calgary Posted March 4, 2013 Share Posted March 4, 2013 just took my first one.. i'm a little bit scared about it and ashamed that I've had to start taking anti depressants, I've never had them before. i'm not sure what to expect.. anybody on them and want to help / explain how i'll feel ? Link to post Share on other sites
CudLRoo Posted March 4, 2013 Share Posted March 4, 2013 You should be fine man, 20mg is the lowest dose - if it doesn't work for you after a few weeks, try a different one. I was on these over a decade ago and they really lifted my mood and stopped me feeling suicidal. They kicked in very quick for me, I was literally Prozaced-up within a few days! They were great, but had a few side effects (I didn't get the sexual side fx, btw), which I would say they made me a bit more reckless with drugs and also made me care a lot less about emotional stuff, it was very hard to get sad on them, and sometimes you NEED to cry. I made the mistake of spending over two years on them, THEN decided to quit them cold turkey because I was at a close friend's funeral and didn't really give a crap and I wanted to *feel* properly again. BIG mistake, if you wanna come off these drugs, TAPER, and make it a looooooong taper!!! Yeah, you go nuts when you come off this stuff, so watch out, withdrawal is an artform, has to be done subtly. Anyways, in terms of what they were *supposed* to do, they worked, a lot of people will say they're poison, and it's never nice to rely on something synthetic, but if you get deep anguish over stuff, it's a better method than suicide. I'd say it had a DRASTIC effect on my depression at the time, that's all I can say as each person gets differing effects. I'm actually on 20mg Citalopram right now, which I find a really subtle AD - unfortunately, it's cack at getting rid of heartbreaky stuff cos I still cry lots when on it! PS: DID get some sexual side effects with the Citalopram the first few weeks, could not ejac for ages until my system got used to them!!!!!!!!! Link to post Share on other sites
Debbie2508 Posted March 4, 2013 Share Posted March 4, 2013 Hi Calgary, I went to the doctors on Friday, she prescribed 50mg Serataline. I stupidly went on Internet to read up about them, and was then too scared to take them, due to possible side effects. But, as Cav pointed out on here, look at the side effects of aspirin! Have taken the 3rd one this morning. It's probably a coincidence or psychosomatic but have taken the day off work( very rare for me) as I can't stop crying and thinking obsessively about everything. Having said that, I've been doing both for the last 8 weeks since the bu....it just seems far worse today. Like you, I feel a little ashamed of being on them, as have never been before, but I guess we're both feeling so low, that they're worth trying. Good luck. We can follow one another's progress. Link to post Share on other sites
CudLRoo Posted March 4, 2013 Share Posted March 4, 2013 My ex was on Sertraline, which definitely helped her OCD but the payoff was that she could barely orgasm. Might sound an odd thing, but over time, it drove her nuts, understandably. I've noticed this drug is very likely to get prescribed to females in this part of the UK! PS: side effects are a weird thing to read. I've been on three drugs that cause suicidal ideation in a LOT of people and have had zero problems, I've been on one drug for a bladder infection and it nearly killed me! It's a lottery, really, it is! Link to post Share on other sites
Coping Vortex Posted March 4, 2013 Share Posted March 4, 2013 Hi Calgary, I went to the doctors on Friday, she prescribed 50mg Serataline. I stupidly went on Internet to read up about them, and was then too scared to take them, due to possible side effects. But, as Cav pointed out on here, look at the side effects of aspirin! Have taken the 3rd one this morning. It's probably a coincidence or psychosomatic but have taken the day off work( very rare for me) as I can't stop crying and thinking obsessively about everything. Having said that, I've been doing both for the last 8 weeks since the bu....it just seems far worse today. Like you, I feel a little ashamed of being on them, as have never been before, but I guess we're both feeling so low, that they're worth trying. Good luck. We can follow one another's progress. I tried a few different ones and I couldn't handle the side affects after the first day. Everybody says you become numb. I could use that right now. Wish I could have gotten past the headaches. Link to post Share on other sites
CudLRoo Posted March 4, 2013 Share Posted March 4, 2013 'Numb' is a toughie. I'm an emotional person, and you STILL remain that way on the drugs, except the way your brain chemistry works is different. Thus, when you're supposed to cry or feel bad, then your brain expects to feel that way, except it doesn't, and it can be a frustrating feeling, though can be welcome, also. It's hard to explain! PS: You may start having weird dreams on a night. I like this side effect, because I'm guaranteed something memorable practically every night! PPS: None of you should feel ashamed! It's a brave step. Link to post Share on other sites
veggirl Posted March 4, 2013 Share Posted March 4, 2013 I thought anti depressants were for people with some sort of CHEMICAL problem in their brain? Like an actual medical condition, not heartbreak? If its to correct an actual medical problem how is it gonna help with a break up if your brain is a-okay otherwise. Man Drs will give out pills for anything won't they. I'd do my best not to rely on a pill OP, but I guess if you need it...have you considered therapy instead of pills? Link to post Share on other sites
