Really scared to take antidepressants

I take pristiq. It didn't take long for me to feel better. I like it. I take 150mg a day.

The only way you will feel better is to try things. This is a good medication. I hope it works for you.

Oh and welcome to the forum. You are among people who care here.

I hope you have a nice day.

Hugs, Karen...

People have different reactions to medication. There are two options to determine how you will react.

To take or not to take.

Option One: might help relieve anxiety/depression in the short term. There will usually be side effects, which lessen or go away after 10-14 days. One of the side effects is usually feeling less depressed. If you try it, and it doesn't help, you can discontinue it. If it does help, your anxiety/depression is better controlled while you make other choices about treatment.

I usually start feeling better very quickly,but there is no way to know how you will respond.

Option two-things stay the same.

Your fear of "what if?" is also a symptom of anxiety and depression. Take a deep breath, look at the situation right now (not the past or the future.) Meditate on it for a while.

Be well and safe.

You can't cut the pristiq pill. It is time released. That could get you into trouble. And if cutting back on any medication, talk to the doctor about it first.

Just saying...

Agreed. Cutting any pill ought to be cleared with doc first. Problems start to happen when the doctor is working with an incorrect understanding of what is happening with the patient.

I am still going with the standard--Most side effects will lessen or cease after 10-14 days. It takes 4-6 weeks for the drug to reach an optimum dosage, which will also give you a good idea of how helpful the med is going to be to work with your depression.

You may be tempted to stop taking an antidepressant or to reduce your dose on your own, in an attempt to modify side effects. Don't do it. Your symptoms may return, and stopping your antidepressant suddenly may cause withdrawal-like symptoms. It confuses your brain.


From WebMD:

One way antidepressants work is by altering the balance of certain chemicals in your brain. And, as with all medicines, this change can cause side effects. Some, like jitteriness, weird dreams, dry mouth, and diarrhea typically go away after a week or two -- if they don’t, it’s probably best to switch to another drug. Others, like decreased sexual desire, may last longer.

Not everyone has the same side effects. And a particular antidepressant doesn’t cause the same side effects in all people. Many things, including your genetic makeup or existing health conditions, can affect the way you respond to taking an antidepressant.

It’s important to keep track of side effects and discuss them with your doctor. Together, you and your doctor can safely manage your antidepressants so they work with minimal side effects.

Hi Livv. Welcome to the forum. 15 years old? I see your concern as the warnings about some anti d's possibly worsening symptoms in teenagers. Have you had a frank discussion with your treating physician? Is this professional a mental health professional or a g. p. (p.c.p.)?

In my early 30's I was put on Paxil after my mother died and the grief was overwhelming. I developed Vertigo and had to come off of it.

In my mid 30's I was put on Elavil for it's positive effect on nerve damage pain. I didn't notice any bad side effects, but then I wasn't experiencing depression.

In my 40's I was put on Cymbalta with the thought that it would help both the depression and the pain issues. At about 6 weeks, I developed the Vertigo again.

So, all I can tell you is that you have to try what is prescribed and see how it goes.

My present p.c.p. would like me to try Chantix to help me quit smoking but I'm not sure I should as it can cause worsening of depression. I'm still on the fence about it. I've tried other smoking cessation methods without good result and that risk, well, it holds me back just now.

You are not 'wrong' to have concerns and I am very glad you are reaching out to others that have had to make the same choices. That shows a good level of maturity in my humble opinion. Either way, keep posting and let us know how things are going.