[CW: DEPRESSION]
spoiler
I've been at a really low point with my mental health, I've lost the motivation to do most things save for personal hygiene and grooming. I wouldn't say that my situation is severe thankfully, but it is seriously hindering my academic, physical health, career prospects, and personal relationships. I want to talk to my doctor and get started on antidepressants before I really lose control of my life.
One of my close friends is on antidepressants and that gave me enough courage to actually seek help from my primary care physician. But right now I need some more information.
My question: Those of you who are on -or have been on- antidepressants, what were your experiences? I'm really worried about side effects (mainly CNS, Autonomic, and especially the risk of serotonin syndrome) while taking these kinds of drugs. But I'd also like to know about your experiences first taking them, how you've adjusted to doses, and how you overall felt. Experiences with other therapies are also welcome!
Please don't be shy, and share as much as you feel comfortable! Thank you!
I tried several things, one was the SNRI bupropion. It didnt agree with me. The first 2 days or so i think i was having a manic episode. It felt like I was constantly on coke, and it was terrible. Afterwards it diminished in my mood, but not my energy levels, so it was like i just had tons more energy to be depressed with. When i talked about it with a friend they said it sounded like a bipolar mixed episode. I got off it after 2 weeks. After that I tried citalopram which actually worked fairly well with few side effects beyond zeroing my sex drive. I ended up going off it because i was feeling like i had a constant almost-hypomanic-but-not-quite vibe going. Like i wasnt quite in control, and i had tons of energy, and it was just not great. But it stabilised me during a really bad time, and kept me mostly stable. By stable i mean my range was narrower, so less depressed and less happy. The not-quite-hypomanic aspects felt super sideways and im not sure how quite to describe it.