Why do most drugs for depression/anxiety not work for many people?!
Question: I've found this to be true for me, and many of my friends, not to mention reviews by others online.
What gives? With the side effects either getting in the way of recovery or drugs simply not being effective at all, I get annoyed that the pharmaceutical companies act like these are solutions when people spend years trying to find the 'right' meds... and so many never even get there!
And why to a lot of the meds seem to increase the common symptoms of depression and anxiety as side effects and when you are coming off of them! Craziness!
Any of these things alone is enuf to have people get their mental health issues more challenging to deal with, when they are told by counselors who can't help them, 'try medications'...
i'm not saying that medicines don't help anybody, or that people should go off them if they're on them, but the people i know & myself have had a hella time, plus those internet reviews! it doesn't help that a lot of the drugs are barely tested for not long b4 market!
Answers: I've found this to be true for me, and many of my friends, not to mention reviews by others online.
What gives? With the side effects either getting in the way of recovery or drugs simply not being effective at all, I get annoyed that the pharmaceutical companies act like these are solutions when people spend years trying to find the 'right' meds... and so many never even get there!
And why to a lot of the meds seem to increase the common symptoms of depression and anxiety as side effects and when you are coming off of them! Craziness!
Any of these things alone is enuf to have people get their mental health issues more challenging to deal with, when they are told by counselors who can't help them, 'try medications'...
i'm not saying that medicines don't help anybody, or that people should go off them if they're on them, but the people i know & myself have had a hella time, plus those internet reviews! it doesn't help that a lot of the drugs are barely tested for not long b4 market!
Used to be on Effexor for anxiety & depression. Withdrawals from sudden stopping were very stressful. Each time I tried I ended up back on Effexor within 1-2 weeks.
Eventually tried a homeopathic version of SAMe (S-Adenosyl-Methionine). 'Clinical Studies have proven Sam-e to be more effective than prescription anti-depressants, yet Sam-e has absolutely NO SIDE EFFECTS and it's not addictive'.
When people suddenly stop anti-depressants or anti-psychotics there is a strong chance of unpleasant or even dangerous withdrawal symptoms. Best to taper off under medical supervision. Drinking and 'meds' are a bad mix too.
By the way, there is no solid scientific 'proof' that brain chemistry imbalances 'cause' depression or anxiety. Neuroleptic drugs can totally blockade all relevant receptors and still schizophrenics experience some anxiety etc. Thus their illness is more than chemical.
More likely our mind/soul/psyche puts the body's chemicals out of balance after prolonged stressful thoughts and feelings. Mind rules matter.
To assist with panic-like stuff try counselling, massage, nutrition, Bach Flowers, spiritual healing as well as the homeopathic SAMe.
Dr Charles L. Whitfield is an expert on the harmful effects and unnecessary use of mental health medications.
Extract from article " Should the use of neuroleptics be severely limited? " by Peter R. Breggin, M.D.
" The neuroleptic drugs have gradually become promoted as agents with a specific "antipsychotic" effect on schizophrenic symptoms. Meanwhile, psychosocial approaches have fallen into disrepute among many psychiatrists. Patients have been instructed to remain on neuroleptics for a lifetime and told that it was safe to do so. The public was told that the "miracle" drugs had emptied the hospitals and returned millions of patients to normal lives. "
antidepressants have quite solid evidence to prove their efficacy. Some atypical (newer) antidepressants now have 10-15 years of evidence behind them, saying that they are of benefit.
Most evidence states that antidepressants are even more effective when used in combination with regular (weekly/fortnightly) counselling/therapy for a minimum of 4 months.
They are not the most perfect medications around (noting your side-effect complaints), but the pharmacists/chemists are working on getting better and better medications as time continues. The brain is sensitive - so getting medications perfect for it is a long and arduous task.
good luck with your depression/anxiety
Because people see medication for depression as a cure. They are not, they are an aid to recovery.Most of the work has to come from you, and finding out what caused the depression in the first place. Many Dr`s are too quick to give out anti depressants and not give patients enough information about the depression and what else they need to do in order for them to be helpful. So in effect so many people are out there stuck on these drugs alone with no therapy, counseling or anything else, so the depression still exists and the drugs will only mask it for so long,this is why people say they dont work.So they go back to the Dr after say 2 to 3 months, and instead of giving it more time and asking about why the patient is depressed they give a different medication. Every med has a side effect, and realistically you should allow 6 months for a medication to work properly and for the side effects to subside as most are temporary.So the cycle starts again. Depression needs medication yes, I dont argue with that, but just as important as the drug is the therapy and finding out why you are depressed and what caused it in the first place. Hope this helps.
