[allandnothing]

I'm 36, male, UK based. I've suffered from depression on and off for a few years, but I've always thought of it as linked to my lifestyle rather than anything to do with brain chemistry or physiological differences in me. When I am lonely and isolated, as I am now, I am depressed. When I was in a relationship a couple of years ago I mostly wasn't. So I've always thought that depression could be fixed by sorting my life out and I have never sought medical help.

At the moment I am as bad as I have been. Mentally, I often feel like I have a weight bearing down on my brain that occurs at the same time as a feeling of hopelessness. I've lost 7 lbs in weight in the last month, I'm not taking care of myself, work is suffering, nothing that would usually make me happy has much effect.

For various reasons I don't want to see a doctor, so I am thinking about buying some generic prozac online. I hope that it will give me a lift, I can see value in living again and get work back on track and stop my spiral towards god knows what.

Can anyone relate to this? Anyone in a similar situation seen results? Anything I should be aware of? Is buying prozac online for international delivery legal in the UK does anyone know?

Edit to add: I've done a bit of Googling and think that buying prescription medication online from abroad for personal use is legal. So I've ordered some. Also interested to know what sort of effect I can expect. How will it feel, how long will it take etc.

i'm interested in knowing why you don't want to see a doctor.

I know they're scary at the best of times (and sometimes really louzy)

but find the right one- and they could really help you work out what's going on

[allandnothing]

I can't elaborate on why I don't want to see a Doctor. It's not through fear, it's for a couple of reasons one of which is highly specific to me. If I can sort this out myself I'd much prefer to do that.

[*Laurie*]

It's hard for me to advise you when I don't know why you won't see a doctor. But I do believe that purchasing Prozac online is unwise for many reasons.

[SgtRock]

When you buy online, do you know what you're actually getting? For all you know, it could be rat poison. Do yourself a favor and go see a doctor.

[allandnothing]

OK you're right, thank you. I wasn't thinking clearly earlier. I have just done some research on the online site I found and it seems highly dubious and buying from it a very risky thing to do, so I have cancelled the order and cancelled my payment card too just in case.

I will make an appointment with my doctor and take it from there.

Buying drugs online in the U.K. is illegal and you're right, mostly dodgy. Prozac is a tough drug to start on, most GPs begin with citralopam. You can see a virtual GP nowadays too, or register with a practice of your choice, so it's more flexible than in the past.

[Fuzzybear]

Good luck with seeing a doctor. I've also heard that most GP's usually prescribe citalopram first ..

[SgtRock]

Best to see a full blown Psychiatrist or a Psych Nurse ARNP.

[Fuzzybear]

Originally Posted by SgtRock

Best to see a full blown Psychiatrist or a Psych Nurse ARNP.

I agree, a psychiatrist would be much less likely to misdiagnose than a GP...

[allandnothing]

So I had an appointment with my GP yesterday, he suggested I exercise more, referred me to a therapist and gave me a prescription.

I took the first pill yesterday and after about 4 hours it kicked in and I felt a lot better. Much more normal. It's very early days, but right now I feel glad I went to see him rather than trying hair-brained ideas like buying dodgy meds from abroad. Thanks again to the posters above for their input.

[gymnastellie]

I know how hard it is to see a doctor - I have my own reasons why I don't see them. But I agree with other members - a doctor is a necessary pathway (especially in the UK) to be referred to see a psychiatrist.

Also, tread with extreme caution when using drugs from abroad - you can never be entirely sure what's in them.

I can relate to what you're going through, and I am really sorry. I do hope things can improve for you soon.

[ptangptang]

A lot of people ( me included) feel worse t this time of the year. Could be SAD. Exercise is good try and incorporate it into your day, can u walk to work, or even part walk. I think regular exercise is at least as good as antidepressants for mild depression. Also yoga, meditation.CBT MIGHT WORK for you. Didn't do much for me, but try it.

[allandnothing]

I have to say a week on and the drugs are working. I feel fairly normal, not exactly happy but not depressed and coping OK.