depression after pain meds

[Teresa1717]

So ive been having a lot of depression since coming off pain meds and its been really hindering my day to day living in a lot of ways. So i saw the Dr today (at the urging of my therapist)  and he said in suffering from PTSD and depression and suggested some medication!  I hear horror stories from people here about antidepressants so i wanted to get feed back from people on the 3 types he suggested.

He suggested either Zoloft, Lexapro or Effexor. And in conjunction with those he also mentioned risperidol?

Anyways, im obviously nervous but need something because my mind scares me lately so any help/feedback/advice would be great!

Thanks!

[Teresa1717]

My knee has kept me from running fort a while but I am looking forward to getting back into that! It may be just what I need!

Thanks Devilmeds for the info, but now unfortunately I cant take it since I started on Zoloft but I will keep that in mind if this doesnt work!! :)

Porvida-Thank you! I will check it out too!!

[ricart70]

Thanks por.I buy and sell books and have had that book before but never read it.I'll have to check it out.

[DevilMeds]

5HTP works wonders for me! I was on Prozac for 15 years and my new PCP doctor took me off. I started with the up and down mood swings, depression and all that fun stuff. I did some research and found that many people swear by 5HTP. It's a natural supplement and is cheap! I started taking it about a month ago and it does work! My mood is very stable, no ups and downs, and I basically feel good! For the cost, it's worth a try! It will take several weeks before you notice a difference so keep that in mind. I also bought the 200mg time release tabs.

Best wishes to you!

[PorVida]

I have been reading a book called Spark by John J. Ratey.  It is a discussion of the new research showing the relationship between exercise and the brain.  It is interesting because the studies are showing that hard exercise is having better results in treating peoples depression, anxiety and other mental health issues than medications.

Since I have been in recovery, I have found that when I do not exercise my depression, mood, anxiety and cravings are much more severe than when I am spending time exercising.  My last relapse I attribute to the fact that I stopped exercising for a week.

Maybe check it out, it has helped my mindset

[ricart70]

I also run every day and it is the single most important thing I do for my mood and for recovery...yes recovery. I know that every time anyone even mentions it in meetings it's followed up with someone who has some coffee and cig fueled sobriety piping up and always they say the same thing "well,exercise is great but it won't help this that etc.." My view is that the brain is a part of the body and what is good for the body,exercising,eating right,etc.has to be good for the brain. Anyway,I got off track.Hope you feel better soon and glad you are taking something for your mood.I have been on zoloft before and had very little trouble coming off of it other than some slight ear ringing.

[Teresa1717]

Hey all my wonderful MH friends! Ive gotten a few PM's  on this thread and how Im feeling etc, so I wanted to update all you guys who were so great in giving advice and support.

First off, I have had the flu and near death (ok maybe not but it sure felt like it! LOL) and I know I havent been around much lately. Mostly because of the depression (lost alot of interest in doing ANYTHING) but more recently because of the flu. So im sorry to those of you who think I have dropped off the face of the earth or relapsed (again). I in fact am still on the planet, and I am still sober since my last relapse.

Ok, so as far as the depression. I just started taking the Zoloft today. I didnt want to take it while I was sick for some reason but I know that was probably silly because I was told that the AD takes 2 weeks to start working?? Is that true??? God, Having to deal through this depression anymore does not make me happy but I guess i dont have a choice.

My therapist is very on board with my taking them and thinks longterm might be good for me. She said she is unable to say if this is chronic depression (because I have self medicated for SO many years) or situational but regardless, I am depressed and need a life preserver as she calls it! hahaha

I did a little exercising today and that felt great! I do think part of my depression has been because I havent been able to run for a few months now, so now that I am ok'd to do that, I am going to force myself to do at least a walk everyday so Im hoping that will help too.

Anyways, sorry this is so long lol I just wanted to let everyone know and also thank everyone again for all their help and support!!

If someone could answer though on how long the zoloft started to work for them, that would be great!!

[nbhope]

I take welbutrin because its the only one that didnt give me major side effects. I too am having depression issues and I have PTDS. The nice thing no withdrawls either and I even took while I was pregnet. Hope things get better for you!

[conhall]

I think after reading all you post about how you have been feeling You are making a good choice and you are also reaching out for advice and support and making a decision that is right for you. There are no right or wrong answers when it comes to this. You Must do what is best for you:)
Good luck to you and stay positive about it and I am hoping the zoloft works good for you. One of my coworkers has been on zoloft for 2 months and what a Difference it has made she is back to herself again and it shows:)
Keep your head up Girl You will get thru this and I am sending you lots of support!

[LeaAnn807]

Good move!  And when I got pregnant with my first daughter, I was on Zoloft, and I stopped it the day I found out.  Zero side effects!  NONE!  Didn't taper at all.  I was on 50 or 100 mg a day, can't remember which, and I stopped with no problem.  Well, other than morning sickness that lasted all day long and for 9 months! LOL but that's a different story!

