FohPah
Student
- Dec 7, 2019
- 146
I've taken more than one type of antidepressant. One of them helped me fall asleep and made my sleep more refreshing. The others didn't do anything.
-
If you haven't yet, we highly encourage you to check out our Recovery Resources thread!
Pure
Specialist
- Jun 29, 2021
- 366
Personally for me, they weren't worth it. You have to "shop" until you find the one (if you find the one). This can easily take months. Plus you'll have to deal with the side effects.
The only med that I've tried that worked for me is lithium. Ended my suicidal thoughts but the side effects were too much for me to bear ie severe fatigue during the day.
This isn't to discourage you to try meds but more so you understand that it's not a one and done thing. Everyone I've ever seen who said anti depressants work for them all said they had to try múltiples drugs for it to work.
The only med that I've tried that worked for me is lithium. Ended my suicidal thoughts but the side effects were too much for me to bear ie severe fatigue during the day.
This isn't to discourage you to try meds but more so you understand that it's not a one and done thing. Everyone I've ever seen who said anti depressants work for them all said they had to try múltiples drugs for it to work.
Last edited:
Celerity
shape without form, shade without colour
- Jan 24, 2021
- 2,733
They did not provide anything approaching permanent relief. I had some temporary success with Bupropion. We're talking a slight decrease in suicidal thoughts for 2-3 months out of 16 years of chronic suicidal ideation.
I can only be thankful that I was not damaged by them or experience rare side effects. I have taken many antidepressants of all kinds, new and old. They are as good as sugar pills, IMO, and actually worse because they can interact with other drugs or alcohol.
Studies have shown that 75% of the effects people see is placebo.
www.scientificamerican.com
www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
I really wish I did have better news. If you're going to take one, I think Bupropion is decent if you aren't a heavy drinker. Few side effects. Easier to come off of than others.
I can only be thankful that I was not damaged by them or experience rare side effects. I have taken many antidepressants of all kinds, new and old. They are as good as sugar pills, IMO, and actually worse because they can interact with other drugs or alcohol.
Studies have shown that 75% of the effects people see is placebo.
Antidepressants: Do They "Work" or Don't They?
A new study finds little difference between pill and placebo
Antidepressants and the Placebo Effect
Antidepressants are supposed to work by fixing a chemical imbalance, specifically, a lack of serotonin in the brain. Indeed, their supposed effectiveness is the primary evidence for the chemical imbalance theory. But analyses of the published data and ...
www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
I really wish I did have better news. If you're going to take one, I think Bupropion is decent if you aren't a heavy drinker. Few side effects. Easier to come off of than others.
coffee
Peace!
- Jul 23, 2021
- 121
Tried fluoxetine (Prozac) when I was 18 yo. It worked. After 20 years I got depressed again and tried trazodone (Donaren). It helped with insomnia but not much with feeling sad. Going to try something different on the next weeks.
At least in my case I know depression is related to getting divorced and career.
God bless you all!
At least in my case I know depression is related to getting divorced and career.
God bless you all!
Celerity
shape without form, shade without colour
- Jan 24, 2021
- 2,733
coffee
Peace!
- Jul 23, 2021
- 121
Dymming Star6
Member
- Jul 19, 2021
- 43
As far as antidepressants, I have been prescribed the only one that kinda worked for a short period was Wellburtin/Bupropion. It gave me mad energy and I didn't gain weight. I was able to work in an administrative sense with flying colors, even gain promotions, however, I felt emotionally bland, meaning I lost my empathetic/authenticity completely. Then after being hospitalized in the State for four months for threatening to shot myself in the face(I don't even have a gun nor do I know how to actually use one in that regards, lol) they added lithium for my BiPolar which made me feel somewhat "normal", even if that's a real thing, huh?! Once, I was discharged they took away the Litium and added Abilify w/Wellburtin/Seroquel. That damn Abilify made me a zombified member of tardive dyskinesia(involuntary movements), ugggh! I was just a shell of a human malfunction robot with that combo! I have been hospitalized (5) times for Major Depression with severe suicidal ideation since I was 19 years old, including a (4) month stay at the State hospital at 39. I was finally diagnosed at the age of 42 with BiPolar Disorder II after another breakdown/hospitalization. After going through so many crisises over the years and being subscribed so many different medications that just weren't quite right, I just cannot do the medications any longer. I feel that I have lost so much of the real me, especially a lot of my memories from childhood until now. For me, it's just what human being wants to live with just coping to get through this b.s. life, just barely getting by?! Things may be different for you so don't be discouraged in your personal journey, hun. This is my story and it's harsh from a varied perspective...but, I own my own shit as such and don't push my view on anyone else, unfairly for that matter. I share here because I know I am not the only one with my experience...At the tender age of 48 at present, still somewhat reasonably attractive, I just don't see the big 50 in my mirror, being an attaintment for me at all! Hell, I never thought I would make it to 40. At this time, I just want to tell my short story to touch whoever may need it as a spring board for their own journey. I just cannot go on living misunderstood in what seems like forever...My advice just do what's best for your life, your choice, no right or wrong...and finally no judgement...
