topic Re: Anti-depressants in Treatments and side effects

Anti-depressants

samex — Wed, 24 Mar 2010 09:03:20 GMT

As some of you know I have been struggling with depression and anxiety for a while and finally started some counselling about 6 weeks ago. Last session, the psych wanted me to see my GP and discuss the use of anti-depressants. Short term. Mainly to try to fix my sleep patterns. I generally sleep very badly and I understand that this can be a sever deterrent to becoming well - in the greatest sense of the word - not just cancer free. One part of my brain says that I need to try this medication and that if supervised well there shouldn't be any problems. Another part is terrified or maybe it is just the recognition that I genuinely have a mental illness that is causing me to question.Perhaps the social stigma is impacting on my rational decision making. I know that this is not the place for medical advice but as we all know here, it sometimes helps to put our thoughts down and have some feedback. Thanks, Samex

Re: Anti-depressants

harker — Wed, 24 Mar 2010 09:23:40 GMT

Hi samex I went to my GP with the same discussion in mind. He explained there is a difference in brain activity that is clearly distinguishable between a depressed and a not depressed human. The evidence he used was a scan print out of the active brain areas. One was mostly one colour (healthy), the other was less of that colour and more of another colour (depressed). The diagram, as I understand it, was simply showing the differences in brain activity. I found it quite convincing from a chemical point of view. I could see immediately that differences in chemical activity might be related to my sleeplessness, lethargy, lack of concentration and teariness. My concerns disappeared. I talked it through with him and got a script. I have recently worked my way down to a lower dose as I sense I am coming out of a depressed state (eighteen months later). Think of it as chemical. That's all it is. Don't overprocess it. You have greater social stigmas in your life than anti-depressants that may work for you and not have side effects. H

Re: Anti-depressants

Versaillon — Wed, 24 Mar 2010 10:26:00 GMT

Hey Samex! I openly disclose that I am on a daily dosage of happy pills (Prozac). I've had clinical depression twice now and both times, Prozac has been prescribed, not only to help my sleeping patterns but to help even me out enough so I could actively participate in getting myself well again! Now I'm taking Prozac to help me with symptoms of an anxiety disorder left over from my accident. As Harker has said, think of it more on a chemical level and nothing more. Taking anti-d's is about taking a step in getting yourself to a better level and I truly believe that had it not been for my medication and my very understanding, wonderful therapist, I probably wouldn't be here. I definitely had concerns at the start, the stigma of it, was I really that mentally unwell? The rational part of me decided that I needed to do what I could to get better, to be happy :) It took me a little while but I finally came out of my depression both times with some work and then had my GP wean me off the meds safely. It's not forever, only a little while....

Re: Anti-depressants

Mrs_Elton — Wed, 24 Mar 2010 11:56:10 GMT

Sounds like Harker and Jo have some very valid points for you. I hope it helps in your decision process. Jill xo

Who Am I ?

CATS — Wed, 24 Mar 2010 22:39:52 GMT

Well it has finally happened - I looked at myself in the mirror and it was not me. The person I know to be me has wavy auburn hair, longish eyelashes,nicely shaped eyebrows and a pleasant face. The person looking back at me in the mirror is not me. That person has no eyebrows, very few eyelashes and light auburn fluff on her head - which can be seen through the fluff. Her eyes are haunted and her face is very sad. Tears blind me for a few seconds - how could this have happened in such a short time? I am not and never have been a vain person; I am ordinary looking and am happy with my appearance. I have never had any trouble getting a man, so I'm reasonable. If I went out tonight there would be a man drought wherever I went. I would not and could not humiliate myself in that way. I sound vain now - looks definitely are not everything, but unfortunately or fortunately - however one looks at it - they do help!. I have a disease that is killing me - I have no idea as to the severity - now - until I have my next scan. My chemo treatment seems to be going well even though side effects have resulted in my oral chemo being stopped - and yes I am worried that this will be a set back and recovery and treatment will be extended for a few more months. I want to look in the mirror again and laugh at my funny hair - or lack of - I want to see the positive, happy, carefree face looking back at me. I want to say to that person "THIS IS ALL PART OF GETTING WELL". At this moment I cannot say or do any of that. At this moment I am scared. At this moment I am wondering if this is all going to be in vain and I will not recover. At this moment I am wondering if I am ever going to look normal again. I want to get better. I want my hair and eyebrows and eyelashes to grow back, I want to laugh genuinely and stop putting on an act for everyone. I want to stop being unhappy. I want ME back.

