Are There Any Anti-depressants That Don't Have Negative Side Effects!?

Updated on May 13, 2011
A.S. asks from Canton, OH
17 answers

Hi moms I know this question comes up alot. I've been reading old posts on here about anti-depressants. I was originally thinking about effexor but that's a big NO now that I read withdrawl symptoms. Same as Cymbolta, Pristiq, Zoloft and Prozac. Obviously none of us wants to gain weight, yell at our kids, jump off a bridge (that was a joke! but somedays I want to ) I've just been going through some hard times and I'm tired of being angry, "measuring up" not fitting in at social events, (that's one problem- I have social anxiety, that usually I can handle but sometimes it just makes me sick to my stomach. ( I think alot of this stems from being an overweight child (insecurities) , so I guess I just need to get over it!) I try to eat right and exercise. Are there any natural ways to go? Sometimes I think how do all these other moms do it? I know one mom with 6 kids and she just seems so carefree. I have 3 (which I am very grateful for!) but sometimes I just want to get through the day w/o anyone teasing, crying, whining, fighting or hurting themselves 10 times (each!) !! I try my best to teach them good morals/manors, but feel as if I failed them somewhere. I know everyone is different and I shouldn't compare. Could use some encouragement today.

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K.N.

answers from Cleveland on

i have been on zoloft, paxil, wellbutrin, and prozac. I suffer from chronic depression and most of the time I'm fine but there are periods when I just need help dealing with the way my body handles stress. I honestly didn't have to much trouble with any of them, and just because there can be side effects does not mean that there will be for you. diet, exercise and lots of sunshine, along with b vitamins also help.

and just know you are not alone. I adore my kids I have 4, the last just a baby and more wanted and tried for than anything in the world, and there are those days i wonder why i got out of bed. it's normal. no one really has it all together (nomatter how they make it look)

1 mom found this helpful

R.O.

answers from Harrisburg on

I have been on Citalopram (a generic of Celexa) since my daughter was 8 months old (she's now 2). It is great for every day stressors; on a daily basis I feel 100% better. The only weird side-effect I had was that my head sweated A LOT a few times! GL!!

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L.B.

answers from Biloxi on

We have had a lot of success with Zoloft in my family. No side effects, variable doses, and good results on low doses.

With that being said, I have also used St. Johns Wart and Ginseng as natural anti-depressants. I find the combination, when taken regularly works well for me.

Are you being treated for your social anxiety? If not, therapy can help - look into different kinds - behavior modification, "talk" therapy, whatever. I am sure your physician could help guide with that.

A., I have one child - and many times I haven't thought I would make it through the day, much less to the afternoon. I think we all have days when being a parent is just overwhelming - but at the same time, it is always amazing. I was recently wailing to my sister on the phone about how I must be a crappy parent because my son is soooo self centered sometimes. She pointed out that he was (1) male and (2) a teen LOL I worry sometimes that I am doing, or have done, something wrong in parenting that will screw him up for life - but deep down I know I am a good mother. I see flashes of a strong moral compass in him.

So know that, even though they don't always show it, the values that you teach them are with them and in them.

You are not alone -

God Bless

1 mom found this helpful
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K.D.

answers from Toledo on

I have been on Effexor for 2.5 years now and I love it! I had tried a few other drugs that others had named, but really Effexor has worked the best for me. I did try Zoloft at one point but it made me extremely edgy, nervous, and actually, like I wanted to jump off a bridge. I stopped taking it because I felt a danger to myself and my family. I have never felt that way on Effexor. Like many have said though, no matter what you do, talk to your doctor and they will know what is best for you.
I think that we all try to "measure up" to what we feel our life should be, but reality is that we are human and so are our children. No one will ever be perfect. That said, I only have 1 child and some days she's more than I feel I can handle...even though I love her more than the world. Keep your head up and enjoy your blessings. I have a plaque that says "Pray for me that I can handle my blessings". It makes me smile each time I get frustrated. I hope that you can find the route that works best for you and your family. Best wishes!

1 mom found this helpful

N.G.

answers from Dallas on

I take pristiq and there are no side effects, and it works great- there ARE withdrawl symptoms but there are ways to sidestep that when you are ready to stop taking it.

