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by Scrappy on May 12th, 2009
They are short term only and usually after a few months have to be changed cause they quit working. It takes about 6 weeks for them to work initially. Side effects vary..most have weight gain and all of them have sexual disfunction as a side effect. They change my whole personality..not just not make me depress..actually change my personality
by Life Not Faith on May 12th, 2009
Anti-depressants don't cure depression anymore than painkillers can cure a broken leg. They just hide the symptoms so that you can continue to function as well as you can.
by gtravels loves her life penguin on May 12th, 2009
Anti-depressants are a tool used to help in the fight against depression. They are said to help restore the balance of certain chemicals in the brain. They can be life savers. Some people need them. Some people don't. Some people have to take them for life. Some people don't. Side effects depend on your body chemistry and the particular anti-depressant. Even when anti-depressants are indicated, they are usually best teamed with therapy for the best possible outcome. Psychiatrists and psychopharmacologists are the people to consult for professional information.
by LadyAguja on May 25th, 2010
I think it's kindof both. It doesn't physically heal you, like the biological effect of the drug doesn't stay around after you stop taking them. BUT if you start feeling better and therefore start living a healthier life and having more positive thoughts and making new friends, then after you stop the meds then you're more likely to keep on doing those positive things. That's the theory.
Also when you stop the pills, you have to do it according to the doctor's advice, not just go "cold turkey" because otherwise you can mess things up more than they were to begin with.
As far as whether they work that well, I think overall they have a very slight effect. Also, each patient usually tries a few different types before they find one that works for them. The effect might be small and unnoticeable, but over a period of time you could see that your life is improving in general, and the meds are helping that.
All anti-depressants have possible side effects, and it depends on the particular one. Like all drugs, if you overdose, you can have liver problems or other effects. But if the drugs are FDA approved, then it is because they were shown to have very low risk for serious side effects. And the doctor who prescribes the anti-depressants will tell you what side effects to look out for, so you can go back to the doctor to talk about stopping the pills if you notice any of those side effects.
by Pete on May 12th, 2009
I don't know. I had a traumatic event and my doctor said I was depressed and prescribed Wellbutrin. I just stopped one day and didn't feel a difference. That's me. I can't speak for anyone else.
by Scifisuz on May 12th, 2009
Most anti-depressants increase seratonin to the brain and that makes you feel better - or more OK... It does not "cure" depression. Yes, there are side effects.
If you take these meds for a while and decide to stop, I understand there are also negative side effects. You should check with yer dr.
by Im Alec has abandoned this account on May 12th, 2009
They worked for me. And I am now on 1/4 of the dose I was at the worst time, hoping to drop them completely by, say, the end of the year.
And yes, some do have side effects. I had to switch around a bit to find the right one. My problems were drowsiness - too much to drive safely - and loose bowels. But when I found the right one, it worked spectacularly well. It allowed me to get on with fixing my life, which is why I now need less.
Is Valeant Pharmaceuticals still making Limbitrol?
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You're reading Do anti-depressants actually heal depression or is it just a short term thing and once you stop taking it you will be depressed again? also when you take the med does it really work that well? And any side effects?
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Comments
Why do you take them then? they sound rubbish
by Strength on May 12th, 2009
I don't take them. I used to but now I refuse to
by Scrappy on May 12th, 2009
Aw, i'm exactly the same Scrappy :) And they do change your whole personality. It's strange. The ones I took weren't short term. I was meant to take them for a few years.
by Strength on May 25th, 2010