Seeking Advice on Antidepressant Medication

Updated on April 05, 2008
S.D. asks from Topeka, KS
44 answers

I would like information on what type of Antidepressant's women are taking right now and how it is benefiting them.I have struggled most of my life with Bipolar and Seasonal Depression have been on Paxil in the past for almost 10 yr.s it took 3 yrs. with DR.s to help me wein off of it,very painful in so many way's.But it was nolonger a good choice for me to continue to take this medication now with that being said my depression has come back since my daughter was born a yr ago.It is taking a toll on my marriage.

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So What Happened?

I'am so Thankful for all the responses I received and all the stories that were shared with me. I have written down the list of medication's that were shared and will do my research to find what will work best for me.I just wanted to be prepared with my Dr to let him know that this is my health and I plan to live a more Happy & Joyful journey with myself & family.Best Wishes to all,S.

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S.W.

answers from St. Louis on

I have been taking Effexor for about 8 years now. I actually like it. I use to have bad dreams before I started taking it, now I rarely remember any of them. I don't wake up stressed from a nightmare and my depression seems to be well under control. I do believe that I should go see a counselor to benefit the medication, I just never seem to have the time. Paxil didn't seem to work for me.

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D.C.

answers from Kansas City on

I've taken many different kinds over the years. I take Wellbutrin and Prozac now. The prozac took some getting used to, but once i got past the lightheadedness and dizziness, it is working very well. I feel better than i have in years. Am also doing art therapy, so maybe that is also making a difference. I wish you well, my dear.

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J.C.

answers from Kansas City on

I've taken Zoloft for depression and Effexor XR for general anxiety. Both of them helped me get through whatever struggles I was working on. I was a "machine" on the Zoloft and very unemotional, which is what I needed when I was in a stressful job. Always even keel, just kept plugging away, didn't lash out at the idiots I was working with.

Do what you have to, to get through this. That's my advice.

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K.J.

answers from Kansas City on

http://www.kansasppd.org/
My neighbor founded the postpartum resource center of Kansas and Missouri. Above is their website. You can call them the have professional experience with all kinds of medications and would be a great resource. Their phone number is on the website. Hang in there!

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M.S.

answers from Kansas City on

I totally understand what you are going through. I recently just turned 29 years old. My marriage was up and down everyday divorce was talked about a number of times. I have a 7 year old and a 4 year old. I went to the doctors and would tell them that I was tired had no sex drive didn't really want to get out of bed and all the doctors I seen told me well you just had a baby most women feel that way. So I went through life thinking okay this is how all mothers feel I just need to deal with it. I attended church and everything that church had to offer. Meals, groups, services, became really involved and had sessions with the pastor on marriage and life. Finally I seen a doctor who said you sould very depressed and put me on Wellbutrin XL after a week I cried all day on mother's day and so she switched me to Citropram a generic of something and that gave me the feelings of hurting myself and husband. So my doctor referred me to Wyandotte County Mental Health. I called crying and told them that I am not crazy it was the drug and I didn't want to be in a padded room and have my kids taken away. That I would never do anything to hurt anyone that I was just being honest on my feeling with the doctor. The lady told me that the Mental Health places were just where the specialist are. Pretty funny when I think about it. Anyhow, I went in a year ago and have been seeing a counselor and a pill doctor as I call them. They both are pshyco. somethings. My pill doctor put me on Wellbutrin XL and kept raising the dosage till now. He mentioned that it did take a few weeks for the drug to even get into the system so I held out and am now doing pretty good. I love the couselor that I see about 2-3 times a month she is wonderful. My kids are happier that I want to play and not just lay around and my husband can tell a huge difference in my mood and our sex life has went from a 3 to a 6 on a 1-10 scale. I am still working on me and I think my husband is going to go in and counsel. I told him it would help out our marriage for him to go and vent his emotions and have a male talk to him about what I go through. By the way my grandma and sister are on Prozac and my mom is on Prozac and some other drug because she was diagnosed bipolar about 4 years ago. My pill doctor and counselor said knowing there is a history it is easier to treat a patient and having the drugs your family takes that are anti-depressants also tells them what might work better for you. If you need to talk I would love to chat. Here is my e-mail ____@____.com it is so nice to have friends and family to talk to about things you are going through because people who are depressed understand. Others who haven't experience depression say things to you like....I get depressed every winter or have you prayed about it, snap out of what ever you are in....I even had people tell me you need to get right with God and get more involved in the church, spend more time in the Bible. It really upset me because I did almost everything with the church but be in the choir and for them to say that I need to get right with God just ticked me off. One even told me to get off my meds. I understand the Christian side of it and the medical side of it but depression is a chemical thing and most need medicine for it. I thought you would never tell a heart patient what they told me. Anyhow, I would love to hear from you. Take care and I will keep you in my prayers.

