Anyone else have severe reactions to anti-depressants?

[Sweets79]

Hi,

I was just wondering if anyone else has had severe reactions/side effects from anti-depressants? I've tried several, and I haven't had any luck with any of them...This is a kind of damned if I do, damned if I don't situation...Although I am not a fan of any mood/chemical altering medication, I feel they could be beneficial to me since I've always suffered from depression, but I get very sick on them. As I said, I've tried several in the past, and I just recently had an awful reaction to Prozac. (I have a post on here about it). I would like to go the natural route but don't know if it would work on my depression, because it can get severe...I heard the natural remedies work for milder depression. I also don't know if they have side effects aswell...Any suggestions or info on natural anti-depressants would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

[Astro]

I don't have any experience with natural AD's but I did try a few different types of meds in early sobriety before I found something that worked well. I'd prefer not to mention brand names, keeping in mind that what does or doesn't work for me might be perfect for someone else.

The first two I tried made me very anxious, to the point of not being able to sleep and feeling suicidal. I found something that worked during a brief stay at a psych ward, but found out that it could be addictive, so I had to stop taking that. Finally, the fourth thing I tried I felt comfortable enough to keep taking until it became fully effective. I have to mention though that it took a few months for me to become fully accustomed to the effects of that medication.

Please remember that everyone will have different experiences and reactions to any kind of medication, side-effects too. I was able to taper off mine easily, but I've heard horror stories from other people who used the same med.

[CALYNN]

Hey, my post on the other forum wasn't very positive. Sorry about that. I do hope you find something that works for you. I know it can take a while & it gets discouraging, but it's really worth the effort if you find one.

My ex bf was diagnosed with advanced prostate cancer last year (at 41) and the prognosis wasn't good. He had to go through all kinds of horrible treatments - chemo, hi-dose radiation, hormone starvation therapy (which made him feel like a woman). He was in really bad shape physically and mentally. Anyway, his doctor put him on Wellbutrin and Zoloft (together) and it made a huge difference for him. At first he just wanted to die. After the AD meds kicked in, he was able to make it through all the therapies (didn't think he could at first). He's in remission now, but he's still taking the AD's and he's doing really well.

Just thought I'd share that with you. That's what got me to try an AD again - here's hoping it works!

Luck!

[Sweets79]

Originally Posted by CALYNN

Hey, my post on the other forum wasn't very positive. Sorry about that. I do hope you find something that works for you. I know it can take a while & it gets discouraging, but it's really worth the effort if you find one.

My ex bf was diagnosed with advanced prostate cancer last year (at 41) and the prognosis wasn't good. He had to go through all kinds of horrible treatments - chemo, hi-dose radiation, hormone starvation therapy (which made him feel like a woman). He was in really bad shape physically and mentally. Anyway, his doctor put him on Wellbutrin and Zoloft (together) and it made a huge difference for him. At first he just wanted to die. After the AD meds kicked in, he was able to make it through all the therapies (didn't think he could at first). He's in remission now, but he's still taking the AD's and he's doing really well.

Just thought I'd share that with you. That's what got me to try an AD again - here's hoping it works!

Luck!

Thanks Calynn. I believe everything has it's good side and it's bad side...unfortunately in my case with these meds, I have seen only the bad side pretty much. I am hoping I won't actually need them as time goes on, but I'm not sure how that's going to work, I can only try. I'm glad they worked for your ex and I'm sure they will work for you too. I know alot of people try out alot of different meds/combos before they find what works for them. I just had such severe reactions, I really don't wanna give it another go...thanks for your words though.

[readyforhelp]

Sweets,

Have you tried St. John's Wort?
My system responds very well to this. I cannot tolerate prescribed anti-depressants.

Or, 5-htp. This I call my big gun. Sometimes necessary around the holidays yet.

[Sweets79]

Originally Posted by readyforhelp

Sweets,

Have you tried St. John's Wort?
My system responds very well to this. I cannot tolerate prescribed anti-depressants.

Or, 5-htp. This I call my big gun. Sometimes necessary around the holidays yet.

