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So I was wondering how many of you have had experiences with anti-depressants? I'm curious about what kinds of side effects people experience and withdrawal symptoms (aside from the obvious). Did the meds effect you differently than they were supposed to? What kinds of withdrawals would you have if you missed a pill or while weening off of them?

Personally, I had been on Effexor for 1 year and 10 months now, for depression and OCD. I was on a relatively low dose of 75mg and they worked like they should have; lower my anxiety enough so I could keep my focus. If I missed a pill, I'd start to get dizzy-spells and become apprehensive and unfocused after at least 6 hours of the missed pill.

About 2 months ago I started a weening process with my doctor to get me off of them, going down to 37.5mg. I didn't want to take it anymore because I now only ever felt apathy towards things I should have valued as important and felt I needed get my ass in gear and get motivated again. So it started out as one pill every two days for 2 weeks, then one every third day for a week and so on. Now it's been about 2 weeks without a pill and with very little withdrawals.

I'm happy that I'm almost completely off the damn things, but holy shit the first couple weeks were scary. Getting "zapped" with dizzy-spells and losing my train of thought every 5 minutes for a couple hours at a time was quite a disturbing experience, especially while driving and at my job (unloading trucks). I mean if you can't even walk in a straight line... but anyway, so far so good, hope I'll be "clean" by late January.

So, how about you guys?

Edit: almost forgot, my girlfriend has been on different anti-depressants for years now. Her withdrawals always resulted in panic attacks or uncontrollable sobbing. Some meds did nothing at all for her, even at the maximum dose, or turned her into an insomniac. Right now she's on Celexa, she was originally prescribed at 80mg, but then put down to 40mg because, apparently, 80mg and above is hazardous to your health (as in, can eventually kill you ). WAY TO GO, DOC! KILL MY GIRLFRIEND WHY DON'T YOU! But really, sometimes it almost seems like the shrinks she sees are using her like a guinea pig to test out the meds they push, considering how often they want her to switch.

This post has been edited by ChewySmokey: 30 December 2011 - 08:59 AM

Doctors often try to prescribe anti-depressants in place of the actual needed medicine for my mother. She took them once, and after a few days she started hearing voices and was having horrible dreams. She eventually got off them because the voices were becoming very vivid. Honestly, I suspect she MAY have been having troubled thoughts while on the pills, but she never told me that much.

She wasn't on them long, so she didn't have to deal with withdrawals.

I was on lexipro for about a year for depression/ocd. In my personal opinion I was not depressed but regardless it had no adverse effects on my health. No mood swings no negative change in additude nothing at all. As for coming off the pills the pills other than the obviously having to deal with more anxiety nothing bad happened. I went up in doses of medication very slowly and came down in doses very slowly because my therapist was very cautious. I am currently on no medication and my anxiety is in tolerable range so no dependecy. Been off them for about a year I think.

Edit: I am bad at time. I found my left over pills it was about 3 years ago.

This post has been edited by Rawrdinosaur: 30 December 2011 - 08:51 AM

I was on Zoloft for a few months in 2008-2009, 50mg then up to 100mg, did absolutely nothing and the period in which I stopped was very withdrawal-free.

I took Effexor in 2009, 50mg and then 150mg I believe? Or 100mg, but either way it didn't do anything either and I admittedly stopped dead-turkey, but that was during a crazy time in America in 2009 and I had no withdrawal symptoms. I wouldn't recommend this to people, I didn't do what is normally required to get off medicine, but I guess I felt confident enough nothing would happen.

Taking 10mg of Apo-Escitalopram for a month so far now, with the schedule to the doctor in February. If you guessed "Doing absolutely nothing" then you are correct!!! The concept of withdrawal symptoms and side-effects sounds like a phenomenon to me.

I was on Citalopram 30mg tablets for OCD and associated depression, and surprisingly it was very effective. I'm off now, but the withdrawal period was fairly unpleasant.
Taeshi, I believe that withdrawal symptoms and indeed side-effects are very much dependant on your underlying illness anyway. I knew someone taking Zoloft for stress, and she experienced far less effects from the drug than a friend who had it for Schizophrenia. It very much depends, as you say, on your outlook; so many of these drugs depend on a user response as well as a positive attitude towards recovery in order to get the best effect. They're not usually meant to be totally supportive, with the exception of drugs like Ritalin, and so therapy is pften provided alongside. If you're not at least given the option to have a supportive course, then they aren't doing it right.

