Do anti depressants work?

Question

I took zoloft a years ago when i was young (16) but only because of my eating disorder. My husband recently went to prison and now im left with all the bills and our son, and i was thinking about going to a doctor for depression? Any feedback would be great.

Answer 1

The simple answer is yes, anti-depresants do work.  But different anti-depressants work for different people, and will effect people differently.  They're not meant to be a magic happy cure but to lift your mood enough to help you deal with things better.  Anti-depresants are most effective when used in combination with a talking therapy like counselling or cbt, your doctor can advise you on these when you go.

Im personally on Prozac and have noticed positive improvements,but remember if one doesnt work for you there are lots of others you can try until you find one that fits.

I think you're doing the right thing for you and your son, you deserve to be happy and I hope you get the help you need.

Answer 2

Pills don't make problems go away or make them less stressful.  Medicine should always be a last resort.  

My advice is to look at the world the way George Carlin did.  He decided that he was actually a spectator of life and therefore somewhat disconnected from it.  He made a career out of that.  For me, it helps me to remember I am just a passenger on this "life train".  I got on back in 1962 and I will get off at some point in the future.  I can't turn the train, I generally can't make it run faster or slower, the best I can do is adjust my seat to get a better view.

Clearly you have a lot you are dealing with.  I can only imagine how difficult it is for you.  But hang in there, your train cross over this bridge and you WILL survive (I bet without medicine).

Answer 3

It depends what your definition of work is. Anti-depressents are usually SSRI's. These modulate the symptoms, but do not fix the underlying cause. A lot of time the reason for depression is neurotransmitter imbalances. The cause of that is usually lack of adequate nutrients in the diet that would be needed to synthesize the proper neurotransmitters for a balanced mood.

Pharmaceutical meds can lead to all sorts of long term problems. All are toxic and too much can cause severe problems. If you can try to deal with it naturally, but if the depression is severe and you think ya need immediate relief, get on a Rx, but only temporarily.

Orthomolecular therapy has great success with normalizing brain functions. I have been using their therapy and noticed amazing, almost miraculous (except that it can be explained!) results in a short time. Try researching, Dr. Abram Hoffer, Carl Pfeiffer, or Linus Pauling regarding orthomolecular therapy and depression.

Take care and good luck

b

Answer 4

The FDA wouldn't allow them to be sold if they didn't work.  If you really believe you need medication to deal with your depression, see a doctor or possibly a psychologist/psychiatrist.

Answer 5

psychiatrists and psychologists are only

stealing money

you can help with John's wort and valerian

and then you have to be massive

Answer 6

My mom dealt with depression (Before my time and when I was a baby) she ended up being prescribed paxil, an antidepressant. Since I've known her she seems happy and normal. Not depressed at all. However, on a side note, paxil is not the best choice. But I don't see why the zoloft wouldn't help you out in your time of need. I'm sorry to hear about your situation.  

Answer 7

I think drugs are handed out to easily now a days and personally I think you should try counselling first and then talk to your doctor about an depressants. Also remember that most depressants take about 4 weeks to start working. Also most doctors recommend counselling when taking anti-depressents

Answer 8

yes antidepressants work. just talk to your docter so he gives you the right kind and dosage

Answer 9

yeah they work. I have anxiety and depression and i take lexapro. like the other answerer said, you need different meds for your certain situation. he may want you on wellbutrin, paxil, prozac, who knows. the dr. will help you with which one you need.

Answer 10

Yes, anti-depressants work usually. They do take 6-8 weeks for full effects though. I was having a hard time finding ones that work, but then my Dr. suggested I get a blood test taken. From that, they can determine what kind of metabolizer you are (for example I am an ultra-rapid metaboliser) & that can help with picking out meds. They than can put together a list of what will work for you.

Best of luck. =]

Answer 11

There are many different treatments for depression, and some work for some people and others work for others.  I think this is because there are different causes of depression.  So it's best to try one thing and if that doesn't work try something else.  We all know people who take antidepressants and they work fine for them, and others who have tried them with less success.