I am a firm believer in psychologists and psychiatrists and medication in the short-run. Certainly a pill will not make pain go away, don't expect it to the mind is way smarter than any drug. Depending on a variety of factors the doctor will determine but I have had much luck with zoloft. It really helps me get my work done and I don't break down in front of people. There really have been no side effects for me anyway. It doesn't make me feel loopy or tired. I do have some klonopin to help me sleep if needed. I try not be like Elvis but sometimes you need some help. That is why medications were invented. Keep a close eye on the side effects and they can always alter. wish you the best

I'm not a fan of medication in general, but when I found myself really struggling with this divorce, despite counseling, talking to friends, reading any material I could get on the topic, etc. I contacted my doctor and discussed options with him. I agreed to try medication because I desperately want to be able to function properly -- at work, home, etc. And these days, sometimes it's very difficult.

I was prescribed the lowest available dosages of Klonopin (clonazepam) and Xanax. Both work for anxiety, yet Klonopin has been shown to be effective with depression as well. I take them only when needed (panic or anxiety attack, really down periods of time, etc) and they are very effective. Unlike some antidepressants, they do not need to build in your system for a few weeks in order for you to tell effectiveness. They work within 10 - 20 minutes or so.

Xanax works very fast (10 minutes) and seems to last for several hours. I take only 1/2 of my lowest dosage pill and feel no side effects at all. It just helps to bring my anxiety down to where I feel normal, not so panicky and jittery.

Klonopin is newer to me and I only take 1/2 of my lowest dosage for that too when needed. It takes about 20 minutes to kick in but lasts much longer -- 12 hours or so. This one makes me feel better -- much more calm -- but also makes me a bit sleepy, almost like I've had a single cocktail. As a result I prefer to take this one at night if I need it as opposed to the daytime.

I'm not taking medication daily -- only as needed. And it's a great comfort to know that I have them on hand when my panic and depression really hit me hard. I can get through my day OK then without things compounding.

There's no shame in trying something that might help you to cope.

after i was raped i started on wellbutrian-it saved my life. im on it again and ive noted & friends @ school noted a huge positive change. take care sweet friend-will talk soon. hang in there. xoxo

my doc prescribed me effexor but i havent taken it yet.. i decided to try some natural stuff first. st johns wort seeems to be helping a bit.. although i think it may just be a placebo affect bc i haer it takes a few weeks and i have only been on a few days.

I was on Pristiq for awhile, and that really helped. Understand, that finding the right medication is a crap shoot. They often take awhile to work, and sometimes the side effects make you feel even worse. So don't expect to feel a difference overnight. Most of the time, its at least 6-8 weeks. BUT, if you find one that works for you, it can make a tremendous difference. You will have more energy, sleep better, concentrate better, and think clearer. It seems like you have more of a situational depression, the meds have a better chance of working since you are seeing a counselor to deal with your grief as well. I say give it chance, just know that it will help you COPE better with your pain, but it will NOT take it away. Good luck!!!

As butterfly stated, getting the right medication is a crap-shoot. Also, don't expect it to be a panecea and make all of the bad things go away like magic. As my doctor put it, "it won't make you feel good, hopefully it will keep you from feeling so bad."

Good luck bud.

Thank you everyone for the advice. I am going to give it a shot. At this point, I guess I need all the help I can get. Thanks again.

I have been on anti-depressants for more than 20 years and I would agree that it is a trial and error to find the one that works for you. Do your research, talk to your doctor and start trying. If it helps you function, so be it. I am currently on Pristiq. Hope this helps.

For me, I have done just fine without meds. I went through some pretty low depression, but managed to come back out. I think I just had to process all of my emotions, (wow, did I cry a lot) and get it out of my system.

BUT that's just me. We are all different, and know just how much we can take.

If you are feeling that you are stuck and can't get out, then listen to your DR by all means.

Hugs!!!

I administer medications to people and I have tried antidepressants myself.

The pros:
- you may get reduction in symptoms of feeling hopeless, fatigue, insomnia, anxiety.
- you man not feel the emotional pain as acutely as you did before..
- because you will be feeling "normal" you would be better at making logical and rational decisions, especially when it comes to financial and divorce issues, you may be more productive and focused at work.