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A.L.

answers from St. Louis on

Prozac, Seriquell(sp?), Serzone didn't work for me. I was on Zoloft for years. (Original diagnosis 1991.) Meds can stop working after various amounts of time. It's just time to find a new/different one that works for you. After Zoloft, I found Effexor worked well enough for me, for about 3 more years. Just changed docs. This one added Abilify and Lamictal which are both for bipolar, tho' I am not bipolar, just clinically depressed. Doc says he hopes to try and stabilze/raise my mood. So far I am satisfied except for the gambling side effect. (Bear in mind I am also an alcoholic - sober 7+ years - which means I am prone to addictive behavior anyway.)

Having dealt with this for 17 years, and, having many unipolar and bipolar friends, I've concluded it comes down to perserverance with finding the right med(s) for you, It MAY take time and several trys, but it is always worth it. Part of mental illness is realizing you may have to change, "experiment" with, different meds, ALWAYS AS PRESRIBED BY YOUR DOCTOR.

Good luck.

Oh, I'm 46, divorced, with a 14 year old.

A.

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V.M.

answers from Kansas City on

Hi S.,
I am in the health and nutrition business and over the years I have learned about many disorders and health challenges that can be helped with natural products. Giving the body what it needs to heal itself on the inside really works. Medications are only a temporary fix and mask the problem. And like you mentioned they can become addictive. Cleansing the body for seven days is a great first step. Adding a multi-vitamin and b-complex are also great. B-vitamins w/folic acid calm the nervous system and are good for the brain. Antioxidants would also help too. I take some of the most powerful antioxidants everyday. Antioxidants help people in so many different ways, they fight free radicals that cause the body and brain to become "dysfunctional". If you are interested and open to finding out more information about some of the products I use, please respond back.
Thanks and take care, V.

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J.G.

answers from Kansas City on

Whatever you do AVOID Cymbalta. Anything you do decide to take google it with the word withdrawal. Since you have already been through a 3 year withdrawal you don't want that again. I took Cymbalta and have been off for 8 months and have long term withdrawal effects. I hope you find something that works for you.

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J.B.

answers from St. Louis on

I am bipolar II which means more depressive episodes than manic and I take Lamictal and Wellbutrin. Lamictal has been shown to help stabilize mood AND help with depressive symptoms. Wellbutrin is shown to be less likely to trigger a manic episode because it is not an SSRI. All SSRIs have a higher risk of triggering manic issues. Wellbutrin does not causes decreased sex drive nor does it cause weight gain. I know everyone reacts differently to drugs but these are not listed as potential side effects. It is also approved for seasonal affective disorder.

Lastly, if you have been diagnosed as bipolar then know that it is an illness and needs to be treated as such. You have to accept that you will most likely be on medication for the rest of your life. Don't listen to people who tell you to find God* or try herbs because medication is what can make a difference in a potentially life or death situation.

*Don't bash me for the God comment - I am Catholic and have a relationship with God, but I am also realistic.

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C.L.

answers from Kansas City on

I can realate to you A LOT! I to have Bipolar II, ADHD, and all that wonderful stuff (haha)! I've been on Prozac, Paxil, Wellbutrin, Effexor XR, Lamictal, Zoloft, Serequel, Gabitril, Rameron, Kolonopin, Ambilfy, Trazedone, and I can't remember what else, and I'm STILL trying to find the right combonation!! Before I had my two year old I was on Lamictal, Effexor XR, Trazedone, and Gabitril, and it worked great, had to quit why pregnant, and I quit them all cold turkey, and it was horrible!! Don't quit cold turkey with Effexor!! but since having my son, it doesn't do a thing for me now = / I was on Zoloft and Serequel just recently, but quit taking them as they weren't doing anything anymore either.... My problem is I take somthing, and it works great for a while, but then after 6mo-a year, it just kind of quits working, and I'm all ready at the highest dosage! All I can tell you is take it one day at a time, and keep your head up! Eventually the rights meds will come along, and hopefully your husband will help you on the journey!! It's not as easy as some think!! Good Luck

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M.A.

answers from St. Louis on

I too have been fighting depression since I had my son. I've tried 3 different types of medicine and finally found one that helps. I'm taking Effexor XR right now. It has taken 3 different changes of dosage. I tried Lexipro and that took some of the edge off but not enough. I'm having pretty good luck w/ the Effexor, I still have some bad days but at least now my ok days and good days outweigh the bad days. Good luck to you and your family b/c this problem almost pulled my relationships completely apart as well.

