I'm afraid to take antidepressants...

Question

My doctor says that I have something called Dysthymia. I'm not entirely sure what it is, but I know that I usually feel sad, and ocassionally I feel much morse. He prescribed me some Antidepressants, I don't have the prescription filled yet, so I don't know what they're called. But...I'm afraid to take them. I want to feel better, but I read this pamphlet he gave me, and it said some of the possible side effects of coming off it were vomiting, suicidal thoughts, seizures, and other unpleasant things. Plus, I'm afraid I won't be me anymore. So, first off, can anyone explain to me what exactly Dysthymia is, if it isn't just depression, and also, is there anything else I can do to get rid of it besides taking meds?

Answer 1

Dysthymia basiclly a mood disorder. Like Chronic depression but less severe.

If he's prescribed you anything such as a 20mg tablet, then these are small and wont cause to much. At the end of the day, they have to put side effects on the box, to stop people claiming against the firm who make the tablets. These effects probably effecft 1 person in every 300 for instance. Just remember your docs the professional and knows whats best !

Answer 2

oh, don't be afraid. no body wants to take them.  and these are possible side effects.  if you have a reaction let the doctor know.  if you have a problem with it, you can always consider natural remedies like st john's wort.  but discuss it with your doctor first.  if you rlly want to try this, you can go to www.sjwinfo.org/forum and it's just basically a blog with people who take SJW and people who want to.

Answer 3

Dysthymia is a mild form of depression that is chronic and long lasting. People with dysthymia experience the same symptoms as those diagnosed with major depression, but with less intensity. All anti-depressants have side effects and even though not many people experience the more serious ones (e.g., suicidal ideation, vomiting), what is a cause for concern is that nobody knows what the long-term effects of these drugs are. So if you started taking the anti-depressants, you won't know how your body will react to these drugs in 20 years. I would recommend not filling out that prescription and seeing a therapist first. You can overcome the dysthymia without drugs. Don't let any physician or pharmaceutical company tell you differently.  

Answer 4

It's a mild form of depression, a feeling of sadness.  I take an antidepressant and I feel it has made my life so much better.  I can carry on.  Somethings that can help with sadness are exercise, eating well,  having good relationships, getting adequate sleep and having outside interests.  This just doesn't work for all people, but it is worth a try.

Answer 5

The worst thing you can do is read those side effects.  Please give the meds a try.  I'm on Celexa and I feel like a normal human being again.  You might try some talk therapy, as well.  I hope you feel better soon!

Answer 6

Side effects are rare.  Because you are diagnosed with dysthymia and not major depression--severe, the odds of suicide attempts are miniscule. Remember, side effects are rarely incurred. The FDA requires any possible side effect to be reported even if it ocurred in one percent of the trial patients. In simple terms, dysthymia is a low grade chronic depression. It is usually caused by chemical imbalances

Answer 7

Dysthymia is a continuous low mood - feeling sad, not interested in things that have interested you in the past, feeling tired all the time, low energy - basically a blah, what's the point kind of feeling. I've included a link for you.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dysthymia

As far as being afraid of antidepressants - everyone reacts differently to different medications - try the one you have been prescribed, if you don't like the way it makes you feel you can try a different one until you find the one that is best for you. I took prozac for a few years and I hated the way it made me feel - I was emotionally numb, I went off of it by gradually tapering down the dose and had no problems. I recently needed to start taking something again and my doctor prescribed Lexapro and I love it - I'm my old fun and happy self again.

You could always try exercise, vitamins, things like that - if you are feeling depressed due to a temporary situation those things might help (but the diagnosis of dysthymia suggests a chemical imbalance which will require medication to correct the problem) I'm wondering - have you had your thyroid checked? If something is wrong with your thyroid that can cause you to experience depression, also if you are a male you might want to have your testosterone level checked - it would be worth it to rule those out before you start taking medication - talk to your family doctor.

Answer 8

How can a anti depressive medicine give u suicidal thoughts? If its suppose to make u happy than that side affect sounds off. I wouldnt take it  

Answer 9

Hi,

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Answer 10

Don't be afraid to try antidepressants.  The side effects were if you come off them suddenly.  If you want to come off them later, just ask your doctor how to do it right.  (You gradually reduce your dose until you're off.)  They do not change your personality or make you emotionally numb.  They just help you feel better.  It's not normal to feel sad most of the time.  You don't have to live like that.  And remember it usually takes 2-3 weeks to start feeling better, so try it for at least 3 weeks.

Answer 11

I'm sorry i can't answer your question i just want you to know i'm in the same boat.