Wow someone else who can't tolerate them either. It's nice to know I'm not the only one. I was thinking of trying St. Johns Wort...It seems worth a try...and I don't know much about 5-htp, going to do some research on it though... Thanks for the suggestions

[Cleansing]

If you're currently on any meds, talk to your doctor before trying the natural remedies. They can interact with your meds negatively.

http://www.soberrecovery.com/forums/...epression.html (5-HTP or 5-Hydroxytryptophan for Depression)
there's info on 5-htp
St John's Wort and Sam-e (more expensive) are the two most commonly used herbs for depression. But my problem with them is that they aren't FDA approved and there isn't much scientific research showing they improve depression. There's a bunch of talk about natural supoplements in that thread actually.

Well we're not allowed to give out medical advice, but it would help to know which meds you were on. I know each med will affect people differently, but i hear that some (more than others) have more dire side effects. Prozac and Paxil, the tricyclics, MAOI's. Someone correct me if im wrong.

At least for me (and i like to mention names) i've tried
Effexor - don't really remember being on this, so im, guessing it didn't help my depression
Remeron - Made me tired and lots of weight gained, I got off it
Paxil - they told me it had withdrawal effects, so i switched to

LExapro - this has worked the best for me for a while, then my mood started dipping low again so I added Wellbutrin XL to the Lexapro. i'm not happy, but Im not depressed, Im not suicidal, and I feel like i can get out the house and get around.

Wellbutrin and Lexapro have their problems too though. Wellbutrin apparently causes heart problems for people sensitive to heart issues.

[Sweets79]

Originally Posted by Cleansing

Well we're not allowed to give out medical advice, but it would help to know which meds you were on. I know each med will affect people differently, but i hear that some (more than others) have more dire side effects. Prozac and Paxil, the tricyclics, MAOI's. Someone correct me if im wrong.

At least for me (and i like to mention names) i've tried
Effexor - don't really remember being on this, so im, guessing it didn't help my depression
Remeron - Made me tired and lots of weight gained, I got off it
Paxil - they told me it had withdrawal effects, so i switched to

LExapro - this has worked the best for me for a while, then my mood started dipping low again so I added Wellbutrin XL to the Lexapro. i'm not happy, but Im not depressed, Im not suicidal, and I feel like i can get out the house and get around.

Wellbutrin and Lexapro have their problems too though. Wellbutrin apparently causes heart problems for people sensitive to heart issues.

Hey, thanks for the reply...I've been on Paxil, Wellbutrin, Lexapro, Cymbalta, and just recently Prozac...Right now I have no desire to even try another one...I am just looking to try something natural for now. My mind and body need a rest after my last reaction from the Prozac.

[Cleansing]

ok, well i edited my post with this thread:
http://www.soberrecovery.com/forums/...epression.html (5-HTP or 5-Hydroxytryptophan for Depression)
it'll give you a bunch of info on natural remedies.

[OceanBound]

Sweets,

People's reactions to drugs are so different that it's impossible to predict which one will help you and not cause any major side effects. Remember though that antidepressants won't teach you the coping skills you need to fight depression long term, so you'll still have to do the hard work. So if none of them work, maybe just try to focus on therapy. I know nothing about natural remedies, so can't help you here.

Good luck!

[Astro]

Well since we're throwing brand names out there, I guess I could mention that my experience was with a few of the AD's that Cleansing mentioned, and I finally settled in with one of them. Thanks for a helpful and informative post Cleansing, it's good to see you progressing in your recoverey.

I think it would be worth a shot to try the St. John's Wort, but my understanding is that it shouldn't be taken in addition to a prescribed AD, so please use with caution.

I also want to mention to everyone, please please please consult your doctor before you try this. We're not doctors here, and obviously we want what's best for each other, so approach this as safely as possible.

[Sweets79]

Originally Posted by Astro

Well since we're throwing brand names out there, I guess I could mention that my experience was with a few of the AD's that Cleansing mentioned, and I finally settled in with one of them. Thanks for a helpful and informative post Cleansing, it's good to see you progressing in your recoverey.

I think it would be worth a shot to try the St. John's Wort, but my understanding is that it shouldn't be taken in addition to a prescribed AD, so please use with caution.

