[Beyond The Pale]

I started an antidepressant today. My moods were becoming way too unstable with wild mood swings. It seems to be keeping my feelings muffled but level. Is this a good thing? I know I need some stability right now since I'm only just now starting therapy, but I'm worried about what my medical doctor said, that I might be in this the rest of my life. Is there life after medication?

[GeorgiaGirl413]

Originally Posted by Beyond The Pale

I started an antidepressant today. My moods were becoming way too unstable with wild mood swings. It seems to be keeping my feelings muffled but level. Is this a good thing? I know I need some stability right now since I'm only just now starting therapy, but I'm worried about what my medical doctor said, that I might be in this the rest of my life. Is there life after medication?

I think that for some people there is. As for me, I was off and on for years, no decades. I finally made up my mind about 5 years ago that I was not going to get off of them. I have had to have them adjusted and changed over that time, but I never stopped them. I need them to stay alive and I know that. Being on an antidepressant is no different than being on any other medication. It does not mean that you are weak or can't handle your problems. It just means that you have a medical condition that requires treatment. Don't focus on whether or not there is life after medication. Focus on how you are going to get better with medication.

[doglover1979]

Medication is not the end all be all, but if you need them and they work it makes life so much easier. My cocktail is now up to 4 daily medications and one PRN, and while its hard to admit to myself that I need them, I remember life before them and I don't want to go back. Ever.

It will probably be a few weeks or even a month before you know if it is working out for you, so maybe its better to just give it a try. You might just have to use them to get over the hump, or you might really need them. Either way, if it works its way better than feeling crappy when you don't have to.

[allme]

Hiya. Some ppl need meds for a certain length of time to help but others may need it for the rest of their lives. I personally don't care if I am on them for the rest of my life, just as long as I feel better, I am happy to stay put. I hope they work for you.

[eScotty]

I agree with the views saying that the issue is not whether or not medications are for life but rather, whether or not they improve life. I expect I'll be on anti-depressant and anti-anxiety meds for the rest of my life, but I readily accept that b/c they make the quality of my life so much better than it was without them. My brain chemistry was damaging my life, and I'm just thankful the meds were, and are, available to help.

[Mustkeepjob32]

I used to always think that once I was used to a certain medication, I would stay on it for two years, and then gradual get off it and be med free forever! I know better. I truly believe I will be on some sort of psychotropic for the rest of my life. I am not in a good place in my life right now, but when I am, I'd be scared to mess with the meds. Although I'm all for trying new ones