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Would you share how ADs have helped you if you have taken them? How long is standard to be on one, a year? Forever?

I just began a mild one for the first time, now at middle age. So far, not euphoric or dramatically different. But, the amazing thing is certain thoughts about certain issues that used to be there are not anymore. I think to myself, how and why did I used to perceive those situations like that? I don't feel hopeless anymore, and it seems like things are clearer. Does this last?

Thank you.

I did go to the doctor and was given a prescription for a mild AD. I also was middle age.

I took them for a few months and thank goodness I did. My mind would just be racing about what I was going to do, who he was with, worried about my kids. I could only sleep a couple hours a night.

I started taking them and became calm and could think rationally again, do what I knew needed to be done, could sleep at night. I didn't break down as much.

I took a mild one and a low dose for about a year. It made a difference and I am glad I did take them. I could finally calm my thoughts and navigate through mediation, ending my marriage and starting to rebuild my life.

It took a while until it took effect, I really could feel a full effect only into the 2nd month I was taking them.

During my divorce I ended up being on 2 at the same time because I had maxed out how much I could take of one. It helped with my anger. It made my lows (and highs) even out more so I wouldn't get super down.

I got off both of them and then a year later got back on one of them because of depression. I have found that I don't get so sad that I'm crying and hoping my life would end kind of stuff. I still get low but not so bad.

A very strange side effect I have noticed is that scary movies don't effect me as they use to. I use to have nightmares and not able to sleep after watching a scary movie (think grudge, etc.) Since I started the AD I went on a watching spree of 30+ scary movies in a two week period. I had no problems sleeping and I wasn't scared. They had no effect on me.... Well except people were able to sneak up on me

What do AD do for you?

I heard they can make you not think straight? Or even give you a little high feeling?

Im worried if I take them my WW will use it against me when we are deciding custody.

Helen,

I began taking an AD about 18 years ago (non infidelity related). I had struggled with depression for a while. My dad was horribly depressed the entire time I knew him, and did not want my kids seeing me like I saw my dad. I had to try about a dozen before I found one that worked with no side effects.

For me, the AD does not make me "happy". It simply evened out my emotions. I most definitely still feel highs and lows....it's just that the lows are not as debilitating (until D day and my divorce....which brought on anxiety, a whole other barrel of laughs ). Before my AD I would cry, a lot, often for no reason.

Over the years, I've tried a few times to stop taking the AD (I take Zoloft, for what it's worth). I did not have any uncomfortable physical side effects, but what I did have was increased depression. Noticeably.

I know some people worry about drugs, and that there can be a stigma with ADs especially. But I now think I will stay on it forever. My brain chemistry is such that I need it. I don't feel I MUST live a life of sadness just because others might think that taking ADs is a weakness of some sort. If I was diabetic, no one would think twice at me taking insulin my whole life.

I know many people just need it for a limited time....weeks, or a year or so. Everyone is different. The important thing is to listen to YOUR body, and YOUR feelings, and do what you feel is right.

Oh, and yes, those feelings HAVE lasted for me...as long as I stay on the Zoloft. Good luck!

You know that feeling like you're walking at night in a downpour, with thunder and lightning, and the wind blowing, and getting soaked to the skin?

AD's are an umbrella. Not a raincoat, not a sunny tropical beach. Just an aid to let you gain a little bit of control so you can think straight for a minute without getting bashed in the head.

That's my experience. I was on Wellbutrin for about 18 months, and in therapy with my IC. Her opinion was that I was too beaten down by the depression for the therapy to work. With the AD's, I could make headway in therapy, and eventually wean off them.

They help me cope with my hectic life without wanting rip someone's head off. They make me less irritable, they help me function. They help me sleep as I am not having racing thoughts as I once was. The negative is weight gain.

I find they make me a better parent when I am on them though so that's a huge plus. As my GP told me my whole adult life has been traumatic, you can only be strong for so long, a bit like a dam wall, when it keeps getting over full one day it is gonna break.

I'm in this club too. have had two bouts of moderate depression, both of which have been treated with ADs (citalopram). I found them very helpful - didn't make me euphoric or anything but I had more energy and increased capacity to deal with everything . They lifted me out of a hole and gave me a platform from which to develop better coping strategies.

The first time I was on them for about 9 months and then tapered off/. However,WXW started up her A shortly after and things at home started to really deteriorate so I went back on again about two weeks before Dday. I was on them again for a year and a half, maybe more. Tapered off start of last year and have been off them now for around 9 moths - so far so good, even though I am in the middle of grieving my father.

I know some people worry about drugs, and that there can be a stigma with ADs especially. But I now think I will stay on it forever. My brain chemistry is such that I need it. I don't feel I MUST live a life of sadness just because others might think that taking ADs is a weakness of some sort. If I was diabetic, no one would think twice at me taking insulin my whole life.

Couldn't agree more. If you need it, then use it - there is NO shame in this.

I feel that A/D's literally save my life. Prior to going on them I was self medicating myself with alcohol just to get some damn sleep. Naturally that became an issue for me as well. Once I finally accepted the fact that I needed them and became regulated I was able to handle things much better. My thought process came back and at the time I really needed to be level headed as I was trying to negotiate a settlement for my D. I also got my drinking problem under control as well. IC was just as important at that time as well. With both of those treatments I felt normal again. As was said, its no miracle cure. But it affords you the opportunity to get your shit together. My first round was about a year and if my life gets too much I go on them again. But before I do I always take the advice of the professionals I see. If I was to experience a down turn in my life again I certainly would start using them again. For some reason society puts a stigma on A/D and anxiety based meds. But I have high BP and take meds for that with NP. What's the difference ? Depression is a medical condition. And like any other medical condition you would be a fool not to try and help yourself. Especially if a medication is available to assist you.