Which Anti Depressant?

harlow · Post by **harlow** » Fri Jul 04, 2008 6:34 am

My anxiety/deppression has worsened over this last year..and I think I need to go back on a medication. My doctor agrees but realize you need to be your own doctor to research about these drugs.

My doctor gave me Effexor but the side effects were just too much. I do realize there are side effects with all meds but wondering which med is the best tolerated?

Can anyone give me any insight on what if anything worked for you? I take clonazaphan once in a while as I realize it is very addicting so only take it when anxiety is unbearable...but I think I need something else. I can't live with constant panick & anxiety. I really want my quality of life back.

Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated- Even natural supplements.

Thanks:)

epa · Post by **epa** » Fri Jul 04, 2008 11:24 am

I take Lexapro and feel fine on it. I only had SE for about a week. I have been on it for 9 weeks now and no longer have anxiety or PMDD (which is why I take it.)

I was told it is the most well tolerated SSRI with the least amount of SE, works the fastest, and the easiest to come off of. So far I would have to agree, but everyones bodies work differently. But I think it worth giving Lex a try if you are looking for an AD that most people like.

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Thu Jul 10, 2008 8:16 am

Before you go back on meds, you may want to try the following for a week or two:
Cut out all caffeine and sugar,
Exercise vigorously every day 1 – 2 hours (if you can’t do that much at first, work up to it slowly),
Catch, stop and turn around negative thoughts,
Take fish oil and magnesium supplements every day,
Don't watch the news or scary TV shows or movies.
Do all that and you will likely find your stress/anxiety levels greatly reduced.
If possible, it’s much better to make life style changes to ‘fix’ your anxiety issues for good rather than using meds to hide them, especially for the long term.
You are going to be ok, I just know it 
God Bless and peace be with you

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Thu Jul 10, 2008 9:11 am

Reply Admin New PM!

Hi Harlow...I worked with psychiatrists a while
and learned not to hate or fear them.Good ones
are great and you really shouldnt have trouble finding a med. that works with your bod. Honest. MD's try,but arent ideal. Reading PDR
or internet could drive you nuts!! Let the Dr.
have the education to choose one, then read up on it from him/her. You sound discouraged, no?
Pleeeeze dont be. I've had lots of these pills
and over the years, lots were OK, a couple
were not right for me. Just trust in yourself
to find a NICE psychiatrist OK? Hope I dont sound bossy...its this quick typing. dont mean to be. dont give up or stress too much over it,
just get it done. I know when I dawdle, it just
drags on and on. Then later I always think, Why did I wait so long, what was I so worried
about? Good look. dont give up !!

Jan First · Post by **Jan First** » Thu Jul 10, 2008 1:27 pm

Thanks so much all

I do feel hopeless at times..and feel will I ever get better. I realize we all have felt that way.

I am still med free and feel each day is a struggle..but I will make it!

Malikye · Post by **Malikye** » Sun Jul 13, 2008 4:39 pm

<A HREF="http://www.webmd.com" TARGET=_blank>www.webmd.com</A> has some great information including reviews and how each med is a little different. You click on Drugs A-Z, then on "by condition." Type in depression or anxiety and it will give you a choice of diagnosises. Once you pick one, it will list FDA approved drugs for that condition. You can click on each one and read what it exactly does, side effects, interactions and the reviews. Hope that helps.