Would anti depressants really work, and would I be stuck on them forever ?

[MrsMorgan]

Or am I stuck like this forever ?

[MrsMorgan]

Sorry, that didn't make much sense.

I mean do they always work ??

[Kaloki]

I've found they work for me, just be aware that you may have to try a few to find out what works for you.

I've been on anti-d's twice, and it is possible to come off of them. The thing to remember with them though, is, if you had a more obviously physical illness that required drugs every day for the rest of your life you wouldn't have this stigma attached to them. You need to put your health first

[lambypoo]

Anti-depressants really do work. Afraid to say (or not maybe) that I've been on them solidly for quite a few years. I've tried to come off them but I just go downhill again.

The way I look at it, like Kaloki says, is that I've prob got an imbalance of serotonin in my brain and therefore need the ads to replace it. Much like if I had diabetes my body would need insulin to work. No-one with diabetes would consider not taking insulin would they?

[MrsMorgan]

You are right, I just feel like such a failure. I can't seem to do anything right anymore.

[Kaloki]

That's the depression talking sweetheart. You aren't a failure at all.

In my experience of depression, all you want to do is shut yourself off, just being able to talk about it is a huge success.

[lambypoo]

Mrs Morgan, feeling like a failure is the depression talking like Kaloki said. There is no shame in taking ads - thousands of women do and it doesn't need to be forever.

However, it is your choice whether you do or not. You may want to take them to get yourself out of the worst of it short term. Then you can come off them when you are feeling better. You could try counselling depending on your problems. Sometimes, this is enough to help you to feel better. I don't know what's going on in your life but sometimes depression is caused by a life event, ie reactive depression, so it's not like you are a "depressive" (even if you are it's an illnes like any other). Just saying that in case it makes you feel better.

If you want to, you can give us more info so we can help you.

Take care of yourself.

[PacificDogwood]

Some people respond better to ADs, some to "talking therapies" ie counselling/CBT. The evidence suggests that both approaches work about the same, but different approaches work for different people. There is good evidence that a bit of both works best.
Also bear in mind that ADs are more likely to treat "clinical depression", not unhappiness. As lamby said lifeevents can of course trigger depression, but "normal" sadness will not be improved with AD.
They are not addictive (no high, and you do not require higher and higher doses to achieve the same effect), but some have more sideeffects when started and again when stopped, so weaning off is usually best.

You are very unlikely to be on ADs for ever, although people who have had depression once, are more at risk of developing it again. A very small minority of people find that they relapse as soon as they stop ADs and they are sometimes better off to continue on them.

HTH (smile)

[MrsMorgan]

Thanks

After spending yet another day wishing the world would go away I have decided that this cannot continue so will ring my gp tomorrow, although probably won't be able to get in until Monday.

Can you drink on ad's ??

[bettykitten75]

Please go to the GP MrsMorgan. I went a couple of weeks ago. Have suffered with depression and anxiety for many years although it has become much worse since the birth of my last child.
I am taking Prozac and whilst I am not feeling like jumping for joy, my life now feels bearable and the anxiety has eased. All my problems/issues are still there but they are not bothering me so much. I feel I can face the day and feel ok.
I imagine this is how most people feel all the time. If I have to take Prozac for the rest of my life, fair enough. It's a small price to pay to feel better.

[bettykitten75]

I think you can drink in moderation. I have overdone it a couple of times since starting my meds. I feel I get drunk quicker on much less booze so I'd advise to be careful.
I expect it depends on what exactly you are prescribed.

[PacificDogwood]

Can you drink? - In principle, yes. You might find you get drunker quicker, IYKWIM, particularly when you first start taking ADs.

Well done for making an appointment .
Have a look at this for some advance info.

Hope you feel better soon.