Unfortunately, anti-depressants and anti-anxiety meds. are the short term, quick answer. The real way to rid yourself of the anguish takes tons of work with the right therapist, one that specializes in that feild and one that suits you. Always remember that finding the right therapist, psych., and meds. often is a long process and takes some "shopping around". The healing comes from the work you do . I wish pills could make it all go away, but we have to deal with the fact of what causes us the pain and work on it head on. Best of luck :)
I know it's hard!
I won't cite studies, I'll speak only for myself. It took 15 years to find a decent balance with meds. Some put me over the edge, some knocked me out, some worked too well, one made me gain 60 pounds in 3 months (compounding the depression aspect - at that time I was a minor and forced to take the meds. Laws have since changed.)
It took me this long to find a good psychiatrist. He listens, he won't insist on meds that I don't want (like lithium,) and I can get it to see him quickly if I hit crisis. I've got more than depression going on, but that's the worst aspect.
I think that more testing and research would help. But the reality is that chemically, we're really not identical. We all react differently to different meds. What works for me might put you over the edge, and vice versa.
Zoloft worked for me for 3 years, then nothing.
Often we just have to decide if a med's effectiveness outweighs the side effects.
It's a matter of patience and perseverance. The most difficult part for me (besides living) was finding the right psychiatrist. It took 15 years.
I'm all for more research! I don't see enough independent studies.
I hate the advertising to consumers.
All in all, keep trying, seek and accept support, stay educated, and look for positives things in everyday life.
I wish you the best.
EDIT: I must point out that there are people with lifelong depression who will always need meds. For many, depression cannot be cured, but it can be effectively managed.
You are quite right the medical world hasn't got it entirely right first time for a patient. It is often quite hard to get a right diagnosis in a short space of time. They are trying to help you the best way they know how........!
BUT for some they are life-savers once found.
But wait there's more.... why not try to help yourself?
Does a pill really hold a long-term solution do you think?
Once you are stabilized start to look for a nutritional Dr
who can look at your blood work and does hair testing.
Your may have just a low thyroid, or too much mercury or heavy metals in your systems. You may not be able to work in a computer enviroment or under some lighting as your system in so sensitive.
You may just be low in some vitamin groups.
I agree that meds do help and are essential but our bodies are a very delicate balance of many things.
Start to explore books that you can get from the library free or go on the net. I have put one link below and her is an some of the review .....below Hugz J
What it's about: In Nutrition and Mental Illness: An Orthomolecular Approach to Balancing Body Chemistry Dr. Pfeiffer discusses the critical role vitamins (especially the B-vitamins) and some minerals (copper, zinc) play in helping our complex brains operate properly.
He discusses various types of schizophrenia and relates nutritional supplements that seem to be highly effective in returning patients to proper functioning again.
He gives many case histories to support his conclusions. He and his staff have developed broad general guidelines regarding which vitamins and minerals are likely to cure various mental functioning problems. His examples are quite convincing -- and often very moving when a very troubled patient is brought back to a normal existence again.
Something I found quite interesting is his approach of giving patients increasing doses of Vitamin B6 until they can remember their dreams. When asked, he tells his patients: "Dream recall is normal. We want you to be normal."
Main facts or viewpoints I got from this book: Powerful psychotropic medicines are, AT BEST, short-term "fixes" for mental problems.