I also want to mention to everyone, please please please consult your doctor before you try this. We're not doctors here, and obviously we want what's best for each other, so approach this as safely as possible.

Thanks for your opinion...Lol sometimes the D.r. gives me the worst advice of all and doesn't even aknowledge the side effects, that's why I like to see what different people's experiences are/were with certain meds. I'm in the process of trying to find a good therapist. The psychiatrist I am putting off for now, because mostly all they do is write the scripts and don't seem too willing to talk. Plus, I know even if they suggest another AD, I am not open to taking them right now. I've been through too much with side effects. I am going to research some natural stuff, hopefully I will find something.

[tears25]

I've never been sensitive to side affects like sickness but my mind doesn't react well with SSRI style AD. I say try the st johns wart tho.

[shockozulu]

Everyone is different. I am currently on a SSRI. There is only one of them I can tolerate. However, if I get really depressed there is one of the older AD's that works wonders for me. I always know that it is there if I will need it.

The thing is, when my depression gets that bad, I need that other drug to work as best it can. So as a consequence I can't take it all the time. Its like penicillin, if I take it all the time my body will get used to it when I need it to work.

The thing is, when I first got depression, we literally went through all the drugs available at the time except for some that had dietary restrictions (I couldn't limit my diet at that time). I literally tried over 14 ADs. It was a battle. For me, the breakthrough came when a new drug, called Proxac, came out. Since I was under 18, I was placed on a pharmacological study just to be able to take it.

After all these years, I find it odd but uplifting to know that there is a older drug out there that will be there to lift me up if I ever fall down again. In a way, having to battle through the depression has been good for me. I know that there is hope, not just with SSRIs, but with other older drugs if I need them.

Please don't give up trying.

Alera

P.S. The best part of my journey has been the help I've seen SSRIs give millions of other people. To know I was part of that early study has helped me see the small difference a single person can make.

[bohemianzen]

I just tried celexa last nite and it was horrible. My legs just would not stop, I was so restless I tossed and turned most of the night. I had some bad nausea too. This morning I really felt out of it. I took Paxil years ago and after awhile had severe dizziness that put me off work over a week. It was horrible. Unfortunately before that the Paxil had been working pretty well for me. I'm supposed to go to the dr at the end of the week and will see what he says about trying something else. Good luck to you!

[nandm]

I agree with Alera, everyone is different and react differently to medications.

Personally, I have experienced side effects from antidepressants but none as severe as when I tried the "natural" route. I tried 5-htp and St. Johns Wort. The side effects I experienced with each was increased anxiety, nervousness, irritabilty, and confusion.

A key thing to remember is that even "natural" options have side effects associated with them. The only difference is that by law the manufacturers do not have to list all the side effects to them, unlike conventional medication manufacturers.

There are some good resource guides to herbal and natural medications in print. I would suggest looking in the book store for a good nursing drug guide book which lists herbals as well as conventional meds.

[Rebecca4]

What type of side effects did you have with Prozac if you don't mind me asking?
I have used Prozac and some others with really good results. The first few days can be hard, I felt very, very sick, could not eat, felt spaced out. But I rode it and started to feel a lot better. Most of them have transient side effects, which disappear a few days after you have started to take them. If you can put up with the side effects the results can be great.

I would also be wary of the natural route. It is true that these preparations have no safety data, few clinical trials etc. This is the same for a lot of 'natural preparations'. A lot of drugs started off as 'natural preparations' from plants - digoxin (heart drug) aspirin (painkiller) etc. St Johns wort also has an interaction with birth control pills, making it much less effective.

All lot of drugs have side effects. Suppose you have to weigh up if you can put up with this for a period of time or live with the depression.

Good luck

[shockozulu]

nandm, you aren't the only one who has had trouble with the natural route. I tried 5htp as a teenager when my grandmother gave it to me. She had gotten it at the health food store. My grandmother was no dummy when it came to supplements but no one expected what happened when I took a small "test" dose. I felt like I went on an LSD trip. I saw spiders on the walls and strange colors blending together everywhere. My poor grandmother had no idea how to deal with me. She just sat and said calming words until I snapped out of it several hours later.

Ever since that experience, I don't take any supplement until I look it up in the PDR.