Re: Anti-depressants

CATS — Wed, 24 Mar 2010 22:53:12 GMT

Sorry - somehow my little piece of misery started in the replies section then made it's presence felt in the middle of the anti-depressant comments - an omen??? probably!. Follow the advice of those who know, samex - good luck.

Re: Anti-depressants

CATS — Wed, 24 Mar 2010 22:54:11 GMT

Re: Anti-depressants

CATS — Wed, 24 Mar 2010 22:56:00 GMT

Buggered if I know what I am doing - posted twice - think I'll go to bed for rest of day

Re: Anti-depressants

Jules2 — Wed, 24 Mar 2010 23:14:57 GMT

Hey samex It is a decision you have to make and one that is not easy. As you have said it means you have to admit to yourself, something that you probably have been trying to struggle through and deal with. I think i would be looking on it as something that was just going to help me get through this process that we go through. It is ok to get help and often we feel like we have to struggle on by ourselves and be tough, not so! My son suffers from depression, is not an easy road for anyone. hugsss Julie xo

Re: Anti-depressants

CATS — Thu, 25 Mar 2010 02:37:25 GMT

samex I have suffered from mild to severe bouts of clinical depression since I was in my early 20's. I have been on anti depressants and anti anxiety medication nearly all of my adult life. Now-as with you and the horrid cancer experience- I am seriously considering going back on anti-depressants as I am becoming more unhappy and less able to cope each day. I think, once you realise something is not quite right, a GP appointment is the next step - it doesn't mean we are weak or 'mad' it means we want our lives back and be able to think clearly and rationally - I cannot see the problem with that!!

Re: Anti-depressants

harker — Thu, 25 Mar 2010 08:01:13 GMT

With all due respect, Cats, getting a man doesn't mean you are reasonable...believe me. I know.

Re: Anti-depressants

CATS — Thu, 25 Mar 2010 09:40:16 GMT

Harker I totally agree with you. When I typed that sentence I thought 'delete' - what an idiot comment to make. I think I was just feeling super sorry for myself and thought I used to be able to rock up anywhere and have a great time but now I look like something from another planet - those days are well and truly over; to tell the truth, even if I did have my hair etc I really couldn't be bothered. Thankyou for alerting me to that monstrous aberration - my fingers tend to type before the brain has time to kick in - especially when I am angry or upset or feeling sorry for myself. I think in future I won't post anything until I have re read it several times to ensure I haven't written anything stupid - probably won't make the slightest bit of difference, but I will give it a try. Thanks harker take care

Re: Anti-depressants

samex — Thu, 25 Mar 2010 10:05:29 GMT

Wow! Thanks guys. Your reassurances really help. I also had a talk with a good friend who has been on anti-ds for a while after her husband died and she had detected some changes in me(not for the better) over the last few months. She is also a great advocate for getting the sleep right. She, like you guys, was helped with the chemical line. OK - next step - back to the GP and see what he says. Cats - I hope you are feeling better. Feeling sorry for yourself and angry is fine with me! Go for it!! Thnaks again, S

Re: Anti-depressants

flight — Fri, 26 Mar 2010 06:13:09 GMT

Hi Samex, I'm glad to hear that you have been able to get support and treatment with your depression. I found it very helpful to talk to my GP too. My GP was able to complete a mental health care plan so that I was able to claim medicare rebates from my psychologist. When the symptoms of depression became more severe I was able to discuss anti depressant medications with her too. I am finding that the medication has helped reduce the severity of the symptoms of depression (and it has also helped improve the quality of my sleep). The psychologist who I work with specialises in cognitive behaviour therapy. I am finding that the combination of both the medication and CBT stragties to be extremely helpful. I have found some excellent resources and links on anxiety and depression on the Beyond Blue website too: www.beyondblue.org.au and their helpline telephone number is 1300 224 636. Hope all is going well with you, Samex. From Flight

