Do anti-depressants work for a broken heart?
I'm so sorry to hear that you have a broken heart. I have known people who have been on anti-depressants because something very traumatic happened to them or they had a broken heart. I think that trying your best to heal through these tough times and taking anti-depressants will make a difference. You have to give yourself time to heal and let go of the pain a little at a time. The anti-depressants are effective, but it doesn't take all of the pain away. You just have to make a commitment to get better and let go of the past. Counseling helps as well because you feel like you have support. Another thing is that you have to be willing to change your life for yourself. Many people that I know were better after they did counseling, took anti-depressants, and made a commitment to change themselves for the better. I hope this helps. I hope things get better for you. Just remember to believe in yourself!
Has anyone had good experience with antidepressants?
I have been on anti-depressants (and other psychiatric medications) for many years. They stop working for me after a few years, and I have to switch it up. But a good dr can prescribe the correct amount of medication, that will not make you loopy or forgetful. I know some people have negative reactions to anti-depressants. It is rare to have a real physical reaction. They can literally save your life if you need them. Try one if you need to. Give it time to work. Let it build up in your system before you decide if it works or not. Increase dose before trying a different one. They are all a bit different, so you may have to try a few before finding what works for you. A good psychiatrist can help limit this.I have bipolar disorder and major anxiety disorder, among other things. There is NO DOUBT in my mind, I would have killed myself years ago had it not been for my psychiatric meds.Good luck!
Which anti-depressant worked for you?
It’s ALWAYS depends on the person because everyone has different chemical makeups. I’m 30 years old and have been on antidepressants since I was 15. I literally spent 13–14 years trying all different meds in nail I found out that the original PROZAC was the only one that made me feel better, but still myself. I’ve tried Zoloft, Celexa, Pristic, Wellbutrin, among 5–10 others that I can’t remember the name of. I didn’t try Prozac until I was about 27 and I was just like wow! This is a miracle drug! Because most antidepressants give you a sense of fake happiness or make you completely numb which is very scary. I’m not saying Prozac will work for you or everyone else. It’s just my personal experience that it was the only one that improved my quality of life. Unfortunately to find the right one for you it will require trial and error and I can only hope it doesn’t take you as long to find the answer as it did for me. Good luck and I hope you the very best.
What is the relationship between anti-depressants and migraines?
I had horrible migraines with Lexapro. I have migraines anyway but they tripled when I was taking Lexapro. I don't know the exact answer but it must be something with the serotonin or other brain chemicals affected by the antidepressants that triggers the migraine. So I got off it and the migraines decreased in frequency.
My therapist has recommended I take anti depressants and I said I’d give it a go. When I go to the doctor will I be examined/evaluated? I’m anxious about going.
You will probably asked the depression questionnaire like you are at the therapist. It should not be too difficult. The important thing is to take the medicine! I went through a trauma which brought severe depression. My doctor became one of my biggest support. She tells me I have to keep on my medication for at least 5 years because untreated depression has been linked to dementia. I wish you the best.
Your favorite Bipolar medication so far? Anti-Depressants and Mood Stabilizers?
My bipolar disorder is ultra-rapid cycling, the mood stabilizer that seems to work best for rapid-cycling, and certainly the one that works for me(believe me, I've tried them all!) is Lamotrigine (brand name Lamictal/Lamogine). When anxiety levels are unbearable, relief from benzodiazepines is best for me, but it is important to be disciplined & only take them when you really need them, or you just end up with an addiction & worse. The benzos of choice in my case would be valium(diazepam) and lexotan(bromazepam). Xanax and Ativan are also useful, but they don't last long for me & they are more addictive. I haven't had a major manic episode in a very long time (thanks to lamictal), if I did have another manic episode, I'd be looking towards the antipsychotics for the short term - I hate these drugs, but they do have their place. They include zyprexa, risperdal, seroquel and abilify. I can't pick a favourite antispychotic, they all have their downsides, but sometimes they are needed! Hope that helps.
Can I buy over the counter, anti-depressants and mood stabilizers?
You buy unprescribed drugs at your own risk and they may even kill you so its just not worth the taking a chance on chemicals to fix an emotional problem……I honestly can’t write anything more about depression! It's just too depressing!Here look, read these:Paul Johansen's answer to After recovering from depression, how do I regain the full cognitive ability and strength I once had?Paul Johansen's answer to I am terrified of living. I live in constant dread, fear, anxiety and depression. What can I do?Paul Johansen's answer to I’m 15. I have anxiety and depression. My parents think I'm a happy kid who does not get sad ever. I have almost no friends. What do I do?Paul Johansen's answer to How do you recover from severe depression with no support system?Paul Johansen's answer to How do I stop feeling depressed cause of the world around me?Paul Johansen's answer to Why do I do things to depress myself?Paul Johansen's answer to Can you have more than one type of depression?Paul Johansen's answer to How do I fight depression if I am too scared?Paul Johansen's answer to How can I help someone who is suffering from depression and is not willing to see a doctor?Paul Johansen's answer to Is there any way to get out of depression? My parents do not encourage counselling and I have turned from successful to loser in life because of this.Paul Johansen's answer to Can depression make you feel sick or actually become sick?Paul Johansen's answer to How is a person after depression compared to a person before depression?Paul Johansen's answer to What can I do to help myself when I’m depressed?Paul Johansen's answer to How long does an episode of depression last? When coming out of depression, is it gradual or is it sudden? How long did it take you to want to contact the people you pushed away?Paul Johansen's answer to How do you differentiate between sadness and depression?Paul Johansen's answer to How can I deal with depression, anxiety and low self-esteem?