Thoughts on antidepressant?

[Freejen]

Hello MH Angels! I have made it through 11 days. Starting to feel better. Had to put my beloved chihuahua down my first day of detox, she had respiratory failure and treatments didn't work. I had a tooth pulled and developed an infection....but NO Vicodin! My heart is broken obviously over my dog, and feeling down. That's part of the reason I started the Vicodin, they gave me energy and made me feel good. I know feeling down is part of the process. I have no motivation and pretty blue. I have been getting out and doing things, mostly going to the doctor! But doing all the normal stuff again, grocery, laundry, etc. My doc wants to start an antidepressant. I was wondering y'all's thoughts are starting one at this point. Is it too soon, do I need to let things be for a bit? Thanks for any advice. I may not post but I read everyday, following everyone's successes, advice and support. I was going to go to a meeting tonight but it's iced over and snowing heavily. I have not been yet, today was the first day since day 3 of detox I haven't had a fever. I know meetings will help and they are on the to do list! I am thinking of you all as I watchtower he snow fall. Sending lots of light and love out to all. Especially to those of you in your first days and hours, sending hope and hugs, it gets so much better. To my Angels who have helped me get through this, I cannot thank you enough for the constant support. This is truly an amazing place, you all help people every single day. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.

[Pits253]

Pss. Lol. A puppy is prob way better then any AD u could ever get

[Pits253]

Ps. I had to put my dog of 11 years down last summer also I feel your pain. She truly was my best friend. Not to be a jerk but just think of the excitement of getting a new puppy one day and creating a new and great relationship with them ::::))))))))

[Pits253]

I'm no expert but a pill is a pill is a pill!!!! Stay tuff and don't start taking them. My sister died last summer from pain pills / Xanax. I miss her everyday

[Emily_MHManager]

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[tooter212]

Mommydogbaby, I can understand your pain, my heart breaks for you. It would be nice if you adopted  a shelter dog. Save it's life. It would be forever grateful to you. you could do this in your baby's memory. I pray for your healing. God bless

[Mommydogbaby]

I lost my Chihuahua August 9, 2012 she was 9 years and 3 mos old when she died that morning. I could not talk, look at her pictures, go down a dog area in a store, or even work for 6 mos. She died of congestive heart failure she was 4LBS and mostly white with some fawn color on her body.  She slept with me and my wife, went to stores, restaurants when we had the money and everywhere we went she went in her little bag. I really believed God was going to heal her and He knew I would not have her put down even though I was selfish near her end and should have. I purchased a stethoscope to listen to her heart of how bad it was getting and I will never forget her heartbeat sound, never in my head and heart forever that sound of her heart beating away madly. I was so mad at God for over a year and wondered why He would not divinely heal a little dog for me. That morning He took her in my wife;s arms because I said to God when Dar got out of the bed with Mommy dog and I was still laying in bed "if you are not going to heal her maybe it would be better if you took her home" 10 mins later Dar came in the bedroom and said she was dieing and she died in Dar's arms and I seen her die and felt her little heart stop I am crying out of my mind right now....I count the days every day since she died 1 year and 177 days ago and wish God would take me out also I want to be with her I can't stand this life no more and the pain meds I am on make me forget somewhat about her. I am disabled and have PTSD and it is blown out of the roof since Mommy dog died I would give anything to have her back anything......forgive me you all but it still hurts so badddd I even went to hospice grieving groups not telling the group it was a dog that died....I will never be over her and 80 percent of me died with her August 9, 2012 bye you all

[VICourageous]

No..I think most DR think we used substances for some kind of Depression..In my 40 years off and on I just liked to party..hahaha So they like to give out the AD so it can underline some of the Addiction issue..There is no magic pill that will work for this Brain Disease. Just a lot of Support and Choice not do go down that road. There are so many Drs that also think if we became a Addict that we are Bipolar. I just know that I can take each and every Substance I used and can come up with good & bad why I did this. BUT I never thought about being depressed. Always been a happy person. I am now depressed because of all of my crisis and not running to get high to escape, but it is normal to go through a bad grieving state. Mine just comes in clusters all at once. The only thing that this AD med is doing right now is I am not crying as much. BUT I will not be on it for ever. I like a clear head and not feel flat line..lol Just my Opinion..We all are different. lol

[jethro733]

Dear goodness, they actually prescribe AD's just so you won't relapse?  That sounds like prescribing a relapse to stop a relapse.  Coming off AD's sounds terrible.  For the people around you it sounds worse than opiates on a side note.

Excuse me for not realizing that ViC.  I really wasn't aware that was something they are prescribed for.  I don't agree with it, but that's only my opinion.

[jethro733]

Yeah, I do realize that in specific cases Anti-depressant's can be and are helpful.  Don't get me wrong on that one :)  This is Jen's specific case though and everyone suggesting that AD's are great are forgetting that they are making recommendations based on their own personal experience rather than the individual who actually asked for advice in the first place.

In her case description so far there is nothing to suggest that AD's would be a good idea.  

