[Solved] anti depressants, how long do they take to work?

It's a long slog mate most peeps think it's an easy fix but it can take weeks if not months to kick in, most of the people I have met said they wish they never started off on them as they become addictive then when you try and stop you get depressed so it's a vicious cycle I got prescribed them when all my [censored] started and everyone advised me against it including a couple of people off this site.

I binned all mine and never bothered to take them and started eating well sleeping well and started doing excersise I can't stress enough how excersise works it does wonders especially running and hitting the weights.

I gave up weed fags and drink too that helped 10 fold.

I think they work better for some people than others. Heard good and bad things to be honest. My experience of them was quite positive when my marriage broke down. What helped me more though was counselling, having someone to talk to that wasn't invested in my situation. Have you considered doing that?

Hopefully once the Mediation and court dates have been finalised and you know what's happening, that might help too. Sending positive thoughts your way 🙂

You will defo feel better once you know whats cooking thats when I keep slipping into a hole when I haven't a clue whats going on, my heart goes out to you man.

thanks guys, yeah I was undecided and resisted them for some time but in the end got them to see if they give me some form of emotional platform to not get so upset.. I realise its situational and your right its the uncertainty that compounds it. that's what put me off them, the theory that when the situation improves so does the mood but im not at that stage yet although im hopeful soon.

Its a double edged sword, you keep yourself to yourself, you get down. You go out and everyone's drinking. I had a few drinks on sat, not much but felt so anxious yesterday, im not doing that again.

I tried the exercise thing last week, went to play football. Couldn't believe it. Even when playing I was thinking about it constantly. At 1 point I was away to take a shot which I did and even at the point of striking the ball was still thinking about it. I gave up after 40 mins or so.

I realise that the constant exercise theme would help but im at the stage where I don't have the energy. I suppose I just have to force myself. I was going to join the gym. Trouble is, im scared my ex wife will want half of the results, like everything else. I think If I reduced my body fat content by 20%, id get a lawyers letter saying she wanted 10%.

Heya matey, the answer to your question is usually 6 weeks in most cases. It will vary and some people it may take 3 months. Other conditions like anxiety and panic attacks respond to beta blockers pretty quickly - days (int that you are less aware of the racing pounding heart).

Like the others sensibly suggest - 1 hour of exercise probably releases as many happy hormones as an antidepressant.

Make sure you also adapy your life, cut caffeine late in the day, consider decaf. SPEAKING to people is as good as antidepressants - and thats medically proven.

One alternative to tablets is cognitive behaviour therapy. If you find the pills aint doing it or you would prefer getting to the route of the problem contact your GP and speak to them about a referral for CBT.

Chin up son - things do get better but it is a stormy course a head. If you mentally brace yourself that things will only get better you have a great starting point. In the space of 6 months I had gone from no contact for 3 months to overnight stays for a 1 and 3 yo so there is hope for everyone. You only have to read some of the excellent stories on this site.

BW

Haha....at least you've still retained a sense of humour, however accurate that might be 😀

Be kind to yourself and give yourself time. You're doing all the right things for you and your son, he's lucky to have you fighting for his right to a relationship with you. Let us know how you get on with the Mediation.

From experience I can say that if you are still feeling the same now, after having taken them for some weeks, a trip back to your GP might be wise.
He can give you a different anti-depressant or up the dosage on your current medication.
Depression can be brought on by stress, emotional upheaval and trauma and often happens
when the brain simply doesn't produce certain chemicals anymore.
To help "kick start" the production you take anti- depressants.
Most people take them for 6 months before slowly and with GP guidance coming off them and they are fine.
Unfortunately I am not one of those lucky ones but I manage quite well on my medication....
LnH has also had anti-depressants and beta blockers and copes well with his medication too.
They don't magic your problems away, they are no miracle cure and as far as I know ( mine aren't ) are
not addictive.
Counselling is a very good suggestion too.
You have nothing to loose and everything to gain by speaking to your GP

Take care
Kirsten

I have to say that Slim and 1626 have pretty much the same take on this as I do……….i went to the docs as I was starting to become just way too quick tempered with people around me (family, friends and colleagues) telling my boss to “stick his urgent job up his [censored]” with the other dozen urgent jobs he’d piled on me that week just told me enough was enough and I needed to get help.

I walked out the office, drove straight up to the docs….broke down in tears in front of the nicest lady doctor and explained everything.
She signed me off work for a month…..gave me a prescription and booked me in to talk with a lovely lady councillor……
I can say this that I’m not sure the tablets helped at all…..but I felt so much better talking with the councillor lady…….
Its about that time that I discovered this site and I can’t tell you how helpful this has been to know that I’m not alone and I could vent off and get some very good advice from people who have gone through exactly what I was at the time.

Best advice I could give you is to find ways to occupy your time…..if you have any hobbies or fancy trying out something new then do it….anything that helps take your mind off things for a few hours or helps tire you out a bit and help you rest/sleep is a good thing.

I’ve always played golf but finances made it so difficult at the time….but I had a mountain bike and always biked for pleasure local parks etc… but I started going out with a mate who biked “proper mountain biking” trails / peaks etc… tires you out well and gets you fitter!

Above all don’t bottle it up inside, talk to someone about it….someone not in the middle or biased to you….it can help…..it doesn’t feel like it will ever end but you’ll find small victories (truth wins over lies eventually) and these little victories in your fight will help lift you……I know right now it doesn’t feel it but it does eventually!
Took me over 3yrs….but winning battles in year 2 of it made things improve….the truth finally coming out and her being shown for what she really was in year 2&3 just picked me right up off my [censored] and gave me belief again.

I realise that the constant exercise theme would help but im at the stage where I don't have the energy. I suppose I just have to force myself. I was going to join the gym. Trouble is, im scared my ex wife will want half of the results, like everything else. I think If I reduced my body fat content by 20%, id get a lawyers letter saying she wanted 10%.

That's great made me laugh Lol

I would mirror what has been said above, there are different forms of anti depressent and not all work in the same way, so go back and speak to your doctor and discuss options of different types I'm sure they will be able to help.

GTTS

thanks guys, ill heed your advice. I am down to see a councillor and got told last week i'm near the top of the list and should hear soon. I've got so much on, court imminent again, the financial side of things, pressure of work, limited contact for no reason.

Above all else, my heart truly breaks for the most beautiful wee boy I have ever known.. Like everyone on here for a similar reason, the pain is simply indescribable. I just pray that my next court date grants us the time together he deserves. I love him so much.

Hi BD,

Antidepressants vary from drug to drug and dosage regarding how long they take to work.

If you have been taking them for five weeks and have noticed no improvement in your mood then you really need to pop back to see you GP. They maybe able up the strength or try you on a different type.

You may find that you can also get Counselling or Cognitive behavioural therapy to compliment the Antidepressants.

Keep taking.

Gooner