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A.M.

answers from Wichita on

DO NOT TAKE EFFEXOR!!!!! It is HARDER to wean off of than Paxil, and you WILL have withdrawls!!! I was on it for PPD for 2 years and my dr got mad at me for weaning (over about 2 months) myself off of it. If I would miss 2 doses (while waiting for it in the mail) and would look like I was in withdrawl from a illegal drug (someone said I looked like I was withdrawing from heroine)....I would try FIRST really upping my B complex vitamins.....Hope that helps....
~A.~

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A.C.

answers from St. Louis on

Paxil made me feel like a zombie!!! My doctor put me on Lexapro and I didn't have any problems. I loved it. When I had to get off of it in my third trimester, I only experienced a little bit of dizziness for a day or two.

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A.V.

answers from Columbia on

All medication has to be tailored to your specific diagnosis. Unfortunately, docs don't always diagnose correctly. I had one tell me specifically that they diagnose with what ever the insurance companies will pay more for at that time..... Sheesh!!! I have been struggeling with depression (pick a diagnosis, I've had them all) for 17 years and instiutionalized twice! I have been off of medication for 9 years. Let me tell you, I'd rather deal with it than take another pill. I've been on everything from Zoloft to Kolonipin... How's your memory of the time you were on Paxil? I don't have much memory of my years on meds. That's why I stay away. Also, my short term memory sucks now too. It actually hurts my daily routine and my job. Things I've done for years, I can just draw a blank on sometimes. I'm the most forgetful person I know. I have coped with my depression by learning to watch for the symptoms and getting in touch with an amazing counselor. I still have times that are unbareable but they are slim to none since I recognize it now and can get into talk therapy quickly. For someone who was suicidal and told would always be on meds, I feel pretty good about my progress. Yes, sometimes a pill would be great to just make it all go away, but at the same time, I don't want to be a zombie and I want to remember everyday with my children. Not just random bits and pieces. I have litterally lost several years due to meds. It's ultimately your decision and which ever you choose will be great for you, but I would caution against them. I'm not preaching against them like Tom Cruise would, I think it's different for each person, but in my personal experience, they took away a lot more than just the depression...I don't think it's worth that.

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M.M.

answers from Kansas City on

I would advise seeking some good supplements. Some of this medication causes so many side effects. There are a number of good ones. Shaklee, Vemma are the ones I take and have had a good result with - also watch your diet - watch the sugar, the sweetners come with awful reactions for some people if you use a lot of it. Make sure your diet is balanced like protein with lots of vegetable and fruits.Granny Jo

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M.D.

answers from Kansas City on

HI S.,

I AM A 48 YR. OLD. MOTHER OF 1 CHILD, WHO IS 26. I ALSO HAVE 2 GRAND-DAUGHTERS ONE IS 2 AND THE OTHER IS 6 MONTHS. SINCE I WAS 27 I HAVE BEEN ON ANTIDEPRESSANTS. THE DRS. TRIED ALL KINDS. ONCE MY BODY GETS IMMUNE TO PARTICULAR KIND AND STRENGHTH. EITHER THE DOSE WAS INCREASED OR ANOTHER NAME BRAND WAS TRIED. SO IT IS HARD TO TELL YOU WHAT WILL BE A GOOD ONE, YOU AND YOUR DOCTOR WILL JUST TRY SOME. KEEP RECORD OR ALL THE ONES THAT YOU TRY SO YOU DO NOT REPEAT. RIGHT NOW I'M ON 90mg OF CYMBALTA. IT IS AN INCREASE FROM 30MG. THE MED. IS WORKING. I HAVE A GOOD CHURCH HOME AND FAMILY MEMBERS THAT I CAN CALL WHEN I FEEL LIKE THE WEIGHT OF THE WORLD IS ON MY SHOULDER, AND I AM HAVING THE CRY BABIES. TRY GOD, HE IS ALWAYS THERE. SMOCHES AND A BIG HUG

