I have been on two diff. meds.

My psych said I have a bit of a chemical imbalance, but I function okay without meds unless their are stress factors involved.

The first time I went on them I was a jr in HS and one of my best guy friends had just committed suicide and right after that another friend died in a car wreck. I just went to my family doctor and he put me on a high dose of Zoloft. It was awful. It made me less depressed but I couldn't concentrate on anything and my school work suffered so I took myself off of them after about 4 months.

Then sophomore yr of college my mom had cancer and had only a 25% chance of surviving (my dad was already dead, so I would have essentially been left with noone), my first bf broke up with me so I had guy issues, and on top of that horrible I also had roommates from hell. I started going to the psychiatrist and he put me on the biggest dose of Lexapro. It made me VERY happy, but at the same time I didn't give a crap about anything. I would skip class to go lay out in the sun and play with the dogs, do volunteer work, and all kind of other stuff. While I was on it, it was really hard to think about the consequnces of my actions. It also gave me insomnia horribly bad. Once mom had her surgery and survived, I ended up weaning myself off them. B/c of the antidepressants my whole sophomore year of college was a complete waste. I only passed 3 classes, b/c I never went.

Everyone is so different in how they react to meds, so what could work for one person, may not work for everyone else.

Thats awesome about your Mom beating cancer!!! :thumbup:

I have anxiety and mild depression because of the anxiety issue.

I've tried a few meds and none worked for me (they all made me gain a significant amount of weight unfortunately).

I know it's tough, and I hope if you decide to take medications you find the right one for you!!

*hugs*

I take Celexa. I hated the idea of being put on something a year ago, but I really didn't know what else to do. I was dealing with a severe amount of anxiety and stress to the point where I had lost too much weight and was dealing with hair loss and significant stomach and digestive issues. Although it was hard to adjust to in the beginning, the meds have really made a difference for me.

My doctor promised it didn't have to be a permanent thing. I actually go back this month for a checkup and to see if I'm ready to be weaned off.

SamE---only the one made by NatureMade.

I have used it with great success as has my son.

I can NOT take pharmaceuticals--this works for me with NO side affects.

I took it under the supervision of a clinical psychologist and a therapist as well as my homeopathic doc when I was suicidal.

It has been used in Europe for years.

Zoloft has helped me not be such a terrible worrier and handle stress much better. I have Ativan for panic attacks. One thing I find is once your on them it's hard to get off.

Panic attacks
 

Hi all..:-))

I have suffered horrible panic attacks for years.. and terrible anxiety.... I tried meds.. (Buspar) and also went to a therapist for a year... She weaned me off the meds.. and helped me deal with my anxiety without them...breathing excersises etc....... the Buspar made me feel numb.. I would feel the panic attack still.. but not react so badly to them which helped ...but the buspar also made me so carefree.....and I was not being ME... years later I have the attacks again..(they never really left I think I just dealt with the better than I can now) I think perimenopause is bringing them on..:-(... I now use Bachs Rescue remedy and let me say.. its all natural and works wonders... I have been using it successly for over 6 months......there are different single remedies too.. that one can mix to attain the right effect...Look them up..:-) I do think they are wonderful........Any questions.. just ask..:-)).

Well, I am stepping out.....I have had some form of "depression" for five years now...and this past year it has gotten really (really) bad. AND I made the step to finally talk w/ family who of course, told me to get with my doctor. ANYWAY, he said that Wellbutrin was a mild drug that will help with a lot of my symptoms (one being huge weight gain)...and said to try it for a month, and I go back for a check up...then we can try it for a few more months (about 6 months) and see how it is doing.

I REALLY hate the thought of taking a pill for this...but I am hoping that it will be a start to getting better....and with my vow to get the nutrients I need and eat right and exercise (gotta find the energy somewhere first)...I am hoping that over time, I won't even need them.

The doctor said that with any drug, the pills affect everyone differently, so hence all the check ups, I guess.

Anyway, I haven't been on them long...but I am not having a good day today...at all....maybe I am trying to change things to quickly.....

This week....we are making it a point to get up by 7 (that is good for me) and exercise.....but for some reason, today is just NOT good. Everthing is just getting on my nerves (here goes my moodiness) and my head is killing me. I feel like getting back into bed...but that was one of my problems....NOT wanting to get out of bed....so...I am struggling....Also, today is my day to start taking two pills, not just one......aurgh.......

Today is a bad day for me, too. I'm trying to stay busy and distracted but there are so many negative things I am dealing with that it's getting the best of me. It's so hard sometimes to keep trying, isn't it?

Thank God (literally) for the little furbutts.:) They're so innocent and full of unconditional love.

I have bipolar disorder.

