[Zygara]

So a few months ago I was prescribed anti-depressants (Citalopram) by my GP as well as referred to a CBT therapist. I haven't yet gone to the pharmacist to collect them. There are a few reasons for this.

Firstly, I am a emetophobe (have a phobia of vomiting) and the fact that the antidepressants lists nausea and possible vomiting as a side effect puts me off quite a lot. Do you think there is a high possibility of the anti depressants making me sick?

Secondly, my father tells me not to take them, because he tells me, quote on quote, that "it will make you a zombie" as this is what happened with him when he took them. He tells me to carry on taking St John's wort medication (a herbal antidepressant) while it does help to some degree, it doesn't quite cut it, as my depression is within the severe range, and it is said to only deal with minor depression.

Everyone else (excluding my family) has been urging me to take the anti depressants. My therapists have, my old school counselor, my GP.

I've been dealing with suicidal ideation and urges to disfigure myself, with these thoughts becoming more frequent lately. While I want to take the anti depressants to end these thoughts, I've also heard that sometimes anti depressants can increase the suicide risk. So I'm stuck.

What would you suggest?

[rollercoaster30]

It's hard to say because different medications affect everyone differently- I have taken three different ones and luckily never had any side effects at the onset. I think the most important thing is to start at a really small dose and understand that it takes about six weeks to fully get into your system and the first ones you try may not work- you won't necessarily have zombie effects just because your father did.

If you decide to take them and get suicidal effects go to see your GP straight away.

Remember no pill will make it all go away, so definitely try the therapy too.

Good luck

[Blue_Bird]

I think it's worth giving the medicine a shot, you can always come off it if it doesn't work out.

On a side note, be careful about taking St. Johns Wart if you're going to start an antidepressant soon, there's the slight risk for Serotonin Syndrome which is something you do not want and it could be fatal.

[gayleggg]

I think with your depression being so bad that it would be good to try it. As someone else said you can always stop taking them later if they don't work. And every brand affects everyone differently, so there is no way to know but to try them.

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[LonesomeTonight]

I'm also an emetophobe, so am always afraid to try new meds. But I've been lucky in not having anything more than slight nausea (no vomiting!) from any of the SSRIs (Celexa, Zoloft, Paxil, and Prozac) or SNRIs (Effexor and Cymbalta) that I've tried. I would ask your doc if you could start at a very low dose. If you're concerned, break the pills in half at first. Also, if you end up feeling sick from them, it could go away after the first week or two. Worth giving them a shot, I think...

But I get it--really.

Also, none of them have made me a zombie. And if you find they do that to you, you can always stop them.

[Loial]

I was put on Citalopram for GAD last year & I did experience some nausea with it but I would say it's more like a mild discomfort than an urge to actually be sick. I think it's worth giving it a shot like everyone else has said.

Good luck & I hope it's the medication for you...

[marmaduke]

Dont know how old you are, might be good to get some space between you and your famly they do not sound helpful.
Listen to your GP.

[ManOfConstantSorrow]

I have taken citalopram for a year and no nausea, and negligible other side effects, and much benefit - info here; http://services.medicines.org.uk/***...178_87_615.pdf

[Travelinglady]

People do differ, as was said, but I have been on a number of antidepressants over the years and none had caused any nausea or vomiting.

Given your serious depression, I definitely think, too, that you should try an antidepressant. If the side effects are too bad, then there are plenty over antidepressant options.

I haven't felt zombified by them. Many newer ones are out other than what your dad probably took

[Rose76]

Nausea and vomiting are listed as side effects to lots and lots of drugs who's users almost never have a problem. When those two things are listed, it's more the nausea whuch might be a problem than the vomiting. Likelihood of either is low. Likelihood of actually throwing up is even lower.

Take the antidepressant and see what happens. Ignore your father. It's not true that any antidepressant turns anyone into a zombie. Antidepressants don't work like some kind of anesthesia that makes you immune to sadness and hurt. That's a misconception that some people have. Then they say "I took the antidepressant and I went all numb and couldn't feel anything." That's baloney coming out of overactive imaginations.

Decide that for 6 months you are going to do exactly what the doctor recommends. Then see the result. There is a good possibility that the antidepressant might do nothing for you at all. Pick a course of action and then stick to it, or you'll just be going around in circles and getting nowhere.

[BudFox]

I would listen to your father. Doesn't he know you better than a doctor or therapist? Plus your own family member's personal experience with meds should carry some weight.

And if you already have suicidal ideation, and a class of drugs is known to induce that very serious behavior, for god's sake is nobody concerned except you?

As for doing exactly what your Dr recommends, I can think of nothing more dangerous. I would question EVERYTHING your Dr says, do your own research about what SSRIs really do to the brain and make informed decisions. Blind faith in the orthodoxies of western medicine can get you in real trouble, as someone said.

I hope you find some peace. I am severely depressed too.

[romeooooo]

i see no because of your fear of vomiting. if its really bad dont do it.