Opinions on anxiety/depression/ocd medication

[rubix]

I know it's been asked here before, but I'd like to hear people's opinions of medications for anxiety/depression/ocd (can be for any).

I have only read about Zoloft so far, but I know there are others.

Also, over the years I've heard reports about people killing themselves or ruining theirs lives etc. Is that a real possibility or just more of conspiracy theory/fear mongerer's spin on it?

Anyway, I'd like to hear your experiences and I am particularly interested in people who are treating themselves for a life long problem and not just a 1 year stint to cope with a temp problem/situation (no offence intended).

Thank you.

 

[illusion88]

Some people react adversely to medication. These effects lessen when the medication is taken with good theorpy.

 

[Pepsi90919]

some therapists will recommend increasing vitamin B. but for me that leads to drowsiness.

 

[TNM93]

I've known people who have taken Paxil. They said it allowed them to focus more and help them cope with depression. In particular, a girl I knew was dumped by her boyfriend and she had an irrational fear that he dumped her because she was fat. She was not fat though.

That being said, there are definitely side effects, like sex problems, tiredness, etc. There are so many that you could probably find one that works for you. If you don't want to go that route, try Omega-3 (fish oil), 5-HTP/B-Vitamin complex, or St. John's wort.

 

[Cdubneeddeal]

Girlfriend is going through depression. I didn't know about it until recently as she tried to hide it to not scare me away. She's taking Zoloft which is helping worth a damn. I went through depression in my early adult years as well. I didn't need any medicine..just a good psychiatrist, four visits, and i'm clear of any ill feelings. I say people just need to get over it. Your mind is the strongest weapon over depression, not a stupid pill.

 

[thirtythree]

There are certainly people on SSRIs (e.g., Zoloft) who kill themselves, but I believe studies have only shown them to increase suicidal ideation in children/adolescents. The research I've seen seems to indicate that appropriate medication can be about as effective as therapy (though often less effective in the long run if not continued), and sometimes a combination of both is even better. I think lots of people take SSRIs over an extended period of time (i.e., years). Some anxiety meds such as benzodiazepines aren't meant to be taken on a permanent basis and are very habit forming.

I'm currently in therapy and taking Zoloft to see if it helps with my social phobia. It's only been a couple of weeks, so I haven't noticed any difference from the meds yet aside from not being able to get off.

 

[rubix]

I have to find one that doesn't make me drowsy as I do a lot of driving every day.

I am not sure if I should do the therapy thing yet. Really don't have much to say or a good reason for my problems, they just have always been with me. But I know some consider taking pills the easy way out... I am one of them.

 

[TNM93]

Originally posted by: rubix
I have to find one that doesn't make me drowsy as I do a lot of driving every day.

I am not sure if I should do the therapy thing yet. Really don't have much to say or a good reason for my problems, they just have always been with me. But I know some consider taking pills the easy way out... I am one of them.

You can always go on them temporarily, while seeking therapy. The combination therapy/medication has proven more effective that medication alone I believe.