Taking the Plunge

iVillage Member
Registered: 06-24-2004
Taking the Plunge
4
Sun, 09-26-2004 - 2:00am
I think I've decided to begin medication. I have fought it for a long time, but I'm so tired at this point I don't have the energy to try and fight the good fight.

How did you know when you were ready for medication? And/or what made you stop?

iVillage Member
Registered: 07-01-2004
Sun, 09-26-2004 - 9:03am

Good for you!

iVillage Member
Registered: 05-29-2004
Sun, 09-26-2004 - 8:55pm
Hi,

I first took the medication plunge about 6 years ago. I first went on Prozac and did notice benefits. When I became pregnant with my 2nd child, they switched me to Zoloft. I then went off of them for a time, without my dr's recommendation. That baby was also born stillborn, so I went back on meds. I stayed on the Zoloft for quite a while. After the birth of my 3rd child, I had major post pardum depression on top of my usual depression and my dr tried different meds. Also, because of the sexual side effects, I went on Lexapro. It did help not to decrease libido, but I didnt feel that it was cutting it for the depression. I was placed on WEllbutrin and that literally made me feel like I was going crazy! Not to mention heart palpitations... but I know others that took Wellbutrin and had much success with it. I then went back to the Prozac for a while and about 2 months ago I was put on Effexor and I am seeing the most benefits with it than any I have taken. I definetely still have my days, but I think for now, this is the right one for me. :) Yeah..

I often would start taking a med, feel better for a few months and then stop taking it. Of course, no dr recommends doing this- especially cold turkey. Sometimes, it was a matter of not having the $$ and other times, I just thought I was "cured". I have finally come to the realization that I will probably need antidepressants for life and I am ok with that. If it makes my life and my families lives better, then it is worth it. There is a stigma, but it is lessoning, or so it seems to me. The more people I meet, the more I find are on anti-depressants! As a matter of fact, where I work, we openly discuss our "happy pills".

If I was diabetic, I would take meds for life. If I was asthmatic, I would not try to do without my inhaler... it doesnt make you a weaker person-- it makes you stronger for having the courage to face the issues and try to make the best of them.


I hope this helps you and I wish you all the best! Dont forget to give your meds time to work and then keep in contact with your dr. Let them know what is going on and how they are working for you. There are many out there adn sometimes it takes it a little tweaking.

Joy

iVillage Member
Registered: 08-23-2004
Mon, 09-27-2004 - 2:24pm
Hi

I've been fighting for several weeks. I've been on/off meds since I was 17 and I'm now 36. I want so much to live my life without them but it doesn't seem possible. Once I start feeling 'well' I get overeager to go off them but I never really make it for long. I've been off since March and today was the day I caved in. I went to the Dr. this a.m. and got some Wellbutrin to start on. I have no people in my life that support this so it makes it twice as hard for me. I want people to look at me normally, be proud of me for being 'strong' but I have a real need for medication. I know I should just look out for myself and not worry about what others think but it's so hard when you feel you're being judged because, as they put it, you "need a pill to be happy."
iVillage Member
Registered: 09-03-2004
Tue, 09-28-2004 - 12:05am
Hi Jaime, I have been on different Medications off and on for years. Please be patient and understand that it sometimes takes a few tries to find the one that will work for you. Also give them a chance some antidepressants take up to a month to take effect. Keep in touch with the DR. that prescribes them and let him or her know how you are feeling and any side effects that are bothering you. Dosage can be adjusted or medication that isn't working can be changed more quickly that way. Are you in therapy? I am a strong believer that it can be very helpful. Also please don't let others archaic beliefs that taking medication for depression or mental problems is giving in or somehow makes you weak or damaged. It would amaze you at how many of us there are and it is not something anyone should feel bad about. I am currently on Effexor XR but have taken many different types. For me money is an issue as I have no insurance so that limits some of my choices. Hang in there and post as often as you need to. Hugs Mo

Maureen/Mo

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