I agree with columbo. The reason is that depression is not a chemical imbalance. Depression is a God given basic emotion we are genetically born with. There are 6-8 primary emotions that are recognized by psychologists as being with us from birth. Sadness or depression is one of them. There may be chemical changes involved when we are depressed but that isn't the whole story. Science doesn't know "beans" about the human brain or mind. See:
John Horgan; "The Undiscovered Mind, how the human brain defies replication, medication and explanation."; The Free Press, N.Y. NY, 1999
Serotonin, a known neurotransmitter, is supposed to effect the emotion of depression if it is in short supply. There is big money to be made if a scientific theory can be used to sell something. A pertinent article entitled "Serotonin and Depression: A disconnect between the Advertisements and scientific literature." is to be found at:
http://medicine.plosjournals.org/perlser...
I think the reason some people are benefitted by SSRI's is simply because depression results from a negative perception or thought and a habitual pattern of negative thinking results in a habitual depressed mood. The perception that someone (the prescribing physician) and something (the pills) know what is going on with your mind and are doing something for you results in a raised or elevated mood because this is positive. The underlying negative or pessimistic beleifs and habitual patterns of negative thinking haven't been changed and simply are repeated after the novelty of the pill cure wears off. They can better be changed by psychotherapy or a change in thinking habits and beliefs.
Good luck with your depression (it is necessary for healthy life at times), good health, peace and Love!
Examine sections 1, 2 and 6, as follows in my standard posts, and you will find out far more about the scurrilous practises of BIG PHARMA, and various non pharmaceutically based treatments. ANXIETY: See anxiety treatments, at * ezy-build (below) in section 6. Set yourself a fixed limit for worrying about any particular subject, (say; 15 minutes) after which, resolve firmly to refuse to even consider that subject again on that day: realise and accept that to do otherwise would be counterproductive to your mental health, and enjoyment of life. Use the technique for reprogramming negative thoughts and internal monologue (self talk), on pages 2, and 2L, to help you in this, and consider carrying a wide rubber band in your pocket: put it on your wrist; stretch, and release, as a means of reinforcing it, and speeding up the process, re-pocketing it afterwards. Practise one of the relaxation methods on pages 2, 11, 2c, or 2i, daily, and when needed. Also, give the EFT version for use in public places, a good tryout, to see if it helps you (if you like, you can claim to have a headache, as you massage/lightly tap your temples) . Section 53, and pages 2, 2.q and 2.o at * http://www.ezy-build.net.nz/~shaneris also refer. OOOOOOOOOOOOOO DEPRESSION: See depression treatments, at ezy-build *(below) in section 2, and consult a doctor, to eliminate thyroid problems, etc. as possible contributing factors: also seek a referral to a therapist using Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, or Rational Emotive Behavioural Therapy. It is your decision, and yours alone, as to whether to take any antidepressants offered, but, before you do, read section 1, and check medications out at www.drugs.com so you will be on the lookout for side effects, like sexual dysfunction. My strong recommendation, however, is to follow the advice of my doctor, his associate, and also Marcelle Pick, OB/GYN NP, and Dr. Mercola, as well, at http://www.mercola.com and avoid antidepressants (pages 2V, and 2Z refer, & antidepressant websites: page 2). The reasons why we all share the same view on this are explained in full, as you will find, if you read the whole section. All of their advice, (except prayer, because many people are not religious) I have incorporated into the "core treatments", including others as options, such as herbal remedies, Inositol, or SAMe. If you are diagnosed with clinical (major) depression, antidepressants may be necessary for a while, which will give the treatments time to become effective. The antidepressants themselves need at least several days, or even many weeks to become effective. It's a good idea to taper off them slowly, with medical advice, after several months, say, to a couple of years, at most, because they are only effective in the long term for about 30% of people. Because of this, you would be well advised to begin the treatments immediately, and maintain them. I'd just thank your mental health care provider, and pocket the prescription, trying the treatments for a few months, to see if they are sufficient for you, before considering filling it (unless clinically depressed, and having great difficulty functioning, or suicidal, in which case I'd take them). If the amount of daylight you have been exposed to recently has reduced, perhaps due to the change of seasons, see Seasonal Affective Disorder (S.A.D.) in section 2, at * http://www.ezy-build.net.nz/~shaneris and, instead of taking 4 Omega 3 fish oil supplements, daily; replace 2 of them with cod liver oil supplements (or a teaspoonful of cod liver oil), for the winter months only! Consider having your doctor test your vitamin D levels.