medications used for depression

[violette bijoux valentine <3]

Some people have had extensive experience(s) taking various types of Rx medications. Many of them can cause a number of side-effects. Some of our stories are positive, while some are negative (perhaps intensely so). I'm sure that there are probably a multitude of opinions regarding prescription meds...

[olive88]

Here are the side-effects that I have experienced while taking prescription meds for depression:
horrible awful (frightening) nightmares
lightheadedness
headaches (though I have these no matter what)
dizziness
frequent thirst
feeling warm (my head/face area)
feeling kinda "flat" (not sad - just finding it challenging to visit different types of emotions)

I have also toiled through some rather uncomfortable withdrawal episodes after having been on a few different medications. (Obviously those with a shorter half-life can be more dreadful to stop...yeah, I get it.) And I'm talking about stopping & usually switching to another med, all under a psychiatrist's supervision/care.

I think that there are probably many who can tolerate & who do very well with whatever Rx's they are taking for their type of depression, but in my experience...

kind of a lot of frustration.

[olive88]

I have been prescribed (almost) every medication used to treat chronic depression. Definitely not every single one, but close. For me, they all had side effects that were uncomfortable.

The worst side effect for me was the nightmares. Not only were the dreams vivid (as in: running away from someone & very fearful, etc), but I couldn't awake from them. Frustrating & sort of made me not want to go to sleep in the first place.

Sounds stupid maybe, but...

Most definitely there were many other side effects, but that was one of the main ones.

[orange popsicle]

I seem to have such a negative view of medications (oftentimes) - Rx's in general. They seem to be prescribed so often - it almost feels as if doctors (& probably many patients as well) don't have the "patience" to try other remedies.

I think that I want to insert a disclaimer of sorts within my post here: I do appreciate modern medicine and all of its benefits. There are countless people who need their prescriptions. I totally get that, & yeah please don't get me wrong. I have also taken (& do take) necessary medications. We're lucky to be able to (hopefully) choose, to a certain extent, if we take meds or not. Or at least have some input in the matter.

I don't know, maybe I like the idea of Rx meds in combination with other treatments (natural or lifestyle changes). Both can be helpful I think.

[magenta]

To me, this (meds) is one of the most annoying things about depression. It takes sooooo much patience to figure out what the correct medication and dosage should be. Your psychiatrist is working with you and recommending whatever and writing the prescriptions, but actually getting to the right place where everything's working for you is like trying to climb up a "down escalator".

There are so many variables. I have found meds that work to a point, but the side effects are miserable and unacceptable.

I have heard of a lot (a lot) of people going off of their medications - just all on their own - they hate the thought of taking prescription meds for depression. Like, why can't it just go away on its own.

[orange popsicle]

Here's some major vacillation for you:
One day I greatly appreciate modern medicine and am thankful for prescriptions.
The next (moment), I want to throw them off of a pier.

Makes perfect sense, no ??