing you all the best in your recovery journey 🦘

[hypercat54]

It's worth remembering that the sort of ad's you would be offered are not strong powerful drugs and any side effects would almost certainly be mild.

How long you would need to be on them is impossible to say as we are all different. Most people aren't on them for more than a year or so.

[Hidden]

It all depends on how bad your condition is and if you manage to learn how to help yourself with the assistance of your Therapist.

Drugs take upward of five weeks to get into your system and you will need to be patient with your medications to allow them to help you.

How long to ger better, how long is a piece of string

You could try breathing techniques and Mindfulness, Relaxation Techniques they may help you

BOB

[welly10]

Hi every case is different I had breakdown 5 years and still on and off them they help you get through when you need help.good luck talk to your doctor.

[YamYamMan]

Thanks for responding everyone. I've decided to try and carry on without the medication for the time being, as I'm just about to become a father and the fear of becoming emotionally detached from my wife and son when they need me the most is too much to think about. Is there anything the doctor can offer me between CBT and medication, or is it a straight jump from one to the other?

[Hidden]

Medication can be used as just another tool to help combat depression, it can help lift your mood while you get back on track. I was on Fluoxetine for a long time then I eventually weaned myself off and have been living without the aid of meds for about 4yrs. Medication for me was an aid to my recovery 😊