[BrownHat22]

Hello everyone,

Well, it's happening. Just a few weeks ago I started therapy, and I've gotten to the point where my T has recommended that I take medication for my depression. Right now it just feels unreal to have this happen, especially with my mind focusing on other things. I already have a doctor's appointment set up to discuss it, but I also wanted to get your opinion as well. Specifically, what medications did you find to be right for you, and what positive and negative effects did it cause (and yes, I know that each individual's brain chemistry is different, and as such, what is right for you probably won't be good for me)? Thank you for your help, and stay safe!

[splitimage]

When my T first suggested medication to me, I was kind of upset, I was pretty anti-meds at the time. But she said I was too depressed for her to help me, unless I tried meds. So I reluctantly agreed to see a psychiatrist.

She put me on Effexor, and within 2 weeks I was starting to feel a little better. I had some initial side effects like nausea and bad headaches, but they went away pretty quickly.

Now meds really help me.

Everyone reacts differently to different meds so I'd encourage you to be open minded about trying them.

I hope you find something that helps you.

splitimage

[*Laurie*]

Good! Medication will probably help you to not feel so depressed. I've been on many different meds; it really depends upon your specific diagnosis as to which med will work for you. Do you have an appointment with a pdoc?

[BrownHat22]

Originally Posted by *Laurie*

Good! Medication will probably help you to not feel so depressed. I've been on many different meds; it really depends upon your specific diagnosis as to which med will work for you. Do you have an appointment with a pdoc?

Yes, I do actually. It's set for the 23rd.

[catnip123]

I'm not really happy about taking meds (i take several) but I do think that they have helped me to be less depressed. Other things have helped also, like exercise, getting out and doing things, etc.
Try not to get discouraged if the the first one you try doesn't work out. There are lots of them out there and a good doc will work closely with you to find one or a combination of ones that will help you.
Good luck

[*Laurie*]

I'm glad you have an appointment with a pdoc set up.

I've never known anyone who wants to be on medication. But then, I doubt that anyone wants to have mental illness.

Do you have any idea of what your diagnosis is?

[BrownHat22]

Originally Posted by *Laurie*

I'm glad you have an appointment with a pdoc set up.

I've never known anyone who wants to be on medication. But then, I doubt that anyone wants to have mental illness.

Do you have any idea of what your diagnosis is?

I just know that I meet the diagnosis for clinical depression, whether that's Dysthymia or MDD, I don't know yet.

[*Laurie*]

Originally Posted by BrownHat22

I just know that I meet the diagnosis for clinical depression, whether that's Dysthymia or MDD, I don't know yet.

Your pdoc will help you sort that out. Best to you

[MickeyCheeky]

I don't have advice, but I wish you good luck!

[MatBell]

I've tried different medications. Now I'm on Venlafaxine, and that has really helped. It takes a while to kick in with most antidep., but suddenly it's there. For me, one day I woke up and I no longer had horrible anxiety, sweats, heart palpitations and so on. Things felt easier to do. I'm on a pretty high dose now, and don't know when or if I'll taper down again.

If this is your first time on medication, I really think you should go for it. Of course it's not a miracle drug, but it can make things easier for you. You shouldn't be afraid or be suspicious about them for they can really help. They helped me.

[BrownHat22]

Originally Posted by MatBell

I've tried different medications. Now I'm on Venlafaxine, and that has really helped. It takes a while to kick in with most antidep., but suddenly it's there. For me, one day I woke up and I no longer had horrible anxiety, sweats, heart palpitations and so on. Things felt easier to do. I'm on a pretty high dose now, and don't know when or if I'll taper down again.

If this is your first time on medication, I really think you should go for it. Of course it's not a miracle drug, but it can make things easier for you. You shouldn't be afraid or be suspicious about them for they can really help. They helped me.

That's good, I'll definitely keep that in mind.