I have been Depressed pretty much my whole life. Had quite a crazy life. Was on meds for a while but I just never felt right. I just lost my job and have just moved and am under quite a bit of stress. I am just trying to find strength anywhere I can. Right now my little Chloe and my beautiful girlfriend keep me going everyday. Without them, I would feel lost.

hugs - me too - you aren't alone. I move in four days and this is my last weekend in the house I shared with my husband - all I want to do is curl up and cry...but I'm working my butt off getting it ready for the move -

then - big whoop - I get to unpack in a tiny apartment with no yard :( - I hope my girls adjust....they probably will better than I will. I just feel like I'm really leaving my husband in my past. I wish I had a grave to visit.....I think that would really help...I'll say this - medication DOES help if you get the right one. If I wasn't taking anything I wouldn't be sleeping or eating again.

Oh sweetie, what a tough weekend for you! I am so sorry that you have to move on top of everything that has happened to you this year. Your furbabies will be fine. Bailey and Tia can't go out 8 months of the year due to the weather and they do just fine. Hang in there girl. Hold on to the memories and don't feel bad about being sad! Big hugs!!!!!!!!

I can only imangine the emptyness that you are feeling.....it is good and natural to greive....may it bea distant friend or a sole mate such as Natalie....

I can only imangine the emptyness that you are feeling.....it is good and natural to grieve may it be a distant friend or a sole mate such as Natalie....God works in many way's...and sometime's we just don't understand why....Rest assured you're Natalie is with Him.....for he loves ALL creatures.....great and small......She is in a place of peace and love......she is also with you.......FOREVER.


God BLess You and Give You Peace

Depression is an awful place to be, I was there the week of Thanksgiving 2006, we had a house fire while on vacation. Yes, I'm grateful, that we were not there, that God did spare our home. However, I lost one of my cats, 4 therapeutic salt water tanks and so much more. We had to go live in an apartment, which I'm grateful for but still it was not home, while everyone shopped and got ready for xmas, I was not with it. My husband is not the stand up guy, so I had to stand up to 2 insurance adjusters because they didn't want to give us anything. You're not in good hands with Allstate. The weeks went by and the insurance company sat on their ass with excuses. I would climb the walls within myself, the nerves, the anxiety, the depression, it felt like a tornado within. I lost so much hair. On January 26, 07 the insurance people gave the go ahead to start working on the house, Feb. 1st. Now it was the contractors, trying to do the least and trying to cheat us out of our own money. Weeks felt like forever. I'm the type of person that gets homesick when I'm away from home for a night.
I had to stay on the guys and finally in April, I could not stand it anymore and I moved back home. I told them to work around me :rolleyes: , they finished quickly. While the house looked nicer than ever, I was depressed and going at it with only Gods help.
In July I got Jazzie to replace the loss of my kitty, my fish. She is Great medicine. With her tiny size she has managed to clear away some of the sadness.
I have read that depression is part of healing, perhaps its true.
I'm sorry to read of of your sadness, I pray that God helps you through it. I asked him to help me and He did.
Love & Hugs to all of you in pain, & good wishes for all as well.

Try yoga...I am one of these people that don't believe in using all these drugs out there, some of them play games with your mind...Try to not let things bother you..I know sometimes that's hard..I have panic attacks quite a lot, I don't take anything, I find something to do to keep me from thinking about what is bringing them on..

Jenn...i hope you get to feeling better. Keep your chin up. You can beat this. When you are having a bad day, pm one of us...sometimes just talking to someone can get you through the day when things seen tough. I'll be keeping you in my thoughts and prayers, and if you ever need anything...I"m here

Well I have Fibromyalgia and lots of pain and unable sometimes to get out of bed I feel like someone shut the gas off. They put me on Cymbalta but told me it would take a month to work. I'm having less pain but still have alot of swelling and my feet hurt so bad I can't hardly walk on them at times. I sure know what you mean about the furbabies. My husband is in Iraq and my youngest son and I don't know how I would have gotten through this without them. They put a smile on my face and I can laugh. Or if I'm having a bad day they are in bed with me and lick my face and lay by my side.

No help with the other stuff. My system gets built up an immunity to the meds then I need to change to another one. I do take lots of supplements. But they can really cost you and your insurance doesn't take care of them. I have a natural supplement and herb book if you want me to look up anything for you.

I had to take a high dose of 'Celexa' for a while. I had an chemical Imbalance do to a really bad surgery about a year ago. I had internal bleeding that night we rushed to the ER and it was a matter of life and death ... I understand that now. Back then all I could see was they screwed the surgery up and stapled my stomach shut and I looked like a Monster. I just couldn't 'deal' with it .... Sounds stupid ... I know ... it's just a scare - right ??? I took them for about 7 months ..... I am off now and feeling much better. :) Now I am trying to loose the weight I gained (A LOT :( ) .....

I Want my Paxil Back and that's a Fact!
 

