How much of a difference can antidepressant medication make?

Can you give me some examples of what changed after you began taking medication and how they were before? I haven't been diagnosed yet.

Answers:
1. I haven't used them, but I know people who did.
2. There are varying results.
3. Depends on your symptom.

i was bad depressed I did not want to do anything. I did not even want to shop, everything seemed futile. I just was not excited about anything.
I started Zoloft and in a couple of days I was up taking care of things. Intrested again, and I felt so much better. Thank God for Zoloft!
u have to be taking them for at least 3 - 6 months befor noticing any difference
It can be the difference between the almost irresistable urge to jump off a bridge and the joy of spending each day doing what is there to do. Of course, I still have down days, just not so far down.
It can make a world of difference. The difference between existing and enjoying. It makes every day like your best days. It's certainly worth talking with your doctor about. They take 2-4 weeks before you notice them working and they can decrease your sex drive for the same lenght on time but it comes back better than before you started the meds.
How people react depends upon the individual's body chemistry, and sometimes you have to work with your psychologist for a few months to find the right drug for you. Start off by going to a therapist or counsellor (major cities have cheap/free clinics if money's an issue, and most schools have free services for their students). They can help you evaluate whether you can treat your depression with other methods (such as Cognitive Behavior Therapy) before resorting to medication.
it makes a big difference as long as you take it right and on time. also keep up with you doctor about how you feel and any changes in your routine. it is also good to keep up with a personal log of sorts in between doctor visits to help keep track of how you feel and any changes. NEVER LIE about how you feel when you take it. always be honest about it. if it doesnt help tell them. they may have you on the wrong medicine. dont give up. and keep your head up.
I have been on antidepressants for about 6 years now. I won't be getting off them because I am bipolar. But, 6 years ago I wanted to take my life, it was all I could think about. I was withdrawn, thinking was difficult, I had a hard time with personal upkeep, I slept alot, gained weight (alot of people lose weight too). After I got on antidepressants, I was able to get beyond the suicidal stage within about 5-6 months. The rest took time to overcome, but I am better now. Antidepressants can seem strange to people, and I admit it is a little scary when you first get on them. But they really do help, it just takes time. Normally it takes a few days or even weeks before you will notice any difference in yourself. Don't be afraid to try a different one if the first doesn't work. I have been on 3 different ones before I found the right one and the right dose for myself. Truthfully, I love the fact that we have stuff like that available to help us when we need it. It sure helped me out when it didn't seem like there was any future. I'm glad I tried antidepressants. I hope this helps.
they help make things easier to deal with. i have been on and off meds for about 10 years now. I'm on them again and they seem to be helping alot. before i was on them i was very suicidal and hurting myself. i haven't hurt myself in 3 weeks. i feel somewhat better on this new one. i hope you get the help u need.
They can make a lot of difference. Before medication I didn't want to move. It seemed like to much effort to get up in the morning even. With the right medical care, and medication I am now back to work and living a much happier life. Medication alone is not the only answer. Therapy is very helpful. It really helps to have someone objective to talk to about what's bothering you.
ZOLOFT!!.
After being diagnosed with Clinical Depression, I was prescribed Zoloft. The first week I felt nauseated 24/7, but a friend reassured me that would pass and to not stop taking it. I persevered and the nausea subsided. At the beginning, I was feeling up and full of energy; however, this is due to an amphetamine type reaction and eventually diminishes. After about three months, I actually noticed I was viewing the world from a different perspective. I was beginning to see things outwardly instead of feeling as if I was in a fishbowl and everyone was looking in. At six months, I regularly felt this way and the black cloud I felt I lived in was gone. I was also unable to control my intake of alcohol due to a craving I experienced once I began to drink. The medication has caused the craving to subside, giving me the ability to control my drinking effectively. I have been on the medication for over 15 years. If taking Zoloft, one should either stay on it or not take it at all. There is a chance it loses its ability to work properly if intake is stopped and started. I don’t know if this is accurate or not, but since it has changed my world dramatically, I have chosen not to find out. Results vary drastically from individual to individual. There are some side effects, again that will vary from individual to individual, but mine are not life threatening nor do they affect my day-to-day living. Antidepressant prescriptions are dispensed like candy these days, which leaves a large portion of the responsibility on you to do some homework on the subjects of depression and the treatments available as well as the doctor you choose to monitor your progress. It is tough to be depressed, a daily burden. Hang in there.
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