Depression Support Group

Depression is a real and debilitating condition that is often misunderstood by family and friends. Its meaning can range from a prolonged period of sadness to an actual mental illness with specific symptoms. Find and share experiences with others who are going through the same struggles.

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Mental Health
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Meds

SeekingKnowledge
SeekingKnowledge
Well, my doc prescribed Pamelor for me after my VERY bad bout with Prozac. I'm off the SSRI's, because of the adverse reactions. They were making me feel WAY worse than any kind of improvement. I've read that on a couple sites that I should wait a few weeks before starting on the tricyclic. My doc said no problem. I sat there last night looking at the stupid bottle of Pamelor and didnt' take them. I'm scared, scared of the side effects or interacting it with the Prozac. I'm just scared and tired. I don't want the weight gain, and people have gained alot of weight on the Pamelor. Weight gain will make me feel better how? I don't know what to do. But for now, I'm not going to take them. I'm sure my doc will be disappointed, but hey, it's my body, and the final decision is mine. Thanks for listening.
deleted_user
deleted_user
The new med I just started is supposed to cause weight gain to. My thought is that I would rather feel better than wory about my weight. Once I feel better then I can do something about the weight.
deleted_user
deleted_user
I think Pamelor has a sedating effect. I took it years ago.
All meds. are by trial and errror to find the one that
works for us. That's been my experience.

I wish they had a blood test that determined which med.
would work the best.
Niceguy
BeckyK
BeckyK
niceguy: wouldn't that be nice! I would actually take something if I knew it would work correctly!
deleted_user
deleted_user
Did you tell your doc about your concerns? I've gained a lot of weight on Lexapro but for me it's a small price to pay for feeling better emotionally. I do a lot of walking for the job I have now and I think I have lost some of the weight.
deleted_user
deleted_user
The meds I was put on after I fell apart with ppd (altho have battled depression since onset of adolescence) put the weight on me.

Then, when I found myself pregnant many months ago, I went off it (cold turkey -- not pleasant) and the weight started to come off. Then miscarried. I was going to try to stay off the meds b/c like you, Seeking, I wasn't so keen on the weight gain.

BUT: I found myself having more and more difficulty managing my daily life and (after talking to people on this site, actually) decide to go back on the meds. And you know what? Peace of mind has, in my case, been far more valuable than a smaller jean size. Not that I don't sigh and have my moments!! *lol* But I'm more conscientious about my diet and movement this time around, and that's really helped me from gaining that same weight.

So I just wanted to offer that perspective. Hope it's helpful, and I hope you are well.
SeekingKnowledge
SeekingKnowledge
I took my first dose of the Pamelor last night. Knock on wood, nothing freaky happened. The Prozac made me spiral so downwards that I was so scared. We shall see how day 2 goes tomorrow. Thank you all for your kind posts throughout my doom and gloom. They mean alot! :)