by Reva Niner

Created on: October 14, 2008   Last Updated: November 30, 2011

Antidepressants: How to choose the one that works?  First, you will need  to understand if you really need to be put on one. I was told that your depression needed to last at least two weeks, in order for your doctor to put  you on one. A lot of people don't know that there is a problem with them. That it was normal for them to be feeling the way they do and I was that way. I thought nothing was wrong with me. I thought my everyday crying and feeling sad was normal for me. I also slept a good bit when I was feeling low and I didn't feel like doing everyday things like cooking, cleaning, shopping and spending time with my family.

Well, for me I been on antidepressants since I been a teenager. There has been only one that worked for me and I have been on a lot of them. I had a lot of reactions to most of mine, which they made me feel like I was on cloud nine floating or so sick I couldn't even get out of bed. I can tell you I been through it all and it wasn't easy.

So, for starters you need to talk to your doctor. He or she will need to find out which ones will be better for you since a lot of them you can't take with high blood pressure. But, first you need to be honest with him about everything that is going on in your life that might be making you depressed.

Try one antidepressant at a time don't mix more the one at a time because if you have a reaction to one, you will need to know which one. After your doctor gets you started on one, you need to keep check-ups with him every few months to make sure your doing good on the antidepressants. I have also learned that a antidepressant isn't enough, that sometimes you also need an anxiety medication. My mother needed to be on both.

After, that it would be good to have a mental health counselor, to talk about why you are depressed and someone to talk to about your problems. They are a good listener and do not judge you. For me going in to talk to a counselor is good, it a good way to get stress and everyday stuff that feels like its holding me down off my chest so I can start to feel better about myself and others.

In my opinion Prozac is the best one out there but that just what I think. There is so many to choose from. That's why if you need a antidepressant, it will be good to talk to you doctor first. And maybe after a while and you find out why your depressed. Your doctor can take you off of the antidepressant. But, in cases like mine, I can never be taken off because if I am, my depression will return.

So, depression does need to taken seriously and not taken lightly.Growing up my oldest sister suffered from depression and almost killed herself a few times.If you feel overwhelmed with crying, and feeling down you should talk to your doctor and see if you need to put on a antidepressant. Plus, like I said talking to a counselor will be a big help to your problems. Because, a antidepressants is only good for so much.

Take it from me, I been on and off them since I was about sixteen. There is no cure for depression but antidepressants will help and your doctor can help you choose which antidepressant will be good for you. You also need to continually see your doctor since there is so many side affects to medications. So, don't delay, go see your doctor today and get started.

Choosing one will not come easy and it will take time. Between you and your doctor you will find the one that is best for you.

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