Help What should I expect from anti depressants?

[CTB-London]

I think that they can work for people who have a biochemical imbalance in their brain. My depression is situational so they didn't have any real benefit. I just got side effects with little effect so I always discontinued them in the end and haven't asked for any since.

 

[ceelo]

I think that they can work for people who have a biochemical imbalance in their brain. My depression is situational so they didn't have any real benefit. I just got side effects with little effect so I always discontinued them in the end and haven't asked for any since.

the chemical imbalance theory was rubbished a year after it came about in the 60s

 

[FriendofDeath]

I have been on antidepressants off and on for years. I started with Prozac when it was fairly new. It did help me - I felt different. Prior to taking it, I didn't know there was a better way to feel. Flash forward, and I have been on many different meds and many different combinations. We even did a test that is supposed to show what medications would work best with your chemical make-up. Only 1 appeared in that column - Pristiq, and it's the first one I ever took that made me numb. However, in my situation, we decided numb was better than severely depressed and/or suicidal.

I have experienced side effects - Wellbutrin and Effexor contributed to me feeling slightly psychotic. Coming off wasn't good. Another one I got off quickly because I didn't want weight gain. A few of the new ones I pretty much declined because of the cost. Most antidepressants do need to build up in your system. Pristiq is different. If I forgot a pill I was struck with a horrid headache. I also got bruxism, and after some research, I think it was a side effect of the Pristiq. I got off that and am on Prozac again. The weird thing is I am still numb. Never was before I took Pristiq. Thing is, I need to stay on medication. It may be just what you need. It can be frustrating because it has to build in your system, so you might not experience any positive results for weeks. Congrats on having the strength to reach out. First time I got an antidepressant, I was actually at the doctor's for something else and just happened to mention depression. I have a psychiatrist now, and she's been a good one. I hope your experience is positive.

 

[Sensei]

the chemical imbalance theory was rubbished a year after it came about in the 60s

Not for bipolar disorder.

 

[ceelo]

Not for bipolar disorder.

And thus the treatment for bipolar is different, anti depressents make them worse... lithium is the way they go or seroquel etc. Also its worth noting to date we have NO method of measuring serotonin or dopamine levels accurately in the body so how can we know whats meant to be?along with a whole mountain of various configurations in each individual

 

[Sensei]

And thus the treatment for bipolar is different, anti depressents make them worse... lithium is the way they go or seroquel etc. Also its worth noting to date we have NO method of measuring serotonin or dopamine levels accurately in the body so how can we know whats meant to be?along with a whole mountain of various configurations in each individual

Actually, bipolar disorder is not seldom treated with antidepressants, but almost invariably together with a mood stabilizer, not in monotherapy. In monotherapy antidepressants had near distasterous effects on me, but in combination with a mood stabilizier they worked just fine for many years. I don't know what my serotonin and dopamine levels were, but I do know that I didn't have any episodes during these years.

As you say, paraphrased, there are enormous individual variations. Antidepressants can have no, little, or adverse effects, sometimes very serious, on some people. However, that majority of all studies I've found show that antidepressants work for the majority to one degree or another. Warnings about potential risks are fine, but categorical dismissals aren't, in my opinion.

 

[ceelo]

Actually, bipolar disorder is not seldom treated with antidepressants, but almost invariably together with a mood stabilizer, not in monotherapy. In monotherapy antidepressants had near distasterous effects on me, but in combination with a mood stabilizier they worked just fine for many years. I don't know what my serotonin and dopamine levels were, but I do know that I didn't have any episodes during these years.

As you say, paraphrased, there are enormous individual variations. Antidepressants can have no, little, or adverse effects, sometimes very serious, on some people. However, that majority of all studies I've found show that antidepressants work for the majority to one degree or another. Warnings about potential risks are fine, but categorical dismissals aren't, in my opinion.

then i have no idea which studies you reference but the ones on pubmed had anti depressents working on 46% over a 6 month period with placebos coming in at 42%

 

[Sensei]

then i have no idea which studies you reference but the ones on pubmed had anti depressents working on 46% over a 6 month period with placebos coming in at 42%

I just got an idea. Why not start a thread where we can share studies about antidepressents that we manage to find? We could "peer review" them too, i.e. reason about their validity. Would you do the honours?

 

[limpingtowardfreedom]

If you want to explore a potentially healthier or less damaging option than SSRIs, look into something called nootropics. They aren't thoroughly researched, but have worked well for me without the negative effects of SSRIs

 

[Sensei]

If you want to explore a potentially healthier or less damaging option than SSRIs, look into something called nootropics. They aren't thoroughly researched, but have worked well for me without the negative effects of SSRIs

On the topic of nootropics, and to butt in, there's quite much anecdotal evidence that it may help people suffering from depression and bipolarity and there's preliminary research that suggests that it does have antidepressant properties. I'd like to point out that it needs to be taken in small doses.

Sorry to spam with this, but herbs have really helped me, so I'll link to a guide I've compiled: A Guide to Herbs. I don't dare to say that they can replace antidepressants, but they can at least supplement them. Read up before you decide to use any herb. End of spam.

 

[prochoicefriend]

I am on a small dose of Prozac. You will notice the side effect way before you notice any benefits. If your life is in the dumps, there is nothing to lose. I hope you get better from it. You might feel an improvement in 2-6 weeks.

 

[dysfunctional]

Anti-depressants were very bad for me. I felt angry and distant. But I was misdiagnosed as depressive when I actually have bipolar disorder. People with BD tend to react poorly to anti-depressants (and marijuana, haha) because it pushes manic/mixed states. BD medication has worked much better for me. I definitely think anti-depressants are worth a shot first. Just keep checking in with yourself and letting your psych know what the effects are.

Went through the same thing. But I'm not sure The bipolar meds make me feel much better. Lithium, seroquel, wellbutrin. The seroquel helps with sleep so thats nice.

 

[ceelo]

I just got an idea. Why not start a thread where we can share studies about antidepressents that we manage to find? We could "peer review" them too, i.e. reason about their validity. Would you do the honours?

nah im really not that interested, studies i reviewed were from pubmed.

 

[Sensei]

nah im really not that interested, studies i reviewed were from pubmed.

Maybe I'll do it myself then. It could benefit many people. It's quite time consuming to do it alone, though. Any volunteers?

 

[Backwood_tilt]

Maybe I'll do it myself then. It could benefit many people. It's quite time consuming to do it alone, though. Any volunteers?

Potentially. I'm not on here a lot but PM me if you are serious.

 

[racek]

aggression