This post has been edited by Sammy: 30 December 2011 - 11:33 AM

Paxil since 2004. I've been on Effexor, Elavil and Trazidone as well, but they didn't do anything for me (funny enough, trazidone's side effects often get it used as a sleeping pill, but it keeps me awake.)

My worst experiences with Paxil are when I run out. Antidepressants have some nasty withdrawals, such as nightmares, panic attacks, and possibly heart problems. My only true nightmares since I was a kid have been the result of Paxil withdrawal, so I highly recommend taking the medication as prescribed.

Funny thing, I don't sunburn ever, but when I was on my higher dosages of Elavil I got sunburned all the time, regardless of protection. Supposedly sun sensitivity is a major side effect with this medication; for a guy that likes fishing, it was a bad medication to be on.

The only time I've been on an anti-depressant was when I took nortriptyline for headaches. It did nothing for me, since it didn't treat the actual cause (chronic dehydration) which remained undiagnosed at that time. I don't recall having any side effects, and I weaned myself off the medication as recommended.

I'm quite sure that in my current mental state I would be prescribed them. But alas, I do not take medicine for the mind, chemical imbalances and soforth are a natural phenomenom and I am stubbon enough not to take the medication.

The only anti-depressants i take are the ones i prescribe to myself. They're placebos that i made by myself. They also give me some energy and get rid of my temper.

This post has been edited by falconboy99: 30 December 2011 - 05:01 PM

Thought about taking antidepressants. Instead, I took up martial arts and I don't feel the need for pills anymore.

Taeshi, on 30 December 2011 - 09:33 AM, said:

I have 75 mg of effexor, and I can't get off of it. Even missing one single dose causes me to start feeling bad, I describe it like short circuits going off in my head.

They gave me this just after my dad left, but now it seems permanent. I'm glad you didn't have problems with them.

I wish I could just be done with them forever.

I find the concept of anti-depressants terrible.

Now, don't get me wrong, I have never actually been on anti-depressants and they might or might not help - I wouldn't know - and I'm not saying you shouldn't take them if you've been prescribed something

What I'm trying to say is that chances are therapy and whatnot would be a better way to deal with the kind of issues anti-depressants are prescribed for. Brain chemistry isn't something you should manipulate unless that specifically is the issue - and I'm not the kind of a person who likes to believe the human mind is just a byproduct of electricity and chemicals moving around in the brain.

On the other hand, I've never been to therapy of any kind either.

Just wanted to express my opinion on the matter. Medicalisation is terrible and psychological problems shouldn't be treated with just drugs.

esalaka, on 30 December 2011 - 07:33 PM, said:

My doctor told me that 90% of illnesses can be treated without medication. That made me take less pills in general.

esalaka, on 30 December 2011 - 07:33 PM, said:

I agree in principle, but there are cases where they're important. I think that mine kept me alive, I didn't have any other choice when I started.

esalaka, on 30 December 2011 - 07:33 PM, said:

Oh believe me, without the counselling I've been getting for the last 4 years I'd still be popping pills daily. For me, when the shit really hit hard 2 years ago, the meds were important for when I didn't have my counsellor around, and since I only got to see him once a week (if he wasn't sick, but even then some people would consider me one lucky bastard to have a counsellor who could see me that often), I needed it to help me get through the week, even if I'd spend most of it crying or moping. I'd be lying if I said willpower didn't play a part in trying to get better, too, but my counsellor really helped me through my tougher times and built up my confidence and self-esteem. He is a great man who believes in me. It also helps that I have supportive instructors for my classes.

Something that's been bothering is something my counsellor told me the last time we met; he said that he never goes more than 12 sessions with a student because that's all he really needs to help someone unless they are a special case. I am one of those special case, but not in a bad way. He told me that others might view us meeting so often as him enabling me to keep screwing up my academics just so I don't lose touch, and that really bothered me. I mean, the thought of losing him, professionally or personally, because I would no longer be in the program is a horrible, scary and sad feeling. Hell, I'm in tears just thinking about it. I don't want to be dependent on him, but I want to pass my classes and get on with my life!