Celerity
shape without form, shade without colour
- Jan 24, 2021
- 2,733
That's exactly what I tell people when they ask my why I don't want to hold on.
I don't really believe in the validity of the psychiatric disorders, but I wonder if we both might have BP II or some other cyclical depression? A psychiatrist online has some info about it you may want to check out:
Bipolar Diagnosis: Spectrum or Yes/No? – Psych Education
psycheducation.org
I also was somewhat successful w/ Bupropion. I have wanted to try Lithium but am hesitant to have BP put on my record.
Pure
Specialist
- Jun 29, 2021
- 366
I follow some critical psychologists on Twitter who pretty much believe that most psychiatric diagnoses and psychiatry are horse shit....hence why I'm not obsessed anymore with diagnosing myself. Diagnosis only matters for insurance purposes lmao. All I need to know and is relevant is that I want to fucking die and I hate my life.
SuicidalAgain
Dummy
- Sep 9, 2020
- 107
They only made me numb, and it was when I was on them that I made my most serious attempts.
Also my speech has worsened after taking the medication, I had blanks, not finding words for what I wanted to say, losing my train of thought, etc... I feel like I've gotten better in that regard since coming off them. I would be interested to hear if anyone else had this experience.
Also my speech has worsened after taking the medication, I had blanks, not finding words for what I wanted to say, losing my train of thought, etc... I feel like I've gotten better in that regard since coming off them. I would be interested to hear if anyone else had this experience.
Celerity
shape without form, shade without colour
- Jan 24, 2021
- 2,733
I have not, but I know people who have. It's a common side effect, from what they told me.
Pure
Specialist
- Jun 29, 2021
- 366
It's so boggling how the first line to treat depression also increases your chances of dying by suicide.
Luchs
kristallene Bergluft über verfallener Gruft
- Aug 20, 2019
- 528
Midgardsorm
Paragon
- Apr 28, 2020
- 918
I've been on Prozac for about 2 years without noticing any benefit or side effect. Then switched to Paxil ..nothing. Then switched to Anafranil, finally noticed something, really bad, my anxiety skyrocketed, I couldn't even sit down.
Now I'm on Fluvoxamine, I might be noticing a few side effects, but it's a little early to say.
Sisyphus
Member
- Jul 26, 2021
- 70
It depends on the person and the drugs. I am told some people take them and they are very effective, some get a little better, and some get nothing.
CoolGuy9
Mage
- Mar 5, 2019
- 524
whywhywhy
Member
- Jun 11, 2021
- 66
I think they help. Over the years I came to realize that mood is something that is 75% relying on the chemical substances that run through your brain. Antidepressants help with that.
I think it would be worth for you considering going to a hospital to get checked. Someone I know used to be a normal person until she radically started experience severe depression. In the end they discovered a brain tumor that caused her tonhave a chemical inbalance. She got treated and she kinda started having a normal life.
As someone with PMDD, I can confirm that that is most likely the case. My mood changes radically based on what hormones are predominant in my body at any given time. Doesn't really have anything to do with what is going on externally, although the illusion is that it does.
I am the poster boy for anti-depressants. I got really depressed when the dinosaurs arrived here on planet earth, they walked around with their big paws like they owned the place. Ever since I have been taking anti-depressant, and they certainly can help a person, when I do not take my medicine I feel like giving up. I know T-rex also started taking anti-depressant, but then I had to listen to his wining alll day, of how he is not able to get it up anymore, and how it is my fault, because I recommended anti-depressants, I ended-up having to take another type of anti-depressant, because of this emotional abuse.