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B.

answers from Augusta on

I've taken Celexa and Welbrutrin both were great except the celexa messed with my libido

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D.L.

answers from Columbus on

Thank you for posting this! You're not alone ((()))

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M.H.

answers from Atlanta on

Hi A.,

Most depression stems from a lack of nutrition, which usually means you have an abundance of chemicals already in your system...our foods have pesticides, preservatives, hormones, antibiotics, etc and they all contraindicate just like pharmaceuticals do. I believe you need to get to a good baseline of health with an absorbable multivitamin/mineral complex and a simple detox of your digestive system. After you've removed some things, you'll be better able to determine if you really have a problem with depression. If you do, then there are some things that can help. B vitamins are great. They convert to NADH in the brain and your endorphins are fed. If something is wrong and they don't convert (aging people have a problem with that) then you can actually supplement NADH in your diet. Most people have heard of St John's Wort and that works for some. I usually recommend supplementing to replace what your body is supposed to have and see if you can get back to normal.

I'll be glad to walk you through some things that might help in addition to diet if you'd like. PM me if you want and we can talk there too.

Regards,

M.
www.squidoo.com/ifyourbabycouldtalk

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E.W.

answers from Cleveland on

I started effexor a few weeks ago and felt better after 4 days. I feel totally different. My osteopath who likes to deal with things more naturally recommended it to me over zoloft. I have had a child with a chronic illness for the last three years which has taken a toll on me. I wish I would have started this much earlier so that i could have felt much better sooner. It was my own pride keeping me from doing it.

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M.D.

answers from Minneapolis on

Yes Effexor is horrible to get off of, it took me almost 6 months to get off of it. Lexapro has helped me out quite a bit! I have bipolar more depressed than manic. Everyone handles different medications differently. My son is on Zoloft and my sister is and it works perfectly for them, I tried it and it made my depression much worse.

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E.T.

answers from Albuquerque on

Accupuncture works for depression and anxiety in a lot of people, and since it's natural and involves no drugs, there aren't any side effects. You could try that to start - many insurance companies cover it. It's frequently suggested for pregnant women since they can't take some of the depression meds.

J.S.

answers from Hartford on

To help with clinical depression and GAD (anxiety disorder) I take a combination of Wellbutrin and Lexapro. The only side effects are a bit of dry mouth, but that could be because I also have to take daily migraine medication. The combination itself would be the issue. I had weight gain when I was on something else, but during the weaning process I lost weight (35 lbs) and the Wellbutrin/Lexapro combo has helped keep that weight off.

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M.P.

answers from Pittsburgh on

Honestly it sounds like you could also benefit from some counseling. I bet you that a good counselor could help give you the social 'tools' that you need to cope with your anxiety. She could also help you to not be so hard on yourself and to accept yourself the way you ARE-and not beat yourself up because you are not like somebody else.

Look into Wellbutrin..supposed to help with social anxiety and not gain weight.

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M.R.

answers from Chicago on

You're right - everyone is different and it is really tough to compare. What works well for one may not for another.

The best route to take is through your primary care physician who can/should refer you to a psychiatrist who specializes in anti-psychotics/anti-depressants. He or she will be able to do a full work-up and determine the best course of action given your medical history and your particular situation.

B.C.

answers from Dallas on

I'm on celexa and feel fine. The ONLY thing is that it has lowered my libido, but that's been an issue since before the meds.

E.B.

answers from Seattle on

I have been on Citalopram...the Celexa off name. I hated it...Wellbrutin made me sick as a dog as well. the only thing I have not had issues with was Sam-E. It is herbal serotin supporter. It has not had any side effects, I dont get moody, I dont get weepy and I can take it with or without a meal. I had to take my drug drug anti-depressants with a meal..If I didnt have time for a meal...I knew I would be getting the runs. Try taking extra Vit. D as well. Maybe even a B-12 vit. All these together have changed my life...The fact that I am off the drugs and doing ok...is proof enough for me that herbal is really the best way.

This is merely personal opinion. I would consult with a doctor before doing anything. If your doctor doesnt support herbal supplements. find a homeopathic/naturopathic doctor. they are AMAZING!!!

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C.Y.

answers from Seattle on

I take Citalopram and have been for two years. I have never had any side effects from it. It really does help me a lot and they will slowly wean you off when it is time so it shouldn't be too bad. I also take Xanax for anxiety and it is keeping it under control. I have three kids and I think without this medicine I would be a screaming sobbing mess!

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