Well, passing your classes and getting on with your life really is the logical thing to do, since your counsellor can't be there for you forever, and you do need to transition to being able to stand on your own feet at some point.

That said, have you got someone else you can talk to once in a while if you need it? Like maybe one of your close friends?

This post has been edited by wacko: 30 December 2011 - 08:26 PM

wacko, on 30 December 2011 - 08:26 PM, said:

I have friends, but not close enough that I feel comfortable about it. My girlfriend says she'll always be there for me when I need her, but I just can't seem to bring myself to talk to her about it, I'm not sure what it is. I guess maybe I'm just trying to be strong for the both us? I don't know.

DLancer, on 30 December 2011 - 03:19 PM, said:

I'm sorry, but are you claiming that you don't take medication that you probably should be because mental illness is natural? Do you also think that people shouldn't be treated for cancer because it's a natural phenomena? I felt I had to point this out.

This post has been edited by Sammy: 30 December 2011 - 10:29 PM

Sammy, on 30 December 2011 - 10:27 PM, said:

I think being stubborn has more to do with it.

ChewySmokey said:

I am assuming your girlfriend does share things with you, but you don't feel like burdening her with your own problems? Maybe try discussing it with her anyway, she could give you moral support even if she can't do anything about your issues directly. After all, communication is important in a relationship, and you don't want to always feel like you have to be the pillar of strength and keep things bottled up (sort of like Mike in the BCB comic).

If you ever feel the need to vent, you could always message one of us on the forums. That is, if you would feel comfortable discussing your personal problems with a relative stranger.

wacko, on 30 December 2011 - 11:02 PM, said:

Pretty much, I really would rather not burden her with worrying about me on top of her own problems. Trust me, I have no problems talking to members of this community. Besides, the GF is in the hospital now for reasons I won't disclose on this thread (it isn't life threatening) because I don't want to derail it, so I might be turning to you guys some time

Earlier this year, I had bad anxiety attacks and was told by a doctor that I might need antidepressants. He wrote me a prescription for 12 Lorazepam and sent me off. I haven't seen a doctor for my anxiety since but those pills give me great a nights sleep. I assume my anxiety will get worse over the years like my mom's. So I haven't had real experiences with antidepressants... yet. Though honestly, if I just worked out my shit, this would never had happened or keep happening.

I avoid that shit like the plague. When I'm depressed, I just go through it without taking shortcuts. I eventually get over it, so it's not permanent or anything. I've heard from addicts that it isn't fun, and like cigarettes or alcohol, I know to stay the hell away from it. It isn't worth the risk if sleeping pills can just get me into another slump.

I've considered antidepressants, because I encounter some really horrible times with depression. Every time I reached out for help, I seemed to find that everywhere I turn for depression relief I'm always told to pray to God for answers. Kind of aggravating to be told to ask someone else for help... Sometimes, when you need help, you have to do it yourself. This might sound silly, but I've learned to find relief of my depression through meditation. I'm not a religious person or anything like that, but it helped. It felt like I hit a reset button and it removed a lot of anger and sadness from my mind. Now I'm itching to start the new year fresh. Here's hoping, right?

I can't knock anyone for taking antidepressants... it's hard to just STOP being depressed. Whatever helps you find your center. Life can be tough which makes being happy even tougher.

I was prescribed an anti-depressant/anti anxiety medicine called Oleptro last year. They really helped a lot. The only thing was that they were extremely sedative, so if you didn't take them at just the right time you couldn't get up in the morning if you needed too. That was fine for me though since at the time I was having a ton of trouble sleeping.

I had a similar problem when I was on Elavil, Nate. I had to go to bed at 5PM in order to wake up at 5 AM. Which led to repeated instances of me falling asleep in class, simply because I COULD NOT stay awake no matter how hard I tried.

A brief switch to Trazodone fixed that, then another to Effexor, and finally Paxil, which works wonders.

I cant quite remember the exact brand I took, but I was on antidepressants for about a year. They did nothing that I could tell, and I had no side effects nor withdrawal symptoms.

