Depression Meds

[HealthyHeart]

Would anyone mind telling me what depression meds they've had good luck with and any to avoid?

I've been sinking emotionally since late summer. I've been in a new relationship for about a year. My new partner is going through some personal issues and his behaviour under this stress is really triggering me. I asked for a relationship timeout in SSeptember to give him time to deal with his stuff and to allow my emotions to settle down.

I seemed to be doing well when I had some outside yard tasks to keep me busy and burn off frustration. When those were done I thought that focusing on my mental health would be a good thing to do.

I read Pete Walker's book and could really see myself and my brother and sister. I've journaled my hurt, gratitude, and constructive thoughts. I've read about positive energy and worked on setting positive goals and meditating on them. I've meditated on balancing my chakras. My last efforts were to add yoga with mantras.

With every effort I got feeling a little better for a day and then dropped further into depression. This past Saturday was very dark for me and a red flag that I need some serious help.

I'm really afraid of the side effects of antidepressants and fear that I won't be able to stand feeling any worse before I feel better.

I'd appreciate any advice from your personal experiences.

[AphoticAtramentous]

Hey HealthyHeart. Unfortunately the nature of medication and human bodies is that the experiences tend to vary a LOT between different people. For those wanting to try anti-depressants, my advice is to consult your doctor and just... give it a go. Though these medications can have side effects, those side effects are only temporary, and if you stop taking the medication, the side effects cease too. Meaning there's no major permanent chemical-harm in trying these meds - which is great, because you may find that the first one you try doesn't appeal to you. But the second or third one might!

Also, medication will always give some kind of side effect (whether that be initial side effects from first taking the medicine, or the side effects that persist for the duration of the course). It reminds me of a quote from Dr.Mike, paraphrased - if the medication doesn't have side effects, then it's not actually effective medication. That is to say that... nearly every medication you take will have some kind of adverse effect. For example, SSRIs that increase serotonin levels can cause bouts of insomnia because they "enhance neural activity, leading to feelings of alertness and wakefulness". But if you are experiencing this, you could try taking the SSRIs in the morning instead. Ultimately, when it comes to deciding on the medication, what matters is that we understand what side effects we can manage or what side effects we are willing to live with.

For myself, I've recently gone back on Fluoxetine. I've been on them before so I know what to expect, and I know that these medications tend to make me sweat more, and increase the amount of nightmares I have. However, compared to the other antidepressants I've tried, these are the side effects I'm actually willing to deal and cope with.
When you do initially go on the anti-depressants, folks will often report feeling momentarily worse, or in my case - momentarily more anxious. But in those moments I just remind myself that these are coming from the medications, not me - and that they are temporary, reversible, and manageable.

Best of luck.

Regards,
Aphotic.

[HealthyHeart]

 Thanks Aphotic!

I guess you're right that there's not going to be a drug without side effects. Still dreading the trial and error period!

[Mathilde]

For me personally, antidepressants were not helpful. But rather hurtful. But as said above, all people have different responses.

I tried Exefor/Venlafaxine. I went on them because I was abused and rightfully anxious. Not depressed. I would avoid this. I was very emotionally flat during use. And withdrawals were horrid. Hellish. It caused permanent instability and depression in me. That I never had before. So I kindly disagree with the idea that there are never permant side effects. Efexor especially is known for that. When looking into meds, I would look at side effects. But also what med is easier or more difficult to withdraw from. There are a few that are known for their horrible withdrawal syndromes. Like this one. But all can cause chronic depression,

I tried Sertraline. For me, it caused hypomania. I was in an artificial high. And very impulsive and without guilt over things I would normally absolutely feel horrible about. I felt horrible after withdrawing, because my guilt returned.

I tried saffron (a herb). To me, this was the best. It works as an antidepressant. It works quite fast. And it had the least side effects and withdrawals for me. It is tested scientifically and proven to work as an SSRI. The idea that there are never side effects or withdrawals with herbs is a fable. But it was the mildest for me. And easy to just take once or twice on bad days. It has a build up of effect...but also an immediate effect, as opposed to SSRIs.

I never really liked SSRIs though. Because they estranged me from my genuine feelings. And made it impossible to see and change the actual problems. It is like an artificial dissociation.

If it helps you live your life though...that is important too. But it is a careful choice. It is an experiment. These are just my experiences. It is indeed trial and error. I would though look up the few meds that are known for crazy withdrawal...and avoid these.

[TxiaHoria55]

Hi HealthyHeart,

I'm sorry for what you're going through. Like everyone says, wich anti depressant works for you can change from person to person, so you should discuss it with your doctor or/and a psychiatrist.
In my case, I've been on Trintellix for nearly a year. It's the first one that I've taken, and so far it's good. The only side effect I had was constipation, but I also have IBS, so I'm not surprise. Both my doctor and psychiatrist recommended it to me because it seems it has the least amount of side effects, or at least the less likely to. I have also friends who're on Trintellix and they seem fine. Though I've heard from nurses that Trintellix either works for you or doesn't, so again, discuss with a professional first.

Good luck and stay safe!