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P.T.

answers from Kansas City on

You should really find another doctor. What type of doctor are you going to? My husband was diagnosed at an early age with bipolar type I. I have researched bipolar for years. It is very difficult for the whole family to deal with bipolar, it really depends on how much communication, love, and patience you have for that person. My husband only goes to a psychiatrist right now, but often it is better to have a support group and a psychiatrist. As for the part about your depression comming back after you had your child, it is proven that most women with bipolar will suffer from extreme levels of manic depression, or severe depression after having a child. Generally postpartum is much worse for someone with bipolar, and if not treated could carry on and become a much larger problem for you and your family. Many people have problems with Paxil, it doesn't work for everyone. I don't believe that anyone other than a psychiatrist should suggest a medication to you. Most of the time with psyciatric disorders, you have to try several to see which works the best, it's "trial and error". I am sure that you have gone through this for awhile, but changing medication after you have been on the same one for awhile is pretty normal. Sometimes your body just gets used to that medication, builds a tolerance, and the medication doesn't work as well as it did in the beginning, unless you increase the dosage. There are many medications that can cause toxicity if you are on them too long, or taking too high of a dosage for your weight, so be careful with that. My husband has gone through this with a couple of medications. It is very scary. No matter what medications you end up with, just try to find a therapy/support group, and make sure that your doctor is a psychiatrist, not a family physician. I hear about so many women that are given Paxil from their family physicians before seeing a psychiatrist. There is a reason that there are different types of doctors, not all of them are specialized in the same areas. I am sorry if I don't have the exact information that you wanted, I just believe that medication is something that only a psyciatrist should suggest or talk to you about. What works for one may not always work for another. It is very important to find the right psychiatrist for you. Good luck, bipolar is such a difficult illness. Stay strong, it really can get better. My husband and I are doing so well now, it took the first four years of our marriage with him in support groups and phsychiatric hospitals, marriage counseling,and a good psyciatrist. I had to realize that this was more difficult for him than it was for me. He was the one that was suffering inside from this, the effects of this were difficult for the family, but we were all willing to go through this process with him, because he wanted help and he means so much to us that we put our hurt and problems aside. I hope that your family is incouraging and supportive to you. That is very important.
Best wishes to you and yor family!

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S.C.

answers from Kansas City on

Depression can be a terrible thing, not just for you, but the effect it does take on your family. I dealt with post partum depression and originally used Wellbutrin. It worked well, but it did give me some blood pressure problems. I switched to Lexapro and frankly, I have nothing bad to say about that medication. I also have some friends on it that have had fantastic results with it. But remember, as you likely know, it does take time for it to take affect, although I saw a result within about 7 days. Combine the Lexapro with some good quality counseling and/or spiritual guidance and you should be on your way to recovery.

Good luck!!

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T.M.

answers from Topeka on

Hi S.,
My name is T. and I have had sucess taking Wellbutrin sr150 for my depression. It actually worked better for me after I started taking low dose BC pills, along with it. I use the kind that you take for 3 months at a time and only have 4 periods a year...it's called Seasonale. Having my hormones balanced out made the effects of the anti-deppressant that much more noticable and I have felt much more even tempered and more like i want to be, even with seasonal issues, too. My mom is also bipolar and uses Wellbutrin so it seems compatable with that kind of medication regimin, I hope this information is useful, especiallly the hormone part since you had a baby not long ago.

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L.B.

answers from St. Joseph on

First of all, congratulations for accepting the fact that you need them...I have had a love hate relationship with them for 10 years and have come to the conclusion that I am really a much better person for having them as opposed to not having them.

First of all let me caviate that by saying I lost my mom almost 10 years ago when I was barely 26 (and she only 62) to cancer. Being an only child she was my best friend and my world. I went nearly 5 years w/o an antidepressant (b/c I thought I just had the blues) and that was probably my BIGGEST mistake...after a while remembering the good times just seems so impossible and unlikely that you since further. I was diagnoses with post-partum depression with my first child and put on Celexia. That seemed to work for quite a few years, gradually upping doses as needed, until my daughter was born in late 2004. Zoloft DID NOT work during pregnancy (in fact, made me quite a bit worse). Did not rebound afterwards with Celexia. Have tried a whole slew of them now including Paxil, Wellbutrin, Lexapro, Effexor, and Cymbalta. I also combine it with anti-anxiety meds (Klonipin). Lexapro made me want to crawl out of my skin, Effexor really screwed with my vision (which didn't help the migraines). Finally after arguing with the Dr.'s for 2 years that I didn't care if I had to pay for Cymbalta out of my pocket and what the cost would be I finally got to try it...it's in the same family as Effexor so if you are on it, you don't have to ween, you can just switch right over w/o delaying. I noticed a SEVERE difference in 24 hours! I am happy, productive, and everything a well rounded person should be.

