Anti Depressants.

[naxalite0906]

Has anyone on here been prescribed them and how did you feel when you took them. Did things really improve and were there any side effects (major or minor). I have a very close friend who was prescribed them and originally I am against anyone taking them. I do not know what tablets they are, but I am of the impression that once someone starts taking them, it will become increasingly harder to stop taking them and live a normal life again. I am scared they will start to rely on them. I am also scared due to side effects. It was reccomended by the Dr that they do some reading about the pills before even taking one, but I wanted to help too hence my question. Any comments would be massively appreciated.

 

[FurryFury]

My Mom has been on just about every sort of pill related to depression one can go on. I've not seen any big benefit for her but I have seen some bad side effects but she is a very difficult and I believe unusual case.

I very good friend of mine OTOH, was put on anti depressants and within a week felt much better about everything in her life.

So, it's really hard to say. It is often the first thing doctors try with depression. Supposedly most people can "eventually" be helped via drugs.

*shrugs*

Good luck to your friend.

Fury

 

[intothewoods]

Nax, I'm not sure how to answer your question. Will they be able to live a normal life again? If someone is seriously depressed, they are not living a normal life now. Most doctors will prescribe a combination of anti-depressants and therapy.

Will they ever be able to stop taking the meds? Maybe. Or maybe they will need to switch meds. Or maybe they will stay on them. It's not about keeping a person drugged. The idea is to treat a chemical imbalance.

As far as side effects go, there are a number of pills out there, and the patient should talk to their doctor about finding one that works for them. Some have less side effects than others.

 

[Thermister]

My only regret in starting to take anti-depressant medication at this point in my life is that I did not start taking them fifteen years ago. It's been a total change in my life.
It's not something I run around telling anyone about, there is still a stigma against it in the area I live in, my wife and doctor are the only ones that know.
The one I'm taking doesn't seem to have any side effects that I have really noticed. I know some meds have various side effects that people will experience at varying degrees. For the most part the side effects are preferable to the symptoms of the depression.
I don't feel drugged up, the black cloud that has inhabited my brain for just about my entire adult life is gone and I'm able to think clearly. My wife loves my non-depressed attitude. Sometimes it bugs me that I have to take a pill to make me socially acceptable, but the benefits thusfar have far out weighed that little twinge.
I still get a little depressed from time to time, but it'll last a day or two and be gone, not go on for weeks or months like before. It took about six weeks for them to really start working for me, but after that it has been great. I've even been able to quit smoking since I went on them.
A normal life is one without depression and anxiety. I've lived the last thirty years feeling depressed to some form or another just about everyday, never really felt good. You'll notice a change in the person's attitude and personality because they are no longer depressed and their real personality can come out. Depression hurts, it's painful, it nearly destroyed my marriage, I threw away an extremely successful business because of it.
I rely heavily on my pills, they allow me to be a better husband, a better father, a better friend, and I do better at work. They don't shape my behavior or personality, they simply remove that black cloud of depression. I do not want to ever stop taking them and go back to the way I was before. I'm the same person except, not depressed.
Your friend should get as much information as possible, talk to more than one dr and check into therapy as well. Medication is not always the answer and is often the first thing tried, depression is often the result of a chemical imbalance but it can be due to other factors as well.
I have known people that take pills, get feeling better, decide after a while they don't need the pills, stop taking them, go right back into depression, after much convincing they go back on the pills, feel much better, decide they don't need the pills, stop taking them, go right back into depression. Which is why therapy is important and good communication with the Dr.

 

[PertPerth]

I took antidepressants for a year about 5 years ago. They totally changed my life - and probably saved it too. I thought it was difficult to adjust (physically) but had the support of a friend who had just started taking them at the same time - and of course a good psychologist!

I tried 3 different types of antidepressent medication until I found one which suited me best. Not every person will react to the same medication in the same way. It could take MONTHS before finding the right one.

As for how it felt - bacially it smoothed me out and made me feel like I was on a positive road to improving my life and selfesteem. It enabled me to carry on with everyday tasks and work, where as before I was struggling to keep up.

