I think for every horror story that you hear about drugs, there is likely a story where medications have helped.

In my experience the start up on the SSRIs is quite harsh, but does level out. Prozac definitely helped to lift me out of year long depression.

Perhaps, however, my experience with meds has been different because my therapist is a psychiatrist. He's very familiar (obviously) with my case and we can monitor side effects because he sees me frequently.

I'd recommend both therapy and meds.

As far as the meds changing me? Well, no. In my opinion that is a myth propagated by fear, and goodness knows what all else.