It's important to remember that these are mood altering drugs and there are different classifications for antidepressants. If your Dr. isn't scoring so hot on picking the right one go see a psychologist, I guarantee you will be feeling better in a month... The drugs function based on how your brain is working and seratonin levels...different drugs for different needs...sometimes it is a cocktail as opposed to a one drug wonder. PLEASE go see someone else!!! I used to think going to see a shrink meant I was crazy...now I think I was more crazy delaying it then going to see him b/c believe you me...I feel a HELL of a lot better now than I have since before my mom died!!!

S., as much as I hate to also admit it, I would recommend talk therapy with a psychologist. Sometimes its just helpful to talk to someone who not only understands the meds but can be sympathetic to your feelings...perhaps they can also help you find a way out of the pit. I found that just talking to someone that didn't have a vested interest in getting something out of me or wanting me for something was actually a refreshing change...it's all the benefits of girl talk w/o having to listen to someone else's baggage too... And remember, these guys/gals are in the business of moving these kinds of meds...they either work or they don't...there is no 6 month "wait and see trial". If they don't work by your next appointment, get a different one and move on.

I know it's really h*** o* a marriage...believe me...I nearly drove my hubby insane while he was here and now I am coping with his 4th deployment in 5 years...it's tough but then so are you...remember, it took a lot of guts for you to list this here and I have every confidence in you that you will get yourself out of this rut. Good luck and keep us posted as to what happens...feel free to contact me anytime you need to chat w/ someone!

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Y.B.

answers from Kansas City on

It's strange that you've written about this today, I've been informed about an all natural program that is sweeeping the nation & it helps with the things you've described. Keep in touch with me & I'll keep you posted on it, I should be getting something in the mail by the end of the week. You hang in there & know that your doing the right thing by reaching out & trying to get some help that's not going to cause you in the long run. Good luck & God Bless!

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K.M.

answers from Springfield on

Hello S.,
I have read bipolar and many other depressions are related to combination zinc and b-vitamin deficiency.You can research it online they call it Pyroluria. There is a test you can do that will show it. Our body is a beautiful piece of work from our Heavenly Father very complex. Just like a car won't run right with low oil neither will our body run right if there would be a deficiency. Women before they conceive are recommended to take folic acid daily to prevent neural tube defects in babies which affects the brain. B-vitamins help the metabolism and they have a calming affect also deals with energy and brain.Also stress uses up a lot of b-vitamins and if they are not replaced through quality food you could be deficient. If you look on the back of packages of food at the store I a have noticed they always add b-vitamins. A lot of energy drinks they put in some b vitamins also. A lot of times Doctors treat symptoms but don't get to the root so maybe your root cause may be a deficiency. Anyway I hope this helps you, K.

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A.S.

answers from Kansas City on

I (plus quiet a few of my friends/family members) have had some great success with Monavie. It is an alternative to prescription drugs. It is an all-natural juice made from the Acai berry from the amazon plus 18 other fruits from all around the world. It is very high in antioxidants and phytonutrients, which helps fight inflammation which is a main cause of most chronic diseases, including depression.

Check out this site and call me if you want more information.
www.thegreatproduct.com/scoggin

Amdna

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A.W.

answers from St. Louis on

S. - I have been taking Lexapro for a few years and appears to keep me on a stable playing field. I don' think you can go wrong with any of the newer SSRIs. A lot of new products have come out since paxil that have a lot less side effects and are much easier to titrate. I have heard of some people not having the best results with Wellbutrin, so I may try to stay away from that one. Good Luck.

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C.S.

answers from St. Louis on

S.,

I can identify with you. I have been diagnosed with bipolar I for 3 years and I have had many episodes with depression and mania. I am currently taking Celexa, which is working very well for me. I have been on many other meds and this has worked best for me thus far.

