Please Scroll Down to See Forums Below I would definitely advice you start with Wellbutrin/bupropin if you must take anti-D's. But I will also remind you that only 30-40% of folks who start anti-d meds will actually get better because of the drugs. The rest do not improve, get worse, or improve just as much on placebo. So they are not miracle drugs for everyone. I hope you get some sort of therapy/counselling to accompany your drugs..........
serious question about anti depressants and SSRIs
- Thread starter tripleV
- Start date
takniteasy
Banned
I have used Effexor with no sides. Well the only one was when I tried to stop cold turkey and got dizzy as all hell and a massive headache. Dummy me! When I tapered off, I had no problems.
3V, I have taken quite a few different ones. The doc couldn't find the right one for me. Then again, they also thought they were treating depression instead of ADHD.
I have been on celexa. It was covered under my insurance. Like I posted on AB, it was wonderful for awhile. Then, it made me very forgetful and just out right dumb. I, unlike most, did see sides with it. It was supposed to be great, but I still could not reach orgasm, had night sweats-BAD-and would forget what I was saying mid-sentence.
Then, they tried wellbutrin. Once that got into my system, I had some serious anger outbursts. Multiply a roid/temper flare by 3
The same happened for the zoloft.
My mother was on paxil. It turned her into a new woman. Eventually, it gave her more anxiety than she had before.
My friend is on effexor. Last but not least, I do have something positive to say. She loved it. Became pregnant, and switched her to prozac which did nothing.
So, I guess the effexor may be the winner in my book. Hell, I'm on cylert(speed for the most part). It is working great. I actually can function, but it is not in the category of an SSRI or anti-d.
I hope my ranting helps. I am not a fan of the anti-d pills. I think it takes more to get off them, than it did to go on.
T
I have been on celexa. It was covered under my insurance. Like I posted on AB, it was wonderful for awhile. Then, it made me very forgetful and just out right dumb. I, unlike most, did see sides with it. It was supposed to be great, but I still could not reach orgasm, had night sweats-BAD-and would forget what I was saying mid-sentence.
Then, they tried wellbutrin. Once that got into my system, I had some serious anger outbursts. Multiply a roid/temper flare by 3
The same happened for the zoloft.My mother was on paxil. It turned her into a new woman. Eventually, it gave her more anxiety than she had before.
My friend is on effexor. Last but not least, I do have something positive to say. She loved it. Became pregnant, and switched her to prozac which did nothing.
So, I guess the effexor may be the winner in my book. Hell, I'm on cylert(speed for the most part). It is working great. I actually can function, but it is not in the category of an SSRI or anti-d.
I hope my ranting helps. I am not a fan of the anti-d pills. I think it takes more to get off them, than it did to go on.
THere we go! This is my specialised subject.....
OK, I developed bulimia at 18. I did 3-4 years cognitive-behavioural therapy. Basically my head was taken apart and then put back together again but rearranged into the right order. When that didn't keep the eating disorder under control and life began to get really weird, I was diagnosed with clinical depression and given Prozac. My life changed overnight - I was more assertive and active within 5 days. I have not looked back, everytime I try to cut back and stop (it's been 2 years now) I go back into that 'black hole', only sides are lowered sex drive and decrease in sexual sensitivity. I sorted that out with AS!
OK, I developed bulimia at 18. I did 3-4 years cognitive-behavioural therapy. Basically my head was taken apart and then put back together again but rearranged into the right order. When that didn't keep the eating disorder under control and life began to get really weird, I was diagnosed with clinical depression and given Prozac. My life changed overnight - I was more assertive and active within 5 days. I have not looked back, everytime I try to cut back and stop (it's been 2 years now) I go back into that 'black hole', only sides are lowered sex drive and decrease in sexual sensitivity. I sorted that out with AS!
smallmovesal
New member
i'm on effexor... if i miss a dose i get quite dizzy which is common. i also sweat if i fall into a deep sleep, which is also common.
studies show that normal dosages for effexor are higher than the recommended ones... i was on too little at first.
paxil was hell on my sister.
studies show that normal dosages for effexor are higher than the recommended ones... i was on too little at first.
paxil was hell on my sister.
Hi TripleV, i am sorry to hear of your depression. I have a masters degree in pschology and am licensed mental health counslor in Holland. I hope i can say something to help with this.
You mention SSRI, this is the newer type of anti-dps, but not the only type. Serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) include: citalopram, fluoxetine, fluvoxamine, paroxetine and sertraline. Some common sides of these are GI problems, malaise, sedation and tremor, sweating, sexual dysfunction, weight gain. There are many others.
MS mentions only 30-40% of people improve with anti-dps. There are MANY resons why this number may be so low, so do not let that dicourage you. Maybe the people are not taking the meds properly, or long enougth to see some good, or using other drugs that are interfere with the anti-dps action in the brain...or maybe they didnt find the right drug for THEM.
Another reson for why the drug may not help so much is the reson for the depression that you have. Are there things in your life that rightfully make you sad....or do you often feel sad over small things, or not sure at all why you are sad? If it is the second type of sadness i mentioned that you think you have then maybe you could do well from the right med.
