Do antidepressants work?

[TrySleepingWithABrokenHeart]

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.

One common side effect of Setraline is nausea. I found that settled after a couple of weeks.

Yes saved me after a two year breakdown where I was a recluse. Got me back to work and I’ve never been depressed since but still take them rather be stable then depressed nothng worse

Hello @TrySleepingWithABrokenHeart I'm on 50mg of Sertraline. Best thing I ever did. I've been on it for quite a few years now. It's fast acting and the symptoms are minimal: you might have a bit of gastric upset in first few days and possible feel anxious but it will pass v quickly, I couldn't function without it. I thought I was well enough to come off last year which I did for about 10 months or so. I realised after that time I had slid back into depression and I'm happier on it then I ever have been. I've totally accepted that I need this drug forever.

They do work. For me, up to a point only, because the depression was and is situational. I am working on dealing with that situation, but the medications have helped me to see more clearly to do so.

TrySleepingWithABrokenHeart, I wish you well. Hope you hit the "jackpot" f the right ones at the first go! Best wishes.

Yes they work. But they take time to work and not everyone gets the right drug first time (some ads work better for different people) so you have to persevere with them.

For many people, yes, but not everyone.

Some people need to try several before they find the one that best suits their needs.

My DP tried a load of them but nothing made a dent.

Be aware of the potential side effects, sexual dysfunction being a frequent flyer in most popular SSRIs.

One thing your GP will hopefully have discussed with you, is that there is generally a best time to take them. It might not necessarily be the same time for everybody. Some people find morning better, others may prefer evening if a side effect is nausea or sleepiness for example, to sleep through some of it.

If you find the right ones for you, absolutely they do. They take a while to kick in, and sometimes you might have some side effects. But they 'correct' your brain chemistry, up your serotonin uptake and after two or so weeks, in my experience, that debilitating greyness that typifies depression starts to lift. It is worth persevering with.

Hi I take Sertraline. Been on and off for years but now don't think I'll ever be off them, which is fine
I take 25mg every second day which keeps.me on an even keel.

Definitely worked for me, although I did need to try more than one before I found the right ones.

Oh I hope I’m lucky enough to have success with this one first time round. I really need this to work!

I took my sertraline at 6pm, in the hopes of allowing any symptoms to be at their worst through the night. If I do end up having trouble sleeping, I will switch it to the morning.

Thanks all.

I just wanted to add that my GP prescribed Sertraline when I had a dreadful health anxiety episode a few years ago. Traumatic didn't even describe it, I was in a dreadful state. I started slowly, half a tablet every day for 2 weeks, then onto 1 tablet a day. I ended up taking them for about 8 or 9 months and that coupled with CBT helped bring me down and get me realigned.

I am seeing my GP on Friday as I am spiralling again - severe breast cancer fears this time and I have already said to DH that if GP mentions Sertraline I am going to take it. I can't live like this at the moment and a few months of tablets is worth its weight in gold if I can get on an even keel again.

Good luck OP

In my experience it gave me the tools to focus on what had to be done
Calmed my anxiety

I found it invaluable and its the only reason I was able to stick with talking therapies.

I wouldn't chop and change timings yet. I would take consistently for a few weeks before you do. Personally first minute I'm out of bed is best for me as I'd forget otherwise. I honestly don't think you'll face any problems - just hang on in there.

I started on 50mg of sertraline yesterday too for anxiety, never had it previously. I took my 2nd tablet this morning and I'm starting to feel like I've got a hangover, bit shakey with nausea. Hoping you're feeling ok so far

I found if I took it at night it gave me bad dreams but see how you go.

I’m about a week into 50mg of Sertraline. I have had nausea and an upset tummy most days but my head feels so much better.

Have been given sertraline for PND. Have held off starting them as I've been on (other) antidepressants for much of my life and it was hard work coming off them during pregnancy. Also worried about effects on BF baby, even though it's the safest choice in breastfeeding. On the other hand, also worried about the effects of my depression on my cherub (you should see his chubby cheeks!).
This thread is making me strongly consider just taking them. They've never been wonder drugs for me before, but if they just take the edge off the sadness or unwelcome intrusive thoughts, so I've got the mental space to try harder, then it's worth it.

Thanks for all the advice ☺️ I will stick with 6pm for the time being and see how I get on.

Gin I took my second tablet yesterday too. I’ve not had any severe side effects yet. I’ve been feeling very tired come around 10pm and a little spaced out. Then I’ve been quite shaky when I’ve woken up at 6am. I’m not feeling any benefit yet but I know they say you probably won’t see a benefit in the first 2 weeks. How are you feeling today?

Wow Boden, that’s great you’re feeling a bit better in only a week. I hope the nausea eases up for you soon 🙏🏼

Actually scrap that... I must have jinxed it by saying I was doing okay with the side effects. For the last few hours I’ve been feeling absolutely exhausted. I feel like I’m moving at a snails pace and have zero energy. Has anyone else experienced this side effect?