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J.G.

answers from St. Louis on

I tried several different medications also. I liked lexapro the best. I felt all of the other antidepresant/anxiety medications really effected my sex drive, but not lexapro. I think it actually helped. The one that I think was the worst on the market is Effexor!!!! Stay away from that one. I had such bad withdrawals that I actually had to be hospitalized!!

Good luck to you.

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K.L.

answers from Kansas City on

Different antidepressants work different on everyone!! You need to work with your doctor to find the right med for you. It also helps to have your counselor/therapist involved...and pay close attention to how each med is affecting you and dont' be afraid to try several until you find the one that works for you.

Being a SAHM you need to make sure you are doing active things to help with your depression and bi-polar. You have to get up everyday, and do your chores, and play with your kids, and anything else that makes you active...BUT MOST OF ALL get out of that house!!!

Get a good counselor to work with your Dr. and together you'll find the med that works for you!!

Best of luck!!

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S.S.

answers from Kansas City on

S.,
I also battle with depression. I don't know much about bi-polar but I used to take zoloft and that worked great for me. I was even able to take it while I nursed my son. I was on that for about 6-7 years and then started on lexapro due to anxiety issues. Both of these worked great for me. Good luck.

S. S.

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J.B.

answers from Kansas City on

Hi S.,
I have been taking effexor xr for about 3yrs. It is wonderful. You might have typical side effects at first (trouble with orgasms)but it went away pretty fast and I have no side effects at all. I take 150mg a day. My 18yr old takes 75mg a day. It is working well for her too. I know other women on it as well and like it. I have tried many others and this one works well with me. Might be worth a try. Feel free to vent any time if you need to I am a good ear.
J.

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L.M.

answers from St. Louis on

Wow, lots of different responses. Looks like what worked for some, had side effects or withdrawal problems for others. My doctor says sometimes it just takes awhile to find the right fit, so unfortunately it takes patience. I loved Paxil except for the sexual side effects. I had to switch to something else because after awhile the Paxil stopped working. I didn't have withdrawal symptoms because I immediately started taking Effexor XR, which took a long time to start working, but I was very patient and now it works fine. For me it works JUST ENOUGH (I felt almost too happy on the Paxil, like absolutely NOTHING bothered me, as if I was sort of on a "love drug" or something). Also, I haven't had the sexual side effects with the Effexor so I'm happy about that. You really have to try and see what works for you. Hang in there and be patient.

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N.K.

answers from St. Louis on

I take Lexapro 20 mg and have no side effects that I'm aware of. I tried to go off it when I was pregnant, but it didn't work, so I started taking it again. Have been on it for several years. I would recommend talking to your doctor about it. Good luck!

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C.O.

answers from Columbia on

Yeah, Paxil is very hard to get off of. I have been on a combination of Celexa and Wellbutrin XL for approximately 5 years (minus the Wellbutrin during my pregnancy). Celexa has a history of being very easy to decrease dosage and/or quit all together. It is also on most generic drug programs at a lot of pfarmacies for very low cost. Celexa also has the lowest sexual side effects of anti-depressant drugs in its class. Celexa saved me from anxiety and sleepless nights of depression. Maybe it could work for you! Good luck.

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S.L.

answers from Springfield on

Hey S.,

I also have seasonal depression coupled with Bipolar unfortunately they are passed to my via my mother. I have never been on any med's because of possible addiction issue's (my mom has been on med's as long a s I can remember). The only thing that gets me through the day is seeking God. We have an amazing church home and I have learned mind you through much trial and error that the only way for me to stay med's free is to keep a strong daily walk with Jesus. I am not against med's AT ALL I have friends on things like Zoloft and I think it is lexapril?? and it does them wonders. So it is all on what works for you. I would however strongly encourage you if you are not haveing daily time with God start now, if you do not have one find a church home. Prayers are very powerful things. I will be praying God works abundantly in your life.

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C.C.

answers from St. Louis on

I am on geodon and tegretol they seem to work best for my bipolar and I have been on everything from lithium to paxil. Talk to your doctor about those meds they may help you too.

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S.B.

answers from St. Louis on

I'm on Zoloft. I love it. I feel normal. I've been a very nervous person all my life and I can get through life now with mostly calm and ease. Good luck to you.

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T.K.

answers from St. Louis on

I have been on different medications since I started having children also. The one that I've taken the longest, that I think works the best is Cymbalta. My doctor prescribed it because of the fact that it has the least sexual side effects of all the anti-depressants and that is something that I've always struggled with. Maybe talk to your doc about it & see what he thinks. Good luck!