I disagree that every person who takes this kind of medication will become 'dependent' on them. As I mentioned before, I haven't taken any for quite a few years, but I do make sure I see my psychologists every 6months/year just for a chat.

We have a family friend with severe depression. On his medication he's a WONDERFUL man, lovely husband, father and friend. Unfortunately, now and then he thinks that he is always like that, so, he stops taking his pills. Then his marriage, family and friends suffer (and I'm sure he does too!!) until he realises he's a nicer person - and a much happier person - while on antidepressants.

As mentioned before, depression is a chemical thing - but best helped with both medication and counseling.

 

[naxalite0906]

I have just re read my post from last night.. Let me firstly say that this is definitely not for me if anyone thought it was one of those "I have a friend posts" as it could seem like that. This is someone who is like a sister to me. She asked my opinion, and other than the ones I raised in the initial post, I couldn't offer her any more advice and wished I could of. I know the tablets she was prescribed were "Amitriptyline," and she has been doing some research online into them, but hasn't found any actual experiences from people who have used it. She understands her behaviour will be affected greatly, and probably for the best, but also is worried about effects on libido, weight, sleeping etc. I think she was given both 25mg and 50mg tablets and the Dr basically said to read up on them and try them if she wants as they will help. However, no therapy was mentioned.

 

[DrHappy]

I know several people who were helped tremendously by antidepressants. My wife was on them when I first met her, though she is not on them now. She said that they helped her feel "emotionally appropriate". Since starting them, some of the turmoil in her life has dissipated, and she no longer feels that they are needed. She also got some counseling in addition to the antidepressants. I'd say that she's a definite success story. I know others as well. They had undergone a period of sustained stress and their emotional chemistry had gotten out of balance which made it worse. The antidepressants (usually with counseling) helped pull them out of a rut. Depressant itself is tragic, it is senseless to suffer from it any longer than necessary.

I know other people who are continuously on them, like a diabetic takes insulin, or like someone with high blood pressure takes an anti-hypertensive. Without them, they are an unhappy emotional wreck. With them, they live a normal happy life.

The choice of Amitriptyline is a little curious, since it is an older medication that has higher levels of side-effects (though generally harmless). I'm guessing that the doctor may have chosen this one because your friend may be having problems sleeping. I took a very low dose (<10 mg) of this a while back to help me sleep. For certain people, this drug has an amazing ability to help them get quality sleep in very low doses. Side effects in high doses include dry mouth, constipation, sleepiness, and possibly lower libido. It also has a nice anti-histamine side effect in case she has allergies.

As far as long term detrimental effects, anti-depressants are low risk, especially compared to some older anti-psychotics or anti-epileptic drugs. Like someone mentioned, the patient needs to work with their doctor to figure out which one works best for her without unpleasant (though generally harmless) side effects. They are similar to anti-histamines in that they don't work the same for everyone.

 

[FluteMaster]

I think DrHappy has hit the nail on the head here. Some people need anti depressents short term as a form of emotional scaffolding while they receive talking treatement, or just deal with the issues in their live that are causing them the stress in the first place.

Other people need anti depresents because their chemical make up is all out of wack for no other reason than something purely physiological..

In any case, it can take several attempts to get the right drug or drug mix that works, and even when someting does work, there is a good chance that the body will adapt to it over time, and then a new regimen will be required.

I once had a sever reactive depression that meant that I was on suicide watch and on two drugs. After 6 months, (and two abortive attempts), I weaned myself off them...but that was my own choice.

Mental illness is so hard because other people can't see the effects. Keep supporting your friend Nax...that is what she needs.

 

[shy slave]

Not all anti-depressants make you dependant on them.

If your friend had a broken leg would you recommend they did not have it put in plaster? Of course not, when levels of particular chemicals in our brains become low they cannot be replaced and easily maintained by a food source, hence tablets.
They are not foolproof, nor are they an exact science as each person works differently; but there are common base lines which GP's work from.

I had tablets for two years, the first two were low dose. One had no effect the second made me high which made life impossible for the week I was on them. I ended up on efexor and thank God I did. I was on a very high dose, but they worked.
No side effects and I was able to go to work and function until I felt able to slowly decrease them. They are no longer prescribed in the UK, but they were the best thing that ever happened to me.

