Medication

[Loopi]

This time last year i was diagnosed with PTSD (and depression) and put on Prozac. REALLY bad side effects, i ended up more suicidal than i started. It did however help for about a month, and what a glorious month that was.

I have my apprehensions, but I'm trying to get referred back to a psychiatrist. My moods are really unstable and are getting lower every time they fall, and i don't want to end up hitting rock bottom again.

Anyone have any reassurance/good stories about anti depressants? The friend i have on them just keeps getting her dose doubled and they don't seem to be helping, which is only furthering my apprehensions.

 

[Khameo]

Prozac is actually quite mild and usually fairly effective.
I'd suggest Paxil or Zoloft, for something similar.
Apart from those, you're more or less left with tricyclics and they have worse physical side effects.

I was diagnosed with depression a few years ago.
I found myself happier after I'd stopped taking the antidepressants.
They worked for a while, but over extended periods of time, they seem to keep you down. Stop taking them for a few weeks, and see if you feel better.

 

[zaksmummy]

The thing you need to realise about anti depressants is that they only work of the physical symptoms of depression. These are sleeplessness, loss of appetite, no concentration, memory loss, early morning waking, usually at about 4am, with an inability to get back to sleep, a slowness of thoughts, lack of sex drive.

The other part to depression is the psychological side. These symptoms are persistent negative thoughts, lack of self worth and esteem.

Both physical and psychological symptoms can include suicide ideas.

You also said you have post traumatic stress disorder, which I dont know much about but I understand can also include flashbacks.

Anti depressants with work to alleviate the physical symptoms but wont work on the psychological symptoms. For that counselling is required.

One important thing to remember is that if you come off your antidepressants to early, within six months of starting them there is a high chance of relapse.

If your anti depressants arent suiting you and you are getting too many side effects there are plenty on the market which you can try to find the right one. Remember that everybody's brain chemistry is different so what will suit one person wont suit another.

Sometimes a combination of medication is needed so dont be afraid to try this if your doctor suggests it.

For the flashbacks you can try a technique where you put the images into a television, in your mind, so its as if you are watching whats going on. Then practice turning the brightness down on the television until you cant see the images any more.
This takes practice and isnt easy.

Catrin xx

 

[RuthD]

This time last year i was diagnosed with PTSD (and depression) and put on Prozac. REALLY bad side effects, i ended up more suicidal than i started. It did however help for about a month, and what a glorious month that was.

I have my apprehensions, but I'm trying to get referred back to a psychiatrist. My moods are really unstable and are getting lower every time they fall, and i don't want to end up hitting rock bottom again.

Anyone have any reassurance/good stories about anti depressants? The friend i have on them just keeps getting her dose doubled and they don't seem to be helping, which is only furthering my apprehensions.

I take 20 mg. of Lexapro and have no side effects from it. I was on prozac for quite awhile and it made me nervous. I've been on a lot of antidepressants over the years and have experienced them stop working and side effects. I tried Luvox and it made me hallucinate and hallucinations are not something I usually have.

There are a lot of things you can do to feel better like take a walk, go to Blessings Exchange and play games, bake a cake or do something you like. I like to watch movies a lot on the weekends. Maybe you could make a list of things you'd like to do and keep it handy.

 

[heatherq17]

I am on Cymbalta and this is the only one I found to work for me. Ive been on so many different ones in the past 3 years. Like others had said you have to try many different ones sometimes before finding the one that works for you! Good luck! ((Hugs))