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**keeta** · May 27, 2008, 12:20 PM

I am Not going to call my doctor today for antidepressants

Hi Lila,
I have no answers for you, but wanted you to know you are not alone, suffering with depression.

As for anti -d's...I have just spent the most horrific couple months getting OFF Effexor. I am leary to try another one.

I will be watching the replies here for advise...as I am kind of at a stand still, not knowing how to proceed. I worry lately that a prescription may not be my answer. That there may be other ways to deal with, treat and cope with the chemical imbalance I obviously have.

My plan of attack....keep up all suppliments and be open to trying new ones.

Eat healthy, and stay away from chemically laden foods, sugars and white startches. (except baked potatoes....love'em!)

exercise...good, fast paced long walks, and strength training...light yoga.

Keep my thinking POSITIVE. Be aware of my negative thoughts, and stop them...yell interally at the "bad thoughts" to stop....and think of something good...even if it isn't related to whatever was troubling me.

More importantly, stop self medicating, hiding from my life, with alcohol (this will be the hardest).:upset:

I hope you find whatever you need to feel better!

big hugs,:l
K

**MyOwnWoman** · May 27, 2008, 12:54 PM

I am Not going to call my doctor today for antidepressants

Lila,
If you need ADs to keep you from doing harm to yourself get them.

That said, if you can find a supplement and lifestyle routine to help you that's what I'd recommend. I don't know how long you've been sober - but perhaps part of what is going on now is you are learning to cope with your life and stress and all without numbing yourself. That can be pretty intense for some of us!!

Do eat extremely well. If you need advice on food let me know. (basically cut out all refined and processed foods. and minimal sugar!!)

Exercise.

Journal positive thoughts and feelings of gratitude. Those of us with a history of depression have to completely rewire the way our brains work and thoughts ride

Read books that help you to be more positive, maybe something to help you explore your spiritual side. A New Earth by Eckhart Tolle (the one Oprah's been all over) is excellent. I'd also recommend "Where Ever You Go There You Are" - kind of a primer for meditating.

Take care.

**Lila** · May 27, 2008, 01:14 PM

I am Not going to call my doctor today for antidepressants

OK - I'll do all that stuff - thanks for responding both of you - it is so nice to be able to post here and have understanding and all. I just got some more supplements and feel sort of positive.
Lila

**Accountable for Me** · May 27, 2008, 02:19 PM

I am Not going to call my doctor today for antidepressants

Lila,

MOW has some very good advice. Eating well, supplements, and if need be, a Rx for your depression.

There is absolutely no shame in taking an anti-d.

Coming off of alcohol can trigger depression. Many of us were depressed before this became a problem. Then it was depressing because this became a problem. Once we sober up, or in the process of sobering up, the depression is still there and needs to be dealt with.

My doctor prescribed me Wellbutrin XL (150mg - the lowest dose). I haven't been on it for very long, but it takes the edge off of my depression. It is not an SSRI and virtually has minimal side effects. The only side effect I have, is the need to sleep less. (Which is A-OK for me!) Better than wanting to sleep all of the time!

I have been on Prozac. I did not like it. ONLY because it completely took away my sex drive. Squashed it like a bug. It did numb the brain - but I didn't like feeling numb either.

Effexor - I have been on that too. It doesn't mix well with alcohol (when I was taking it) and it was the HARDEST thing to come off of. I had brain zaps constantly for a couple of weeks, even after weaning off.

Paxil - I was on this when I started to drink heavy. It made me feel 'too up' and the drinking brought me back down. It also squashed my sex drive.

So, I have had some experience with a lot of the more 'common' anti-d's out there. My doctor changed them to try to find something that would work every few months or so and in turn the SSRI classification just wasn't for me. Wellbutrin XL seems to be doing the job and it takes as little as 2 weeks until you start noticing the effects of it.

Of course these are MY experiences on them. Everyone is different and reacts differently.

Just remember that your body is still healing and trying to balance itself out. It can take some time. Don't suffer if you don't have to.

I also take a B-50 vitamin, Vitamin E, Calcium & Magnesium Combo/Vitamin C and 2000mgs of High Quality Fish Oil (Omega 3/6/9 - which is suppose to really help with depression). :l

**FloridaBoy** · May 27, 2008, 03:46 PM

I am Not going to call my doctor today for antidepressants

Lila,

sam-E worked for the depression I had. It may be worth trying. No side effects at all.