Personally I feel like getting rid of some stress in your life will help much more then a few pills artificially stimulating endorphin releases. Just drop whatever is making you stressed, regardless of how important it is (unless it will like, kill you...). Drop it, dont look back. You can try again when you aren't feeling like you need to die.

I agree that for most people, therapy is the best solution, but to be perfectly honest there are some people--like me--who have a genuine mental illness, and their depression can only be treated with medication.

Major Depressive Disorder, Seasonal Affective Disorder, Bipolar Disorder and both the depressive and bipolar types of Schizoaffective Disorder have depression caused by defects in the brain, not stress. People with these disorders cannot be treated with therapy. Reducing stress does nothing. These are the kinds of disorders antidepressants are useful for, not people who are stressed or sad.

Fun fact: if there is an environmental cause to your disorder (stress for example) it is not true depression. This is where therapy and alternative treatments work, when you're down and stressed. Depression has no environmental cause, it's all biological. If you're depressed, then you have no real reason to be down.

ChewySmokey, on 30 December 2011 - 11:10 PM, said:

Don't feel bad about talking to the community about stuff and happenings. I know I for one am more than willing to help out someone in need and I bet there are a ton more who would be happy to help out.

Just a thought, maybe you could try cutting the sessions down a bit, or spacing them out more. That way you might be able to learn a bit more for coping and such?

Finally, I hope your GF gets better and out of the hospital soon.

ChewySmokey, on 30 December 2011 - 11:01 PM, said:

It certainly looks like I said that, I cannot argue the point. A chemical imbalance was the highlight of my post and such it would be a natural phenomenom. If you want to treat yourself may go ahead, you have free will.

I do not know what is the cause of cancer, there are many forms and I don't understand how they work. I do see what you are trying to do, compare one illness most do not get attention for to another that generally requires extensive care. To what end I am not sure of, if you want the treatment get it.

But know that many people are stubborn or too depressed to seek help for depression, while in contrast the one afflicted with cancer may have severe pains and other malodies before they know what is going on.

It is one thing to know you should get help, while it is another thing entirely to be caused miscomfort and pain without showing any symptons of a disease.

This post has been edited by DLancer: 31 December 2011 - 02:45 PM

Nik, on 31 December 2011 - 07:30 AM, said:

Thanks, I'll keep that in mind.

Actually, it used to be weekly when I first started seeing him and then it went on to once every two weeks by my second year, but then when the depression hit hardest that dramatically increased (sometimes twice a week), but for the last year it's been once every couple weeks/month. So you see, it's already pretty spread out and yet I still have this attachment. God damn, he's a counsellor, it's his job to be awesome!

Thanks, I wish she was here right now

Good Luck ChewySmokey

I had been put on Abilify in November of 2006 and stopped taking it in April of 2007. I started because after having several fights during September they thought that it is easier to put me on drugs rather then controlling the fucking kids. I was increased the dosage in January after I got up in the middle of class and said I dreamed about slitting their throats while they sleep. I was at 10 Miligrams and doubled after that.

I started again in February of 2009 after I stabbed a kid with a pencil and only took it for 3 month. The drug left me feeling tired and inability to leave bed some mornings when I could afford to. It left me numb in the head and my grades dropped quicker then bunk buster. I stopped taking them in secrecy but everyone asumed the reason i got better was because of them so now everyone is trying to keep me on them.

I wouldn't recommend them, I suppose the only reason they are on option is because at the point you need them they aren't worried about your safety as much as they care about those around you. They will damn your soul for they care.

It seems clear that the drug was hampering you in your normal daily activities. Have you been able to keep out of trouble since that time? If so, then you can take credit for self-management.

Never had to use them; hopefully will never have to.

Maybe it's just because I'm too young to understand what some of you feel or are going through/went through, but I've never felt even an iota of depression in my life. Sad moments, I've felt, but depression is something I haven't faced. However, I share full sympathy for those who do.

Jesus is my anti-drug.

Years ago I was told multiple times to go to a doctor about checking for depression or any mental problems, but I really don't want to go on any pills or go to any therapy. I kind of 'grew out' of that phase and now try to not outwardly show when I'm depressed, but I still get comments at time, and have been asked by people whether or not I'm on 'the pill' that day. Last thing I need is a medicine addiction on top of my caffeine addiction.

