Simple - Best Antidepressant?

I Know,

But what are your esteemed opinions. Have to start on an antid-D from tomorrow on, and was wondering what the best is. Least side effects, most effective etc etc. Does anyone know which ones don't make you pick up weight?

Please, if you could share your experience or opinion I would realy appreciate it.

I have been trying to do this anxiety thing drug free, and it's been good now for the past three years. It's just that I have recently had an operation on my throat and stomach which has led to a lot of anxiety regarding my health, and som bad panick attacks. I do have Ativan for the episodes, but I have taken about 8 now in the last two weeks and I don't think that's such a good idea and need to get on some long term drugs ASAP. Is it very serious taking them every second or third day? I definatley don't want to grow dependant on them.

So, help if you can, your wisdom will be invaluable as I see my Doc for discussion and perscription tomorrow.

Kind Regards

Darryl

Hi Darryl

Good to meet you. Sorry to read your anxiety is bad at the moment. That is a big question you have asked as there are so many different types of AD & anxiety reducing medications available if you are able to see a psychiatrist then that would be a good idea as they are the real experts on the medication side of things.

I have been on a lot of different medications and unfortunately they all come with side effects so what you have to way up when put onto a medication is weather the side effects are worse to deal with than the anxiety/depression.

The best AD I have been on is Lexapro which is an ssri, It is the most potent of all the ssri's hence the maximum dose is 20mg. The only side effects I had with this med was a dry mouth which is a common on with all AD, I have been on Lexapro a while now and have found it to be very effective but we are all different and what works well for one person may not have the same effect on an other.

A lot of people get put on a combination if different medication as one may not be that effective but with others added then that may help the patients symptoms this is were the knowledge of a psychiatrist is essential.

Ones to stay away from in my opinion regarding the weight gain issue are Remeron and Effexor as for me they both caused weight gain. Remeron makes you crave sugar and no joke you would it eat straight out the bag but it does really help if you are having sleep problems. Effexor was a good AD for me apart from the weight issue but it is a very hard AD to come of and does cause withdrawal effects so must be done slowly and under supervision of your doctor.

Benzodiazepines are very affective at reducing the symptoms of anxiety but the down side is they can get addictive so doctors do not tend to prescribe them these days. I good medication I have tried and I am currently on is Lyrica which is an anticonvulsant and works similar to valium but without the addictive nature.

Although AD do help with symptoms they do not help with the root cause so it is always a good idea to mix AD's with talking therapies such as CBT so that the root cause can be identified and dealt with through talking and learning of techniques which will help you deal better with your anxiety and depression.

It is important to remember I am not a doctor and the above is just my personal view of the medications I have taken over the years and advise must be got from a medical professional. I wish you the best and let us know how you get on and I hope my post has helped in some way. Take care of yourself.

Hibee