Which antidepressants are good?

[longtimecomin]

Just that really. I work full time and am a single mum. My life feels all work and no play and I want to be a more fun and less stressed mum. When i stop doing everything for everyone and have a little down time I just feel low also maybe antidepressants will lighten my life a bit.

Bump

Have you actually been diagnosed as depressed?
Can you plan things to look forward to? Even a nice soak in the bath!
Feeling stressed or that life is all work doesn’t actually sound like depression at all.

Well you'd need to arrange to talk to your GP for a start.

Antidepressants aren't there for a little pick me up...what symptoms of depression do you actually have?

Honestly, they're trial and error. I only get on with Tricyclic antidepressants but they aren't widely prescribed anymore as most people cant tolerate the side effects. Sertraline is the most widely tolerated but I can't handle it at all. It's very personal.

Unless you are actually depressed, I wouldn't ask for them. They aren't happy pills you know. They are powerful drugs that mess with your brain chemistry. They have side effects. Mine give me a constant dry mouth and any fiddling with the dose will see a week or 2 of dizzy spells. They will also knock me out for 16 hours straight if I dont set at least 2 alarms. You have to be very careful what other meds you take with them in case they interact. You're on them usually for a minimum of 6 months. They're hard to come off, as in spending months gradually decreasing the dose by a couple of mgs a month with painful side effects of nausea, excruciating headaches and the mood swings are something else. I tolerate this because the alternative is spending hours sobbing every night and near constant thoughts of suicide and how worthless I am.

And you want to take them because you're a bit stressed from working too much and want to be a more fun mum? To lighten your life a bit? Have a word with yourself!

They’re not happy pills that brighten your life. They level out your moods and help you cope with low mood.

Instantly suspect what you’re asking about it what used to be called uppers? Which is not appropriate.

Have you actually been diagnosed as depressed?

Yes my counsellor told me last year I had situational depression and recommended I go to docs but I thought I could do a bit of exercise or meet with friends more and that would sort me out but it hasn't.

Really, they're powerful drugs, not a pick me up. They don't lighten your life.

Antidepressants will do fuck all to help you be more “fun” or less stressed. Extremely offensive to suggest that’s why you want them. If you actually are depressed you don’t get a choice in what medication you take - your doctor will assess you and prescribe one THEY think will be the most effective. If you’re lucky you’ll get along fine with sertraline or fluoxetine- neither do anything to make you feel “fun” but they may prevent your mood from dropping low enough that you feel suicidal. If you’re unlucky it will take months to years to find the correct one at the correct dosage.

They also have side affects which differ from person to person. Mine dampen my sex drive and make me sweat so much I’ve had to permanently stop wearing makeup. I would speak to a doctor who can recommend what would be best for you.

@thefourgp have you tried Mitchum spray on deodorant? Mine do the same, I spray myself head to toe and it helps a bit though (and use the deodorant stick for under arms, makes an absolutely massive difference!)

I've been fortunate that I seem to be getting on well with what I've been prescribed. I take Citalopram because it can help with the depression and anxiety I'm suffering. They haven't "picked me up" though. I just find it easier to get through the day. I don't feel so low.

That’s not clinical depression OP.

I haven’t heard of that but I’ll give it a try. Thanks SeriouslySoDoneIn. C

Venlafaxine at a high dose is the only one that has ever worked for me and I've tried most of the commonly prescribed ones.

Situational and clinical depression are two very different things. Antidepressants will only help clinical depression which is due to an imbalance in brain chemistry. Situational depression will only improve by changing your situation. You do not want to fuckarse around with your brain chemistry if you can avoid it. Changes can be permanent.

It's worth speaking to your gp if you are worried about your mood. Antidepressants are open option but there is some evidence that for mild depression they are no better than placebos only with side effects. Therapies like cbt can be effective, in some areas you can self refer. Your gp will know what is available in your area and will be able to assess what might be best suited to your situation re meds or other options.

Venlafaxine at a high dose is the one for me. However, if you have never been on antidepressants before it's unlikely your doc would start you on that.