Last edited:
MyChoiceToLeave
Psychiatry Destroyed My Life
- Jul 4, 2020
- 69
Antidepressants ruined my life and caused me to go down a path in the corrupt mental health system leading me to worse meds like antipsychotics. Now I have to end it all. Read up on people like Dr. Peter Breggin who go against their own profession of psychiatry and let you know that they actually cause chemical imbalances and permanent brain and CNS and endocrine damage.
I would say you don't have to mention the suicidal thoughts if you are worried they will take you in. Just talk about other symptoms.
In the UK, suicidal thoughts I don't think would get you sectioned. I think you would only get sectioned after an attempt. I might be wrong, but i think suicidal thoughts are quite common (sadly) and there is not funding in the system. They would just try and treat you with anti-depressants.
There are people who have success with anti-depressants. The one that gives you the least weight gain apparently is Prozac, so try that one first?
If psychedelics help, why not take them as microdoses or every few months? LSD did help me hugely one time, but I haven't been that lucky again. But other people use them more regularly. The only risk is cardio issues - but you wouldn't be doing them every day I guess.
Also, I would say if it's just five years - the sooner depression is treated, the better. Don't leave it untreated. Mine is 30 years long, and ideally, it is treated sooner rather than later, as the brain is needing support (it degenerates/doesn't function as well in depression).
The side effects (unless you are unlucky) are liveable with and there are support groups all over FB to join.
I'm 2 weeks into 20mg Prozac so far. It's not terrible. It's given me a bit more energy. It takes weeks to test a medication, so the sooner you start, the better. There are risks to all medication, but it has to be better than living with constant suicidal thoughts (maybe!).
LostSoul1609
Experienced
- Mar 9, 2021
- 245
Zoloft worked incredibly well for me (you might not believe that since I'm here but eh, nothing works THAT great), apart from having a shitty time the first two weeks when starting and the first two weeks of quitting.
What kind of antidepressants were those you took?
PeacePlease
A wandering body without a heart
- Feb 26, 2019
- 49
For me they dont work at all.
Some give a relief at the beggining until they dont work anymore, then it is a hell to get off hem. Doctors tell you it is depression or anxiety comming back but its actually withdrawal. I had taper down mine for 2 years so the symptoms would not hit me that bad. 2 years off and I still have side effects like cognitive issues, sexual disfunction, anhedonia, short term memory issues, etc.
This is no medical advice obviously but my experience
Some give a relief at the beggining until they dont work anymore, then it is a hell to get off hem. Doctors tell you it is depression or anxiety comming back but its actually withdrawal. I had taper down mine for 2 years so the symptoms would not hit me that bad. 2 years off and I still have side effects like cognitive issues, sexual disfunction, anhedonia, short term memory issues, etc.
This is no medical advice obviously but my experience
Apricity
Wizard
- Jul 27, 2021
- 642
Antidepressants do absolutely nothing for me. I've been taking them for over 20 years now and I always end up feeling the same. I do have bipolar disorder and depression disorders and anxiety disorder and God knows what else other disorders. But it seems to me like I'm usually okay unless life comes along and kicks me in the balls, then my whole world is just fucked regardless of medication.
ostracism
Member
- Aug 1, 2021
- 10
Fluoxetine 40mg for depression/anorexia made me anxious and shaky when I took at 15, although the psychiatrist added a tiny amount of xanax to 'ease' the anxiety in the initial stages to adjust to meds. The psychiatrist later decreased fluoxetine to 20mg, doubled the xanax dosage, added clonazepam 0.5mg then added fluvoxamine 75mg (later doubled the dose), 1 tablet trazodone, plus aripiprazole for suicidal ideation since I only got a lot worse after being put on meds for few months. I got anxious a lot back then so the psychiatrist additionally prescribed me xanax 0.25mg and propranolol 40mg as prn.
One point my suicidal ideation became active so my psychiatrist told my mom & me that I either have to go to psych ward or mom'd have to observe me 24/7. My mom chose the latter and I was taken all of the freedom, stopped taking meds cold turkey and I had hypersomnia lasting for 2~3 months.
However when I tried the second round of antidepressant a year later with a different psychiatrist, it worked. I was there for anxiety and depression with occasional panic attacks. He put me on Wellbutrin 150mg SR + xanax 0.25mg tid. I was on meds for 6 months and tapered them off safely.
