Melanie ([info]ucantcumin) wrote in [info]naturalliving,
@ 2007-06-02 18:12:00
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depression
I've been suffering from depression since i was a little girl, and i'm finally beginning to open up to the idea of taking anti-depressants. My family has a history of problems with depression, my mom, and several aunts are taking Lexapro, and my mom suggests I take it as well. I did a bit of research online and got pretty scared when I read countless horror stories of ridiculous weight gain with Lexapro. I feel like if I were to gain weight I'd just end up getting MORE depressed and it wouldn't be pretty.

I know this is a natural community, and I'm sure many of you are against anti-depressants, but any advice to input would still be greatly appreciated. Thank you.

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[info]spokenonlyonce
2007-06-03 12:22 am UTC (link)
are you working with a therapist right now? I would suggest finding a good therapist and working with her or him for awhile before making the decision to go on meds. Current research shows that the best treatment for diagnosed major depression is a combination of meds and therapy. However, you may have a lower level of depression, treatable through therapeutic means (techniques that can teach you how to re-arrange your thought processes, etc.)

You can probably find a doctor who will prescribe you depression meds with very little screening (I told a doctor I thought I might have an anxiety problem at one time and she offered me meds without asking me more than two or three questions!) but I think it really wouldn't be in your best interest to do that, because there may be much more natural ways of dealing with this.

I'd be happy to answer any other questions you might have or go into more detail... I'm in a graduate counseling program at the moment with the ultimate goal of becoming a licensed mental health counselor in my state :) Best of luck to you as you face this challenge.

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[info]spiritofjoy
2007-06-03 12:26 am UTC (link)
Basically all anti-depressants come with a lot of side effects, many quite dangerous (...a lots worse than weight gain, though I'm not familiar with Lexapro's specific effects). It seems kind of strange to me that the same anti-depressant would work for so many people in your family, since most people have to try several different ones before they find one that suits them.

Have you spoken with a counselor/psychiatrist about taking a medication? I know there is one brand that doesn't carry as many side effects, but I can't remember what it is.

Before you try medication, I suggest trying a regimen of St. John's Wort for a while (whatever the dosage is on the bottle -- usually 2 capsules 3 times per day). It doesn't have any negative effects that I know of (and it works quite well in my personal experience).

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[info]rainbow_momma
2007-06-03 12:33 am UTC (link)
"It seems kind of strange to me that the same anti-depressant would work for so many people in your family, since most people have to try several different ones before they find one that suits them"
I've heard that this is common.. like if your mother responded well to Lexapro there would be a good chance you would too.. but again I'm no Dr this is just what I've heard! ;)

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[info]spokenonlyonce
2007-06-03 12:53 am UTC (link)
we're not really sure exactly how or why most anti-depressant meds work, which is one of the reasons why it sometimes takes so long for people to find the right one/dose. But, we do know that depression can be hereditary, so it kind of makes sense that one type of med would work for different people in the same family... if whatever is causing the depression in that family is treated by that one med better than others.

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[info]rasa
2007-06-03 12:33 am UTC (link)
Just be cautious with St. John's Wort, as it can interact with other drugs, especially (it is believed) birth control pills:

http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&q=st+john%27s+wort+%2Bbirth+control&btnG=Google+Search

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[info]mspurrmeow
2007-06-03 01:28 am UTC (link)

Also be aware that the studies don't show anything conclusive. My doctor researches drugs heavily and decided that St. John's Wort produces little "risks" that are anything more significant than the risks of not taking it or taking any other herb.

You can choose to fear the sensation-mongers, or make your own decisions. Research with the assistance of a knowledgeable professional sometimes makes what is spouted in the media more realistically plausible.


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[info]rainbow_momma
2007-06-03 12:35 am UTC (link)
I could have written this post. In fact I have an appt. on Monday. I HATE the idea of taking anything but right now I feel like I'm dangerous to my children. I have sever depression and it too runs in my family. I have a good diet and I excercise plus I've taken St Johns Wort and I just need more help then that right now. I would try other things first to see if it will help but sometimes the benifits outweight the risks IMO.

