[capricornicopia]

I know they would probably help me immensely, but I've just heard so many horror stories of people that tried getting off them after a while and went through terrible withdrawal and side effects. I was prescribed Zoloft two weeks ago and still haven't taken it. Can anyone share their experience with antidepressants? Was it more positive or negative?

[mle1115]

I just started on lexapro two weeks ago. I have fought against antidepressants several tomes in the past, as well, but I really feel the lexapro helping. Just make sure you communicate with your pdoc about your concerns and go slowly.

[Ralau]

If someone has bad experiences with antidepressants, it doesn't mean your experience will be the same. If you're struggling with depression, I hope you give the meds a chance to help you. If the first one isn't a good one, there are plenty of other antidepressants to try.

I have been on an antidepressant, but I had to stop taking it because I have bipolar. I had to stop it cold turkey but I didn't get any withdrawal symptoms. I know some people do get them, but that's not always the case.
Now when I'm on a right medication my life is better, I don't have those dark thoughts all the time, not even every day. I have got my energy back and I'm starting to feel more stable.

I hope you give the meds a chance, because they may actually help you and give you your life back.

[MickeyCheeky]

I'd suggest to try, if you feel is necessary - especially if the alternative is being suicidal. You can always change meds or stop taking them at all if the side effects get bad. If you're still unsure, I'd discuss this with your doctor.

I have been on antidepressants in the past and came off them successfully. I'm now on zoloft (with lithium so I dont go manic as I have bipolar) and it has been a life saver. Literally. I don't think I would be here without my medication.

I will say that zoloft made me extremely tired. I'm on a high dose, 250mg and I needed a stimulant to function during the day. After 8 months on it I'm down to taking the stimulant 2-3 times per week. Zoloft also made me sick to my stomach for a couple months after I started and then that disappeared.

I don't know if that helps, but feel free to message me if you have any questions.

[Fuzzybear]

My personal opinion.. those drugs have done me more harm than good

And now I can’t take them at all.

But many many people say that the antidepressants have saved their life,

Why am I still alive? I don’t know

Originally Posted by Ralau

If someone has bad experiences with antidepressants, it doesn't mean your experience will be the same. If you're struggling with depression, I hope you give the meds a chance to help you. If the first one isn't a good one, there are plenty of other antidepressants to try.

I have been on an antidepressant, but I had to stop taking it because I have bipolar. I had to stop it cold turkey but I didn't get any withdrawal symptoms. I know some people do get them, but that's not always the case.
Now when I'm on a right medication my life is better, I don't have those dark thoughts all the time, not even every day. I have got my energy back and I'm starting to feel more stable.

I hope you give the meds a chance, because they may actually help you and give you your life back.

Are you totally off antidepressants now? I m asking coz I have severe depression now but my psych doc is reluctant to prescribe me an antidepressant as he is afraid that I may turn manic.

I also feel very tired all day. Did your antidepressants help you to get your energy back or did you have to take any stimulant?

[Ralau]

Originally Posted by Desiree2006

Are you totally off antidepressants now? I m asking coz I have severe depression now but my psych doc is reluctant to prescribe me an antidepressant as he is afraid that I may turn manic.

I also feel very tired all day. Did your antidepressants help you to get your energy back or did you have to take any stimulant?

Yes I'm totally off them now. Quetiapine has helped my depression, better than I could ever imagine. I'm still recovering, but feeling much better than a few months ago.
My antidepressants didn't really help me. I was on a low dose of Lexapro, it didn't help my depressive symptoms when I took it with a mood stabilizer, and when it finally did (I was taking it with quetiapine later), it caused me hypomanic symptoms.

Originally Posted by capricornicopia

I know they would probably help me immensely, but I've just heard so many horror stories of people that tried getting off them after a while and went through terrible withdrawal and side effects. I was prescribed Zoloft two weeks ago and still haven't taken it. Can anyone share their experience with antidepressants? Was it more positive or negative?

Antidepressants caused me nothing but anxiety even after taking them, after reading all the horror stories you may have read
Take natural solutions if you can - Saffron is a good AD herb for example
A few moments in google search would lead you to various results

[Candy1955]

I take a very low dose of Lexapro, and it has been terrific. I cannot be seen weeping at work and beforehand all I wanted was to weep and stay in bed. I am just better now to function at work and not draw attention to myself. I take Alprazolam for anxiety as needed, but don't take it most days.
Like VO says, natural is better if you can. I use a lot of additives, herbal teas and vitamins to fight this along with diet and methods of distraction.

[smallbluefish]

I would definitely listen to your body--it's totally fine if medication doesn't work for you, and it's also fine if you need it to function. if you sense medication would help you immensely, maybe it is worth a try? but if you still have questions, try and ask your doctor.

if you decide to take zoloft, your doctor should always be able to help adjust dosages / switch medications if zoloft isn't helping. additionally, if you ever feel like stopping, they should be able to gradually taper your dosage to wean you off, so that withdrawal symptoms (if any) are more manageable.

as for me:
I can only speak personally (I can't speak to your decisions or body's needs), but medication has been helpful for me even though I too was initially worried. I'm currently on escitalopram, also known as lexapro. the first few weeks were tough with side effects--nausea, blunted emotional range (i.e. wasn't feeling as extremely depressed anymore but also had a hard time feeling pleasure), and fatigue.

I'm now about 2 months in. I had been so used to being sad that anything other than depression felt scary--but looking back right now, I realize I'm glad I don't feel suicidal anymore.