Tablets that help with depression

[CLOWN TICKLE]

My wife has been prescribed a course of tablets which she is supposed to continue with for a year and she is keen to do so despite the slight dizziness they give her, she is also not allowed alcohol, I think they improve seratonin levels, anyway after two weeks she felt absolutely wonderful but has now returned to her low state, could it just be a settling in of the tablets

[Champagne]

Oh dear. I do hope not clown tickle. And further still, I hope they're not addictive.

I would never consider tablets to tackle depression. I know that's probably easier said than done but I personally I would try every other route first; counselling, a holiday, change of diet and/or lifestyle etc. etc.

[CLOWN TICKLE]

shes having a holiday at the mo but the grief keeps pouring back, I am worried for her, shes getting counselling

[Neenee]

i think it takes a good week or so for the tablets to take any effect anyway..... so why did she feel wonderfull so soon?

im not sure medication is the right wy to elp anyones depression. as then its all psycological and addiction sets in and you find yourself needing the tablets for all the wrong reasons.

[CLOWN TICKLE]

She took them following gps advice, some of you will know about my mum in law passing (regular threads) I thank you all for your advice

[larkin]

Clown Tickle - in same boat at mo . I am on serotonin suppressant for depression - it took about 5 weeks for them to really take effect , but I am much more settled than I was 2-3 months ago. They can also affect your tummy and I felt that I was nauseous all of the time, which felt like that anxiety -type of sickness and hence symptoms of grief/ worry didn't seem to be settling. Now much improved.
I hope your wife settles soon - it is a horrible thing to suffer.
My heart goes out to you.

[larkin]

She may well have felt better initially because sometimes, when you admit defeat and ask your gp for help, it is quite a relief and does actually pick you up a bit. Until the medication really kicks in though, you think that you should be starting to feel better but realise that you are not, which is difficult to understand but consequently can drag you back down for a while.

[beejaybee]

If ithe meds are intended for long term use, I`d seriously consider alternitive treatment. I take herbal anti depressants & find them great. Also a change of diet can be VERY beneficial.

[Amara]

I can totally sympathise with you CT and send out much love to you and your wife at what must be a very difficult time for her. I am constantly shocked and angry at GP's handing out pills as the answer to all lifes problems. Antidepressants are bad news. Far more effective would be a healthful and nutritious diet to keep the seratonin levels steady and counselling to help with the grief, grieving is a natural process and I am afraid that artificial substances just mask what is really going on inside. Please try to find some alternatives, yoga, reiki, massage therapy, meditation, aromatherapy will all help with release of anger and stress and help to bring her back to a state of peace. Much love and light to you both. Amara xx

[Neenee]

clown tickle, came back on here to read other answers, it seems you have lots of support, and i hope you are supporting your wife... i sure oyu are as you do seem very concerned.

just stick with it all, and you know that Ab's will always be here to lend a helping hand and plenty of usefull advice to you both. x x x

[Neenee]

meant to have added......ive been in a very similar situation with my partner..... and have come out of it the other side, there is loads of advice i could give you as someone who like you has been the concerned partner.....

[larkin]

Thank you for your words regarding the appropriateness of anti-depressants In a pickle. I was starting to feel a real loser, having tried other non-medication routes previously. The tablets coupled with a great counsellor and fantastically supportive husband have been far more beneficial than any other method. - and I already eat a well balanced and healthy diet.

[larkin]

Thank you , that is very kind.

[Robinia]

So sorry your wife's going through this CT. I was told that it's quite normal & very common to slip backwards after being on medication for a while & was given a booster tablet of an extra drug to take at night which did the trick. Please reassure your wife that she will get better, it just takes time.

Well put IAPickle, you're so right about the 'hell' & being made to feel guilty about taking prescription medicine just makes everything worse. When you're at the very bottom as opposed to 'a bit fed up' the last thing you're capable of is thinking about your diet & getting out & about....takes all the brain power you can muster to get out of bed & put clothes on.

And all the best to larkin , hope you feel your old self before too long.

[Oh Bother]

Well I am so glad I came on ab today, I have just come back from the docs with some fluoxetine after admitting (several months too late) that all is not well,
I read the leaflet and have to say I felt a little bit scared to take them, but after reading all this I have took one, I have also been referred for counsellling.
So thanks IAP, and all you others, I feel committed to making myself better .x.

[yesmadam]

Hi Clown Tickle, there is certainly 1 thing that will need to be addressed, and that is after 1 year on anti depressants the body is addicted. I suffered the most awful withdrawals from a drug called Venlafaxine, after being reassured they weren't addictive. They are!!!
I will give you this link as I found it a huge help.

http://www.defeatdepression.org/ubbthreads/ubb threads.php?Cat=

Take Care... xx

[CLOWN TICKLE]

thanks absolutely to everyone