Treatment with antidepressants

[walking on broken glass]

How does one know if they need pharmaceutical help in their recovery?

A friend suggested to me that I should talk to my GP about getting a prescription for antidepressants, when I mentioned that I have been feeling really overwhelmed lately. My IBS has flared up really badly to the point where my stomach hurts from the moment I wake up to the moment I go to bed. The pain is still manageable with the current antispasmodic drugs I have, but just about, and it's been difficult with social occasions (like, will my tummy be ok if I eat out etc.) I know it's triggered by stress and then I stress about it and it's a vicious cycle. Last time I had gone to the GP they had said that the next step for my IBS would be to get antidepressants but I have never taken them before. Is this something I should pursue or am I overreacting? I also don't know how to explain the situation to the GP exactly because the IBS is only part of the story.

[moglow]

Wobg, the body really does tell the tale. I'm convinced that digestive issues, migraines, trouble sleeping (whether getting to or staying asleep), a whole host of inflammatory responses are directly connected to our painful relationships. The long term effects have to be devastating and we can't simply turn it off as we might hope.

While the way we approach those relationships in future are a work in progress, there's surely no harm in exploring other options to help get us through in the meantime. Even though I fight depression on the regular and have as far back as I can remember, I've taken antidepressants, more for situational depression and when I was so overwhelmed I couldn't manage on my own. They got me over some hard humps when I was basically immobilized with it all, helped me focus and eased the inner agitation I couldn't shake.

So yes, I recommend them, even if you were to commit yourself to a particular timeframe then reevaluate (that's what I did rather than staying in them longterm). Be very open with your gp what you're experiencing, as antidepressants aren't all one and the same. I remember in talking with mine and sharing that I was sleep deprived, he immediately cancelled out particular meds that were known to cause sleep disturbances. 

[Rebel13]

Great advice moglow. There are a lot of antidepressants and they can have very different, and individual, effects.

I personally have had good results with a particular tricyclic, but it took a while to get there. In my experience primary care docs like to prescribe whatever's new or trendy, but that might not be the thing that does what you need, wobg. The tricyclic helps me with anxiety and IBS, particularly diarrhea. I've read some people here also talk about taking beta blockers for extreme stress reactions. I haven't tried that but I'm curious, because I'm starting to think that sometimes what gets diagnosed as anxiety or depression is really a response to stress and/or past trauma.

Nevertheless, the tricyclic has helped me a lot with emotional stability and I'm planning to keep using it until my trauma treatment and new coping skills are a lot farther along. I've spent too much of my life hanging on by my fingernails and I'm not doing that to myself anymore.

Wishing you the best, wobg; the stress stuff can be terrible. I just went through a tough few weeks because of anniversary reactions etc. and wow, even with medication and weekly therapy all I could do was gut it out. It has finally passed (this time) and I'm so grateful and relieved to feel better. I'm hoping you get a break soon.

[walking on broken glass]

Thank you both. I think I will visit my GP and have a conversation with her to see what she thinks. I will ask my therapist too.

I am so sorry you had a rough week, Rebel. And you are right, anything that helps I will take at this point. I have this feeling that I am falling apart and it really scares me.

[TimetoHeal]

WOBG,

Whether or not you take antidepressants, no one can decide but you with the help of your doctor. I will just say if you do want or need to take them, PLEASE do not feel bad about it or like you are weak in any way!  Thank God we live during a time that treatment in many forms is available!

I have been on an antidepressant since I was 19 years old (I'm 53 now).  I started them when I was in college and having debilitating panic attacks. I realize now it was because I was so enmeshed with my parents and they sent me out in the world completely unable to function.  I've stayed on them for many reasons.  I feel like I need to up the dosage right now due to extreme stress with my mother.  LOL.  Anyway, you are in good company.   

[Laurie]

For feelings of overwhelm, a good therapist can help with time management and setting boundaries to allow you time to take care of yourself.  If that doesn't provide enough relief, I'd talk to your doctor and/or a psychologist or psychiatrist. Vitamin D and magnesium deficiencies can exacerbate depression, so you could see whether you're deficient.  I started taking mirtazapine when I developed severe insomnia and panic attacks, and it worked great for me.  You need to work with your doctor(s) to see if an antidepressant is needed, and if so which one might be right for you. 

[Prototypian]

I've beef on them since an episode that occurred as a reaction to my spouse years ago. 

I don't like being on them.   I would get off but the episodes keep hitting me. 

[1footouttadefog]

Of it was diabetes or high blood pressure or a thyroid problem or female issues things would likely seem more cut and dry in the decision making.

There are times when medication can help with many problems and it does not have to be that one is making a life long commitment to taking the meds.

I have know many who took high blood pressure meds for a time then went back off.  This includes myself.  I had alot of health stuff going on in addition to life events and add to that menopausal changes.  I went on a small dose of blood pressure medication to manage an irregular heart beat.  A few months later I did not need it any more.  I was on the other side of some of the left events and menopause, had discovered a food allergy that was impacting me and some lifestyle changes have allowed for improving health.

I would see no difference with using a sleep aid or a anti depressant for a while to get you through. 

I don't think it's healthy to look at it as a tool to getting to a better place than a life time commitment.  This way you keep advocating for yourself holistically to getting to an overall healthier place. 

Talk with your doc and perhaps a therapist also. 

I hope you soon find your way to feeling better overall.  You are worth the effort, keep fighting