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[info]atypia
2007-06-03 12:56 am UTC (link)
I agree. The benefits can absolutely outweigh the negatives.

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[info]unrooly
2007-06-03 01:16 am UTC (link)
Whenever you take a medication like that, that's what it's about. When you really really need an antidepressant - there are risks in NOT taking it.

I was on antidepressants for years. I'm not now. It got me through what I needed to get through and now I'm more capable of handling my depression. I don't fool myself though and insist that I'll never have to be on them again because more than likely I'll have to be.

I just hate when people insist either a) antidepressants are BAD BAD BAD! or b) antidepressants are the answer to life the universe and everything!

It's never that simple.

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[info]rainbow_momma
2007-06-03 03:40 pm UTC (link)
I couldn't agree more! :)

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[info]whipsmartgirl
2007-06-04 02:17 am UTC (link)
When you really really need an antidepressant - there are risks in NOT taking it.

Bravo! I totally agree with all you said here. :)

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[info]digitalangel
2007-06-03 12:42 am UTC (link)
Therapy and me didn't gel and my SAD means I need a SSRI for that anyway.

I use Lustral (sertraline hydrochloride) and can recommend them as it's helps me cope but doesn't dull my facilities or pain so in long term, I'm dealing with it.,

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[info]lolacat
2007-06-03 12:43 am UTC (link)
I would agree w/ the above advice. My DH has struggled with depression for years, but did not go on anti-depressants until he'd been in therapy for 6 months. He tried a low dose of celexa (like lexapro... my DH's psychiatrist thinks lexapro is pretty useless) and now is on Zoloft which has made a huge difference for him. I've heard good things about wellbutrin.

Therapy, consulting with a doctor, not med switching constantly, and starting with low doses is the advice I'd offer. I think antidepressants can be valuable if truly needed (my DH tried some natural stuff but it did not work. His depression is chronic and I think in his case he really, really needs the meds. I, on the other hand, have suffered from occasional bouts with depression and did not need meds). I think meds should be considered a last option and should be taken conservatively.

Different meds work for different symptoms... you will have to try and see!

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[info]sparkle_lite
2007-06-03 12:54 am UTC (link)
I am in a similar situation as well, only with bipolar disorder. I have been working very hard with a raw diet, eating organic foods, and chemical free household products this year. I am working on reducing my dependence on oral diabetes medication, and now I may have to take something that effects my brain chemistry! It is important to see a psychologist or psychiatrist and not just a general practice doctor to talk about your depression. Be sure to let the doc know that you'd rather not be on medication and you'd like to find one that gives you great results with a low dose and little side effects. Let them know that you'd be interested in any alternative therapies or remedies you can use.

Don't scare yourself with what you read on the internet. I find that when I look for things like that you read all the horrible effects online, because people with great results aren't complaining and making a fuss! Also, did your relatives experience weight gain?

I hate the idea of taking any medication, but I think when your happiness, daily life, relationships, school, work, whatever are suffering, it's time to let yourself be helped. I have to take meds for my diabetes, you may need them for your depression. Just take comfort in the fact that you are treating your body really well in many other ways (and if you aren't just having a better diet and getting more exercise can help you feel happier sometimes).

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[info]misfit
2007-06-03 12:54 am UTC (link)
Just my two cents about it... I was in talk therapy for several months for my anxiety and depression, and while it helped somewhat, I still had issues that my therapist thought could be better helped with antidepressants. I began to see a psychiatrist who prescribed Lexapro and I continued with the talk therapy. Eventually I reached a point where I no longer needed the talk therapy or to see the psychiatrist (my general practitioner now prescribes the Lexapro to me). I continue to take the Lexapro and it has completely changed my life. I experienced nothing but positive things from it, and no side effects. While I was initially resistant to the idea of taking medication, natural remedies did not work completely for my anxiety/depression.

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[info]atypia
2007-06-03 12:58 am UTC (link)
I take Aropax, and it's changed my life for the better, with no bad side effects unless I stop taking them (which is a bad thing anyway).

