When prozac first came out and was very controversial I did not believe in going on meds. What happened is that i became bad enough that I didn't care anymore what other people thought. I was so depressed and using drugs that I needed all the help I could get. When they offered me meds I jumped at it because it gave me hope that something would make a difference. I went on effexor. I really think it helped me to get clean and sober. I went to a treatment center and have been clean and sober for 18 years. I have stayed on meds the whole time. They have not been the greatest for me. I have had to switch and try new combinations and they have not cured my depression. For me I don't think there is a cure. In my opinion if you are suicidal then you should see a psychiatrist. Anti depressents are not mind altering in the sense that street drugs are, you don't get high off of them. You can't even tell you are taking them unless you get side affects.