Ok, I went to the doc on Friday and he gave me an anti-depressant. I wasn't on any before, but I am sooo strung out that it's not even funny. He gave me something called Cymbalta. I've only taken it 2 days now, Saturday and Sunday (today), but I feel nauseous, tired, and I feel all zoned out. I went to the store today to get groceries and just stood there, feeling lost. I read up on the drug and it said that nausea can last 1-2 weeks, but is the zoned-out feeling just part of me getting used to it? I'm just out of it and I don't like it.

What kind of doctor gave it to you? Was it your regular physician, your gyno? Or was it a lisenced psychiatrist?

I'd be very leery about taking a depression med that was prescribed by a regular doctor.

You wouldn't let a psychitrist give you a pelvic exam and a pap smear, would you? You wouldn't want a pediotrist diagnosing cancer, right?

Most psychiatrists won't even give a prescription unless you promise to go to counciling appts weekly. Medication works best when there is counciling to go with it.

Do you have an appt with the prescribing doctor next week? Are you going to counciling with the same doctor? If the answer is no, and I was you, I wouldn't take another pill.

When you got the perscription you should have received a list of side effects. There is normally a short list and then a more detailed list. I suggest you read it. If that does not answer your question call your doctor in the morning.

It was my regular doc, and I trust him. He knows my family history and all that mess. He also knows my situation and what I'm going through right now. He thoroughly interviewed me before giving me samples to see how I would do. He is also starting me off low and then bumping me up after a week. I looked up the list of side effects, and nausea is one of them, so is sleepiness and lack of appetite... all of which I am experiencing. I just don't like the "out of it" feeling.

In the past 10 yrs. I've been on many anti-depressant. They are not a one drug fits all. But I do remember having side effects for some which took a week or two before subsiding. You really need to give the med a try for a week or two and go fromt here. Maybe this one isn't right but there are others that might work. I currently take Celexa. I still have my days, weeks but for the most part I can handle whats thrown at me. I hope you get to feeling better soon.

The spaced out lost feeling happens..if it doesn't stop in a couple weeks I would tell your doc. I was on Lexapro for almost a year and when i frist started taking it I felt the same way. I think it maybe just your mind set as well. I know that probably played a role in my same feelings.

My doc told me it would not cure me in day but eventually it would help me feel better. The spacy lost feeling went away. I too would stand in the store and just have a moment of not really knowing what I was doing. Sound strange but true L

brokenhalo

There's got to be another way besides drugs.. Too many side effects.

Silly question.. How long are you planning on staying on this med? You don't have to answer.

Adrianne,
Just call your doc and tell him how you are feeling, and he will tell you if that is normal for he drug you are taking.

quote:

Originally posted by jes:
[qb] There's got to be another way besides drugs.. Too many side effects. [/qb]

I would have agreed with you many years ago, but having just gone back on zoloft, I have to share my story.
I went to a counselor, and told him I didnt want to kill myself, but wouldnt be upset if I died in an accident. He gave me #'s to call for people he knew who were qualified to prescribe anti-depressants. (He had two in mind for me, but couldnt prescribe) Ultimately, I went to my own MD, and told her what the counselor said. She trusted his opinion and gave me a prescription. It was either zoloft or paxil, and paxil you have to be careful with. They say it takes two weeks to kick in, but I think I felt better just knowing I was taking something. I had some side effects, but that was easier to deal with than feeling like wanting to die. I stopped it after some time, and then recently had started to feel that I would be better off dead. So, I called and have just started taking it again. It just takes the edge off. It makes it easier to deal with what I have to. My counselor told me that I would be ok, if I stayed away from negative people. Unfortunately, I cant not talk to my daughters father, and he is a real thorn in my side. I know if I didnt have to deal with him anymore, I would be able to deal. I'm hoping this time around I can get motivated to exercise, and figure out some way that I wont be bothered so much by my ex. You gotta do what you gotta do. Hope all works out well for you A.

After years of anti-depressant/anxiety meds I think I have tried them all. My doctor swears that if I work out EVERY day that I would not need them. Too laxy to find out. Effexor had me spaced out and sleepy. I also gained weight. I am on wellbutrin now and have alot more energy. I am going to do research on yours, because I have never heard of it.

I've heard about zoloft and paxil - I'd stay away from paxil too. I don't know too much about zoloft but I think Grammy's doctor has a point. Excercise - and hey, toss in some healthier diet, being that I'm on this whole diet trend.

If someone said to me that they wanted to die, I wouldn't start off by prescribing medication. Intensive therapy perhaps. There's always a better alternative to drugs.

Sorry. I'm not a fan. But you're right, you do what you got to do. If it's working for you, then I'm glad.

Jes,
As I mentioned, a few years ago, I would have totally agreed with you. (That was when I was eating healthy, and exercising a lot- Also before I became a single mother, w/ a SOB ex). A friend of mine back then was taking paxil, and I was horrified. Have you ever seen the commercials for zoloft? Its like this sad little rock looking like thing, and it explains symptoms of depression. Depression is a chemical imbalance in the brain, and taking zoloft balances it. When I feel better, then it is easier to get back into the good habits. When you feel like death is better, its a lot harder to get yourself up and do good things for yourself. Oh, I also take it for anxiety, which I get every time I have to deal with my ex. Before I first went on it, I was hyperventilating, it got so bad. My palms got sweaty, my heart pounded. My stomach felt like it was coiled up. Constant stress is not good for the body either. I did tell my ex what his behavior was doing to me, but I think he thought, "Good." He hates me, and he doesnt care!!
I did continue to go to therapy after I started taking it, and my counselor could tell the difference in me. Right now though, I just cant afford it, and I make just above the limit to get any "extra" help. I have insurance, and they only allow you 6 visits per year. Yeah, like that is going to solve these problems.

Well I'm glad it's working out for you. Who's to say if I were in your position, I wouldn't be taking it myself. I'm glad at least that SOMEONE is saying that it's made a positive effect on their life.

I hope I didn't offend.

Hey sane one, I understand the anxiety. Sometimes I can see my heart beating so hard I think I am going to die. I tried to get off everything, but it was too much. It does not make you a weak person. Trying to explain anxiety/depression like we suffer to someone who doesn't have this problem is difficult, if not impossible. They will never understand, and I am glad for them. I would not wish this on my worst enemy. Exercise helps, but some of us are just wired differently. My entire family (Dad's side) suffers from this. This generation has tried medications instead of alcohol,drugs, or even suicide. You can follow it back so many generations. The alcohol issues, or downers (valium, etc) are legion in my family. I don't drink or use drugs (illegal) to self medicate. I have been in therapy, but really don't need to cover anymore issues after 15-20 yrs. I am a healthy, happy, successful person on my medication. Just a little chunky. (OK, maybe I use food a little lol) I will get the extra weight off, but right now I don't feel like I am going to die. I wish I didn't have to take medication, but it better than the alternative.