I have to admit, not taking tablets is a real hobby horse of mine. I find it infuriating that taking tablets has such a negative image usually from people who have never had to take them and only listened to bad press. Bad press comes in many forms and for every walk of life.

If a GP thinks someone would benefit fro them, why of why would a lay person think they know more than someone with medical knowledge, experience and qualification?


I know you are hear asking for questions Nax, but any opinions from people here (ncluind my own) on what worked (or didn't) for them will have no bearing on your friend and their needs.

I think they should trust that their GP has their best interest at heart.

Edit to add: If the need for the tablets is due to a chemical impbalance why would she need therapy? That is not going to replace anything that is needed from a biological/nuerological standpoint.

 

[simplegirl]

I work for a GP and a psychiatrist. Gosh if you only knew how many people took antidepressants. Unfortunately, the way things are going, specially in the workplaces (harassment, being treated like a number, cutbacks, lower staff but wanting higher output....) it's not getting any better.

Antidepressants are not addictive, so they are non-habit forming. The length of time you need to take them really depends upond the severity of the depression, the duration and also whether or not it's your first, second or third or more episode.

They are also not "happy" pills, in the sense that they don't make you high. As mentioned, most take about 6 weeks before you get the full effect from them.

As previously mentioned, they allow for the reuptake of certain brain chemicals, such as serotonin.

My hubby and I are both on them, and I really thank God for them.

The main side-effects that we've noticed it decreased libido for my hubby. Decreased ability to reach orgasm for me. No weight gain, but some are known for it.

Unfortunately, stigma has caused many to be afraid of antidepressants, but it's not like the days of old. The medication available nowadays have fewer side-effects.

I wouldn't be surprized if anti-depressants were prescribed more often than birth control pills. Recognition and treatment for depression have come a long way in just the last 10 years. Your friend should give them a chance.

 

[naxalite0906]

I want to take the chance to thank everybody for posting.

Shy - Thank you for being so blunt about your feelings. I asked for opinions and I wanted them from every angle. I appreciate everything you are saying and it has definitely increased my understanding. Let me just say, I was never against her taking them. I had my opinions and I will be the first to admit they were limited, hence why I asked on here. Let me assure you that I would never be stubborn and not be open minded about anything.
I am there as a friend for her and when she asked my opinion I told her my initial feelings and that, coupled with our limited knowledge meant she did not want to do anything until she knew a lot more. She was unsure too, more to do with the side effects as opposed to being scared of becoming reliant on them. Simple was right too, my opinions were like that due to how they can be portrayed (and hearing a few stories calling them happy pills and remembering people I knew about ten years ago who took prozack and it sent them loopy), but I didnt leave it at that, which is why I wanted to hear what others have to say. I just didn't want her to rush into something without the full facts and I will now tell her what I know and leave it up to her to make a decision based on everything we have found out. She knows there was a reason they were prescribed, and I am sure she will do what is best.

 

[TheSnowCrystal]

Hi Nax,

There's some great info in this thread. I've always been very intrigued with the brain and have studied some aspects of psychology.....it's just amazingly complex and there's so much still to be learned about the brain.


Here's the thing.....there are literally hundreds of millions of neurons, receptors, and on and on and on, in our brain, controlling everything including our mental and emotional state. Suffering from a condition like depression is medical. Just like someone who's thyroid is out of whack needs to take medication, so does the person battling with depression, depending on the severity of course. People who say they've been depressed and fixed everything without medication, and go on to condemn the use of it don't really understand the full complexity of mental health.

The chemical levels and how all the neurons, receptors, etc. (it's quite lengthy and complicated to explain!), are also affected by our environment, which is why people sometimes suffer depression or even psychosis after a traumatic event.

The problem is, there is so much that's still not understood about how our brain functions, and when it comes to mental health there's no easy fix. Identifying conditions is much clearer at this point, but there's no simple way to figure out exactly what needs to be altered and to what extent. Kind of like going for a blood test to find out if there are signs of arthritis, diabetes, or whatever else......there's no equivalent when it comes to mental health. It would be great if they could just stick a big pin in your head and say, well here's what's not working quite right! Maybe some day.....