One point my suicidal ideation became active so my psychiatrist told my mom & me that I either have to go to psych ward or mom'd have to observe me 24/7. My mom chose the latter and I was taken all of the freedom, stopped taking meds cold turkey and I had hypersomnia lasting for 2~3 months.
However when I tried the second round of antidepressant a year later with a different psychiatrist, it worked. I was there for anxiety and depression with occasional panic attacks. He put me on Wellbutrin 150mg SR + xanax 0.25mg tid. I was on meds for 6 months and tapered them off safely.
I currently take Bupropion (Wellbutrin) and I took several antidepressants since I am 16 years old (now 28 years). Bupropion was by far the strongest antidepressant when it comes to increased energy. It has a very strong stimulating effect and is also closely related to amphetamine, actually it belongs to the group of amphetamines. Its a dopamin-norephenephrine reuptake enhancer. It kind of works too got for me, sometimes I feel slightly manic and overexcited. The only problem is that it can increase anxiety slightly.
I dislike SSRIs, they work for me but I dont like their effect.
Venlafaxine was one of the better ones, it increases mood and energy fairly well.
Mirtazapine is a sedating antidepressant which also calms you down and decreases anxiety, its perfect if youve got sleeping issues, but not perfect for a lack of motivation.
A rather exotic antidepressant is Tianeptine, but I dont know if that is available in all countries (I live in Germany). It helps but I cant tell how and why, its a rather strange thing but worth considering.
Other valid options to keep in mind are Amitriptyline (there are some side effects with this one) and Moclobemid, but I never took them.
Another option is lithium which is not an antidepressant but suitable for treating bipolar and non-bipolar depression, especially very persistent ones. It has side effects and regular blood tests are highly recommended and Im not sure if it is available in all countries.
SUMMARY:
- for depressions with decreased energy: bupropion (wellbutrin)
- for agitated depression with sleeping issues : mirtazapine or doxepine
You could also combine venlafaxine with mirtazapine, these both go very well along with each other.
You could also think about Pregabaline, Antipsychotics and Benzodiazepines.
I dislike SSRIs, they work for me but I dont like their effect.
Venlafaxine was one of the better ones, it increases mood and energy fairly well.
Mirtazapine is a sedating antidepressant which also calms you down and decreases anxiety, its perfect if youve got sleeping issues, but not perfect for a lack of motivation.
A rather exotic antidepressant is Tianeptine, but I dont know if that is available in all countries (I live in Germany). It helps but I cant tell how and why, its a rather strange thing but worth considering.
Other valid options to keep in mind are Amitriptyline (there are some side effects with this one) and Moclobemid, but I never took them.
Another option is lithium which is not an antidepressant but suitable for treating bipolar and non-bipolar depression, especially very persistent ones. It has side effects and regular blood tests are highly recommended and Im not sure if it is available in all countries.
SUMMARY:
- for depressions with decreased energy: bupropion (wellbutrin)
- for agitated depression with sleeping issues : mirtazapine or doxepine
You could also combine venlafaxine with mirtazapine, these both go very well along with each other.
You could also think about Pregabaline, Antipsychotics and Benzodiazepines.
Day 19 of Prozac - no suicidal thoughts, no agitation, no anxiety. I don't know if this will last, but it is definitely the Prozac and definitely a relief. I have been very suicidal for so long. I also just read about adding Creatine to anti-depressants to help them work better. It's not safe for people with Bipolar as it can cause a manic switch, but there is some good research out there. OP, I'd urge you to try medication. You could be one of the lucky ones!!
LiminalFantasies
Dwelling within darkness
- Mar 18, 2021
- 34
I would say that the effects from chemically different antidepressants varies from person to person, is kinda the same thing like that you might not get every side effect from every medication. Each body reacts differently to the various chemicals we introduce in our biological systems to tackle mental illnesses, that includes symptoms or episodes of suicidal ideation. I think you should give it a try with various and even other types of medications that are not antidepressants that might fit or work for your situation. If that dosen't work out for you with meds alone or feels that isn't effective enough, there's other options you can try without medication, combine with another type of treatment like going to a therapist or psychologist or even activities that can distract you from thinking that, like exercise (many studies often claiming that can help with mood, acting like an antidepressant of sorts) or doing something you enjoy.
