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Original poster

Do antidepressants work?

46 replies

TrySleepingWithABrokenHeart · 01/11/2019 10:54

I am having a real struggle just now with my mental health. I have another thread running about this in AIBU and have been offered some great advice and support.

I have a GP appointment on Monday and I want to be as prepared for this as I can be. I’m struggling to get through the day just now so I’m thinking the GP may suggest anti depressants but I’m completely clueless about them and wondered if you guys might be able to give me some information on whether or not they have worked for you and if you would recommend them.

I’m so grateful for any help & information you can give me.

OP posts:
Mousecat94 · 01/11/2019 11:13

Hi. Well done for making a GP appointment because I know that's not always easy. I started anti depressants at the start of the year and was really reluctant to take them and very anti medication at the start, but since being on them I've found that actually they've made a lot of difference for me. Initially starting them was a bit rocky and did make things worse at the beginning, although it's worth pointing out that I was really unwell before I started them. I didn't get on with the first medication I was prescribed and it did put me off but when I switched to sertraline that made a lot of difference and it was just a case of adjusting the dose. It definitely won't fix everything but alongside other things (ie therapy etc) I think it can make a massive difference and I'd definitely recommend them now.

Good luck and I hope things feel better soon

dangermouseisace · 01/11/2019 11:24

I’ve been on ADs for over 20 years, with the occasional break. They revolutionised my life when they finally put me on the right ones. The evidence is that they are more likely to work for severe depression rather than mild so I suppose it depends on the extent of your symptoms. Other interventions are meant to work better with mild depression. I know GPS are less likely to suggest ADs unnecessarily these days, so if they suggest them, it would probably be worth trying.

goodwinter · 01/11/2019 11:27

Yes, they do (in most cases - I'm sure there's always exceptions).

Generally you'll need to wait 6-8 weeks to see a real difference. If you have any bad side-effects, let your doctor know and they can try you on a different one.

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General health
AFistfulofDolores1 · 01/11/2019 11:30

They worked for me. There were side-effects, but, frankly, they didn't matter: the ADs helped me find my way out of a very dark phase of PND.

Original poster
TrySleepingWithABrokenHeart · 01/11/2019 12:26

Thanks everyone. That’s really good to hear that they have improved things for you all. I would say I’m in a pretty desperate situation so I won’t be shocked if they do suggest them. I’ve had anxiety issues before and have always veered away from medication but I’m at breaking point now. I don’t think I’ll be able to cope for much longer without some help. I have a counselling appointment booked but it’s not until 13th December so I think if I’m offered medication, I’ll need to take it. Thanks all.

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ShippingNews · 01/11/2019 12:30

My dear Dad was going through a really dark part of life, very depressed, when he saw a doctor and got put on Prozac. It really changed his life - he told me that he could finally see a point to being alive . He actually looked forward to getting up in the morning. I was so happy to see him come out of the awful place where he'd been. So yes I'd say that they do work. Best wishes to you .

tiredvommachine · 01/11/2019 12:33

They saved my life, so definitely would recommend. Best wishes to you OP Flowers

jackparlabane · 01/11/2019 12:35

Yes. In particular, they should assist you in being able to do other things that will help you feel better, like go out or eat or exercise. Good luck.

MirkwoodMiss · 01/11/2019 12:41

Some do, some don't. Keep trying until you find the right one for you. Don't be afraid to go back to docs if there is no change.

uncomfortablydumb53 · 01/11/2019 14:41

I've been on mine for 25 years
Started when diagnosed with PND
I now have a Bipolar diagnosis
Many psych admissions later
I am alive and happily so
Please give them a try... You may just get your life back

daisydalrymple · 01/11/2019 15:01

ADs work to address a chemical imbalance in the brain. Serotonin becomes depleted more during times of severe stress / anxiety, and the brain can’t cope with producing enough to function and replace the store.

ADs provide the serotonin the body needs whilst it works to build its own store up again. The brain can’t build enough of its own up as well as a reserve for some time, so the general advice is to keep taking them for AT LEAST 6 months after starting to feel better. The mistake people make is feeling better and immediately wanting to stop them.

I’m currently on them and have been for a couple of years now. They’ve made a huge difference to me. There’s lots of ways you can build up serotonin naturally too, by diet and exercise, but if you’re in a major slump then you may well benefit from taking them.

MoltonSilver · 01/11/2019 15:13

Yes they do work but be aware that the first few weeks can be hard - it can feel a bit worse before it gets better.