When it comes to medications like antidepressants, yes there may be side effects, but not necessarily. Everyone reacts differently to them. The other thing that makes all of this difficult is figuring out exactly what kind of medication is needed and how much (see: no easy test for this, lol!). As a result, patients often go through several med changes in order to find what works best for them.

The other important thing to remember is, medication is not a bandaid. It's only one part of treating these conditions. Talk therapy, or psychotherapy, is a huge part of treatment, and is often the only thing that is needed when the depression is a result of a traumatic event. It is absolutely invaluable in any situation though. There are other aspects of treatment that are addressed by the treating doctor.

Antidepressants are not "addicting". If you're taking insulin because you're diabetic, the negative reaction you'd get from stopping it doesn't mean you're addicted -- it means that your body isn't able to carry out a function that it needs to, and the medication is correcting it. Same thing with mental health, but far more complicated. Some people need only to take medication for several months or years until chemical levels stabilize in their brain again. Some people will require it for the rest of their lives. It's not just chemical levels that are affected, it's also how signals are produced and passed through the bazillions of receptors, cells and nerves in the brain.

The taboos surrounding mental health need to be forgotten. Our brain is so utterly complex and controls everything about our body and existence......why is it so shocking that something not be working correctly? We don't have the same distasteful reaction if someone has a heart problem, so why should we when it's the brain?

It's great that you're trying to help your friend, because that support is so important. I hope she's able to receive treatment that is right for her by a doctor who is knowledgeable and dedicated to helping patients in a positive manner.

 

[Quoll]

I don't really have anything to add to the excellent advice you have recieved so far, just be as supportive and understanding as you can, having friends who don't judge you makes a huge difference.

It would be great too if you come back and let us know how her treatment is going.

 

[simplegirl]

SnowCrystal...very eloquent! You express a "complete thought" much better than I do! I tend to be "dry" and to the point. I love your explanation and your wording.

Nax...your friend is lucky to have a wonderful friend like you who's looking out for her and helping her research this subject. Knowing you're in her corner will help her alot.

 

[TheSnowCrystal]

Simplegirl, I'm a simple girl too, lol!

That's very kind of you to say.....I'm a pretty silly gal, and I'm waaaay creative, but I also seem to have a very cerebral side. I'm often told I should be a writer.....I tried to keep my post serious because this is a serious topic, but I didn't want it to be too ridged either....

Anyway, I've always been very intrigued by how our brain works and how it affects our mental and emotional being. It's such a complex subject, trying to explain mental illness and what happens in the brain. I'm sure you know that there are a lot of people who refuse to believe that it is medical (Tom Cruise ), so I always feel compelled to give a little info when discussing it, but it's just real damn complicated!

I can imagine that you have a good insight into this topic, working in a psychiatrist's office. You're right, there are far more people taking medication for depression and anxiety than most of us realize. For all of the advancement in technology and development during the past 100 years, we just seem to keep creating a more stressful world for ourselves. That's causing the environmental factor in mental health to become more antagonistic.

The other thing is, mental health is slowly becoming more recognized and more people are getting the help they need. Like I mentioned before, why in the world wouldn't we expect that our brains don't always function perfectly? There are so many heart conditions, liver, lung, kidney, muscle, skin.....on and on......but our brain is by far the most intricate and delicate organ, so obviously there will be problems. When those problems affect us in a physical manner it's acceptable, but when it affects us mentally or emotionally it's suddenly "dirty" and shameful. Geez, look at what our collective brains have come up with......we can even travel to other planets! Researchers still have an incredible amount of work to do before understanding the human brain.....we should be respectful of it, "in sickness or in health".....

I'm so happy to see yet another person out there helping to get information about depression to people who need it. Unfortunately, the media coverage is almost always negative and very selective, which ends up misinforming the masses.

If you have any interesting stories or comments about things that you've seen or learned at work, it would be great if you'd like to share.

 

[CelticBadboy]

I don't have a whole lot to add here, but I am currently on an anti depressant, for the last 3 months. As others have said, I wished I tried it sooner.