[VICourageous]

I do agree with you in that since. I waited for about my 8-9 and took it for a couple of weeks and stop it because I liked my Brain Healing..But then in my 16 Month I have lost 3 loved ones in one month and my Mom will be dead any day as I watch this..So I guess it depends on what we are going through and who needs it at the time..BUT I do agree with letting the Brain heal a bit and feeling real emotions as long as you do not run back to the drugs or booze because of these emotions we are not used too. That is where a AD med can help a bit..
Bless

[jethro733]

Erm, guys.

She is on day eleven (twelve now) of detox.  She has not mentioned ever having any history with depression.  She has just lost her dog.

Are you all insane?  

Anti-depressants for that is madness.

[OpenMind24hours]

Dog is God spelled backwards, and I think that whoever came up with the name Dog for our beloved friends was thinking that would be the perfect name for them. I'm so very sorry for the loss of your best friend and loyal companion. The modern ADs really help us. I have seen ADs work miracles in people's lives, especially in my immediate family. I hope you feel better soon.

[jugglin]

I am currently on Zoloft.  Is it possible that this AD works so well because I am off opiates? Yes, absolutely. I will say though that I tried AD's off and on before my addiction and found no relief. I completely agree that everybody is different but for me I feel better than I have I years. Wishing u nothing but the best!

[dominosarah]

I am so sorry to hear about your baby~The tears will dry at some point and you will be able to think about her and smile.  I know the pain you are feeling and it is the worst.  Just make sure to let yourself feel the emotions you have going thru the grieving process.  She is running free at the Rainbow Bridge with my beagle and cat.  They are taking good care of her and showing her the ropes~

As for the AD meds....I would start on something right away.  Many here have done that and it has helped.

[guitrldy]

So sorry to hear about your dog.  You have really had a lot to deal with along with stopping pain meds.  I was wondering if you think you had depressive episodes at other times in your life.  Because I tend to agree with others who point out all these losses and pain could certainly make anyone depressed.  I know my doctor & I kept trying different antidepressants.  But now that I stopped the pain meds, I sense depression for now is better.  You may find the same to be true...and add to that all the bad weather and staying inside you have had to do.  I would agree trying to let your brain heal seems wisest for now.  And your grieving is totally to be expected.  Best regards..

[Jimmy1975]

I am so sorry about you losing your little angel . Kiki will always be with you as long as you remember her .       As for you question about ADs I have been taking Lexapro and it seems to be working . Been on Effexor but didn't help this tim . It is always hit anb miss with antidepressants . Always ! Peace Jimmy

[jethro733]

It sounds a bit premature to get AD's at eleven days,  depression is a normal part of the withdrawal process.  You still won't be close to producing your normal levels of endorphins, let alone other imbalances like vitamins etc.  Making your body healthy is the sanest way to go about sorting you mind out.  Assess the situation again once your body is back on track.  

[Freejen]

Thank you for all the kind words, I miss my Kiki terribly. She was the sweetest girl, all she wanted was love. And a few treats :) I loved her so.

[tooter212]

My heart breaks for you and ViCourageous! To lose a pet is one of the hardest things to go through. I don't know what to say. My prayers are with you both. God Bless

[Pat1956100]

What AD are you on jugglin?

[jugglin]

Hi Freejin. I have been on several anti-depressants over the years. I often felt like they were a waste of time and coming off of them was an entirely different withdrawal than opiates - worse in many ways. However, my GP finally found the right AD for me at the right dose and it has made a world of difference.   I truly believe they have saved me over the past few months...I feel better than ever.  I am not numb and I notice a change for the first time with an anti-depressant.  Finding the right AD at the right dose is a process....kind of like finding the right program or therapist.  I wish you nothing but the very best. Hugs to you!

[VICourageous]

Oh Dear Girl..My Heart breaks for you regarding your Dog. I still cry every night at a certain time over mine I had to put down about 28 days ago..Going through your detox is bad enough. I would differently talk to the DR about a AD med at this time..It is no miracle drug, but when Life gets very Hurtful we need something to lean on. For me I used to go and get drunk or high when my life came crashing with Deaths. So I did start the Celexa for awhile. Do some research on all the different ones. One shoe does not fit all when it comes to these types of meds. And as you know many hit different areas of the Brain..This one I have is only a Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor. I wish you peace and well-being throughout your Journey.
Bless

[Pat1956100]

Hi Jen.
Congrats on pushing through despite everything else you have had to deal with.
When my husband was in the hospital, I got close to some of his nurses.  They told me I should go on AD's.  I asked my doctor and he put me on Paxil and when that didn't work he put me on Effexor.  I didn't notice any difference so I went back to my doctor again wanting something that worked.
He told me that AD's were for people who had no reason to be depressed and yet still were depressed.  You know, the woman who has the perfect home, perfect husband, perfect kids, yet was still depressed.
Personally I think they should just be slapped, lol.
I am still on Effexor and don't even know if it is doing anything but I know I was severely depressed for a long time and I am feeling much better.
Effexor is brutal to come off of so I hope to attempt a taper when I have my life stabilized.

IMO you have reason to be feeling blue right now.  Losing your pet is a HUGE reason.  Detoxing from opiates is another.
I would give it a little bit more time if I were you.