From my experience I was prescribed my first antidepressant, an SSRI, which is escitalopram (Lexapro) from my ex-psychiatrist after episodes I was having of academic anxiety I was having at the time in my High School. Also was that chapter of my life where I first starting having suicidal thoughts every now and then. I took them for around 6 years, on during semesters and off during holidays/vacations, so was very inconsistent. Needs to be taken as needed if I started to feel stressed out and/or anxious according to her. Helped at first with my mood and productivity but over time, the excitalopram started losing effect on me and I told her at some point that the medication is not working anymore, as if I was now resistant to that specific antidepressant. She was like I need to keep taking the medication even if is doing nothing anymore, despite there's others types of antidepressants she can prescribe at her disposal that is similar to the one I was taking.
After a suicidal event I had gone through months ago and telling that to my psychologist that I have been visiting since my childhood for around 15 years, she said that action must be taken ASAP and immediately since thought was a danger to myself and was a critical situation to be in. The ex-psychiatrist refused to make an appointment to us since was full from other ones and that the limits imposed of capacity in an enclosed place due to COVID-19 meant was impossible to attend the situation fast. She recommended to us another psychiatrist that also turns out to be in my town so was really close. Since the visit to that psychiatrist, he prescribed me another SSRI, sertaline (Zoloft) and Methylphenidate (Ritalin), an stimulant. Although Ritalin is not an antidepressant, for long-term for me, the combination appears to work way better than excitalopram alone at controlling my moods and especially suicidal thoughts alongside with sertaline being assisted temporarily. In my case, a stimulant was doing a way better job at suicidal ideation control than an antidepressant does. Was in fact noticed by my family that I changed since I started taking Ritalin.
Other thing to remember is we are in control of our thoughts and emotions. Is what often both my psychiatrist and my psychologist often point out. Of course can be factors that makes the control really hard and can be really challenging to do so, but is one of such ways can help oneself and to take self-care in some way too in that regard besides medications. Is better to combine treatment with something like going to a therapist.
So far like the sides effects I've experienced are not a lot, but included water retention (water weight), insomnia, easy bruises and varying appetite. But I've said before, that doesn't mean that you are not going to get those symptoms, is more having a chance of getting certain side effects. Might be nice to explore and educate about other options.
From my experience I was prescribed my first antidepressant, an SSRI, which is escitalopram (Lexapro) from my ex-psychiatrist after episodes I was having of academic anxiety I was having at the time in my High School. Also was that chapter of my life where I first starting having suicidal thoughts every now and then. I took them for around 6 years, on during semesters and off during holidays/vacations, so was very inconsistent. Needs to be taken as needed if I started to feel stressed out and/or anxious according to her. Helped at first with my mood and productivity but over time, the excitalopram started losing effect on me and I told her at some point that the medication is not working anymore, as if I was now resistant to that specific antidepressant. She was like I need to keep taking the medication even if is doing nothing anymore, despite there's others types of antidepressants she can prescribe at her disposal that is similar to the one I was taking.
After a suicidal event I had gone through months ago and telling that to my psychologist that I have been visiting since my childhood for around 15 years, she said that action must be taken ASAP and immediately since thought was a danger to myself and was a critical situation to be in. The ex-psychiatrist refused to make an appointment to us since was full from other ones and that the limits imposed of capacity in an enclosed place due to COVID-19 meant was impossible to attend the situation fast. She recommended to us another psychiatrist that also turns out to be in my town so was really close. Since the visit to that psychiatrist, he prescribed me another SSRI, sertaline (Zoloft) and Methylphenidate (Ritalin), an stimulant. Although Ritalin is not an antidepressant, for long-term for me, the combination appears to work way better than excitalopram alone at controlling my moods and especially suicidal thoughts alongside with sertaline being assisted temporarily. In my case, a stimulant was doing a way better job at suicidal ideation control than an antidepressant does. Was in fact noticed by my family that I changed since I started taking Ritalin.
Other thing to remember is we are in control of our thoughts and emotions. Is what often both my psychiatrist and my psychologist often point out. Of course can be factors that makes the control really hard and can be really challenging to do so, but is one of such ways can help oneself and to take self-care in some way too in that regard besides medications. Is better to combine treatment with something like going to a therapist.
So far like the sides effects I've experienced are not a lot, but included water retention (water weight), insomnia, easy bruises and varying appetite. But I've said before, that doesn't mean that you are not going to get those symptoms, is more having a chance of getting certain side effects. Might be nice to explore and educate about other options.
