Hi,
I've not posted in a forum like this before, but I've really been struggling to find a balance with my depression and anti-depression treatment and I thought I could really do with some nuetral advice.
I'm 23 and I've been suffering on and off from depression for years. I started taking sertraline 50mg about a year ago and it really helped- so i came off it after 6 months. But then my depression came back and I started again, but it has had the same effect. It may be that I've had to change brands because I moved country, but I've been having lots of side effects (nausea, headaches, memory issues) and several major (if brief) episodes of depression. I don't want to stop taking them, because I'm scared, but I'm also scared of them making me worse.
I'm in a very intense masters program and I can't afford to keep missing class as I've been, and I just don't know what to do! Can anyone give me some advice?
Thank you!
Steph sorry to hear.your having problems with depression ! Without.being critical the worst thing you done was came off your meds i assume this was your own decision ! What need to do is to go back to your doctor and see what they.can recommend ! Is it possible.to.take time out from your.masters program and either.restart.from were you.left off.! You are under a lot of pressure give youself M E time.relax try.try relaxation cds theres a good.selection at amazon. Or try your local library ! Let me know how.you.get on as its nice to hear how.people are getting on david !
Hi steph
Sorry to hear you're suffering, it is a horrid illness . You didn't say how long you've been on your current course of ad's, ive been put on a course for first time and have had side effects for some time but everyone on here reckons 6-8 weeks is optimum time for meds to work in most cases so im battling through the bad side which isnt easy but it seems these meds generally make you feel lots worse before you feel better.
Speak to your gp it is possible they can give you something to help with the side effects. Be kind to yourself and dont put yourself under pressure unnecessarily, try relaxation methods .
Hope you come through the other side soon. Wishing you all the best
V
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Sorry posted link to a website. Message me if you'd like website on coping with anxiety symptoms. X
Welcome. Some anti depressants suit some people and not others. I have been on numerous anti depressants over 20 years. Some worked, and some had side effects I could not cope with.
I have found that when I stopped an anti depressant my depression did return. I am trying again on doctors advice. I have now been without anti depressant medication for 17 months, the longest I have been, and doing quite well. It is often the case that depression will return. Shows we need the anti depressant.
Also side effects can be bad. We have to find medication that helps us and does not give too many side effects. No don't stop them. I don't think they will make you worse, but you can be feeling side effects. Perhaps a different drug will suit you better, but I can understand that you don't want to keep changing. I was on Sertraline and did well on it, but like you I stopped. Doctor then put me on a different medication, which I was on for 9 years, and although depression did break through now and again, I did OK except for big weight gain.
Have a word with the doctor who prescribed your medication and see what he says. I think you are going through what a lot of us have.
Thank you for the advice and support. I'm still not doing great but have gotten my medication increased so that will start to help soon hopefully. I've also booked to see a psychologist through my university but they weren't able to give me an appointment for a month, which is very dissapointing. Anyway, I'm getting through it!
Hi steff glad to see your getting the help.you deserve ! Im disappointed at the waiting time for a appointment to see a psychologist just give the increase in your medication to help you it might take a couple of weeks for.you to see the.benefit of the.increase in your meds ! I hope you.start to feel good in yourself please let me know.how.things go for you.take care david xx