Re: Anti-depressants

samex — Fri, 02 Apr 2010 06:47:18 GMT

Hi guys, Just an update. I started on a low dose of meds on Wednesday. Very low for 4 days and then gradually increase. My GP warned me that I may experience some "fuzziness" to start with and I think he is either right or I am just dead tired from the end of term. We started the anti-depressants over the school hols on purpose. Did any of you find that the start was a bit ordinary? Also, some "web reading" that I have done, indicated that weight gain could be a side effect. I REALLY don't need that as well. Did anyone experience this? I am hoping that with better sleep patterns and more energy, that I will start to have weight loss! Again, thanks for all of your previous advice. Much appreciated. S

Re: Anti-depressants

Versaillon — Fri, 02 Apr 2010 07:02:04 GMT

Hey Samex :) Well done on taking the leap on getting better 🙂 It's a great step you've taken and I'm proud! The GP is right about the fuzziness bit, especially if you've not taken them before. Depends on the anti-d's you're taking, how much sleep you're not getting, how your brain processes it etc. As for tired, depression makes you tired. It's an exhausting illness to have but once the meds do kick in, you should be fine. Give it a few weeks and you'll probably start to feel a difference :) I remember my first time around, I tried "Effexor" which didn't agree with me much, made me feel nauseous and my jaw kept locking up for some reason. Then Aropax which just made me feel more mentally ill. Finally, onto Prozac which has worked well. Have had a couple of side effects with Prozac but nothing that my GP hasn't been able to iron out. So, just remember, let your GP know of any side effects so they can adjust dosage, try another type, etc. Sometimes a little trial and error is needed to get it right for you - after all, we're all different :) The weight 'gain' isn't as bad as you think. Typically, they say a 2-4kg weight gain is about normal and again, depends on the meds you are taking 🙂 And as you said, once your sleep patterns even out, you feel better about things, it shouldn't be an issue. It sounds like you have a fabulous GP so I think you will do just fine. Having a GP who monitors you and gives a crap makes a big difference :) Oh and the placebo effect can be awesome! Take care Sammy and keep us updated! Jo xxx

Re: Anti-depressants

samex — Fri, 02 Apr 2010 10:27:34 GMT

Thanks for the support Jo. Been a long time since anyone said they were proud of me! Wow! Actually feeling a little less nauseous tonight but still fuzzy and tired. It is early days and I'm glad I'm on holidays or I think the kids at school would be running rampant! How are holiday plans coming along? S

Re: Anti-depressants

Versaillon — Fri, 02 Apr 2010 10:34:16 GMT

Always welcome Sammy!! It's a massive step to overcome the stigmas, the indecisiveness (another depression side effect!) and doing something positive in your recovery by deciding to take medication. It can be daunting so you should be damn proud of yourself darl! Good to hear side effects are starting to wear off. It generally does take a week or two but it's well worth it! And good call on starting during school holidays, wise move there! Holiday plans are on hold at the moment. I picked up my brand new car yesterday and Rob and I have bought our first block of land a couple of weeks back!!! All very exciting, I'm very proud of us and yes, we will take that holiday now that things are calming down! Take care Sammy and bloody well good on ya! Jo xxx

Re: Anti-depressants

Jules2 — Fri, 02 Apr 2010 23:25:52 GMT

Hiya S Good luck with the anti d's ... didnt take long at all for my son to get some help from them. He has had to fiddle a bit with doseages over time and has changed tablets aswell. Now he has found one that works for him and the doseage is all good. It has allowed him to fix a couple of the things that were holding him back and he has walked forward such a lot in recent times, which is fantastic to see. Good luck with them. :) Julie xo

Re: Anti-depressants

smmee — Thu, 15 Apr 2010 10:16:20 GMT

Samex I am on anit d's too. But it is my husband with the cancer. I went to the GP and was told that there is a really high rate of depression with people dealing with cancer. It was something like 70%. Going on the meds was the best decision i have made in relation to the cancer. I can now help my husband deal with what is going on without burdening him also. It takes about 6 weeks for the drugs to balance themselves out and work properly for you. But you can notice a difference in how you feel. I am glad you have made the decision get help. That is the hardest step, (as they always say). Best of luck. Hope they work for you. They sure have helped me.