MEDICATION FOR LIFE? - Depression Message Board

evagelou · 06-04-2003, 11:09 AM

How many of you actually believe that if you have had recurring depression that you have to be on meds forever? Isn't that an easy way out? What about learning about what caused you to become depressed, or how to react differently to certain unpleasant situations? I'm on medication right now, but i'm doing other things to help myself such as cognitive bahavioural therapy. Antidepressants are not a CURE but merely to help you get a jump start so you can change your thinking not your personality.

Ellen

Jennita · 06-04-2003, 11:49 AM

I have heard about new studies suggesting after long term use(several years), that the brain will lose alot of serotonin receptors in an effort to reduce the excess availbility to serotonin since the drugs interfer with the normal metabolism of serotonin. So in time, the brain has even less. I suppose that would mean someone would have to take meds forever if they took them long enough to cause that.

Someone told me about a new book called Prozac Backlash which explains in more detail....

tulip75 · 06-04-2003, 02:47 PM

I agree that it should only be used as a jump start. That's how I've used it both times I've been treated. I don't like taking medication unless it's a necessity, so I wean as soon as I think I'm ready.

evagelou · 06-05-2003, 11:27 AM

Tulip,

you said that you have been treated twice and when your ready you wean off. that's exactly what i do, but what are you going to do to prevent it from coming back again?

Ellen

evagelou · 06-12-2003, 10:41 AM

Hi guys, it's me again. I am really confused. See, i'm the type of person who wants to know WHY this is happening to me. I know i can't handle stress, i am planning a wedding and building a house at the same time. I'm only 24, but i feel like an old lady. I am currently taking zoloft, but refuse to believe i have to take medication for the rest of my life! I don't know, what do you guys think? I want to have kids in the future and i don't want to depend on drugs. I know that my personality makes me prone to depression, and i'm doing some CBT to change my thinking styles. I need the meds for now, but not for life. In my opinion that's an easy way out.

Ellen