February 2, 2009

Anti Depressants

How many people are on anti depressants? It seems that more and more people are being prescribed medication to help them cope. They may work for some but not for all. A friend of mine has been on medication for about 7 months. Before she started taking the drugs, she had a sparkle in her eye and a skip in her step. Now, she spends the days sleeping. Waking only to take her son to school, pick him up from school, and make dinner at night. The rest of the time, she's sleeping. She sees a doctor on a regular basis, why cant he look in her eyes and see that something isn't right? I used Effexor about 8 years ago to help me get through a tough time. I felt happy and cheerful every day. When I became aware that I needed the medication to make me feel this way, I decided to stop. I took it for about 6 months, just long enough to get me thru the ordeal I was going thru. That is the medication my friend is on but its not the only one. My conclusion, its obviously not working.

When you see a psychiatrist, they are quick to try and cure you. How? Giving you multiple prescriptions for everything. I don't think that's the way to go. Psychologist, on the other hand, will listen to your problems. Not everyone needs a shield from reality, most people want someone to listen. It breaks my heart to see her and I believe the only way to get her back is by dropping the medications completely. She doesn't think that is the answer. Although, with all the drugs they have her on, how can she make a decision like that with a clear mind? I believe anti depressants are great for some people but you have to make sure they fit. If you have the desire to sleep all day and not live your life, something is definitely wrong. Don't jump into a decision as drastic as this can be without talking to a psychologist first. That may be the only medicine you need. They shouldnt change who you are only how you react to different situations. She will be seeing a psychologist soon, I hope he/she can not only help her thru a tough time but convince her that she can live her life drug free. Maybe thats wishful thinking but I miss the way she was and I know her family does too. One can only hope.....


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2 comments:

Hepburn Hilton said...

I agree that people are often looking for a quick solution by taking pills, instead of actually doing the work that is needed to feel better. But, I am wondering if your friend had a sparkle in her eye and a spring in the step - why did she start the medication in the first place? Happy people don't nomally need antideppresants...

I just started medication. I've been told by my doctor that I have to except to be on them for 2-4 years, while learing coping mechanisms. It takes at least 3 months for them to have any effect at all. Except it makes me sleep it night. Which was a welcomed thing after weeks and weeks of not sleeping.

Lori said...

I think the struggles of being the mother of a preteen who takes her for granted and some rough family situations drove her to the edge. I would give anything to see that sparkle in her eyes again. I hope it happens sooner rather than later. For her sake.

Antidepressants can be a good crutch to get you thru the tough times. Just make sure they are the right one for you. If you sleep all day and feel worse about life, your on the wrong meds. Tell your doctor.