O.T. Advise from others who have struggled & then struggled to find the appropriate antidepressants

I have been dealing with negative side effects from my antidepressant for a year now. It is just the second medication that I have tried but it had less bad side effects than the first. My libido is gone, I have gained A LOT of weight, probably not directly because of the meds, but because I feel so lethargic. I know that this is serious & that I will be taking directly about making a change to my doctor, but I wanted to see how other women (& men) have dealt with this situation. It took me FOREVER to admit that I may need medication to treat a condition that I have. It has really helped me manage my disorder, but now there are other problems! Any feedback for me?

Thu. Sep 13, 8:55am

Sorry, I meant to type ADVICE!!!

Thursday, September 13, 2007, 8:56 AM

Well, I used to take Zoloft for a long time (this was several years ago). I absolutely hated the way it made me feel, so I (stupidly) took myself out of it and had a psychological breakdown, had to be hospitalized, etc.

When I got out, my psychiatrist prescribed Prozac. No adverse side affects that I could tell, I felt fine, just less crazy :) But after a year I realized I didn't want to be on medication at all, weaned myself off, and have been medication-free for a few years now and doing really well.

I don't know if that helps at all, but I thought I'd share my experience.

Thursday, September 13, 2007, 10:00 AM

Thank you very much. I am currently taking Zoloft & it makes me feel so heavy & unmovable. I'll get motivated to do something & then my motivation just fizzles quickly. It is so weird & out of character for me.

Thursday, September 13, 2007, 11:59 AM

I have been on anti depressants for many years, and the side effects can be horrendous! I've been on Celexa, Paxil, Cymbalta, and most recently on Lexapro. I am now taking 5Htp, which is supposed to help with depression, headaches, insomnia, and even binge eating. Quite frankly, it seems to help the most. I used to be troubled by very vivid dreams and was awakened quite frequently because of them, but I am now able to sleep almost through the whole night. I'm not sure if your doctor would agree as it is more of a naturalpathic medicine, but you might want to talk to him/her about it.

Thursday, September 13, 2007, 5:02 PM

I have been on Wellbutrin for over a year. It is GREAT. No sexual side effects, no weight gain. In fact, one of the possible listed side effects is weight LOSS. I have tried prozac and paxil (had allergic reaction), as well as lexapro (I ate everything not nailed to the floor on that one). Also, they have come out with a generic form of Wellbutrin so it's not too expensive.

Thursday, September 13, 2007, 9:55 PM

I have struggled for years on and off with depression. Had the counceling triedn the meds..... Did everything you should do and still I struggle. A few months ago went to my dr and said I need help I can't handle the stress. So many things going on... We discussed a few and I have tried so many that did not work or the side affects were so bad it was not healthy to stay on them. He said there is nothing I can do. Of the medication choices there are I have either tried them or they are in a family of ones I have tried. So I have an anxiety pill that I take when it gets really bad.
I would suggest you go back to your dr again and let him know that this isn't working for you. There may yet be an option that you can tollerate.
I wish you the best. It can be so hard and to try and not have the help you need. It gets very discouraging.

Thursday, September 13, 2007, 11:09 PM

It hasn't been easy. I've been on lots of meds and then I was put on Lexapro and it has been amazing (of course I have also been in therapy the entire time while on meds). I have very very low libido, no significant weight gain, and Lexapro has helped me with my eating disorder too. Don't know what I would have done without it.

But I do think also that regular exercise helps a lot with my mood, and I wouldn't rely on meds alone without therapy.

Friday, September 14, 2007, 10:24 AM

I have been on many medications in the last several years, (I'm 33 now..) After resisting going on them.. Everyone is different and this thread is proof of that.. What works for one, doesnt always work for the other.. I have tried Zoloft, WellButrin, Paxil, Celexa and Effexor.. Finally, I found Lexapro and it has done wonders for me.. It has helped with my eating disorder (compulsive/binge eating) I've been dieting and on PT for almost 2 months and have not had a serious bbinge/pigout since.. A few extra bites here and there but the urges and the cravings are gone.. It helps with energy and sleep and I love it.. But Im not endorsing it, just letting you know that if you dont feel good with one, carefully investigate other options.. :o)

Friday, September 14, 2007, 2:16 PM

I agree with the previous poster. Keep looking/trying until you find the one that works for you. I too resisted treatment for years, so long that the bad side effects that I had from the first med I tried didn't seem too bad. But my doc swithed me and now I really am doing better. It is worth the effort when you get the right combination. My quality of life has really improved and while I still feel guilty about taking the meds I really like being able to go to parties and enjoy myself instead of waiting for my husband to be ready to go. I can teach my children things (cooking, crafts etc) and not lose my temper (as easily), really enjoy the things life brings. Good luck. Know that this is possible and that you deserve to be happy too.

Saturday, September 15, 2007, 2:23 PM

OP

I want to thank everyone for your honest & caring advice. It has been great to know that you are all out there & I appreciate you sharing your experiences. I would love to get of meds period, but I know that I was in such pain for the first 27 years of my life (on & off, of course). I truly & honestly can say that I tried to solve underlying issues through self-education & therapy. I gave it my all for so many years & yet I always felt so HEAVY (mentally) now I feel better mentally & SO HEAVY physically. I am scheduling an appt. with a doctor to see about switching medication. I'm just preparing to start graduate school & I hate to go throwing my body off during such a busy time. I guess there is never a good time.

Monday, September 17, 2007, 10:42 AM

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