[Teresa1717]

I just wanted to thank everyone again for all your helpful advice, tips, support and information!! I think I am going to give the Zoloft a chance. I have done some research on it and after hearing from many of you how it was helpful, I think thats the route for me.

I am going to talk to My Dr. A little more about it (being on it short term vs. Long term) and what if any side effects I will have once I decide to come off it but I will go ahead and start this soon. I am NOT going to take the risperidol though. I definitely dont want to mess with that drug after reading up on it!!

Anyways, just wanted to update ya'll! :)

[weaver71]

As one who has never taken ADs, and who has taken drugs since the age of 11, "riding it out" has not been easy. I have no idea who I am or what I am really like. I don't know if it was PAWS or if I have PTSD from some of my experiences, but time was not enough for me to feel the way I have begun to feel lately. Without counseling, group talk therapy, working the 12 steps, reading books on recovery, and basically making Higher Power awareness, self-awareness and growth the center of my every moment, I would not have ever recovered to this point. I still have a long ways to go at a mere 6 months clean, but I am progressing. I know that there are real clinical disorders that should be treated with meds. I was diagnosed bipolar at about 20 and I have some stories that have made many encourage me to medicate. Because I haven't really been sober much since I grew hair on my parts, I wanted to make sure that I am treating a genuine disease other than addiction and my desire to escape. I still have bipolar episodes, but the recovery tools are also working on making me aware of how to cope with the depression. I'm waiting for a year clean before I take anything but good nutrition, exercise, and advice. But like Connie said, there is no "wrong road," it is very personal and I have already had to change my program many times just to stay afloat. Today, I am glad I don't have to take any kind of pill and hope I continue to feel that way, time will tell. As I mentioned above, as long as I don't find myself making specific plans to harm myself, I will find other ways than pills to deal with whatever comes my way. Upon my request, I have people watching me that are willing to confront me if they notice or hear anything that is self-destructive. I can't rely on myself. Again, this is not advice. I am merely baring witness to the choices and outcomes in my experience. I'm not sure if I have "normal symptoms" or what normal in any sense is. I'm creating my own normal. People encouraged me to think back on a time when I was sober and happy. Well, I was a little boy in a pretty mixed up world. The gun fights where exciting to me at 9, but I can't think of them as the clear and happy times. I used to really enjoy stealing dynamite from my dad and blowing things up, but I can't say that's a normal childhood hobby. I don't know if I can work all of my life out without any kind of medication. I'm giving it a chance anyway. I'll continue to let you know how it goes. I really relate to this post, I'm glad you're laying your struggles out on the table. You make me feel less alone, thank you.

[Ben727]

Edit: Sorry, I wanted to say that I HAVE had issues with motivation too :) But not from feeling depressed. Some days I would be very happy to just sit on the couch watching movies. But that's not really an option for me, and pressing on is way more difficult than it used to be.

[Ben727]

Hey, I'm at about six month clean and I honestly haven't had any depression or issues like you describe. If I were you I'd take steps to address how you're feeling. It's not the taking of drugs that's a problem (I take Advil every now and then, for instance) it's addictive behavior. Maybe get a second opinion from another doctor? Whatever you do, don't leave this untreated!

[Teresa1717]

I can run again (lightly) but here in lies the problem Connie, I have lost ALL motivation to do anything that I enjoy! This is NOT like me and Thats why I went to see my Dr and am hoping with the info I get here that I can make an informed decision!

As always, Thanks for your comments, Definitely lots of info!! :)

[clean_in_ks]

In your shoes....right now after reading what you just wrote above....for today.....I'd start taking Lexapro.  It's faster acting, fewer side effects and worked much better for me than Zoloft.
There is no "wrong road".....it will fork, or you can turn around and travel down another.  You can "bing" zoloft vs. lexapro and find others besides me (ha, of course!) that have taken both zoloft and lexapro and read their experiences and comments.
Personally, for me, I did have more side effects from zoloft; it took longer for me to notice any difference once I started taking it and it also stopped being effective for me at some point in time.  Same thing happened to 3 family members that took it. (strangely, we all felt lessened benefits when we were switched to generic zoloft)  I had the absolute best results while on Lexapro.  I didn't stop taking it for any negative reasons.....couldn't afford it is all.
As littlebit commented above, apparently Lexapro has now gone generic.

As many have shared, they took one AD or another for a short time and weaned off of it when the time was right for them.  What could it hurt?  If you don't reap benefits.....you can change your plan.  

I know I mentioned this b4, but when you are able to start running again that will help you immensely, too.  When I first met you.....I couldn't believe you were out their running with so few days clean.....you always sounded so good when you posted after a run.  I was green w/envy Hahaha!

Bless you girl~

[Teresa1717]

HI everyone! Im finally on my computer (instead of my shattered phone) and can read what great info you ALL gave.

