Depression Forums

General => Medication => Topic started by: kenmia92 on September 28, 2012, 06:58:28 PM

Title: New to antidepressants, would like some help or advice.
Post by: kenmia92 on September 28, 2012, 06:58:28 PM
Hello, I've recently been diagnosed with depression, currently on the waiting list for therapy. I've also been advised to take an antidepressant, sertraline. But my parents aren't too happy with me taking anything. They are soo unhappy that they have tried many times to change my mind about taking them. My mum thinks that it will change me as a person, that it will make me addicted (even though the doctor has told her otherwise), she keeps saying that I'm only 20, she doesn't want me to be reliant on any meds.

Could someone thats been on them tell be about their experience? Anything will help me!
Title: Re: New to antidepressants, would like some help or advice.
Post by: Sweetpea on September 28, 2012, 07:22:35 PM
Taking the meds will help you get through this depressive episode. You are also having therapy so this will help also.  Most people find that after time they can stop the meds. (with your drs advice on how to slowly stop them). I am sure your Dr would not have prescribed them unless they thought they would help. S x x x x

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Title: Re: New to antidepressants, would like some help or advice.
Post by: plumb on September 28, 2012, 07:34:53 PM
Your 20 ? you dont need your parents permission to take a prescription drug or anything come to think of it.  They are showing ignorance and too much control. Maybe thats your issue.
Title: Re: New to antidepressants, would like some help or advice.
Post by: Stacey on September 28, 2012, 07:40:42 PM
I think you need to have a think about it and decide what is best for you. Your parents obviously care for you but people are coming off meds everyday. Everyone is different though. Although it might seem like a long process it will eventually be worth it if you can find your happy place again xx
Title: Re: New to antidepressants, would like some help or advice.
Post by: kenmia92 on September 28, 2012, 07:44:06 PM
Maybe, I've not started taking them, just so I can find someone whos possibly been on them and come out shining. I want to prove to my parents that its not some drug that will make me into a crack addict, but something that will help.

I would really really appreciate it if someone could tell me their story maybe?

Also thank you for all your posts, atleast I can get some support from here.
Title: Re: New to antidepressants, would like some help or advice.
Post by: Stacey on September 28, 2012, 08:01:21 PM
I don't think your doctor would prescribe something that would have that effect. Obviously they have side effects but they should help you in the long run. Maybe do some research on your tablets first.

Okay, I have been on Fluoxetine for 16 months and at first I found them really useless because they took some time to kick in as such. Approximately 4-6 weeks in and I really noticed a change. Some things were still a big struggle and I was lathargic but somehow managed to do what the doctor told me to do to help myself. I think you just need to take it slow and see how things go. If you have anymore questions ask away. xx
Title: Re: New to antidepressants, would like some help or advice.
Post by: Sweetpea on September 28, 2012, 08:07:22 PM
I have not had the med you have been prescribed. But I am on Duloxetine and I have had CBT and counselling. I have been told I will need to take my meds for a long time. But each of us are different and many people take meds and come off them and are well. S x x x x

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Title: Re: New to antidepressants, would like some help or advice.
Post by: kenmia92 on September 28, 2012, 08:20:52 PM
I would like to know if anyone has had a bad experience with any meds?

Thanks again :) xxx
Title: Re: New to antidepressants, would like some help or advice.
Post by: Leo on September 29, 2012, 02:53:06 AM
If it is any help, I have been on and off anti depressants since I was 14 , I am now 24.

The reason being I have recurring bouts of depression.

The decision is entirely yours, don't be swayed by other people or family. Only you know exactly how you are feeling.

Good luck x
Title: Re: New to antidepressants, would like some help or advice.
Post by: kenmia92 on September 29, 2012, 12:27:50 PM
Thank you, you're right... Can I ask, in the inbetween times of taking your meds were there any side effects?

xx
Title: Re: New to antidepressants, would like some help or advice.
Post by: Leo on September 29, 2012, 01:55:15 PM
No, I had no side effects inbetween taking the meds.

While on meds I only experienced side effects if I forgot to take my tablets apart from the one I'm on just now.

For me though, personally, it was worth a few side effects to get better.x
Title: Re: New to antidepressants, would like some help or advice.
Post by: kenmia92 on September 29, 2012, 04:30:34 PM
Ah okies :) its good to know... I think its best if I start with my meds, rather than wait for nothing... Thank you everyone for all your help! If anyone can give me any more info, although you've all given me a lot already :)

Again thank you guys! Xxx
Title: Re: New to antidepressants, would like some help or advice.
Post by: Catbrian on September 30, 2012, 11:18:03 PM
Anti-depressants usually take weeks before you start feeling any benefit.  I have always found it is better to take the medication immediately before bed time.  This way, any drowsy effect you might feel when you first start using them, wont affect your day to day activities.  After about a week or two usage, it's important never to just decide to give up and suddenly stop.  They are not addictive, but can play havoc with the chemicals in our brain if we stop suddenly; it's always best to keep in touch with your GP and trust his guidance.

Anti-depressants react differently for each individual, it's difficult to be specific about possible side effects.  Some people, like me, have almost no side effects from any of these meds.  The patient leaflet that comes with your medication is good to read and there will be loads of results if you type 'Sertraline' into a Google search.