I wont lie and say I went from gray clouds and rain to sunshine and rainbows, but my general outlook on life and day to day activities is much better. I'm more optimistic, more even-keeled, and definitely in a better mood. Although it does not seem very drastic, the results are certainly noticeable.

There have been some side effects as advertised. Nothing sexual (thank god), but my appetite has dropped, and I get forehead sweats. The appetite thing is not a huge deal, I try to remember to eat on a schedule, because some days I simply don't feel hungry. The forehead sweats are awkward at times, but infrequent and manageable.

I too was against them until a very close friend recommended I try it, as she had many of the same problems. Eventually I gave in, and I'm glad I did. While results will always vary per person, I can attest to two people whose lives changed for the better. Good luck in your search.

 

[simplegirl]

Very true SnowCrystal, the brain IS a wonderful and very complicated organ! Fascinating also. Research has really increased and made headway into mental illness. Like I said, I can't get over the evolution of treatments in the last 10 to 15 years. Even electroshock therapy has changed. They discovered that by applying the electrodes to the forehead vs the temples, it virtually eliminated the short-term memory loss that was a major side-effect of the procedure, while remaining just as effective. Yay! (although, to my understanding, not all psychiatrists have made the switch yet)

Medical research is continuously finding the specific molecules responsible for mood. That's why it takes trial by several different medications before you land on the right one. Some are very lucky and with the very first medication they try, they get improvement.

I can't speak of any specifics regarding the workplace, due to confidentiality, but I CAN say that depression affects ALL walks of life and all ages. And not a single person ever thinks it'll happen to them, yet it happens to most everyone, at some point in their lives, to some degree. I've seen treatment work miracles on some patients. They're HAPPY again, and so, so thankful for it. It's such a reward for me, when they walk into the office *smiling* and their eyes lit up! They can't wait to tell the doc how they feel! That always makes my day.

Unfortunately, many still see as needing help for depression equates a "weakness". It's very hard to overcome this preconception, even in the very patients themselves. As you said, a diabetic wouldn't think twice about his need for insulin, it's just a fact of that condition.

The stigma and stereotypes are being broken down though. There's been alot of publicity about it and, at this point, just about everyone knows someone who is or has been affected by mental illness and many people are much more receptive to getting help.

I think the important thing to remember is to take care of ourselves. DO things that feed your soul. Take time out for yourself everyday, even if it's as simple as a 10 minute walk around the block to help your mind clear or a soak in the tub. DO things on *purpose*, such as...put your favorite shirt on and tell yourself, "I'm wearing this today because it makes me feel good" vs getting dressed by rote, savour your cup of coffee vs guzzling it down, meditate, play an instrument, etc...

Sorry for the slight highjack Nax...a fascinating subject tends to make people a little wordy... The thing I find the hardest about dealing with a loved-one who suffers from depression is the fact that little everyday piddly things seem like huge insurmountable problems for them. Be aware of that, and try to have patience with it. It IS simply part of the illness, but not always easy to deal with.

Celtic...sweating is very common as a side-effect. I quite forgot about that one. I don't have that, but hubby sure does. I just tease him and ask if he's all hot and bothered over me again.

 

[Chicklet]

The first anti-depressant I took regularly was Zoloft. I don't really remember much about it because it was over 10 yrs ago, but I do know that it caused me some severe loss of any sexual interest. Since I was so young, my parents hadn't really considered that as a negative thing, but around 14 I asked to switch off of it.

In my late teens I took Paxil, which worked wonders for me.

One of the tricky things about anti-depressants for me is that when I'm on them, when my moods mellow out, I think to myself "I don't need the anti-depressant afterall!" and stop taking it. So my experiences were always very sporadic.

But, after a few years, my body seemed to even itself out, and I haven't been medicated in 6 years or so... although at this very point in my life I'm wondering if I should start back on them.

But I think they do wonderful things for some people.

 

[shy slave]

Nax, thank you for taking my comments personally; I did go into rant mode for a while.

My comments were not personal to you or your situation with your friend. I realise they could have been read that way.

I appreciate that you did not read them as personal

There are certain things that I find a struggle to talk about withour ranting. Anti-depressants are one of them (you hit the jackpot, or booby prize depending on your point of view lol)

I agree with most of what snow crystal has said, apart from the bit about therapy.