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[info]ladyblueberry48
2007-06-03 01:09 am UTC (link)
The biggest mistake I made with my depression was not starting on anti-depressants sooner. They help you get out of the hole so you can deal with things. First and foremost is your health. There's nothing like getting out of a long-term depression and in hindsight seeing how deep you really were even though you didn't feel like it at the time. I would not allow the possibility of side effects to overshadow your agreeing to take medication. That's the dis-ease talking.

Best of luck to you! I've been there.

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[info]whipsmartgirl
2007-06-04 02:13 am UTC (link)
I've been there too, and I totally agree about finally getting out of "the hole" with anti-depressants. I took Zoloft for two years, went to therapy, and eventually made the changes in my life that were needed to ease my depression. I have been off for over two years. As a Social Worker specializing in mental health, I can say that it's very important to get your depression stabilized so that therapy can be it's most effective. All the research I've read says the two need to go hand in hand.

I have a friend who has been taking Lexapro for over a year now and she has not had significant weight gain on this medication, and she is more than 40 pounds overweight. In fact, it's popular because it has low to no side effects for the *majority* of people. Of course, there will always be people with horror stories out there, and they tend to be the MOST vocal about it! However, I know lots of people who LOVE this medication. Talk to a psychiatrist about your concerns before ruling any drug out. Good luck. :)

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[info]no_distractions
2007-06-03 01:19 am UTC (link)
Just to keep with the natural theme of the community, read up on fish oil. I'm getting ready to try it, my mom says that it's doing wonders for her.

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[info]jennifer0246
2007-06-03 09:47 pm UTC (link)
SJW interferes with other medications, is not regulated by anyone or anything, meaning that the quantities in different bottles can be different, and that what you find in a bottle of SJW might be grass clippings, for all we know. It is way, WAY more complicated than "Take St. Johns wart [sic]", and I really disapprove of a simplistic comment like this.

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[info]jennifer0246
2007-06-04 01:39 am UTC (link)
Why repeat what, the information about it being potentially quite problematic? Because you offered a simplistic suggestion when that's clearly not what's called for here.

Re: [sic] - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sic

please get the chip off your shoulder, this isn't the place for it.

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[info]rochelle
2007-06-03 01:28 am UTC (link)
Everyone's experience and reaction is different, but when I took Lexapro, I found that it worked (as in, my depression got better) but I could not orgasm. To me, the comb of bad sex/no depression was worse than awesome sex/depression. I ended up pulling myself out of depression with therapy, and now I get awesome sex and no depression. :)

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[info]lilfaerywingz
2007-06-03 03:35 am UTC (link)
this is exactly me. It has worked wonders (AND for the OP I've actually lost a lot of weight while still being on it), but my sex drive is nil. Still working on trying to get off of it eventually though

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[info]shopgrrrl
2007-06-03 02:17 am UTC (link)
wellbutrin is an antidepressant known for its relative lack of sexual & weight-related side effects.

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[info]whipsmartgirl
2007-06-04 02:24 am UTC (link)
Zoloft was good for me and didn't have sexual side effects. Not everyone has sexual side effects from Lexapro. My best friend has had no issues with this, though I realize she is just one person. I think the thing to remember here is that everyone's reaction will be different. If there is a side effect you don't like, talk to your doctor and ask to try something else. There are many anti-depressants to choose from these days fortunately. :)

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[info]uchikikun
2007-06-03 02:52 am UTC (link)
Did your family members who take Lexapro gain weight? I think the best advice would be to see a psychiatrist, and voice your concerns. I personally didn't have any luck with meds (or anything else) but I firmly believe that they can and do help people.

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[info]starsprinkles
2007-06-03 03:00 am UTC (link)
It's impossible to know what your reactions and side effects would be to any drug, but personally, I've taken quite a few antidepressants and almost every one has made me gain a large amount of weight. I tried St. John's Wort for a while and it seemed to work quite well, so I'd recommend that. Also, I'm on something newish called Pexeva now which hasn't made me gain weight but seems to help a lot.

No matter what, consult your doctor first and consider seeing a therapist.

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[info]einglaswein
2007-06-03 03:04 am UTC (link)
i've been on lexapro for a couple months now, and haven't noticed any weight gain- in fact, i'm underweight. i'm not a fan of medication, i was just under certain circumstances where i had no time or energy to really experiment with my diet and lifestyle.
Any kind of medication will have it's side effects, and will affect everyone differently.

