Medications for depression and anxiety

@stressedmesseddepressed

I just take life as it comes. As long as Clonazepam does the job without side effects, I'll keep taking it. I read the precautionary paperwork when I get refills, so that I remain aware of the potential problems.

Jim

Thanks for your input Jim. I was glad to get your opinion- it is what I think too.
Ainsleigh

I have been prescribed 20 mg of Celexa (Citalopram) and cannot tell wherther it helps. Does anyone experience success with Celexa or any other anti-depressant med?

The answer is it depends. If you are experiencing depression caused by circumstances, then you may see little result from medication and more from psychotherapy. If you have a long term depression that seems to have no cause, then antidepressants may be the best. A doctor determines which he thinks is best for if a combination of both is best.
Different people get different results from antidepressants. Some people are unable to fully digest some antidepressants. There is testing to tell you if you are in that category and what drugs will not work. It is also possible to wait and see if one helps. This is trial and error as dosage may not be enough. I have tried celexa and many other antidepressants. The best one for me is zoloft. The best will be different for different people. I had to keep getting the dosage increased until it worked. Age and weight can play a role in what is that efficacious dosage. So yes I have found one for me that worked, but it took years to get there. Others may have no trouble and find one quick. Talk with your doctor about your results. Also be aware that antidepressants can take up to six weeks to see full results.

I have had deep depression for 60 years (it runs in the family) and have been on more antidepressants than I can count. My system is just not responsive to these meds. There are many who do respond at all. However, don't give up hope!! It can be very difficult to find the right one for you as the process can be slow and can get discouraging. The best news is that there is a lot of research going on, and more and more drugs are available. Keep trying and stay positive. I will be praying for you for a quick find of an effective drug and a complete recovery!

Dear @oprah
Thank you so much for commenting on this difficult subject of Depression! I have been depressed for most of my life; and I have been on every single depressant! I am finally in full remission; however I experienced a Major Stroke on 05/04/01; which was 7 and one half months after my Mother's untimely Death at age 65! She was a Teacher when we were growing up, and then received her Doctorate in Psychology from the Massachusetts School of Professional Psychology in Boston, Massachusetts She then worked as a Cognitive Behavioral Therapist at Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston, MA! She worked with those who didn't have Health Insurance; or worked with people on a sliding scale, just so she could help others! My Mother was my Hero and the one with whom I bonded most, until she passed away from a sudden Heart Attack! I'm grateful she didn't suffer; as I have needed to relearn everything for the past 17 years! It has been the hardest and most arduous thing I have ever had to come back from; however, I have decided to live my life, because I have 7 wonderful Nieces and Nephews, a loving 89 year old (energizer bunny) Father, and 3 siblings, who continue to support my struggles and my accomplishments! I read your Oprah Magazine every month , and wish to thank you for your candor, honesty, inspiration, and your stick-to-itveness,no matter the circumstances! I always watched your show, and appreciate all your wisdom and generosity! I am writing a book entitled "Misunderstood and Resilient"! My book is dedicated most and foremost to my Mother, but is also dedicated to my entire family! The reason for the title, is because I was always treated like a PSYCHIATRIC PATIENT!!!!! I am finally writing it from the perspective of coming back from my Stroke, but also from my point of view as constantly being passed along from one hospital to another, and from being THROWN OUT from the last one on 10/08/14! My entire Team of Providers (Primary Care, Neurology, Neuropsychology, Social Work, Neuropsychiatry, and Sleep Physicians at one Hospital!) I had a major Stroke, Depression, anxiety, and an undiagnosed Non-Verbal Learning Disorder! I was tossed out, without ANY HEALTHCARE; and was BLOCKED ONLINE from
receiving any HEALTHCARE, WITHOUT MY KNOWLEDGE or WRITTEN CONSENT! However, I have rejoined the world; as I realized my Mother wouldn't have wanted me to give up, without a fight for JUSTICE, PERIOD! My contribution to this world is my book, and I do not want others to EVER SUFFER the ANXIETY, HUMILIATION, DEPRESSION, SUICIDAL IDEATION, IRRESPONSIBILITY, and PURE HATRED from PROVIDERS who take an Oath "FIRST DO NO HARM", prior to receiving their License to practice MEDICINE!!!!! I believe my book will help others in my situation, because that's the reason for shedding light on a subject that is SO PREVALENT in OUR SOCIETY; WHICH IS BLATANT DISCRIMINATION!!!!!
Thank you so much for inspiring me to share my difficult feelings and situation with others!
Sincerely,
Shelley A. Mintz

Hi @gamesjr,

You may notice that I moved your discussion and combined it with this existing discussion about antidepressants. I did this as I thought it would be beneficial for you to be introduced to other members who’ve shared their insights about antidepressants.
If you click on VIEW & REPLY in your email notification, you will see the whole discussion and can join in, meet, and participate with other members talking about their or their loved ones' experiences.

Has your doctor tried increasing your dosage to levels higher than normally given? I was in the same situation where I had depression for 60 plus years and even ended up on disability. Then my doctor kept increasing the amount until it finally worked. Allowed dosages have been increased lately. I encourage you to talk with your doctor about trying increased dosage.

For @gamesjr. How long have you been taking Celexa 20 mg? I have used this medication for about 15 years. It helped me very much. But the duration and dosage are important. Please let me know.

@gamesjr
Hi,
Celexa takes up to 1-2 months to become fully effective.
I hope the celexa is helpful to you.
Jake