Guess what i named my homemade placebos.
Fukitol,
the name inspired by this website, which doesn't sell pill, just crap with the word "fukitol" on it.
Poster Graphic : FUKITOL

I think it's worth mentioning that the depression and anxiety I was suffering from when I was given medication was the kind that could eventually be worked out, and a lot of it has been. But the medicine was still necessary at the time to get me into a state where I was able to work it out. Before then, trying to talk about the things that made be very nervous would make me just as nervous as experiencing them did, and it did more harm than good. While I was taking my medicine though, I could stay calm enough to be able to talk out what the issue was without freaking out. Eventually I was able to get off it and still be alright.

But, everyone is different, so what worked for one person might not work for another.

Starwatcher, on 30 December 2011 - 07:23 PM, said:

thank you! I was never able to articulate that feeling, now I can!

So woooo, new withdrawal symptom: minor insomnia. Brain zaps and short circuits keep waking me up and can't get a good night's sleep. Time for a dose.

i dont really have any experience with anti-depressants, but i do know a lot about "depressants". probably one of the worst things man has ever created. i have severe ADHD, to the point where people decided to drug me up rather than have to deal with me, i must have been on 12 different kinds throughout my life. they pretty much drain you, and they have some of the worst side effects. i developed OCD, twitches, and the occasional seizure. those freakin pills dont do anything but screw you up, i gained control of my hyperactivity after stopping the pills and using my willpower. please if anyone has a kid with ADHD and the doctor suggests medication, tell him to go fuck himself.

the_gray_angel, on 05 January 2012 - 03:35 AM, said:

oh wow, that is some messed up medication!

One thing that has worked fucking wonders for my ADHD- don't ask me why, but it works- is the combination of slow release ritalin and ground flax seed mixed with honey, about two tablespoons a day. It sounds like BS, but if I miss the flax seed for a day or two all the side effects of the medication come roaring back- anxiety, facial ticks, total lack of hunger- and the medication doesn't work as well. My psychiathingy has actually seen this in a bunch of her other patients, she's looking at starting a double blind trial to really test it.

Quaddy, on 05 January 2012 - 03:54 AM, said:

THAT is... how would one even make that kind of discovery, some kind of property in the flax seeds?

This post has been edited by ChewySmokey: 05 January 2012 - 04:19 AM

ChewySmokey, on 05 January 2012 - 04:18 AM, said:

Magic!

the_gray_angel, on 05 January 2012 - 03:35 AM, said:

Yeah..no

I'm too goddamn tired at 3:40am in the morning to properly articulate this, but your wrong.


I will agree that there is an extreme amount of terrifying side effects to alot of these medications. But I actually don't agree with willpower being a substitute for control. You can't willpower a disorder into complete remission. You can control parts of it, but what is there is what is there.

I can't imagine that you know what "severe" ADHD even is. You can't control that. I live with a sibling that has a disability chart mentally (that includes ADHD) that makes me thankful I have the life I have. Without her medication, she would not function in normal society.

My mom has to take a few kinds of drugs to control her temperament, otherwise she's prone to extreme mood swings ranging from depression to hysteria to anger.

I know I don't have any kind of problems that require medicine to control, and while my little sister used to think she had ADD, she realized she just needed to get some time to herself and away from a few douche-bags that she hung out with.

Then my dad's not supposed to drink because he did something really really stupid that nearly killed him when I was eight or something and is still paying off the hospital for today, but otherwise he's fine [except for brief but intense bouts of stupidity, which i'm pretty sure I've inherited from him]

This post has been edited by stormthehouse: 05 January 2012 - 09:14 AM

Pants, on 05 January 2012 - 08:57 AM, said:

ya i need to be more clear when i describe things, i dont mean that ive gotten rid of my disorder completely, that probably is impossible. though as of now its nowhere nearly as bad as it was years ago. i still have problems but many of times i can stop myself. i pretty sure its considered severe or at least worse than usual if it messes with your daily life.

I don't know about anti-depresents, but I was on Strattera for my ADHD for a while. And that ended up making me pretty depressed, which is really strange.

