Of love and depression?

[subtle_blues]

I've always found it disconcerting to tamper with my brain through antidepressants, even in their lowest dosage. I must say I did use antidepressants for couple of months. During that period this is what happened: I would take the medicine at night before going to bed; due to the medicine's side-effects and my own anxiety over taking

Comments

[foot_notes]

What I have learnt about anti-depressants from the medical world is that they're safe even in cases of prolonged usage patterns. In fact I have a close relative who was on anti-depressants and like you, stopped taking them. She's back on to them again and I am told she's fine with taking them. Surprisingly this relative of mine is a doctor herself but still didn't want to have any truck with these pills because of the social taboo.. :)

[subtle_blues]

My doc told me they are safe too. I don't think antidepressants are really detrimental to general health. In fact, their therapeutic effects far out weigh the side effects (sleeplessness, increase in appetite, suicidal tendencies bla bla).

The long term effects are gradual and persistent. These drugs are incredible, as the speaker points out, when depression results from severe trauma and/or loss; i.e. for short term usage. Moreover, most cases of depression are over-estimated. More than drugs, I found that counselling really helps. Counselling takes time, the effects are not as instant as with drugs but the results are lasting.

Bottomline is, if one can avoid antidepressants, one should!

[saiprasad]

Moreover, most cases of depression are over-estimated.
This is exactly what I wanted to say. Although doctors insist it's safe, I feel the threshold at which these drugs are prescribed has come down significantly. Also, drugs have a tendency to form a bond and dependency at a psychological level. You don't need them until *you* feel you don't need them.

Thanks for the link - it was interesting. Also the one you mentioned here :)

[subtle_blues]

Yeah.. here most physicians are just drug pushers. People, I think respond well to counseling. I think that should be our first resort. But then again some amount of effort is required from the patient too. Pills just provide an easy way out. That's always been their charm.

The article I posted in angiasaa's blog is for the wife :P. You were not supposed to read it. :) But glad you liked it.

[saiprasad]

You were not supposed to read it. :) But glad you liked it.
Oh, I sent that link to my wife as well! And I think she's darn eager to try it on me :D

[lonerespite]

there are times when i keep wanting to take anti-depressants... like you said, its this search for this quick fix which follows me around. thankfully the doctors i have met believed that unless things got too serious its not meant to be prescribed.. yeah im crazy into this quick fix pop a pill culture :S i need a serious attitude change :/ .......

[subtle_blues]

Don't judge from my experience whether you need anti-depressants or not. But one thing you can do is get good counseling. Trust your counselor and stick with him/her for a while. What you do then should be your prerogative.

[lonerespite]

i've got this insanely slow bsnl net connection, since im in ooty no boradband :( , so cant check that link you posted, till im out of here, online videos are a big no no for me!!