Snow is right, tablets are not a bandaid, but not everyone needs therapy.

That is a misconception, and it may be they really do need therapy, but equally they may not.
It does depend on why a person needs the tablets in the first place.

I like tablets, I like therapy and I like alternative medicine; but not all of them are needed for every event.
It may be that alternative medicine like reflexology, or meditation, or chinese herbs, can be effective, or therapy or western medicine.

But it does not ecessarily follow that if you need western medicine (anti depressants), you need therapy.

It is different for every person.

I do believe that the best people to find answers from are those who have an indepth knowledge, and not just a personal knowledge, of how things work.

OK, I will stop before I rant again

 

[GentleSub_Ivy]

Nax,

It's wonderful that you are so supportive of your friend AND opening your mind to learning about antidepressants. She is a very lucky girl.

I was on antidepressants for many years when I was younger. As others have stated it took trying several different drugs to find the best for me. Actually, it took waiting for Prozac to be released on the market (this tells you how long ago it was) for me to find true relief from depression. The other drugs just masked the depression and kept me alive in a zombie state. I know Prozac can be a dirty word but it was a miracle drug for me. While I did/do have "issues" that led to my depression it is a chemical imbalance no matter what the issues were. I personally needed much talk therapy but I was unable to really engage in that therapy without the drug bringing me up to a level of "normality." Otherwise, it would have been like throwing twine to someone who was deep in the abyss instead of sending down strong sturdy rope for her to climb up on.

I'm not sure if this adds much to the discussion since others have shared so much good information. I just wanted to share my perspective.

Ivy

 

[BrownEyes26]

I have been on Citalopram (Celexa) for over a year now. My side effects at the beginning were fatigue, some nausea which lasted for about 2 weeks. That was it.

I feel so much better, it is like a veil has been lifted and the light is shining on me again. I recemmend antidepressants for people who have moderate to severe depression and anxiety. I have a few friends who are also on antidepressants. We discuss our medication, self help books and how to stay on track.

I also agree with Therm in that I wish that I had had the courage to ask my doctor for antidepressants many years ago.

Good luck to you

BE26

 

[jjsharshaw]

Much Experience, Perhaps Too Much

Nax,

I'm on my second major episode of "Treatment Resistant Major Depression" in my life. The first episode was approximately 12 years or so ago. Both times I have ended up having to undergo ECT - ElectroConvulsiveTherapy - which sounds extreme and gets a bad rap in the media but the procedure itself is painless and it has saved my life.

Both episodes my doctor ran me through just about all of the current antidepressants. Most had side effects that I did not want to tolerate (they tanked my libido, killed my erection, one actually - God's honest truth - caused something called "retrograde ejaculation" wherein you cum BUT it stays inside you) or I just couldn't tolerate - headaches, nausea, more depression, physical aches and pains. However, by patiently playing what I called Pharmacy Roulette, in both episodes we (my doc and I) found an anti-depressant that worked, just not quite well enough to work by itself until I could get better with the ECTs. I forget the first anti-depressant that worked for me, I think it was Trazadone (generic for Desyrel). The second - which actually boosts my libido and helps my erections is called Wellbutrin. It does the same for women in terms of sexual side effects. It is also marketed in the States as Zyban to help with stopping smoking. I can attest that I did not have to want to quit - within 2 weeks of taking Wellbutrin I suddenly got the URGE NOT TO SMOKE - it takes away all pleasure of tobacco and cravings. The thing with Wellbutrin/Zyban is that it can severely BUZZ some people - make them jittery, nervous, anxious - which is why, rather than not take it, I have been prescribed a low dose of Valium to mellow out the Wellbutrin side effects.

As to addictability: there is only one antidepressant that has made the news about severe withdrawal symptoms and that is Paxil.

As someone mentioned in an earlier post, amitryptyline is an odd choice of antidepressant as it is like first generation and there are so many BETTER choices with fewer side effects that work better. Then again, if this is the UK, maybe the government limits medication choices.

I'd be glad to go further into my experiences with you or anyone but the previous posters have all had good things to say. Obviously, you can see how depression and the ways to treat it can differ greatly according to the patient. Just IM me or contact me through my story page.

