Okay so months ago I was super down, could hardly get myself out of bed, etc (as I'm sure everyone understands) and my doctor put me on the generic of wellbutrin. Well, I get out of bed now. I have good days. I also have a really terrible stomach disorder that makes things hard, came on about the same time the depression did....my question is, I still have days I want to cry for seemingly no reason, I still often get offended over nothing (I never used to) and still get angry/upset very easily. Still have problems with motivation. When my friend told me to see a doctor before I even considered this being depression, she said the medication she got on made her feel like a whole new person, aka her old self again. I am far from my old self still. I took generic wellbutrin for months...wasn't too impressed and switched to the brand name after reading a TON of complaints about the generic. Been about four weeks now and I haven't noticed a truly big change.
My question is this (sorry about how long this is) how is medication SUPPOSED to affect you? Isn't it supposed to help more than this? I'm wanting to maybe switch meds but I don't know....I really don't want to gain weight on something else! Talk about making the problem worse! can anyone please share experiences with their antidepressants?
Thanks so much!

This post has been edited by tragicmask: Apr 10 2009, 10:38 PM

I find that anti-depressants help me think more rationally, but sometime just the pill isn't enough...you need to figure out why you are depressed and then figure out steps to fix it. There is alot of work involved for some people. maybe a therapist may be of some help and working with your doctor can make sure you are on the right meds or maybe as some people here are on more then one to make then work better.

It takes time and not all meds work the same for every-one it is pretty much hit or miss until you find the right one or combination that works for you. When I am on them I go from really bad depression to exsisting so i am starting therapy to help me discover why I am like this

hope this helps a little

To feel the full effect of an AD it can take several wks. Also, sometimes it takes kind of a trial and error process to find the right med at the right dosage that will help you because each person can react differently to each med.

For me, I went through a lot of meds... prob at least 6... before finding the one I am on now. It isn't all the meds for me, but the meds have helped me tremendously to feel better and get back to my "old self".

I use to get so frustrated with trying the different meds, I wanted to give up on it because I had tried so many but now that I'm on one that works I'm so thankful I didn't stop trying. That's my experience with them.

AD's are meant to raise mood in order for you to function better. From your description how you feel after being on WB for months, I suggest you talk to your pdoc for feedback and advice. Print out your post so you don't forget anything when you talk to your pdoc.

Unfortunately, all pmeds have weight gain/loss as a side effect.
Sheepwoman

Thank you for the replies. I am going to look into different options, I'm just scared. I already hate my body so much that gaining any weight will absolutely **** me. I started working out five days a week and (mostly) eating a lot better. I just don't want a pill to mess up my trying to lose weight. I am reading a book called Mind over Mood right now as well. I don't know, I've read terrible things about lexapro and a few others. It makes me nervous.

You could ask a pdoc because not all the meds have weight gain as a side effect.

My question is this (sorry about how long this is) how is medication SUPPOSED to affect you? Isn't it supposed to help more than this?

The answer to your question is simple: Medication is there to PREVENT episodes of anger, depression and any NEGATIVE feelings from surfacing but it DOES NOT make the underlying issue go away. It only helps to diminishes the BEHAVIOR and how it adversely IMPACTS your life and your ability to function in society. The root (cause or nature) of the problem still exists and that part of your self cannot be treated without behavioral therapy so that you have a clearer understanding how and why you are currently being medicated. I hope that makes sense. I've been being treated with Lithium for an improper diagnosis of Bi-Polar disorder, when all of MY mood swings were directly related to a hormonal imbalance. NOW I have to get professional help to "re-wire" my brain to accept the fact that Im not taking medication for a mental illness since I beleived what the doctors were telling me. But I wanted to feel better, so I agreed to be their GUINEA PIG .. and NOW Im stuck taking crap that I don't need b/c if I stop taking it...It will have adverse effects on me. So, I am going to be treated for my BEHAVIORAL problems that I beleive were a contributing factor to my emotional disorder.... you can do this too without taking medication, but I would stay on it per your doctors orders until you can build up the capacity to get through this on your own. My very best wishes to you.

agreed. see post #7 about the underlying cause of the problems that might have contributed to this anxiety disorder..

I lost a significant amiunt of weight - which I didn't havbe to lose - on Prozac. Unfortunately I also lost quite a lot of hair and felt sick and fatigued all the time, but then again I suffer nausea with all anti-depressants