The cons:
- Medication may not work.
- When you fist start taking it you may have odd symptoms like nausea, diarrhea, cramps, feeling foggy , feeling flat - not happy and not sad. these symptoms eventually go away. sometimes certain medications do not work at all. Sometimes they have an opposite effect.
- some antidepressants caused decreased sex drive.
- Stopping antidepressant abruptly can cause you to have a meltdown, so stop gradually.
- too much SSRI can cause serotonin syndrome ( only if you OD, so do not take extra or double up without doctor saying OK)

All in all, it is a very personal decision and only you can decide what is good for you.

I took an antidepressant before and i felt "normal" and it was wonderful, but I did not feel this intense feeling of happiness and pleasure as i did when i did not take them.
I decided that feeling sadness and happiness was worth it.

Once in a while when i get off track i take a plant supplement called 5 HTP, which is similar to SSRI antidepressants (the first thing people usually are prescribed)

SSRI drug class = selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitors ( Zoloft, Celexa, Lexapro ). This means when serotonin hits the neuron synapse, it is not passed on to the next, but is bounced back partially, so you keep most of the serotonin in your brain.

5 HTP is designed to work the same, so it can not be taken with other medications of the same class. I researched it before I took it and it was given to me by a holistic MD.

If you have any questions, I'm here to help!
Hope you feel better.

A while back I started taking Prozac for anxiety. Bad mistake. It's not really for anxiety (a doctor rather than psychiatrist prescribed it to me) and I had terrible physical and emotional outbursts that put me in the emergency room. I was convinced the meds did that to me because I was never that bad even when I wasn't taking any. The doctor didn't believe the meds were the problem, but I knew better and refused to leave the hospital until he changed my meds.

I now take zoloft (100mg) and have been for over a year now with no symptoms. It doesn't cure me, but it does make life more manageable while I go to counseling for congitive behavioral therapy (CBT).

The break-up had me feeling terrible lately and my psychiatrist gave me Xanax yesterday to help me in those intense moments. I am nervous about taking it myself even though its a low dosage on an as needed basis, but I have received good advice from people on DS who currently take Xanax and it helps to know I at least have something if I can't handle myself and it also helps to have the opinion of others who have taken it.

I guess what I want to get at is, everyone reacts differently to certain meds. Just because it is prescribed to you doesn't mean its the best medication for you. If it really makes you uncomfortable, be sure to talk to a professional about alternatives so you know all your options. Ask as many questions so you feel comfortable and confident in your decision. And whoever prescribes you your meds (doctor or psyciatrist) be sure to follow up with a PSYCIATRIST on how you are handling the medication. They have more expertise in that area than a doctor.

Best of luck to you.

Good feedback, AnxietyMC. I'd also add that when I'm prescribed a new "instant" (as opposed to those that take weeks to build up in your system) medication -- like when I was first prescribed .25mg of Xanax -- I am sure to try it while staying AT HOME for the day or evening, or with the company of someone that I trust. This way, if I am groggy or tired, or become irritated, or whatnot, I'm not on the road, out in public, or trying to work. Evenings are good because you're safe in your house, not having to concentrate on your job, and can go to bed if it zonks you out.

I am glad everyone was so willing to leave their feedback. I, too, went to my physician to talk about my depression. She prescribed me zoloft and although the side effects have been unbearable at times, I plan to stick with it to see if there is any improvement in my current mood. I am having a difficult time thinking rationally and pray this helps.

I am glad everyone was so willing to leave their feedback. I, too, went to my physician to talk about my depression. She prescribed me zoloft and although the side effects have been unbearable at times, I plan to stick with it to see if there is any improvement in my current mood. I am having a difficult time thinking rationally and pray this helps.

I have been on Zoloft for 25 years - depression runs in my family. I had no problems with it and it does help take the "edge off" - at the same time, as it helps with the depression, I believe it also does dull the "happy" feelings - I don't think you can have one without the other. Since dealing with my divorce, I have now been prescribed Wellbutrin, along with Zoloft - they call it "Welloft". Zoloft helps regulate serotonin in your brain, Wellbutrin helps regulate dopamine. Each works on a different chemical in your brain. I think the combination is helping. I am thinking you are dealing with "situational" depression (I am not a Dr., but obviously since you are on this site, you are going through a very difficult time) and maybe a short term anti-depressant would help. I would not be afraid to try it and as you can read, they have helped many get through a very difficult period in their life. It does not have to be permanent. I wish you well..... ((HUGS))