Teenage Antidepressant questions

[CJB1337]

Well basically my problem is posted in this thread http://www.medhelp.org/posts/show/502947

And my doctor has come to the conclusion that my problem is largely stress related, and even though I strongly disagree, there is a portion of my problem that is now affected by anxiety ie, my ability to go out and do stuff in environments where a panic attack associated with breathing discomfort would be a problem.  I figure I might as well humor him so I could at least get back into the swing of things and return to normal life.

He seems to think that although I'm a teenager my personality is one that wouldn't put me at risk for "suicidal behavior", problem I've found so far is that I have a predisposed "Fear" of taking them just because I don't really know how it's going to make me feel and based off of horror stories on the internet, this fear doesn't seem far fetched.

Regardless, I've tried Effexor, first day had flu like side effects and stopped it
Tried Paxil awhile later and the first few days went well, and then the first day that I was on it home alone I just had a super bad panic attack so I stopped that as well.

Now my doctor prescribed me xoloft and I guess Ill start taking that soon.

My question is, what are your guys' thoughts on this, and can you provide me any support? Haha.
Also, is there any antidepressant that would be "good" for a teenager?

Thanks in advance.

[CJB1337]

day 5, this ***** ****.

[CJB1337]

Oh and just a few more questions, how long can I expect the side effects to last, and how long before I start feeling the effect of the anti-depressant?

Also I'm currently prescribed Xanax, I'm assuming thats what you mean by a benzodiazepine.

[MrGreen]

I find Zispin a good anti depressant. Although I don't suffer from depression I agreed to take it because it blocks off something in the brain related to anxiety. So the best of both worlds. Disolves in your mouth too. So great for people who can't swallow tablets. And never had one side effect at all from using it. Though others I know do report having bad nightmares. A name to keep in mind.

[snoozies43]

I agree with alot that has been said up above. Do remind yourself that these symptoms usually go away after one week... meaning the anxiety, fear, depression etc. Best is to have someone close to you check in on you, also have your doctors phone # handy. The nurse there can usually call you back by the end of the day, with reassurance. Also the are hot lines that you can call, where a nurse will talk with you through you symptoms. Call your doctor who prescribed the medicines for you, they should be able to give you the #.

I know this is difficult, but do try your best. also agree with a benzodiazapene
That will help with the panic.

Best wishes,
Snooze

[XKARMAX08]

Wow, you are so much like me. I have had anxiety since I was 16.
I had no idea what it was when I was in school. I seemed to get by okay for years,
with my anxiety only affecting me when I would be in certain situations.

A few years back, I was perscribed lexapro and then effexor and I stopped taking both because I was afraid of how it would effect me.

Now for the past 2 weeks or so, My anxiety has hit at a all time high,
panick attacks, depression, loss of weight, etc so I went to the doctors and she gave me xanax and paxil. I filled the paxil bottle and haven't taken one. I am so scared of how it will affect me. I have been hearing and reading good and bad things. Of ccourse I think  that the paxil will affect me in the worst way. I wish that there was a natural remedy to help with anxiety and depression.

I know that I am not much help, but I wish that I was stronger before and now to take the medicine because doctors wouldnt perscribe it if it didn't work for us,
I think that if I continued with the meds from when I was 16, I would be a lot better than I am today.

Please let me know how you make out with your new meds and I am hoping to get the courage to start my paxil tonight, I will let you know too.

[CJB1337]

Alright..thanks, pretty much what I was expecting.

Yeah I have counseling, problem is there is nothing wrong with me mentally other than this anxiety I have with a sensation of not being able to breathe, which apparently they can't find a physical diagnosis for. So most of the time I just sit there in therapy with them telling me to practice "Cognitive Breathing" which just makes it worse because it puts emphasis on my inability to get a deep breath. :/

[Jikan]

Namaste,
Zoloft is an antidepressant in a group of drugs called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). Zoloft affects chemicals in the brain that may become unbalanced and cause depression, panic, anxiety, or obsessive-compulsive symptoms.

You may have thoughts about suicide when you first start taking an antidepressant, especially if you are younger than 24 years old.

Not knowing your entire history, it looks to me as if you may need to supplement your anti-depressant with a benzodiazepine.

As for your question concerning a good anti-depressant, that's hard to answer. Zoloft can be very effect, as can be several others. But, it depends on an individual. We all process medications somewhat differently so what works for one person may not work for another.

Unfortunately, it's a matter of trial and error. It took me years to find the proper medication "cocktail" to control my symptoms most of the time, even though I still go through bad periods.

I wish you luck in finding the right medication(s) to help you.

And finally, have you considered some form of counseling, which can be very effective depending on the consouler.

Michael