Advice desperately needed

[goodkate]

Right here goes.

About 6 weeks ago I was diagnosed with depression. I have been advised to have some counselling, which I am happy about, but also my Gp wants me to go on ad's. After seeking further advice about this, it appears that this is the right thing to do. I know absolutely nothing about them (ad's) and I am now looking to all you knowledgeable women for advice about which kind to take.

My depression is a bit like a roller coaster. Today I've felt quite normal, yesterday I cried all day and was in a very dark mood (this happens about once a week) but the worst aspect is the hyper bits, I am very organised but also excessively aggressive, bitchy and mouthy. Although I've always been outspoken, my tact has completely left me.

Can anyone help? please?

Message withdrawn

Isn't it a bit hit or miss though? ie which drugs suits best. Do different drugs do different things?

message withdrawn

ok. I'll leave it in her hands. r there any to avoid from personal experience?

From my experience with my BF it is a matter of trial and error to find the right one for you. The tough thing is that it takes two weeks for most of them to kick in and then if it doesn't work you might need to adjust the dose, or get off it and wait a while till it is OK to try the next one. I don't mean to be discouraging. Good Luck!

goodkate hi i'm really sorry to hear this. have you thought about the possibility of trying counselling first and seeing if that helps before ads? are you in a position to pay for therapy? if you need advice on this score i'd be happy to help, do email me through mn (am a trainee psychotherapist so know a little bit)...whatever you decide to do, i hope you feel supported here x

I don't have personal experience but have talked to a lot of the top psychiatrists recently and asked them what ad they prescribe for what symptoms. Broadly speaking there seems to be a general consensus amongst them that:
low mood, low energy generally just very very down = prozac
depression accompanied by anxiety = seroxat
cipramil and cipralex are thought of as being a good "general" antidepressant.

Your GP will be able to guide you more and from what you describe it seems like you don't fall neatly into a box. They also said it is trial and error and one size doesn't fit all.

Also remember they take about two weeks to start working.

\Glad you are getting some help. Hope you feel better soon.

Thanks everyone thats really useful and very supportive.

Sophable - thanks hon. Am going private through work, who I'm pleased to say have been fab (work for charity). I originally was against ad's but after seeing a fab Dr for second opinion have decided I actually need them. I will email later.

Lamin - That was v.useful. I'm not always down down down, so I think I'll stay away from the prozac. In fact today has been fine. I don't think I'm suffering from anxiety, mine's more guilt/massive change driven. But the guidance has been excellent. Thank you.

My ex BIL was bi-polar and I'm scared stiff of ending up like he did.

no prob gk...i'll get back to you promptly

Hi goodkate, best wishes. I was on Seroxat for 6 months about 4 years ago and they certainly worked for me. Best one for individuals can really vary though as all posts below say. It felt hard to start taking them and the period before they kicked in was really bad I'm afraid - it might help to think about other support or things that help you now, and try to have this in place for that time. But once they kicked in I just felt so much calmer and less desperate. I'd say the obvious really - stay in touch with your GP and if you think they're not working then try to believe that there may be another that will help you, and go back. I hope you get through this soon, whatever makes the difference - life really does not have to be this awful.