If you haven't tried boosting your omega-3 fatty acid intake and aren't exercising at least 4 times a week, i'd try that for 3 weeks first to see if it helps your mood.

Everything else i've heard of that might help is described in this article that i came across: http://www.newhope.com/nutritionsciencenews/nsn_backs/feb_99/depression.cfm?path=ex

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[info]karma_phala
2007-06-03 03:37 am UTC (link)
The short answer - it depends. Are antidepressants bad? Yes and no. I wish I didn't have to take them, but can't function without them for the time being (depression and GAD/panic). That said, I've gained 50 lbs from switching from one kind to another and it's terribly different to lose. You really have to determine what the specific pros/cons are for your particular situation.

Best of luck!

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[info]derangedlioness
2007-06-03 03:43 am UTC (link)
I was on anti-depressants for almost 10 years, but then I lost my health insurance and had to go off them. That's when I started looking into more healthy alternatives.
I currently use flax seed oil, SAM-e, St Johns Wort to help with my mood. SAME-e seems to be helping me the most, currently. It's also very expensive (about $20-30 for 30 pills at GNC), but I find the trade-off well worth it. I've been on St. Johns Wort for a while, so my body has built up a tolerance, so I often take it for a couple months, then stop and repeat. In addition, I sometimes use Bach's Rescue Remedy for a temporary boost. I also exercise, avoid sugars and caffeine, see a therapist and write in a journal.
I hope things work out for you.

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[info]mysteriasylvan
2007-06-03 05:22 am UTC (link)
I've never gained weight from an anti-depressant (I've been on most of them, Lexapro works best for me), but everyone reacts differently. I suggest discussing all concerns with your doctor and therapist before you decide to go that route.

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[info]riela
2007-06-03 05:35 am UTC (link)
I'm very much against anti-depressants used without being in a close relationship with a doctor and therapist. I was put on Zoloft, nothing happened after a month, so they raised my doseage, and I started having major anxiety and suicidal thoughts. I'd never felt so convinced that I wanted to end everything. My doctor's response was to try to prescribe an anti-anxiety on top of that. I stopped everything cold turkey(not recommended) and never went back to him.

Please read <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Antidepressant-Solution-Step-Step-Overcoming/dp/074326973X/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1/104-8666933-0083127?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1180848604&sr=8-1>The Antidepressant Solution</A> The book recommends antidepressants, but talks alot about their misuse

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[info]riela
2007-06-03 05:36 am UTC (link)
http://www.amazon.com/Antidepressant-Solution-Step-Step-Overcoming/dp/074326973X/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1/104-8666933-0083127?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1180848604&sr=8-1

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[info]singinbutterfly
2007-06-03 07:06 am UTC (link)
I am so sorry you're having to go through this depression. Be reassured that it WILL get better, especially since you're willing to do what it takes to make it better. I have been diagnosed with chronic mental illness problems (bipolar disorder as well as Obsessive Compulsive Disorder), and Paxil saved my life... I would far rather deal with being chubby (which I am, but mostly because I take FOUR medications rather than 1) than be depressed. When I'm happy, I don't worry or obsess much at all about my weight. True, my meds have changed my metabolism, but as I work harder at it, I'm losing weight.

Sometimes it's hard to find the right medication for you, so expect for things to maybe get worse before they get better.

As far as natural things go, I think that can work for some people but in more serious cases, medication is needed. EXERCISE is invaluable. They say aerobic exercise (probably about 30 minutes of intense exercise 3-4 times a week) is just about as effective as antidepressants. I know that whenever I work out, I feel much better. With my mental illness, I have learned to manage my moods much better than most people know how to cope in stressful situations. Add me on as a buddy if you'd like to keep in touch and get more advice and information from me!

Blessings and love,
Vanessa

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[info]myheartexploded
2007-06-03 07:53 am UTC (link)
When it comes to serious depression, a little weight gain is really not too bad.