HoldMyLobster · 01/11/2019 16:57

Yes they do work but be aware that the first few weeks can be hard - it can feel a bit worse before it gets better.

God yes. I had a terrible couple of weeks after I started on Prozac. Looking back, I feel so sorry for everyone who had to live with me during that time. But now things are so much better.

Good luck OP. I'm sorry you're having such a hard time right now.

Alicenwonderland · 01/11/2019 17:21

I started taking them almost two weeks ago. The first few days I felt sick, tired, couldn't eat, sleeping was hard. I don't know if this was because I was very low when I started taking them. All the initial symptoms have gone although I probably get tired quicker. I feel more rational as I was quite paranoid before I started taking them but other than that I'm still very anxious. I'm sticking with it because I've been told by friends and family that take them that you do feel better after a few weeks. I was extremely against taking them but as I'm still having to deal with my abusive ex on a regular basis because of the kids, I know I need to be 100% to cope with him.

Original poster
TrySleepingWithABrokenHeart · 01/11/2019 17:47

Thanks everyone. That’s really helpful and has made the prospect of taking AD’s a little less scary for me. Alice I hope you start to see the benefit of them soon Smile

OP posts:
Alicenwonderland · 01/11/2019 17:56

💕💕Thank you, I I hope they help you too💕💕

FaithInfinity · 01/11/2019 19:40

They have been invaluable for me at times. I have anxiety and sometimes in extreme stress I tip into depression. I find a combination of antidepressants and talking therapy are the only way to get me out of my depression. I had ‘moderate’ depression at uni after a bereavement and The stress of my course and this is what helped me through.
I’m now at the point where I recognise I’m spiralling and get help before I get as bad as I was before which is good. Definitely discuss meds with your GP but I would also suggest asking about counselling services in your area.

Keepthebloodynoisedown · 01/11/2019 19:46

They saved my life, and made it worth living.
First two weeks for me were awful, so I’d say be prepared for that, and don’t give up if they don’t help straight away. Hope you feel better.

Myimaginaryfamiliarhasfleas · 01/11/2019 20:16

I think you have to think of AD medication as like insulin. Some people just do have a chemical imbalance and need the right medication to function normally. Mine was life changing, and I regret that I had to reach crisis point before going to see my GP. So many wasted years.

Original poster
TrySleepingWithABrokenHeart · 04/11/2019 16:48

I’ve been given Sertraline 50mg a day. Does anyone have experience with that specific AD?

I am hoping and praying it helps me 🙏🏼

OP posts:
PhasersTaeMalky · 04/11/2019 16:55

Yes, they really do work. I still have bad and good days, but I can cope in a way I couldn't before. I'm not paralysed by a bad day.. Just temporarily derailed. I wish I had taken them years ago. Would have changed my life.

milliefiori · 04/11/2019 17:04

They do work but not all ADs work for all people. I've tried several and they have different positives.

Seroxat made me very efficient but cut off all my emotions. It was like I was a different person on that drug.

Citalopram was wonderful - a real life saver and I felt very calm and happy and 'myself' on it, like it had actually removed the depression gremlin. But it made me put on a stack of weight and slowed my metabolism down so badly that I just slept and slept so had to come off it.

Prozac took months to kick in so may not be ideal if the depression is severe. But it was a very good one to take on a low dose for a long time, and a good one to wean off as it has a very long half life, so if you reduce it very very slowly you might suffer no side effects.

A couple of friends of mine really rated Sertraline for a very short term boost that kicked them out of a depression. I couldn't stand the side effects (nausea and headaches for me) but it seemed to work well for others.

billandbenflowerpotmen1 · 04/11/2019 17:25

Mirtazapine saved my life during the darkest time of my life

muddledmidget · 04/11/2019 17:32

Mirtazapine got me out of a very dark hole that I'm not sure I would have got put of without it. I had insomnia to the point of sleeping for about 3 hours a week, wasn't eating anything due to the feeling of anxious nausea that I always had and was trying to hold down a professional job. My GP gave me the option of any AD but pushed me towards mirtazapine as being good for those who are tired but wired. My first 2 weeks were a daze, my fitbit shows me as being awake for around 3 hours a day at first! But after 2 weeks I felt well enough to return to work and weaned myself off after around 8 months

Original poster
TrySleepingWithABrokenHeart · 04/11/2019 18:28

Thanks for the feedback everyone. I’ve just taken my first one. Really hoping this could be the start of something good 🤞🏼

OP posts: