Personal Experiences with Antidepressants: What They Did for Me

During my journey with depression, I've been on a variety of antidepressants. Each one had its own unique impact on my well-being, some better than others. In this article, I will share my firsthand experience with different medications and explain how they affected my life.

My Antidepressant Journey

I was initially diagnosed with anxiety, which effectively turned into depression two months later. After several trials, I documented my experiences with different medications. Here's what I've learned.

Imipramine: Dry Mouth, Blurred Vision, and Rash

My first medication, Imipramine, wasn't a pleasant experience. I experienced dry mouth, blurred vision, and a rash. Thankfully, I discontinued it after just a week.

Paroxetine: Filthy Headaches

Paroxetine was another tough one. The filthy headaches were unbearable, and I couldn't tolerate the medication. Unfortunately, it was one of my least favorite.

Fluoxetine: Short-Term Dizziness

Fluoxetine caused dizziness for a couple of weeks. After it wore off, I decided to stay on it for a while. It proved to be a valuable ally.

Sertraline: Same As Above

Fluoxetine and Sertraline had similar effects, causing me dizziness. Although uncomfortable, I kept taking them for a while. It was a mixed experience.

Venlafaxine: Light Headed and Nausea

Venlafaxine made me feel light-headed and nauseous. The effects were tough to manage, but I endured them for a short time.

Lithium: Heavy Feeling in the Head

When I took Lithium, I felt as though my head was full of bricks. The heaviness was intense and frightening. Ultimately, I discontinued it.

L-Tryptophan: Same As Others

My experience with L-Tryptophan followed a similar pattern to the other medications. I couldn't remember the specific effects, but it was uncomfortable.

Reboxetine: Similar Side Effects

Reboxetine had similar side effects to the other medications, making it another tough trial. Thankfully, Mirtazapine has been a turnaround for me.

Citalopram: Nausea

Citalopram caused me nausea. I found it quite challenging to handle, and I avoided it.

Quetiapine: Drowsiness and ECG Changes

Quetiapine made me feel drowsy and ultimately had to be stopped due to ECG changes. It was a short, but not altogether positive experience.

Mirtazapine: The Best Experience

Mirtazapine was the best antidepressant experience I've had. Initially, I felt drowsy, but I stuck with it for around 7 years. My current psychiatrist hasn't discontinued it yet, proving its effectiveness.

Levothyroxine: Mood Stabilizer

I am currently on Levothyroxine as a mood stabilizer. It's helping me manage my mental health, but no other medication can surpass the benefits of Mirtazapine.

Vortioxetine: Initial Rough Patch

My first three weeks on Vortioxetine were tough due to nausea. However, it has since worn off and I'm still taking it. It's a significant improvement compared to my other experiences.

A Personal Note: Medication and Life

Several types of antidepressants didn't suit me well, including Imipramine, Paroxetine, Lithium, L-Tryptophan, and Reboxetine. They caused a range of unpleasant side effects such as nausea, drowsiness, and unusual emotions like heaviness in the head. However, Mirtazapine was the standout choice, providing a significant improvement and helping me maintain stability for years.

Mirtazapine not only stabilized my depression and anxiety but also allowed me to live my life with a sense of continuity. I can still struggle with episodes, but it's not as overwhelming as before.

My journey with depression and anxiety taught me that medication is just one part of the solution. Medication helped me through tough times, but therapy and counseling were equally important. Talking about my feelings and working through them objectively made a substantial difference.

Ultimately, everyone’s experience with antidepressants is different. I encourage you to try various options and find what works best for you. Whether it's medication, therapy, or a combination of both, it's crucial to find the support that helps you thrive. Embrace the process and never hesitate to seek help when needed.