Your chances of improvement are better with counseling. You might want to think about trying this.
Do not belive horrorible stories you hear about ANY one drug. Some people do great on Zoloft, some horrible, some great on Paxil, some horrible.
Take care of yourself dearheart.
You mention SSRI, this is the newer type of anti-dps, but not the only type. Serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) include: citalopram, fluoxetine, fluvoxamine, paroxetine and sertraline. Some common sides of these are GI problems, malaise, sedation and tremor, sweating, sexual dysfunction, weight gain. There are many others.
MS mentions only 30-40% of people improve with anti-dps. There are MANY resons why this number may be so low, so do not let that dicourage you. Maybe the people are not taking the meds properly, or long enougth to see some good, or using other drugs that are interfere with the anti-dps action in the brain...or maybe they didnt find the right drug for THEM.
Another reson for why the drug may not help so much is the reson for the depression that you have. Are there things in your life that rightfully make you sad....or do you often feel sad over small things, or not sure at all why you are sad? If it is the second type of sadness i mentioned that you think you have then maybe you could do well from the right med.
Your chances of improvement are better with counseling. You might want to think about trying this.
Do not belive horrorible stories you hear about ANY one drug. Some people do great on Zoloft, some horrible, some great on Paxil, some horrible.
Take care of yourself dearheart.
circusgirl
New member
OK, I have LOTS of experience with antidepressants, I was on about 6 different ones and in and out of hospital for 3 years until they found one that worked.
Firstly, the ones they always go for to begin with are the SSRIs. They are considered more effective than either MAOI or Tricyclic antidepressants. Do not take MAOIs without the dietrary restrictions as you could have a heart attack. Most tricyclics tend to cause drowsiness, so you might want to avoid them first.
OK, SSRIs work by preventing serotonin from being reabsorbed, thus causing more of it to be around. Current theory as that having more of it around causes receptors which had "shut down" due to lack of serotonin to "wake up" - hene why the recovery curve is long and slow. You may feel immediately better after 2 weeks of taking them regularly, but usually this initila euphoria wears off and there's a ragged improvement curve for MONTHS afterwards. Many people think once the initial high is gone that the pills have stopped "working" but that's not the case - once your body is used to having more serotonin around itr stops being happy-clappy liek you will be for a few days and settles into a less depressed and more normal chemical state, which improves slowly with time.
It took me 3 years to recover and I'm still improving.
You will be VERY tired when you recover - this is because of the depression exhausting your system, and once the depression lifts the exhaustion REALLY hits. Don't push yourself too hard - you will weaken yourself physically, posibly sow the seeds of CFS and make yourself feel like shit. I caused a relapse for myself by pushing too hard and also got the chicken pox (NOT funny people). Some people though have nasty side-effects for various drugs, prozac has more sideffects repotred. If you have side effects for more than 4 days stop taking them, wait a week, and try a different brand. There is no way to tell which will work for you, which will cause side-effects as response is so individual. If you find something that works, stick with it.
Start with a low dose, and wait 3 weeks before increasing the dose to see if it works. Only increase a dose if you have had no improvement for 3 weeks. Don't, repeat DON'T stop taking them suddenly. Taper off. Leave a full week without one before starting another to clean them out totally.
Don't drink or do any drugs on these.
Don't even THINK of taking lithium or other mood stabiliser without proper bloodwork as it can be VERY dangerous.
Keep a mood diary where you rate things like mood, appetite, sleep etc from 1 to 10 every day. This will help you chart your progress, draw graphs if you feel that way inclined, because I found that when depressed I tened to believ that I had felt like that ALL the time, even though I might have been fine 2 hours previously. You WILL get days of full-on depression, but less of them as time goes on. However, make sure a friend/partner knows about your recovery as when it hits suddenly out of the blue for a day it can really get to you, especially if you feel suicidal when depressed.
Venlafaxine is an SSRI and norepinephrine acting drug. Above 200mg a day I think the norepinephrine effects start - that was what worked for me, the SSRIs were like taking M&Ms....
If you want more info PM me and I will send you some URLs. I am NOT a doctor BTW. PLEASE see SOME doc though, they can rule out thyroid problems etc which can present as depression to being with.
circusgirl
Firstly, the ones they always go for to begin with are the SSRIs. They are considered more effective than either MAOI or Tricyclic antidepressants. Do not take MAOIs without the dietrary restrictions as you could have a heart attack. Most tricyclics tend to cause drowsiness, so you might want to avoid them first.
OK, SSRIs work by preventing serotonin from being reabsorbed, thus causing more of it to be around. Current theory as that having more of it around causes receptors which had "shut down" due to lack of serotonin to "wake up" - hene why the recovery curve is long and slow. You may feel immediately better after 2 weeks of taking them regularly, but usually this initila euphoria wears off and there's a ragged improvement curve for MONTHS afterwards. Many people think once the initial high is gone that the pills have stopped "working" but that's not the case - once your body is used to having more serotonin around itr stops being happy-clappy liek you will be for a few days and settles into a less depressed and more normal chemical state, which improves slowly with time.
