Which anti-depressant?

[makedah]

I take it for depression. I have all the classic symptoms. Took me years and a good friend pushing me to force me to get the diagnosis. Now I appreciate what the meds can do for me.

Glad you're getting help, 2Shy. I was just wondering b/c for my condition (anxiety) SSRIs are also an option but I chose the anti-anxiety meds.

 

[2Shy]

I used to have panic attacks and the Paxil helped those, but I have not had problems with those in ages. I think they stemmed from short-term anxiety.

 

[srblan]

Lexapro! Yes, I am male, and yes I may not have the same issues with SSRI's as others would, but I have found that to be the best by far. I take a small dose of Serzone at night, which helps a bit more. So far, I have taken Celexa, Serzone, Wellbutrin, and now Lexapro, and I have found that Lexapro has been the best. Celexa totally shut me down sexually, and Wellbutrin made me feel like crap.

Good Luck.
-srblan

 

[Ulter]

My suggestion is that you drop all that stuff and try P Seven. It's only $24 a bottle and it WILL improve your mood.
It's at the AF Store. www.anabolicfitness.net/shop

 

[FitFossil]

Did any of you experience initial sickness with the ssri's? My last client is struggling with this side and trying to keep from losing any more weight, or else they will change her class.

They made me somewhat nauseated for the first week or so, but not so much that I vomited. Also for me they really reined in my carb/sweet cravings. Some people though seem to get increased cravings which doesn't make sense.

 

[wilson6]

Did any of you ever sit back and consider what in your life is causing the depression, anxiety, panic attacks, etc.? and start working on the root of the problem vs treating the symptoms?

Just a thought.

W6

 

[MS]

"Did any of you ever sit back and consider what in your life is causing the depression, anxiety, panic attacks, etc.? and
start working on the root of the problem vs treating the symptoms? "


TOO HARD

 

[makedah]

Did any of you ever sit back and consider what in your life is causing the depression, anxiety, panic attacks, etc.? and start working on the root of the problem vs treating the symptoms?

Just a thought.

W6

I'm sure you and MS are not trying to be nasty, but I bristle at this kind of stuff. For years I resisted medication for anxiety. I succumbed and got on the meds and its a whole new world. But I know better than to just pop a pill and continue with business as usual. I see a therapist to help me work through my issues. As you know, there are "hard-wiring" problems and life history problems. I'm trying to deal with both - and yes, it IS hard.

 

[2Shy]

What makes you think that some of us aren't following a two-pronged approach? I would agree that meds alone will not solve the problem.

 

[FitFossil]

Did any of you ever sit back and consider what in your life is causing the depression, anxiety, panic attacks, etc.? and start working on the root of the problem vs treating the symptoms?

Just a thought.

W6

Quite a lot, thank you very much. If there's one thing that people with OCD (obsessive compulsive disorder) do a lot is ponder things over and over. Considering that my OCD symptoms first showed up when I was 4 years old, not too much had happened in my life to blame it on.

I was in formal therapy for several years before trying Prozac, and the difference was like night and day. Not to say I didn't benefit a lot from therapy, but for me the medication really is the missing link. OCD is caused by a chemical imbalance of serotonin. I continued with therapy for awhile while on medication, because the medication removed my mental roadblock, and I was much more receptive to therapy. Supplements like 5-HTP or whatever don't work for me like the SSRI's. I'm reminded of this every time I've gone off my med for any length of time. I'd much prefer not to be paying for or possibly poisoning myself with these drugs, but for now they allow me to live a normal life. For some people, things like stress, diet, etc. can cause a temporary chemical imbalance, that improves when their situation improves. Then there are those like me who, in spite of a great life, still have weird brain chemistry.

I agree that people and doctors are too quick to use drugs for a quick fix rather than looking for the cause. It is especially alarming when general doctors experiment on their patients with different psychiatric drugs instead of referring such cases to an actual psychiatrist. Same with people who try to diagnose and dose themselves.