Discussing Anti Depressant Medications

[Doolhof]

Hi Everyone,

Firstly I would like to suggest that you have a read of "Discussing Medication" in the box at the top of the page on this site.

We are not allowed to mention the name of medications here but we can discuss the medications in general.

I am certainly not a medical professional at all, so don't take my word as being correct for all people all the time.

This is a place to share your concerns, thoughts and feelings towards anti depressant medications.

I'd like to start of my suggesting:

- Always talk to your Dr or person who is indicating anti depressants are advisable

-Ask the chemist for an information sheet relating to the medication. Don't be concerned by all the side effects that are listed, you may experience none of them! They are listed as a requirement I presume.

-If you have any concerns ask the Dr or the chemist

- Some medications may take a while to be effective. Discuss this with your Dr

- What works for one person may not work the same for you, it could be more effective or less helpful.

-Don't stop taking your medication without the Drs advice

- Try to take the medication at the same time each day or as required.

- Some people do not believe that medication is required, if your Dr has suggested it, I would follow their advice

- Medication is just one step to assisting yourself, exercise, a healthy diet, water, sleep and doing pleasant things each day helps as well.

This thread is open for anyone to make a comment or to share.

Some of you may be knew to the experience of taking anti depressants and may have all kinds of questions.

Once again I am certainly not an expert so what I have written are just suggestions.

Cheers to you all from Dools

[Doolhof]

Dear Chloe,

Hi. I feel I am reading you are really frustrated and uncertain regarding your mental health right now.

I'm fortunate to have a Dr who is very supportive and understanding of my mental health conditions and he does try to be helpful.

The problem is that medication may work excellently for one person and be of great benefit, while another person on exactly the same medication may find little help from the tablets.

I believe that recovery is a multi level plan. We may need more than just medication to help us through.

Unfortunately my body seems to react to various medications, including pills for high blood pressure and other common issues.

Taking antidepressants is a bit hit and miss for me. They seem to work well for a while then my system reacts badly to the medication. Please know the Dr said my reactions are RARE! It does not mean you will experience anything like it.

Some days I just try to allow the depression to be there, I don't fight it, I don't push through it to the point where I feel exhausted, I try to accept it and do what I can to get through the day.

Once again I can only answer for myself, yes I too suffer from brain fog while on the tablets. For me I have to weigh up what is best, live with the side effects of the medication or find ways to manage with out it. It can be tough to decide, I understand that!

Regarding the Dr. some medical centres have sites on the computer with a write up about the specialities of the Drs or I have called the receptionists and asked if they can suggest a Dr there who is willing to help with mental health issues.

My experience is that medication helps, as does a combination of different strategies.

Hope your weekend has been okay Chloe!

Cheers from Dools

[white knight]

Hi Mary S1,

Re: One of the most frustrating features of medications is that they take so long to take effect. Meanwhile you're waiting, waiting, keel in the mud, drowning. Why does it take so long?

For several years now the norm here is that when someone asks a question we members including Community Champions tend to answer- its what we do. Blondeguy (Paul) is very experienced at answering questions when they are asked.

If we cannot answer your questions (particularly about medication) to your satisfaction then I suggest you try your professional medical persons.

Thankyou Paul for your efforts and compassion.

Dools,

Re: "Taking antidepressants is a bit hit and miss for me." I took 12 tablets over a period of 6 years before one hit the mark. It was worth the wait

TonyWK

[Mary S1]

No, that's what health professionals are for. You're in danger of setting yourselves up as para health people when you're not qualified. Vulnerable sick people are at risk. Support is fine but you cross the line.

[Chick_in_a_guernsey]

Hi All,

I don't know where I'd be with respect to my mental health, if it wasn't for the supportive folk on here.

I have a psych who I've connected with pretty well and to a much lesser extent, with much less detail, my boss is also supportive. Aside from those two people, I haven't discussed my situation with others for fear of judgement and humiliation.

It feels great to connect with people on here who 'get it'. The folks on here offer support to those who seek it and I can only hope that in time, I may also have some kind and helpful words to contribute for others who are struggling.