Author calgary Posted March 4, 2013 Author Share Posted March 4, 2013 theres 3 months wait for counselling where I live. I don't feel well at all, I've been really messed up. heartbreak is definitely the worst part of my life at the moment, but i'm just not happy with nearly all of my life at the moment. finding it hard to get out of bed and do stuff, feel like I just do it for the sake. have no ambition, drive, goals, I've explained all this to the doctor and this is what she told me to take. Link to post Share on other sites
CudLRoo Posted March 4, 2013 Share Posted March 4, 2013 I thought anti depressants were for people with some sort of CHEMICAL problem in their brain? Like an actual medical condition, not heartbreak? If its to correct an actual medical problem how is it gonna help with a break up if your brain is a-okay otherwise. Man Drs will give out pills for anything won't they. I'd do my best not to rely on a pill OP, but I guess if you need it...have you considered therapy instead of pills? Weeeeell, the shrinks and the docs will spout any ol' ballyhoo but the truth is, they're a 'magic bullet' type of therapy, they somehow work in some people and it's just easier and cheaper to dose the populace up on these than offer counselling or therapy. And the big pharma companies don't mind this, not one jot. I just see them as an OPTION, don't let anyone in a suit n' tie BS you about these things, the truth is they sorta work but the overall effect on the brain is hard to study and the world of psychiatry is none the wiser than you or me. All that 'chemical imbalance' ish they tell us, pah! They're as in the dark as you or I, believe me!!! If they truly think you have an 'imbalance' then they'll dose you up on something like Chlorpromazine to keep you quiet and monged-out! 1 Link to post Share on other sites
Author calgary Posted March 4, 2013 Author Share Posted March 4, 2013 I took one about 3 hours ago it was my first one, and i'm already feeling really anxious is that normal ? Link to post Share on other sites
Debbie2508 Posted March 4, 2013 Share Posted March 4, 2013 I was just the same!!! Think it's all in our heads tho. Surely one pill couldn't have much effect so soon...... or could it?? I'm still wondering whether to carry on with mine! It's so hard to make decisions in this state. Link to post Share on other sites
CudLRoo Posted March 4, 2013 Share Posted March 4, 2013 ^It can take several weeks for them to kick in, and you might get some dodgy side effects to begin with, anxiety being one of them, though this could also be related to your worry about the side effects in the first place, it's a bit of a catch 22. Don't forget, these drugs interfere with the 'happy place' in the brain, and it's a VERY complex organ, there'll be a few minor teething troubles to begin with. Also, different ADs suit different people and can produce more or less side effects. For instance, I had a friend who got prescribed Mirtazipine/Remeron and it completely cured his depression and anxiety but left him with a RAGING appetite, he put loads of weight on BUT was truly happy for the first time in ages. With Prozac, I got a heightened sense of 'fun' about life, it seemed to 'glow' more, music started to sound more alive. I also got slightly more hyper, slightly more horny, and I often fell asleep when on long bus journeys - random observations, I know, but still valid! With Citalopram, I got anxious for a couple of days, and then I felt kind of OK, but became weirdly drawn to New Jack Swing music for a couple of weeks, gosh knows why! Anyway, I'll reiterate, just don't forget what I said about withdrawal if you've been taking this stuff for a long time. Link to post Share on other sites
Author calgary Posted March 4, 2013 Author Share Posted March 4, 2013 I was just the same!!! Think it's all in our heads tho. Surely one pill couldn't have much effect so soon...... or could it?? I'm still wondering whether to carry on with mine! It's so hard to make decisions in this state. i'm not sure but I feel really worked up like I don't want to leave the house to go to my class later. I don't want to do anything but lay in bed I feel really stressed out! I feel worse than ever today Link to post Share on other sites
CudLRoo Posted March 4, 2013 Share Posted March 4, 2013 ^Try and ride it out man. If it kicks in for you, you'll be laughing in a week or two. Link to post Share on other sites
Treasa Posted March 4, 2013 Share Posted March 4, 2013 just took my first one.. i'm a little bit scared about it and ashamed that I've had to start taking anti depressants, I've never had them before. i'm not sure what to expect.. anybody on them and want to help / explain how i'll feel ? It depends on the person. I'm currently on 40mg a day, plus 150mg a day of bupronion (Wellbutrin), and the combination, along with therapy, changed my life!! The bupronion actually kicks my libido into full gear, and I tend to lose my appetite a little while on antidepressants, so there are absolutely no negative side effects for me. I will never go off this combo. It has turned me from a pretty crazy bitch who was constantly crying into someone who handles her **** really well and is now on an even keel. Keep in mind that it usually takes six to eight weeks to really see the efficacy of the drug. However, after about four weeks I realized that I was feeling much better. 1 Link to post Share on other sites
CudLRoo Posted March 4, 2013 Share Posted March 4, 2013 ^I've considered Bupropion before, but I'm a little edgy and 'reflexy', a bit hyper, and I've heard this stuff can make one a tad 'restless' - do you find this, Treasa? Link to post Share on other sites
