Well, the topic of antidepressants came up recently in a TF forum about er... caviar and the pigs who enjoy it. Although the reference was humourous, I posted a note there about a common type of antidepressant and some of its common side effects, mostly to help clear up some claims about them.

I've been using an antidepressant for about 3 years, and I'm very sure there are other people active on this site who are also using them - use of antidepressants has increased dramatically in farang countries in the last 20 years, for good or for bad. That's an interesting issue in itself.

So I think I will post some of my experiences from time to time, for others using or considering these medications. A common aspect of depression is self-isolation, and consequently the feeling that you are alone in what you're experiencing. Actually, there are lots of other people in the same boat (how each person got there can be for quite different reasons though). So, comparing notes sometimes helps, I've found.

Anyway, I write this sort of stuff more at my other journal on blog-city, so will post links to there.

Yes I have tried most of the SSRI, with not much success and I didn't like the side effects, you wouldn't wish depression on your worst enemy, I know what's it like to have it.Touch wood i haven't had any drugs for over 12 months doing well.I found talking to a therapist really helped, to resolve some inner issue's, not across the finishing line yet but nearly there.

agree with wallace ... of course on healthy quantities hehehehehe

and if goes and the upper level u can even start a new career as sumo wrestler

who knows... we may have some some yopkozuna among some friends around here

of course i talk about the size hehehehe dunno about their fighting skills

Let me check those links, in case one day I would feel alone/depressed. C'mon I just want to educate myself to this :-)

Some years back in my early 20's I was visiting a doctor and had told him things pretty much sucked in my life during that time and had been dealing with bouts of depression. After some questions he'd suggested that my depression was possibly clinical and gave me a prescription of Prozac to try. I went with it, thinking 'why not?' and was interested to see if I could get a euphoric result of some sort. My result wasn't so great.

I think I was using it for just over a week before stopping. Was a strange week.. I remember describing the feeling was like electricity coursing through my nerves and body. I was even hearing a 'buzzing' sound and if I'd opened my mouth in a relaxed fashion my teeth chattered. I think after about the 3rd day I'd described these adverse effects to the doctor. He suggested I should continue with it a few more days to see if there was improvement. Grrr....ok, I stuck it out for a few more. Things didn't improve, the effects just seemed to get more bizzare. My vision also flickered, I was hearing a constant 'buzzing' sound at times and things just started to feel a bit too surreal. It was kind of freaky so of course I stopped. I think the doctor had then suggested I try a different anti-depressant to which I never did.

It's an interesting topic though. With all the modern research into brain-chemistry and the effects that various drugs, stimulants and anti-depressants can have on it. There's a lot being learned about why some people are more inclined to form dependencies on certain drugs (recreational and other) due to the level of dopamine receptors present in the brain etc...and many results of chemical imbalance in the brain are shown to have genetic connections and are also vastly affected nutrition too I believe...

Anyway, just relating my one experience with one particular anti-depressant. I've heard other stories of extremely good results. You gotta love science.

"night train" is my favorite antidepressant, por que es 'el express.'