Apparently all the most recent research says that antidepressants have barely any difference than a placebo pill when treating depression. This is upsetting as I really did try everything else in the book, healthy diet, regular exercise, regular sleep, vitamins, years of CBT, psychotherapy, etc. I only went on meds when I had exhausted all my options and was still suffering. And now to think that they’re not any better than a placebo…is very disheartening. I have no desire to add these unnecessary chemicals to my body if they’re just giving me placebo effect. I don’t know what to do.
Sorry to hear that. They work for me. Long time ago I was on Prozac for a short period of time and it helped. Now, I’m on Zoloft and have been on Zoloft for years. Works. Works exponentially better when combined with the Seroquel. The synergistic effect is awesome.
I highly recommend anyone having problems with meds to talk to their doctor about synergy. If you get the combination of meds that give you the synergistic effect, it’s awesome.
They never worked for me, tried a few times
They do work I didn’t know if abilify was an anti depressant and sertraline helps majorly give it more time
I’ve heard corgi’s can help with depression! 
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From someone who’s been through this ■■■■: You should seriously ask your doctor about Neurontin (Gabapentin). It’s used off label for depression, anxiety, and even as a mood stabilizer. It has fewer side effects than traditional antidepressants and for me it works like magic. It works very well for a lot of people. You could also ask about Lyrica (Pregabalin), which is closely related to Neurontin.
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How they do work is increase motivation. It’s why I’m on one mainly to help with the negative symptoms. Serotonin based antidepressants do increase motivation and the way they do combat depression. Unsure on dopamine based.
They can do great things for a select group of people. Some antipsychotics have antidepressant qualities as well.
Ad’s literally are theonly class of meds that work for me. Prozac is my favorite I couldn’t live without it.
Ha I knew it. When they prescribed the pills to me I thought that they were completely useless. Antipsychotics made the voices go away but antidepressants always seemed to do nothing.
Anna, check this out.
Also this:
I can tell you that they make a huge difference for me, but then I’d also likely fall into the category of “severely depressed.” Don’t fuss too much about studies. Instead, see how it works for you. Remember, you responded well to Zoloft.
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Yes but that very well could have been a placebo effect. Often just trying something new makes me feel better because it gives me more control over the situation. I technically don’t have any hard evidence Zoloft did anything for me. It took 5 weeks on it before I noticed any improvement in my mood and in that time my episode could have just naturally resolved itself anyways. Furthermore while still on Zoloft I had a serious depressive episode requiring hospitalization…I don’t really know how effective it truly was. Placebo effect is a powerful thing.
AP’s have never done anything for me, but when I was in jail in Jackson, TN they were giving this guy 10 mg of Prozac a day, and suddenly he started talking about how good he felt. There was no doubt it was genuine. I wish I had thought to tell him that it probably was the Prozac he was getting that was making him feel this good. I mean, if a guy is feeling happy while he’s in jail, something is working for him. He probably got out of jail, got drunk, and lost all the benefit of that drug. I have come across others who have benefited from the ssri’s.
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I had to medicate my cat with Prozac - she was hiding under beds, was terrified of walls and windows, and spent her day refusing food and soiling herself. She responded by coming out, playing and snuggling. Some people may respond to the placebo effect, but that is definitely not everything that is going on with antidepressants. Don’t get all black-and-white thinking about it.
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I don’t mind venlafaxine. It’s not as mental as other antidepressants. It makes me sweat a lot, but it’s not so dreamy as other antidepressants I’ve used.