Debbie2508 Posted March 4, 2013 Share Posted March 4, 2013 i'm not sure but I feel really worked up like I don't want to leave the house to go to my class later. I don't want to do anything but lay in bed I feel really stressed out! I feel worse than ever today My worst day too. Have got out of bed but just on sofa with LS.... to be honest, I'm hooked on being here. It's a distraction, but I'm not sure if it's helping or hindering tbh. Really don't think I can give it up tho. Stay strong Link to post Share on other sites
cavalier99 Posted March 4, 2013 Share Posted March 4, 2013 I say if you made the decision to try it. And the doc prescribed it. Ride it out for a while to see if it works. No second guessing. If side affects are horrible that is another story. But these things take a while to work and you might feel OFF for a while until you get used to them. Cav Link to post Share on other sites
Author calgary Posted March 4, 2013 Author Share Posted March 4, 2013 My worst day too. Have got out of bed but just on sofa with LS.... to be honest, I'm hooked on being here. It's a distraction, but I'm not sure if it's helping or hindering tbh. Really don't think I can give it up tho. Stay strong even just getting a shower seemed such a huge effort. I really feel weird! I will stick it out keep me updated on your progress. i'm 8 weeks since the break up today too. I saw her this weekend she came and said hello to my friend at the side of me and I asked her to go away. I felt awful when I woke up sober. but I think it was for the best. i'm just still upset. i'm upset about a lot of stuff in my life. I really hope this makes me numb and helps me sleep. Link to post Share on other sites
Debbie2508 Posted March 4, 2013 Share Posted March 4, 2013 even just getting a shower seemed such a huge effort. I really feel weird! I will stick it out keep me updated on your progress. i'm 8 weeks since the break up today too. I saw her this weekend she came and said hello to my friend at the side of me and I asked her to go away. I felt awful when I woke up sober. but I think it was for the best. i'm just still upset. i'm upset about a lot of stuff in my life. I really hope this makes me numb and helps me sleep. Maybe it's an 8 week, post bu thing for us both, then. We both seem to have had lc, although mine has been a few texts and 2 short calls. If we'd both managed strict nc from the start perhaps we'd be further ahead. Who knows? I definitely think you did the right thing in not apologising. Where was her apology for what she did to you ?! I'm sorry so much is upsetting you in your life. I only have this bu to deal with, it's just that I stupidly made him my world and without him, I feel I have nothing. Sorry..... having a real pity-party today!! Link to post Share on other sites
Author calgary Posted March 4, 2013 Author Share Posted March 4, 2013 any body else felt really drained? I feel exhausted and unmotivated I haven't done anything all day. Link to post Share on other sites
CudLRoo Posted March 4, 2013 Share Posted March 4, 2013 ^Like I say, it takes time. Just ride it out. Lie down if you can, just let what's gonna happen happen. Seriously, life flies by, it'll be OK soon. Link to post Share on other sites
Author calgary Posted March 4, 2013 Author Share Posted March 4, 2013 ^Like I say, it takes time. Just ride it out. Lie down if you can, just let what's gonna happen happen. Seriously, life flies by, it'll be OK soon. I've got so much to do and I can't get up and on with it. you're right i'll ride it out I just didn't know if it was normal to feel so drained and weird. Link to post Share on other sites
Author calgary Posted March 4, 2013 Author Share Posted March 4, 2013 Maybe it's an 8 week, post bu thing for us both, then. We both seem to have had lc, although mine has been a few texts and 2 short calls. If we'd both managed strict nc from the start perhaps we'd be further ahead. Who knows? I definitely think you did the right thing in not apologising. Where was her apology for what she did to you ?! I'm sorry so much is upsetting you in your life. I only have this bu to deal with, it's just that I stupidly made him my world and without him, I feel I have nothing. Sorry..... having a real pity-party today!! maybe we should both go no contact for a while with them! I don't know I don't feel in a fit state to talk to her right now . if she came over and snuggled up to me that would be fine but that's all I want right now, not ' the talk' not the ' fake friends' not the drama. I made her my everything too I know your pain it really makes you sad. its a weird thing that we're both feeling exactly the same you know my pain better than anyone right now ! I think I just need some really strong coffee. Link to post Share on other sites
CudLRoo Posted March 4, 2013 Share Posted March 4, 2013 I've got so much to do and I can't get up and on with it. you're right i'll ride it out I just didn't know if it was normal to feel so drained and weird. Well, you might have to cancel/postpone that stuff for a bit if you're feeling ish. Don't forget, it's quite a complex drug in that alters the way your brain handles serotonin, one of the inner agents that helps one's happiness level, it'll take a bit of time for it to level out in your system. If you felt ish before, anyway, then what's the harm in a bit more of that before they start to work? Just see it as a healing process. Seriously, one day I was constantly feeling suicidal, the next day I went out, the sun was shining, I bought a Daft Punk CD, I had never felt so good, or alive. That's when I knew they had kicked in. Even though I was only on them two years (ending 2003) - and bar my current, love-based malaise - I just don't get suicidal anymore, depression/OCD/Tourette's/schizophrenia(!!!) runs through both sides of my family, so we all prone to a bit of downtime but somehow I feel Prozac permanently altered the suicidey bit of my brain, oddly! Link to post Share on other sites
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