Antidepressants

iVillage Member
Registered: 04-04-2002
Antidepressants
23
Fri, 10-03-2003 - 4:04pm
I posted this on the Menopause Board and do not like posting it here but would appreciate any comment you may like to make. It is long and probably not reading for the "younger generation"

****So, as I posted in Cheryl's quiz, menopause is getting on top of me again :(((( I am having trouble sleeping, am getting "down" more than I should be and can be completely irrational at times. I know, I know, all "normal"!! but I think I have actually messed up a friendship that was very important to me as a result, so

I have another friend (very brave lady!!) who suggested that an antidepresssant may be my answer. ;) I am an Aussie as most of you know and although the use of these medications is growing here it is not nearly to the stage where it is in the U.S. where, if you believe everything you read, just about everyone is taking them. In Australia the use of them is rising rapidly. As an Aussie I would be EMBARRASSED if anyone knew I was taking such a medication. I am actually serious here and have been around long enough for you to know that I am in no way making a judgement of any kind about anyone.

Even I feel that it means you are some kind of loser if you take them to a certain extent. I am using the word "loser" to refer to myself only in regards to possibly taking this kind of medication, accepting 100% that this is NOT a valid description of people who use this medication. I feel as if, if you take them , you can't cope with life or something. Well I guess that is obvious. I feel that they would take away your, how can I put it, your "reality". Like make life pass day to day and not really be "there" or something. Take the "edge" off you, your spontaneity, personality, dampen your sense of humour etc. I don't know. I have run into some girls at the golf club who confuse me with the way they react to things only to find out they are taking this kind of thing. Is it WORTH it.

My question is, without your stating if you take them or not, seriously I don't need or want to know if your opinion is based on personal experience, how do they make people feel, do they really work and can you easily go off them or is taking them a lifelong thing. Can this really be an answer. I know when I get through this time of life I should be back to my old self but it is taking so long. I am in control 99% of the time but it is a struggle some days and like I said, I know I have messed up a very special friendship, so am thinking it may be time to seek some other help. Thanks. ****

Sorry, this Aussie will return to her old happy go lucky self very soon I am sure. Hilary



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iVillage Member
Registered: 03-25-2003
Fri, 10-03-2003 - 4:33pm
Hilary,

It seem as if you have an idea of you problems and have a good rational way of thinking. I feel that antidepressants are a wonderful find in the medical world "thoes types of drugs" really do have a place. Only a doctor can say for sure if that would help ease you feelings. There aseveral different meds that are non addictive and alot of times they are used temporarily (approx 6 months to 1 year is normal) I know that threr are alos some herbal suppliments that can also help. That may be easier to accept than medication. I would check out some web sites on the subject.~Mary~
iVillage Member
Registered: 03-27-2003
Fri, 10-03-2003 - 5:04pm
I have been on Wellbutrin sr 150 mg tabs just in the morning for about 3 months.They are the one that helps you stop smoking..It does just make my BAD moods just a little better..it helps w/ the pms too.I dont get high off them..I am just a "little" more pleasant on them.I didnt even take it today--today is a good day..but I can tell when a difference in my mood swings when I dont take it and its one of "those days"!I just forgot to take it today--but you are supposed to take it daily.I have had NO adverse side effects and I am satisfied with the results.they DONT work over-nite..takes about 2-3 weeks to fully notice a difference.Hope I was of help!! xoxo mel

"Mel on Wheels"    

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-19-2003
Fri, 10-03-2003 - 5:18pm

Hil,
Have you tried St. John's Wort? It's herbal.
I think it may have been

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-27-2003
Fri, 10-03-2003 - 5:32pm

You know Hilary, I think we have similar views on this subject.

iVillage Member
Registered: 01-22-2002
Fri, 10-03-2003 - 6:00pm

Just to add to what Tracy already said...

Judie Image hosted by Photobucket.com

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-27-2003
Fri, 10-03-2003 - 8:18pm
Judie,you are so correct.My Mom had horrible fibromyalgia pain in her shoulder.It caused her to get increasingly depressed..pain WILL cause depression.So her MD put her on paxil--the pain decreased as her mood lifted /or vice-versa.It it strange how the brain works...Mel

"Mel on Wheels"    

iVillage Member
Registered: 04-04-2002
Fri, 10-03-2003 - 8:44pm
Hope I was of help!!

**Always, but don't let it go to your head :)) Hilary
iVillage Member
Registered: 04-04-2002
Fri, 10-03-2003 - 8:49pm
Have you tried St. John's Wort? It's herbal.

**Thanks Golly, I have tried this in a Menopause Natural Remedy type of thing and when I eliminated it I felt a lot better.

Mary, thanks too, but I think the natural method is not really working for me now.

The thing is I hate feeling tired. I have too much to do to have something take away my energy. I am serious about considering this kind of remedy. It will take a lot to talk about it to my doctor though. Hilary

iVillage Member
Registered: 04-04-2002
Fri, 10-03-2003 - 8:55pm
I believe that it is possible to use an aid for a period of time.

**Thanks Tracy, this is what I am looking to hear because the thought of taking something that mucks around with your brain function is really quite frightening and I would hope it would be only temporary until I get through this time of life.

To use one to give up smoking to me is a matter of life or death and if I was in that predicatment I would have no hestitation.

I also think though that faced with the same problems I have now ( I don't tell absolutely everything here) that it is OK to sometimes get out of control. It is just worrying me a little that I am hurting those I love by doing so. We'll see, thanks again. Hilary

iVillage Member
Registered: 04-04-2002
Fri, 10-03-2003 - 9:03pm
Cheryl and KT and Rhea are great, I'm glad you've found them!

**Thanks Judie, yes, they are great and I have known them for quite a long time now :) in fact for over a year and a half. I used to post a lot on the Meno Board but now only occasionally visit to keep in touch. Back there now though

Thanks for taking the time, I am also spending time looking up information on the net. It will take a lot for me to actually take one of these. I don't take meds hardly ever especially since hitting the gym three years ago. Fitness has fixed every problem I had and it is just the hormones that are letting me down now. Hey, when they kick in I am really quite normal, whatever that is.

I would not talk this way to anyone in my real life. It is good to be able to come here with this kind of thing. Hilary

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