Let me elaborate a little because a few of you touched on this. As far as if I was depressed BEFORE pills or not, I honestly can not answer that! I have been addicted to pills for 13 years and before that I was an alcoholic or smoking cocaine or doing anything else I could get my hands on. So, How would one know if they have been depressed their whole lives if their whole lives they have always "self" medicated?? This is the problem I am having! I do know one thing. I have PTSD which has not been addressed for a long time and I think certainly affects this.

Now with that said, Since  stopping pain meds (and after the "pink cloud" landed) I have been HORRIBLY depressed! To the point of completely isolating again, loss of interest in EVERYTHING, Having panic attacks, lashing out in anger at loved ones, having momentary thoughts that it would be "ok" if I didnt wake up.  SO my questions to all of you guys who have answered, and especially ones who didnt go on AD's and just "rode it out", did you have these same types of feelings? Were these normal symptoms when coming off pills? If so how long did you have THESE symptoms?? Could this be associated with PAWS???

I really dont want to go on an AD to be honest! I want to live live free of all drugs but my depression right now has me feeling like I am in quick sand. But if everyones thoughts on this is that it might just pass with some more time or may be PAWS then I may hold off?

I dont know. I just know, the things in my head scare me and I feel like im struggling to stay afloat!

Hope this little bit of information helps so you can give me more feedback

[conhall]

Hi Teresa, I took effexor after I had my youngest I was really sick medical issues and the anxiety was debilitating. I had a serious issue after I had Csection I had a Pulmonary embolism and almost died, I was in ICU for 2 weeks I was a Mess, so I was always worried after I went home , I was going to get another one ever ache or pain. I would freak out and I cried all the time. :( It was a long year,and also  I was on Blood thinners to prevent another Clot for 4 years and the effexor for almost a year . And It did help me alot BUT when it was time to come off it I got BRAIN ZAPS literally It was like ZAP ZAP ZAP But It went away within a couple of weeks no issues after that. But while I was on it I could feel the calmness It gave me.  I Hope this helps you.

[Andie015]

Sweetheart....I feel your pain.  Please don't let this get you down but i just came clean to my husband about all of the terrible stuff I did during my month long rock bottom and he reacted totally not like I thought he would...he was actually pissed!  I know our situations are not the same but the bottom line is...sadness and depression.  You can get through this...no matter what medication you start. You are a wonderful person...I don't know you personally but I know in my heart you are a great person...I just want you to feel better.  Whatever you take I hope it helps you ...stay strong girl,...

[SunnysideUP27]

I agree with clean in ks on this one.  I read about paws and let me tell you knowledge is power.  I a, almost 8 months clean and still have those off days.  With out knowledge e about paws I would have thought I was going crazy.  I mean 8 months to me sounds like a long time. Why do u think so many ppl relapse at 6 or nine months and a year.  Bc  our brains are still healing. Crazy right.  But ya google paws (post acute withdrawal syndrome) I've read 50 google pages lol.  But it talks about the depression , anxiety short term memory, loss , lethargy... And ways to work with them.  I still have down days but have a system that helps me not only get through a bad day, but turn it into a great day.  So do some homework. It's an interesting topic.  

[dominosarah]

It takes TIME to get thru this Teresa.  The ideal situation would be to just ride this out but only you can determine that.

[clean_in_ks]

Isnt it weird....a shattered phone screen.....and bam....you're cut off (albeit temporarily) haha!  The other night I went into a complete panic attack cause Internet Explorer was NOT working!  I was CUT OFF.....from all of you at MH!!  It felt like someone had pinched the oxygen tube.....LOL

[Teresa1717]

Thank you everyone for your responses! Unfortunately my phone screen shattered and i can't read everything lol so i will read these all very carefully when i can. Just didn't want u guys to think i had vanished :)

[littlebit667]

Lexapro has gone generic.  It is no longer the most expensive AD on the block.  I just wanted to share if cost is an issue.

[weaver71]

This is not advice, but a testimony. I was told by many that I should take something or another, from ADs to going back on subutex. As a matter of fact, I've been encouraged to take something for bipolar disorder since I was about 20. You know how I have struggled at times. I mean, I thought I was going insane or having a nervous breakdown. I made the decision that if i ever had serious thoughts of harming myself I'd take a drug. I had to keep close watch on myself for that first four months, but through counseling and talking to sober friends and a sponsor, I found that I had breakthroughs that have slowly healed my thinking and feelings. Don't get me wrong, I came close to taking something, but I realized I was just being down on myself and my situation. I had times of self-doubt and lack of interest in caring for myself even, though I didn't want to die. Like a fish on land, I flopped around until I landed in the water. I have my moments still. I have found that each time I overcome a difficult time that a new memory of coping gave me hope and strength for the next problem to be solved. Again, I would never encourage someone to not listen to a doctor, this is not advice. I simply understand how you feel, I think, and wanted to share.