Good luck to your friend.

Jubal

 

[trs]

I have taken Effexor for 3 years now. If I had to do it all over again I would not take them. I know some people that have had great success taking them. One of the things that I have had a problem with is the Dr. not telling me all the side effects that are possible. On his side, he may have not known all about it. It was only after wondering why I was behaving a certain way I discovered others on effexor were having the same problem. Granted, not all meds are the same and I am sure there are some available that are better suited than effexor. Currently I am slowly withdrawing my self from them. Effexor can take months to get off of. I thought I was going crazy when I decided to stop taking them until I read about others with the same side effects.
Bottom line - If there is another method of dealing with the depression I would try that. Prayer, counseling, etc are all very effective but if they (there are more i'm sure) have failed then by all means try some meds. Get better and then find out what is causing the depression. Deal with it and get on with your life.

 

[shy slave]

I have taken Effexor for 3 years now. If I had to do it all over again I would not take them. I know some people that have had great success taking them. One of the things that I have had a problem with is the Dr. not telling me all the side effects that are possible. On his side, he may have not known all about it. It was only after wondering why I was behaving a certain way I discovered others on effexor were having the same problem. Granted, not all meds are the same and I am sure there are some available that are better suited than effexor. Currently I am slowly withdrawing my self from them. Effexor can take months to get off of. I thought I was going crazy when I decided to stop taking them until I read about others with the same side effects.
Bottom line - If there is another method of dealing with the depression I would try that. Prayer, counseling, etc are all very effective but if they (there are more i'm sure) have failed then by all means try some meds. Get better and then find out what is causing the depression. Deal with it and get on with your life.

Due to the side effects Effexor is no longer prescribed in the UK (to the best of my knowledge anyway). I heard described by a pharmacist as 'side-effexor'.

Yet, it worked wonderfully well for me and I had no side effects.

I was on 350mg three times a day, but came off it within three months, with no ill effect.
However, it had made me feel so much better that I stupidly stopped taking them.
Less than 24 hours later I was a wreck.
I could hear my eyelids blinking, my spinal fluid moving and action potentials in my brain firing. I struggled with the rationale of of 'Of course I can't really hear that' to 'Hey, I can really hear these things!'
Luckily my GP was really supportive and we got it sorted out within a few hours.
Prior to being on Effexor I had had a month of work and was heading towards more time off. Once on the tablets everything in life stabilised again.

I think the differences of experiences between you and I really highlights how taking tablets is not an exact science. At least with a broken limb a doctor knows exactly what will fix it, yet with the brain; different things work for different people. In some ways it seems is a juggling act for each person.

 

[Angeline]

I've taken various antidepressants--took Prozac for a year, am currently taking Cymbalta (but weaning off it). Antidepressants definitely help if you are depressed and if you find the right one in the right dosage. Many people are turned off by them because they try one for a few weeks and get side effects they don't like. A good doctor will tell your friend that everyone reacts to them differently, and most people have to try at least a few (and experiment with dosages) until they find a combination that works. For example, before I took Prozac I tried Paxil and a few others (forget which), but couldn't take them because of side effects. The Paxil made me really anxious, but the Prozac worked great. When I was prescribed them again (about a year ago), I couldn't take Prozac even though it had helped me in the past. So your friend should be prepared to switch brands if one (or more) isn't helping.

And antidepressants aren't addictive in the traditional sense (i.e., like opiates), but you will have withdrawals if you stop them abruptly. The prescription medication I've had the most trouble stopping is Trazadone, an antidepressant. Be prepared to wean off when you don't need it any more. (Actually you should never stop a medication abruptly unless your doc says it's ok.)

Also remember that it can take six to eight weeks to see an effect from an antidepressant. You may have side effects at first, but they should subside within a week of starting the med. If they don't, you know it's not the right med for you.

Many antidepressants will decrease libido, but they don't all have that side effect. Another reason it's good to switch medications until you find one best suited to you.

The best thing your friend can do is educate herself. There are some excellent sites with message boards where people discuss their experiences with various antidepressants. I always find them much more informative than any info my doctor or pharmacy can give me.

Good luck to her.