FB

**Lila** · May 27, 2008, 09:33 PM

I am Not going to call my doctor today for antidepressants

all right, thanks FB. I will first try the natural route, then go for stronger. It is true that not drinking makes depression go away - it all comes out after. Maybe I'll give it a month.
Lila

**FloridaBoy** · May 28, 2008, 04:10 AM

I am Not going to call my doctor today for antidepressants

Lila;333885 wrote: all right, thanks FB. I will first try the natural route, then go for stronger. It is true that not drinking makes depression go away - it all comes out after. Maybe I'll give it a month.
Lila

Depression was the by product of drinking for me too. It was a nasty cycle. Also, I do not count AF days anymore because I am now a non-drinker. The longer I am AF the better I feel.

**greeneyes** · May 28, 2008, 04:57 AM

I am Not going to call my doctor today for antidepressants

Might try St. John's Wort. I noticed that you made no mention of exercise. Is that part of your plan?

**jinja** · May 28, 2008, 05:39 AM

I am Not going to call my doctor today for antidepressants

Hi Lila

Just lost my post!! Arghhhh

A brief recreation. I am taking loads of supps to get off Effexor. Brain zaps are almost non-existent and the supps are to help restore neurotransmitters to ‘normal’ levels. I don’t intend to take this many forever and will look to adjust diet to reduce some of the supps i.e. turkey for serotonin.

Basically, what I have learnt –

GABA to ‘chill’, +/- 2000mg per day (evenings), tingely feeling on skin for about 15mins, 30 mins after taking. Should promote good sleep, if sleep is poor reduce dose.

Serotonin for ‘happy’ – 5htp, SAMe, TMG (the precursor of SAMe & cheaper)

Dopamine & noradrenalin for ‘feel good’ - phenylalanine & tyrosine

Adrenalin for ‘motivation’ – phenylalanine & tyrosine

All of these neurotransmitters need to work well to keep a ‘stable’ mental attitude. Also it is essential to take a good multivit to facilitate the above.

Pls PM me if you are interested in more info. Hope this helps.

Take care
Xxx

**Lila** · May 28, 2008, 02:54 PM

I am Not going to call my doctor today for antidepressants

ok - I'll see what happens.

**dmtodd** · May 28, 2008, 10:05 PM

I am Not going to call my doctor today for antidepressants

I'm on Prozac

Hi Lila,

I'm on Prozac, which I really can't tell any difference on. I am on all kinds of supplements, which I'm sad to say haven't helped my alcohol addiction. Like you, I hate alcohol, but have to have it in the evenings. My doctor put me on Ativan for about 15 days, and it worked for 15 days and then I caved in after I ran out

I guess I'm hopeless.

**CS04** · May 28, 2008, 10:34 PM

I am Not going to call my doctor today for antidepressants

DMTodd,
You're not hopeless. You might be on the wrong AD. Talk to your dr. The supps may not be working while you are drinking either, or you may not have been them long enough (sem problem I may be having) - how long have you been taking them? People are right about the exercise, too. I am not a big fan, believe me, but even a 20 minute walk around the block is better than nothing. Baby steps. It is hard and I am hurting but I am trying, and you can too.

CS

**Lila** · May 29, 2008, 10:09 AM

I am Not going to call my doctor today for antidepressants

Yes, you're not hopeless - any more than any of us.
I have been um...happy, in a anxious,depressed way about all the helpful advice I've gotten. I am taking St Johns Wort, glut, and 5htp. And vitamins to faciliate all this chemistry. Either I will get happy or my brain will explode.
Really, 5htp has made alcohol unenjoyable for me!
Who wants to exercise when they are depressed????? Yes, baby steps, I bike a little with my kids.
CS is right, there are tons of different meds; we're all different. Like someone recommended Wellbutrin - that felt horrible in my body, I don't know why.
It takes a little time - all these meds or herbs regrow your brain sort of so it takes a few weeks at least.
There is good help, info and encouragement here, and I am so grateful.
Lila

**lilnev** · May 29, 2008, 10:26 AM

I am Not going to call my doctor today for antidepressants

I would definitely recommend exercise, even if it's as simple as taking a 30 minute walk or bike ride every morning. Not only the exercise, but the daily fresh air and sunshine and "quiet time" will do you good.

Supps, I take a multivitamin, Ca/Mg, Omega-3, 5-HTP, tyrosine. I figure those are the basic building blocks that my body needs to sort out its biochemistry. I also take a time-release glutamine powder, 5 grams twice a day, that's aimed at body-builders. Supposed to encourage an anabolic metabolism, and to keep blood sugar regulated to prevent carb cravings. I think it helps. I'm also trying to shift my diet towards veggies and lean protein, away from starch and sugar.

I'm on Citalopram, an SSRI. For me, I got depressed first, then started drinking too much. And yes, it becomes a vicious cycle. Getting un-depressed has helped me find the strength to fight against the alcohol. But other people have had different experiences, including some who *start* drinking too much after going on an anti-D.

peace,
lilnev

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