Depression Medication Advice Please.?!
Question: So, I'm 16, and I've recently told my parents that I've got depression. I've had it for about 3-4 months. It's gotten gradually worse over time.
Symptoms I've experienced :
Feeling generally hopeless from day to day
Changes in sleep (sleep away the depression)
Loss of energy (fatigued, feeling tired often)
Inability to concentrate on things (thoughts occupied)
Irritability (do to not being able to help myself...)
Crying daily, for no reason whatsoever
Massive mood swings.
I can usually tell how the day is going to be when I wake up in the morning.
So, here's the thing. I've got a doctors appointment tomorrow afternoon, and he's probably going to get me on medication (he's told me so). I've been on St. Johns Wort for 2 months, and I don't know how long I have to wait for it to get out of my system (since it interferes with depression meds).
I also don't know what depression medication would be best for me.
I've got moderate/moderately severe depression.
Advice please?
Answers: So, I'm 16, and I've recently told my parents that I've got depression. I've had it for about 3-4 months. It's gotten gradually worse over time.
Symptoms I've experienced :
Feeling generally hopeless from day to day
Changes in sleep (sleep away the depression)
Loss of energy (fatigued, feeling tired often)
Inability to concentrate on things (thoughts occupied)
Irritability (do to not being able to help myself...)
Crying daily, for no reason whatsoever
Massive mood swings.
I can usually tell how the day is going to be when I wake up in the morning.
So, here's the thing. I've got a doctors appointment tomorrow afternoon, and he's probably going to get me on medication (he's told me so). I've been on St. Johns Wort for 2 months, and I don't know how long I have to wait for it to get out of my system (since it interferes with depression meds).
I also don't know what depression medication would be best for me.
I've got moderate/moderately severe depression.
Advice please?
Hey, Ill b on IM later tonight so I can chat to ya. Fair play to u for telling them and going to a doc. Theres sooooo many meds I wouldnt know which would suit u. some dont suit teenagers and some of the newer ones do. Google a few of them so u have an opinion when u go to doc, seroxat, lustral, cipramil, cymbalta, lexapro, prozac, effexor. God theres loads really. Ill talk to ya later
At sixteen you probably shouldn't go on medications (unless there's a problem with thyroid, etc.) because antidepressants can increase suicidal thoughts in teenagers. I was on doxipan most of my teen years and never saw much difference (it doesn't help that I didn't have depression I was bipolar). I can't make a diagnosis over a computer, but I recommend that, if your doctor gives you medications, you get a second opinion. Until you are at least eighteen, the side effects can be devestating. Unfortunately that means you may have to deal with counselling to help you deal with life until you reach the age when meds work for you.
Much of this may be your age, but you seem to be past the age when puberty hits and causes changes that bring on symptoms of mood swings and exhaustion. And it's lasted long enough to be serious. Just be cautious with medications. They can work wonders but they do have side effects that can be too harmful, especially in teens and children.
ur 16, ok thats normal at that age its all part of growing up and the change in ur hormones, just keep holding on and stay off the meds. But if it gets worse then really talk to ur parents and get professional help. Good luck, just remember ur not the only one
Welcome to the wonderful world of depression!
I'm very glad you realize you need help & have started things in motion. it sounds like you are depressed all right--but one thng you need to do is RELAX!!! You are going to this doctor to get his help & his opinions, not to tell him how you think you should be treated..Give him credit for his education & experience.. He will put you on the drug he feels is most appropriate for you, but they don't come with guarantees. Some drugs work well for one person & don't do anything for another person..Because it takes time to build up your blood level of any of the drugs, you have to be patient---for me Prozac (which I've been on for 15 yrs) took about 3 weeks to start having an effect, & between 2-3 months to reach full effectiveness. I would lhope you will also be receiving counseling, because the drugs can help with the depression, but it won't eliminate whatever is causing the depression..It will be the hardest work you ever do, but you'll get a huge reward--you'll get your real life back!! I wish you all the good wishes there are!!!
You are young, and at a bad age for mood swings: hormones and stuff.
That being said, it doesn't mean that you couldn't benefit from at least a short term course of antidepressants.
Also, the fact that you get out of the depression a bit when you are busy and with friends is a good sign, which means at least it is not a 24/7 thing with you. But, because you are young it's hard to totally diagnose you has having clinical depression,
The doctor will make the determination, and also what med might help someone of your gender, age, disposition, etc.
Also, is there any depression in your family that has gone on for a long time? Any Bipolar where people have needed meds? This can be a clue.
If not, you may do ok with just a bit of therapy. You do not have to be freaking suicidal to have a bit of depression where a short term course of medicine will help you. After all, you don't have to take it forever.
Even short-term, situational depression benefits from some medicine. Let the doctor decide if you might benefit, and be open to trying. You can always stop it if it feels worse after a month or so.