It took me 3 years to recover and I'm still improving.
You will be VERY tired when you recover - this is because of the depression exhausting your system, and once the depression lifts the exhaustion REALLY hits. Don't push yourself too hard - you will weaken yourself physically, posibly sow the seeds of CFS and make yourself feel like shit. I caused a relapse for myself by pushing too hard and also got the chicken pox (NOT funny people). Some people though have nasty side-effects for various drugs, prozac has more sideffects repotred. If you have side effects for more than 4 days stop taking them, wait a week, and try a different brand. There is no way to tell which will work for you, which will cause side-effects as response is so individual. If you find something that works, stick with it.
Start with a low dose, and wait 3 weeks before increasing the dose to see if it works. Only increase a dose if you have had no improvement for 3 weeks. Don't, repeat DON'T stop taking them suddenly. Taper off. Leave a full week without one before starting another to clean them out totally.
Don't drink or do any drugs on these.
Don't even THINK of taking lithium or other mood stabiliser without proper bloodwork as it can be VERY dangerous.
Keep a mood diary where you rate things like mood, appetite, sleep etc from 1 to 10 every day. This will help you chart your progress, draw graphs if you feel that way inclined, because I found that when depressed I tened to believ that I had felt like that ALL the time, even though I might have been fine 2 hours previously. You WILL get days of full-on depression, but less of them as time goes on. However, make sure a friend/partner knows about your recovery as when it hits suddenly out of the blue for a day it can really get to you, especially if you feel suicidal when depressed.
Venlafaxine is an SSRI and norepinephrine acting drug. Above 200mg a day I think the norepinephrine effects start - that was what worked for me, the SSRIs were like taking M&Ms....
If you want more info PM me and I will send you some URLs. I am NOT a doctor BTW. PLEASE see SOME doc though, they can rule out thyroid problems etc which can present as depression to being with.
circusgirl
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My sister had good results with paxil. She was having full blown panic attacks, a la Tony Soprano, and now she's fine. On the other hand, she's never gone off the paxil, and she's terrified to stop them. But they did give her back the ability to function.
I hope you're doing okay, 3V! Haven't seen too much of you on here or on anabolic board. We love ya!
Wyst
I hope you're doing okay, 3V! Haven't seen too much of you on here or on anabolic board. We love ya!
Wyst
fhg43
New member
My fiancee used Zoloft and it worked but the sides weren't fun. She gained 25-30lbs and her sex drive went down. Be very careful when getting a script and DEFINITELY consult a doc, psychologist, or psychiatrist. We all self medicated but psychotropic meds are way different. Definitely go thru normal channels to get a diagnosis and advice on the med to use.
One side they fail to mention is weight gain. Of cousre this doesn't happen in all users. But there is plenty of documented evidence that Zoloft causes some weight gain with prolonged use. In fact many SSRIs probably cause weight gain with prolonged usage so choose your med carefully. GF also had orgasm problems while using so that is another thing to be concerned about.
If you can avoid taking the drugs thats the best route. My GF had general anxiety disorder and full on panic attacks sometimes. She used Zoloft for a year. It really helped her GAD. She has chilled a little and hasn't had many panic attacks since coming off. She has been training for a marathon and has had trouble losing weight(!!?) so she is concerned that the Zoloft screwed with her metabolism.
FHG
One side they fail to mention is weight gain. Of cousre this doesn't happen in all users. But there is plenty of documented evidence that Zoloft causes some weight gain with prolonged use. In fact many SSRIs probably cause weight gain with prolonged usage so choose your med carefully. GF also had orgasm problems while using so that is another thing to be concerned about.
If you can avoid taking the drugs thats the best route. My GF had general anxiety disorder and full on panic attacks sometimes. She used Zoloft for a year. It really helped her GAD. She has chilled a little and hasn't had many panic attacks since coming off. She has been training for a marathon and has had trouble losing weight(!!?) so she is concerned that the Zoloft screwed with her metabolism.
FHG
Audacious1
New member
I have been on antidepressants on and off for 11 yrs now and i can say that Zoloft has been the best one. But i will warn ya that the sex drive becomes non existent once you take this. I had switched to welbutrin and was a horny devil, but the only side i had with it which i couldn't take anymore was terrible pelvic cramping. So i went back to my zoloft.
Now somone mentioned zoloft causing weight gain...well my experience has been the opposite, i lost 30 lbs the first year i took it back when i was 13, and then ended up going off of it a few yrs later and gaining the weight back, then went back on it and lost it again. So it probably just depends on the person, i know another side with zoloft is loss of appetite, which is good for me b/c i have one hell of an appetite.
Now somone mentioned zoloft causing weight gain...well my experience has been the opposite, i lost 30 lbs the first year i took it back when i was 13, and then ended up going off of it a few yrs later and gaining the weight back, then went back on it and lost it again. So it probably just depends on the person, i know another side with zoloft is loss of appetite, which is good for me b/c i have one hell of an appetite.
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