In the past, I had resisted medication completely just because so many different ones had really messed me up (increasing suicidal tendencies...basically making me much, much crazier, to the point of institutionalization). Turns out I'm bipolar and had always been given medication for depression and anxiety.

Before I went on medication again (recently, after five years of not using medication) I really tried everything possible to try to help my brain...excercise, sleeping right, adjusting my diet, supplements (Sam-e, st. john's, increasing my b's and omegas), and I really was unable to control it by any other means. My counselor (who is all about natural living) finally gave me an ultimatum that I must see a doctor or sho would no longer continue to see me. So, I finally risked (and for me it was a big risk) taking medication again, only this time I saw a doctor who actually prescribed to me for bipolar, and honestly, it has changed my life 100% for the better.

Medication does not fix everything. But, in conjunction with a therapist that you love and trust it can make all the difference in the world. And, who knows (?) one day you may be able to handle your life without meds with the tools that you learn to have by seeing a rad counselor, psychiatrist, psychologist...whatever.

Good luck...if nothing else you can always switch meds, of quit taking them all together.

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[info]caliginous
2007-06-03 06:27 pm UTC (link)
weight gain as a side effect is iffy. A lot of medications that mess with hormones are supposed to cause it, but if you pay attention it can generally be controlled. For most people weight gain is calories in vs. calories out, so as long a you keep those balanced you shouldn't gain. If you decide go to on meds make a point of not eating more than you do now, or giving in to sweet cravings if you get them. It should help keep you stable and/or the weight gain to a minimum. with depression/anxiety in general I wouldn't be surprised if the gain were due in part to depressed people not really eating, which makes the body store fat when they do start eating again. If you are a non-eater, you may want to talk to your doctor about that and maybe seeing a nutritionist to help guide you through the newfound appetite if you do start meds.

as to meds, my depression is not severe, but significant enough to make life miserable. Diet and exercise have helped me the most, I had a really negative exerience with antidepressants (and the asshole doctor who perscribed them), but I have weird reactions to just about everything. If you do decide to go on them though monitor yourself carefully. I had the suicidal/homicidal moods as mentioned above, and it's a known but little-publicized side effect to some antidepressants. I quit the meds after two weeks of that and other awful mood swings, against the advice of my doctor (hey, it's working, lets up your dose. uh, no.).

On the other hand, I know a lot of people who do have very good responses to medication. You are lucky in that your family seems to have one that works consistently and well, so you may not have ot go through the trial-and-error process of finding something that works. Wether you will have to stay on them for extended periods is unknown, but some people are able to use meds to get their life in order, and then taper off with support systems in place that they can now sustain and keep depression at bay.

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[info]malicious_pengy
2007-06-03 08:35 pm UTC (link)
Wow, I've never heard of weight gain as a side effect of antidepressants, which seems strange since I'm on my third kind. I have gained a lot of weight in the last year, but there's always so many factors to think about.

Before my doctor put me on antidepressants, she recommended exercise and sunlight, so try those, if you're able to. (I live in Seattle and have an injury that prohibits me from exercising very much, and my life was just too bad at that point not to.)

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[info]unseenchoices
2007-06-03 09:12 pm UTC (link)
I've had bad experiences with anti-depressants, so I'm not really for them, I was just wondering if you had researched the alternatives? There is ALOT of alternatives to anti-depressants nowadays, and whilst some may not be suitable for you, when you find one that works it is amazing.

I was a complete mess on anti-depressants, admittedly I was worse without them in some ways, but they made me gain weight, feel suicidal, and have anxiety attacks which I didn't have prior. My personal saviour is high doses of Omega 3 fish oils, I was really shocked how happy I felt for no real reason after about 6 months of taking them. Anyway, because of this I really recommend researching and trying the alternatives first.

There are special therapies and things which specialise in depression and other psychological/mental health issues which run in families, that may also be worth researching.. I don't know much about it, I was offered it last week and am probably going to start next month.

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[info]phoenixtx
2007-06-03 10:36 pm UTC (link)
i have nothing to really add, but just wanted to say good luck if you do try anti-depressants. i was on four of them, and they just made things worse. :(
i now permanently have issues with paranoia and auditory hallucinations.

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