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E.B.

answers from St. Louis on

For me, I got information from the library on depression and PPD. Knowing how real and common it is, and that I'm not abnormal really help. One book, (I can't seem to remember the name) even had info for my fiance to help. Before I got pregnant, I was on Cymbalta, and it was amazing! But then I had to change because it's new and they don't know much about it and pregnancy. So now I'm on Welbutrin. After I went to the library, I also talked more to my doctor and it turns out my dosage was lower than should be (my OB perscribed it while I was pregnant). So now that I'm not pregnant, the doctor said a great deal of it could have to do with dosage. I can also tell you that before the Cymbalta, I was taking Zoloft and that had stopped working for me. But any of those may work for you! Hope everything works out for you! And know that you're not alone.
Sincerely,
E. B

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D.W.

answers from Kansas City on

Hi S.,
The number one thing you should know is that no matter what medication other people are taking, and what benefits they receive from it, it might not be the right one for you. Please visit your doc and explain your personal and medicinal history with him/her, so that he/she can determine the proper meds for you. So many people have Bipolar and Seasonal Depression problems. The important thing is that you recognize and accept, and are willing to receive professional advice for them. Has your husband studied and understand depression and bipolar illnesses? If not, he needs to do so. For him to understand these illnesses, he is better able to help you and the children. For you to reach out to the "mama-source" community is very admirable of you. There are probably others suffering from the same or similar problems who will not ask for help. But, after reading your note, maybe they will contact professional help for themselves. I hope that you will be able to control these problems, and wish you, your children and marriage the best. God bless your family and your health, S.. D.

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J.S.

answers from Springfield on

I have been on Lexapro for awhile, and my husband is pretty happy with the results. (Like how I worded THAT?!) :P I also tried Welbutrin, but I didn't notice that it did much for me.
Good luck on finding something that helps you. :)

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J.H.

answers from St. Louis on

I have been on Seroquel for about two years now and I love it. I have a lot of anxiety and insomnia... I take this at night and it helps me to sleep and evens me out during the day. I have had no side effects from this medicine... I used to take zyprexa and gained about 15 pounds- thats even more depressing so I stopped taking. Also, I had to stop taking seroquel while I was pregnant and it only took me a week to back off of it. Godd luck! J.

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K.W.

answers from Wichita on

Hi S.
I'm on a medication called Celexa, I do not have depression but I was put on it a year ago for anxiety. My husband was out here in Kansas working and I was back in Ohio working 3 days a week, trying to sell our house and taking care of 2 children then they were 3 and 1 1/2. I had stepped on one of my son's toys and broken my right ankle. When I went to my dr for a follow-up he suggested Lexapro (which is a medication for depression also) and it worked wonders but it was expensive for me since I had crappy insurance at the time. The pharmacist switched me to Celexa (also a medication for depression/ anxiety) and it works just as well but is less expensive. Thank goodness I had been on this medication because 4 weeks after I had my cast taken off I fell off my gramma's porch on Memorial Day and broke my right wrist so needless to say my stress level was extremely high. I am now in Kansas with my husband but I still take my meds daily, it really helps with my stress/ anxiety. Ask your dr. about it.
Hopefully my information helps.

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M.H.

answers from Kansas City on

S.,

I am taking Celexa 40mg each day. It is an anti-depressant that I use for depression and also for anxiety/panic. I love it! I have tried to switch to Lexapro before, but did not get the same results. I have been on the Celexa for a little over 2 years and I am extremely sad that I will be taken off of it for the delivery of my first child in June. Let me know if you have any questions! Good Luck!

Meg

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T.B.

answers from Springfield on

I take welbrutrin and it works wonderful for me. I have a friend that is bipolar and she has also tried many different ones I will ask her what she is taking and send u a message with what it is. She recently had a baby too.

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A.L.

answers from St. Louis on

OH so sorry it has got you too. I take laxapro 1 1/2 daily. I have depression and OCD with grems.( sick people) I think you may have it worst. but the hormone change after a baby is still te same. see if you can find some books for hubby to read.or get something from the doctor. It is very real isn't?? I will say a prayer for you. It hard being married and put a new baby on there. boy!! everything is different. but don't give up. you can get through this with flying colors. My famous quote I wish I had a magic pill to make it all better.

Best Wishes
A.(keep in touch I will be here) :)

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