In the meantime, I'll keep trying to convince myself to even just give some meds a test drive....who knows, it might just be the thing that keeps my head above water when I need it most.

[Doolhof]

Hi Mary S1,

I myself am a vulnerable sick person. I do not state anywhere on this forum that I am an expert in anything. I try to share from my own experiences so as to support people and to help them realise I am not alone.

Some people on the forum find it beneficial to share how they are feeling, it can assist a person to put their issues into perspective and may help them receive insight into their condition.

Talking to your Dr is the best way to receive informed medical advice. I totally understand that.

I am not a medical professional. I am a person who cares for others and wants to try to be supportive.

Please refer to my original post here. I stated I am not a professional and recommended people talk to their Drs.

Cheers from Dools

[Doolhof]

Hi Chick in a guernsey,

Thank you for your lovely message here. It is wonderful to read that you have a couple of people who are supportive of your needs right now in your environment.

As I have mentioned, I am certainly not a professional of any kind, I am just here to try to offer some suggestions and ideas. It is up to you to have a talk to your Dr about how you are feeling and to research the medication you may be prescribed by your Dr.

Myself and others here can offer you support and encouragement and ideas from our own experiences in life.

Thanks for sharing your kind words with us all. I hope, no matter what decision you make regarding your care and medication, you find ways to help yourself through this.

Cheers to you from Dools

[PamelaR]

Hi Mrs Dools

You're an inspiration. I truly love the way you tell your story about your own experiences and how you manage to live while living with a mental health condition. Your humour is awesome. It makes me laugh. I see that over the past 6 months you've been having a difficult time, but you still make time and give time to others. Great having you around Mrs Dools.

I take anti depressants and early last year my dosage increased as depression took hold. As I began to recover, my dosage decreased back to my original quantity. Of course, medication isn't the only way I manage, like you I - eat good food, try to get regular exercise, socialise with friends, watch how I think about things. Like you say medication is only one small part of living with a mental health condition.

Thank you for starting this thread.

Kind regards

PamelaR

[Chloe90]

Thanks dools.

Im trying my best to push through and not over think things. Hopefully this is just a bad patch. I guess because I’ve been feeling so good recently I thought this was it for me.

But short lived and I guess I have to expect that. I have a psychiatrist appointment on the 12th March which is a while away. Unfortunately I couldn’t get in any sooner which sucks because I’m not sure I can last that long with the way I’m feeling.

Thanks for your words it helps knowing I’m not the only one with this.

Take care x

[Doolhof]

Hi Chloe,

Sometimes we need to get through one day at a time, even break that down to one hour at a time.

It is also possible to ask for your name to be put on the short list in case the psychiatrist has a cancellation.

Would you consider using the phone help lines like Beyond Blue on 1300 22 4636. I have used this service many times. It did feel a little weird at first, but I found the support people to be very understanding and helpful. They have helped me stay safe a few times.

For some of us, depression can come and go. For me it is trying to remember what has helped in the past and implementing those things. Some days I try to think of the things I can be thankful for, even if it is appreciating the fact I have hot water for a shower and food to eat.

If you are interested, there are many parts to this forum, I am not sure if you have had a look around. There is a social zone with all kinds of topics from favourite books, to a BB (virtual) café where people drop in for a chat, threads about walking and so much more.

Would you like to share what you enjoy teaching the most? If that is too personal, you certainly don't have to answer.

Hope your week goes well.

Cheers from Dools

[Doolhof]

Hi PamelaR,

Thanks for joining in, the more the merrier. Yes, medication can be adapted in relation to how we are feeling. Having a good relationship with our Drs certainly helps with correct dosage and use of the medication.

I'm in a bit of a quandary regarding medication at present due to the unusual side effects I am experiencing again. It does seem my system does not appreciate foreign substances.

My Dr is a little confused as to how to proceed as well. One step at a time right!

I've been trying Narrative Therapy recently. I go to the local hospital (50 kilometres drive away) and have a teleconference session while the mental health lady sits in with me. It is a different type of therapy.

Right, time to get on with my day!

Cheers to you and all, from Mrs. Dools