Recommendation for Antidepressants

I don't think you can just go and ask for antidepressants. Unless you really need them, you will not be prescribed. If it turns out you do need them then ask for SSRIs (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Selective_serotonin_reuptake_inhibitor). Remember, these are very potent medications, if misused, you will totally mess yourself up.

There is 2 way effect/use of these medications. First, their primary job, mood elevation and secondary is connected to the gut. I don't remember exactly but what I remember is, serotonin is more produced or something in the gut. For the patients of IBD, this amount reduces significantly but the metabolism of serotonin remains as it is. This helps more and more serotonin available for use and hence its works as 2 birds in one stone.

I took Lexapro for about 18 months. It really helped my anxiety and depression. I gained a good bit of weight on it so I recently switched to Wellbutrin. I think talking to your primary is where you need to start.

Yes, Lexapro, but it is a weight gainer. How do you like Wellbutrin Pink1?

uh, st. john's wort and valarian aren't necessarily better options, regardless of being "natural". Both can cause severe reactions and extreme agitation or fatigue...as well as reactions with other meds. Be very very careful if you consider them.

If one has extreme anxiety compared to downer depression...something such as Celexa would be a better start.

Wellbutrin is more if an "upper"...but each of our brain/body chemistry works differently...hence not having all meds working to fit our needs.

q

I don't think you can ask for "recommendations" for an anti depreesant, since it is a well known fact that the various anti depressants out there work differently for each person. Some do well on one, while others have many side effects to the same drug. It is a very personal thing. And, sometimes it can take trying many different ones before you find the one that works best for you. The best thing is to have a heart-to-heart with your Doctor. Let him/her pick what they think might be the best and go on a trial.

Cold Turkey is NOT the way to go when deciding to discontinue an anti depressant. Why would you do that? No wonder why you have been experiencing a total nightmare.

I had to take antidepressants for a few years. They had me on at least 5 different ones at various doses each trying to figure out a balance of what works and what doesn't cause bad side effects. Point is it can be hard to find the right medication and it will be different for everyone :) your doctor will better be able to make suggestions. Just remember that you are part of your treatment and you can discuss options with your doctor. You can do your own research and ask about the medications you have heard or read about.