Why don't we just start a thread for the discussion of drugs in general (as a technical term, recreational or otherwise)? I may do that later today if i feel up to it.

I was on Prozac when I was fifteen. I'd probably still be taking it, but my mom cut me of cold turkey after a year of it doing nothing. I didn't switch to any other pill, and my depression is out of fucking control. I've got serious suicidal urges, and I stay inside all of the time. I don't go outside, and I rarely have drive to do anything but sit around all day. I don't have the money to pay for therapy, or a car, so I can't really visit free clinics. I can't pay for therapy because my mom doesn't have the money, and I can't find work.

My depression took a pretty bad turn after my boyfriend broke up with me about 5 months ago. He WAS my anti-depressant for a long, long time. After he broke up w/me, I was pretty lost. I should have gone to therapy, or checked into some kind of psychiatric facility, because I wanted to throw myself into traffic constantly, and slit my wrists all of the time. But I didn't, and it's been five months. I managed to pull through, and found friends that all.... unfortunately wanted to date me. So, after rejecting them, I had no friends. So now, I am lonely and spend all my time looking for work, on these forums, and reading other webcomics, to keep my mind from drifting.

There's a bunch of other shit, but I shall refrain, this post is already stupidly long and unnecessary.

TL;DR: Anti-depressants work, but you need to find the right one that works for you.

the_gray_angel, on 05 January 2012 - 04:57 PM, said:

I found that age helps alot with control of these sort of things. Coming to grips on where you end and where it begins makes a big difference. Your maturity level can help, but it's not going to solve everything. Just make some parts easier. Doesn't mean you should just fight it and leave it be.

My family unfortunately has a terrible gene in terms of mental health issues. My fathers side of the family mostly, where my father and one Uncle did not receive the proper..review? It's painfully clear both of them suffer because of it, but stubbornness and a lifetime of accepting their characters as who they are prevents them from ever changing or being diagnosed.

My Sister on the other had, was always in medical care. Not in terms of a clean room, but always under supervision and medication. To say we have a mini drugstore in our house is an understatement. Bi-Polar, ADHD, Depression and mild intellectual delay (4-5 years behind, terrible with math) would be a clean description, but the list can be rather lengthy. My family attends monthly therapy sessions to keep track of both the medication she's on, and her mood and health. Her medication is a godsend for her however, as it allows her to function on a day to day level. It provides her with patience and clarity when dealing with tasks most of us would find mundane. A quick converstation with her seems absolutely normal. An argument with her seems irrational and insane.

As for myself, I'm reluctantly in the middle. I had some difficulties during my university studies, and was diagnosed with a multitude of different issues. Extreme Anxity and depression assumed among other things, I was given Citalopram. For me...Didn't work at all. I lied about the effectiveness and tried to work on it on my own. Didn't work so great. Would not recommend lying.

Without going into my story in super detail, I was prodded into taking Adderal and I haven't looked back. 20 Mg a day, every morning.

The scary part about it was noticing how different everything was once I took it. I can live without it, but I choose to keep it. I do have a bit of a different personality when I'm actively on and off the stimulus, but it's not a major change that effects by day to day life. I find off the stimulus, it's quite easy to see the bad things and beat myself up over trivial issues.


I still dislike the notion of medication. But I also dislike the notion of people not realizing how different everything can be. Just because you live with it and can handle it, doesn't mean it's right. I am as stubborn as they come when discussing depression and the ability for the human mind to fight it. I also think that there are options you can take to help you overcome the illness. They don't always work, the side effects suck, and it's a pain to go from one pill to another trying to find the right option. It's a sad flip flop argument, but such is the way I attempt to rationalize a terrible viewpoint.

My sister put it best to me when I first resisted many years ago "I wish I could be you, you only have to take 1 pill". If she could struggle through all she's done in 19 years, what did I have to lose trying something. If you feel the same way, don't allow yourself to come up with excuses. I couldn't find one to give to her, I don't think anyone here could either. Even with your example Amaris, you can take public transportation. There are free health call centers you can use for discussion purposes. It doesn't help with the financial costs of physicians/therapy , but nothing can be gained without starting somewhere.