Sorry, couldn't resist the twisted line from "I'm Bringing Sexy Back". Bet you never thought you'd get this volumne of response when you posed this question. My drug of choice, prescribed by my doctor of course, is Paxil. Sometimes I don't think it's helping much, but when I go without it, I find that it really is working quite well. As to natural remedies, St.John's Wort is suppose to do the same, but only for very mild cases and they say it should never be mixed with prescription drugs. Hope you start feel more level soon!;)

OMG I'm sorry about the fire and your cat ! That had to be so devestating and while I'm glad to hear you had insurance and things are better - the trauma of a fire is so scary in itself - you must be stressing everytime you leave your house wondering what you'll come home to. Did they ever find out what started it ?

hugs - you've been thru alot and I'm so sorry - IF I knew you before this post I could have helped you - I had to sell or give away SO MANY of my things since my husband died because I have to move into an apartment I probably had some things you could have used....

(poor little kitty....that's so sad):(

Depression is such a terrible feeling. I have been on Zoloft for years. I thought I didn't need it anymore and stopped taking it - big mistake! I started crying over every thing, was ready to quit my job and would obsess over every little thing. I went back on it and just feel "normal". Antidepressants just help me feel like I can cope and I thank God they have them. It did take several weeks for the Zoloft to kick in and I had some sleepless nights, but I stuck with it. V, I am so sorry about your husband, I think of you so often and my heart goes out to you. I have been through cancer with my husband and the loss of my yorkie, Max whom I still miss greatly. I appreciate this site so much.

Jackie

I'm so sorry you have to make this move. I can't imagine how hard it must be. Life changes alone are hard, but with your circumstances, it is worse. Allow yourself that cry before you leave the house for the last time.

My heart just hurts for you. You don't know how many times I've thought of you and read your posts and how I wished I could be there in 3D for you. Just know someone (I'm sure many someones) out here in cyberland thinks of you and carries you in their heart.:hug:

P.S. Your little girls will be just fine anywhere as long as you are there with them.

I have been on a gradual decline from a happy go lucky person to a very angry person.

It all started in 2000 with the loss of my 2 best friends, Amy and Samantha. They were just like children to me and the true loves of my heart.(Yes, they are Yorkies, no I am not married, have kids or a boyfriend). The next year, I lost my dream horse. He was a beautiful Arabian, the one I had always dreamed about as a child(dapple grey with black points) The next year, my 2 wonderful Skye Terrier girls were stolen. Got into a big fight with the co-owner, costing me my friend and mentor of 7 years. My father passed away and my Moms house burned down. The next year, I transfered to a new store and the customers in this area are a**holes as well as the mangement team. Jump 2 years later and I was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. Thats always something to look forward to!! And 1 year ago I completely lost my sense of smell and taste.

I guess you could say I am BITTER!!! I dont have a sense of humor much anymore and have become very intolerant of people. I am sure that reflects in some of my posts. But I have been REALLY trying to see everything in a different way. I try to look at the bright side. I dont like meds so I am trying to just work it out.

I don't know why, but this is kind of embarrassing/difficult for me to say...

but I feel like I've slipped into some kind of depression. I have my moments where I'm really happy and having a good time or whatever, but most of the time I have a kind of gloomy feeling. I have random breakdowns and the tiniest little thing can make me sad. I know that I'm not the same person I used to be, my friends and family tell me that all the time.

I know that I should tell someone and go to the doctor or something, but I really dont' want to. I don't know what to do, and that freaks me out. :(

I took paxil twice for about 6 months due to anxiety (panic disorder/agoraphobia) and depression. I gained a million pounds on it and had horrific side effects when I went off of it. Complained to the doc and he dismissed me. Nowadays he says that he would not likely prescribe it any more. Grr.

Haven't been on anything for years but still get mild to moderate periods of anxiety coupled with depression. This December I was having a mild relapse but the doc actually held of on prescribing me anything. I took a tincture of St. John's Wort for a few weeks and am now taking a chinese herbal formula (Xiao Yao Wan--the chinese "happy pill"). I am feeling much better, but not sure if that's b/c of the herbs or just change in situation (moved home, no more bills, getting Zoë, etc.).

D-

Megan, I've been there before and totally know what you mean. I think it's a good idea to atleast talk to your doc about it, hear his/her options and find out what is best for your situation. Some ppl need meds, either for a short period or for life and there's nothing wrong with that. Others just need a lifestyle change, counselling, more exercise, dietary change, etc.

Please talk to your doctor about it. It's always difficult to talk about it at first but once you do, and it's out in the open, that's when you can look at ways to deal with it.

D-

I've been wondering if I have FM, my symptoms seem to fit but my doc doesn't really believe in it and I don't know exactly if I have the symptoms. My boss has it though and her symptoms sound a lot like mine (days of random weakness, inability to sleep, vague muscle soreness--not sharp pain but like a burning as if I had a sunburn or a stiffness like I ran a marathon a day or two ago, extremely tired periods even if I slept for like 12 hours). Or maybe I'm just a hypochondriac lol.

D-