You're Mum is right in one sense.... yes, they might change you.... but, for the better.  Hopefully, combined with therapy, you will start to feel an improvement in your mood in the coming weeks.  Check in with the people on this Forum when you need any advice or support 

Good luck $%$
Title: Re: New to antidepressants, would like some help or advice.
Post by: kenmia92 on October 01, 2012, 11:27:29 PM
Thank you for your post :)

I've done my reasearch, just wanted a real life experiance..

I've been taking the meds for 2 days... Apart from a few side effects like nausia headaches and some drowsiness, I found that my second day was better, well atleast the side effects have eased up... But I thinks its too early to tell if the side effects were one offs..

I guess only with  time I will get better

Xxx
Title: Re: New to antidepressants, would like some help or advice.
Post by: plumb on October 02, 2012, 12:32:24 AM
Good chance what you perceive as side effects at the very beginning may well be purely psychological as you feel relief that they are going to help as well as nerves as to how they may effect you and disbelief that you are taking a mind  altering drug.
Some people say its a cop out taking anti depressants but its not. Its a difficult and brave decision to make and a step in the right direction.
What bugged me at the beginning was how many people asking how long i would be taking them for. My answer was and is "as long as want to". Its my thing, my decision, my business.
Title: Re: New to antidepressants, would like some help or advice.
Post by: Got on October 02, 2012, 12:34:49 AM
Do you know why you have been prescribed sertraline specifically?

Your parents seem to care about you. They are worried about what the medication will do to you. There is no need to worry, you should be fine. If the side affects are unpleasant and last too long, or the tablets have no positive effect, there are many more to choose from...different groups have different mechanisms of action.

Steve X


Title: Re: New to antidepressants, would like some help or advice.
Post by: kenmia92 on October 02, 2012, 11:25:01 PM
For me its been, 'why are you taking them', the whole lack of understanding....

Today was dificult... My arm went numb... A friend had to drive me home purely cause I was anxious about the whole thing... Went to the hospital, and they just told me to take it before bed... So I wil start that...

Also can I ask if anyones seeing a counsellor? Cause although I'm on a waiting list, I don't really want to see one.. Just for the fact that I want to piece myself back together.. And feel that speaking about my problems will just break me down again...
Title: Re: New to antidepressants, would like some help or advice.
Post by: plumb on October 02, 2012, 11:44:25 PM
I am not yet purely because im not ready. If your not ready a good councillor will not want to see you.
Title: Re: New to antidepressants, would like some help or advice.
Post by: kenmia92 on October 03, 2012, 12:24:25 AM
I do understand that... I want to be ready, I want to enjoy life..

@Stevie, its just what the doc prescribed.... I'm still fairly new to antidepressants... I just thought that there were many antidepressants because not everyone has the same reaction?
Title: Re: New to antidepressants, would like some help or advice.
Post by: Stacey on October 03, 2012, 06:08:28 PM
I am seeing a counsellor and have only had three sessions so far. I feel like you do, I hate going, I hate talking about myself and my life and every week I just sit and cry for an hour and the anxiety takes over.

I really don't like doing it but I think it has to get worse before it can get better and they need to ask about me to try and find the root of this.
Title: Re: New to antidepressants, would like some help or advice.
Post by: mamalou on October 05, 2012, 09:22:04 AM
Hi,

Just wanted to say that I think it's good you have started the medication. And I think that your parents are really concerned about you. Sadly, mental illness is very difficult to understand. So this then affects all areas of treatment from medication to counscelling and further on to quite intense therapies. I'm wondering if your parents might benefit with looking at the MIND website ? Or maybe you could find some information about your medication and about depression in general to show them and try to start positive communication with them.

With regards to any therapy you may be offered, I would hold off making a decision not to do it until you have been on your meds for a few weeks. It may be that when you are slightly more stable in mood, you feel that therapy would be appropriate.

Sorry for waffling.

Mamalou   x x x
Title: Re: New to antidepressants, would like some help or advice.
Post by: kenmia92 on October 05, 2012, 03:24:38 PM
Thank you for your reply. Sadly the side effects of the medication made me give it up.. It made me confused at times, and that is something I can't have with my 3rd and final year of uni... I've considered taking something else, but I'm worried that I will get a similar effect... 

Councelling starts in 10days, I'm starting to think that would be more beneficial in terms of my accademic life...

Although I'm almost 100% sure that the meds would have worked, it just simply is not the right time for me to be taking something that will effect my capability...

Has anyone gone thru mod-severe depression without medication?
Title: Re: New to antidepressants, would like some help or advice.
Post by: Catbrian on October 05, 2012, 11:42:59 PM
It might be a good idea to stay off the meds until you can talk to your new therapist.  I'm sure he/she will help you make an informed choice.  If you're going back on them, consider a low dose of Citalopram, then increase after a few weeks, if you feel the need too.  From my experience, and many more on this Forum, it is probably the one with least side effects.  The trouble is, if you become too preoccupied with side effects, you might struggle to find one which will fit in with your studies.  People do deal with moderate to very severe forms of depression without the meds.  But, as I said, best put it to the back of your mind until you can discuss it with the Therapist.

Good luck.... everyone here will support you as much as possible.
Title: Re: New to antidepressants, would like some help or advice.
Post by: kenmia92 on October 06, 2012, 07:34:23 PM
Thank you for your advice. I have my first appointment with my therapist in a week. I just hope it helps