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Since late 1996, I've been on several anti-depressants. All have worked to one degree or another; some well, some not-so-well. I appear to be one of those people whose bodies get used to medications over time and they stop working. Among the ones I've had are: Prozac, Effexor, Wellbutrin, Serzone, and Pamelar - and in varying combinations. (When you switch from one to another, you usually have to keep taking the first at a lower dosage for awhile. The body can't tolerate just stopping it.) I've also taken things to supplement or "augment" anti-depressants, including Lithium, Cytomel, and Buspar.
Along with depression, I've also had anxiety problems and a lot of sleeplessness, so I've taken some tranquilizers as needed. Again, I tend to get used to them after a time. I've gone through more than I can list here. Fortunately, two of my current medications are also treatments for anxiety, so I get a little extra help in that department.
I can tell when an anti-depressant is working, because my mood is improved and I'm more able to control my thoughts and emotions. They don't really alter my mood or personality substantially. They simply make me a little more manageable, mentally speaking. While I've had to change them from time-to-time, my experience with these anti-depressant medications is generally good. There is no doubt that, without them, I'd likely be dead right now.
next: My Experience With Therapy
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