I realize this is a very personal question, but I have decided to ask my doc for antidepressant/anxiety meds and would like to know if you would be so kind as to reveal what kind of meds you take and what the side effects are.

Thanks.

Jame, at first I was taking 10 mg. of valium, and found that I was just a zoned out non functional blob. Someone gave me a natural tranquilizer called CALMS that I know are very popular in the States right now. They really work for the nerves. For depression I am taking St. John's Wort, also known as natures Prozac. I feel much healthier than if I were taking an Rx, and definitely much more functional. I live in Mexico where I don't need a prescription for most meds., and the Farmacia is a candy store! I'm in no way a naturalist by any means, but I hate the idea of relying on chemicals that do have side effects. Why don't you try the natural stuff first. If they don't work for you, the way they did for me, you can always get your doc to write you a scrip. Hope you find some relief. I know how tough it is, and the stress is unbearable. Good luck.

hi Jame, well I can tell you I went on zoloft years ago (off and on) and I don't have any side effects. I only take 25mg. when I first started it, I would take it before bed, just in case. now I take it every morning. recently, I had to get something to sleep, so at bed time I take Lunesta. again, no side effects. anti-depressants can work, some times you need to try more than one at different doses. prozac did not work for me, it was horrible, but I,m sure it works for some people. it's good you are asking for help! take care.

I have struggled with depression and anxiety my whole life. I've been on every medication under the sun over my lifetime, I've been on absolutely nothing, I've used every natural remedy imaginable.

Currently (last 9 months) I'm on Effexor-150mg, and for sleep Trazadone-100mg. This regimen is working very well for me, it's taken these 9 months to get the dosing at it's best for me.

Side effects: i can't/don't cry, and I'm ambivalent about many things. I cannot say that this is truly side effects of the meds though, just where I'm at right now. I do know that when off meds I do/can cry, but then I also am homicidal/suicidal. I'm rarely ambivalent off meds, I go to the extreme of hate or love, depends on what day it is.

On meds I'm better, more my true self, my brain is firing closer to correctly than any other time with any other things I've tried, and for sure better than as it naturally operates.

Years ago when my life was turned upside down, the doctor put me on Welbutrin. I was on the highest dose possible. I did not have any side effects. You should always consult your doctor on what drug will work for you. I haven't been on them for 2 years, however I fight depression everyday and with the help of prayer and friends I am able to stay off of them. Each person handles stress differently and as I stated in another thread stress kills. YOU MUST take care of yourself. As mothers we sometimes forget to do this. We are so busy taking care of the rest of the family.

Wendy, thank you for your suggestion. When we get back on our feet, I plan to try CALM.

Wendy, may I ask..........do you take CALMS every day?

We have an excellent health food store with a pharmacy type section and they recommended Kava Kava as a drug to relieve anxiety. I did a bunch of research and found it is a plant from the south pacific that has been used for ages. It really has helped me when I get "amped" and can't shut up the chatter in my head. It definately calms me down without any sedating effects. It helps me to stop obsessing and thinking so hard. There is a limit to how much can be used but I don't remember it off the top of my head. I have only used it sporadically so I didn't pay attention to the limit.

I work in medicine and know that the serotonin reuptake inhibitors (prozac, zoloft, paxil, - there are several) are very effective for most people with little or no side effects. It is definately worth talking to your doctor about.

Jmae,I have been on Prozacs for several years.I have been taking Cymbalta for the last year.I like it very much abd does help.
I have no side effects.
I also have Valium,10 mg.,I take when needed it.
I am all for trying the naturally things,but if they don't work,consult your Dr.
I am 60 yrs.,and none of it has hurt me.

Thanks for your opinions. I truly appreciate it.
Went to the doc today and he has me starting on Lexapro 10mg. I was on Cymbalta a couple years ago. It worked but made me so tired in the afternoon. I was on the highest dose though. I am hoping to stay on only 10 mg. I just want something to "take the edge off" my depression and anxiety. I'm not looking forward to the first week of being on it. I remember the nausea I felt when I started Cymbalta. Yuck. But I'll just keep looking ahead to when I can function without breaking down. The stress is definately taking its toll on me. Because of it, I now have acid reflux and there may be damage to my esophagus. My doc said the acid reflux is stress related. I guess I'd hoped it was just age or what I eat but I guess not. It's obvious that stress can wreak havoc on your system.
When my son finally comes home I'm going to insist he sees the doc and gets help. He already complains of acid reflux at 20 years old and now I understand it's stress related (and being in jail is stressful, no doubt). He'll need other meds too. I think he suffers from depression and he certainly has anger issues.
Sure is tough living in todays world, huh?

I was on Prozac for 10 months. I have been off it now for 2 months and am doing good!! I had no side effects on it but if I missed a dose I would cry constantly. I also found that it's best to take it as soon as you wake up because it tends not to work as well if you get to thinking about all the bad stuff and then try to take it. I tried Lexapro in the past and really didnt see a difference except it bringing my sex drive down to zero!!! Zoloft didnt work for me either. Prozac was like a miracle drug for me!

I have a rx for lexapro but never took it...not once. Terrifed of the side effects. I have anxiety issues very bad - racing heart, hyperventilating, etc, etc., I do have a rx for xanax but only take "chips" off of a pill cuz a whole one knocks me into tomorrow, but it does help. My kids dont like the idea of me on medicine, but somedays it just feels like there is no oxygen in the room...and such an overwhelming feeling of impending doom...I just know something bad is gonna happen. Its horrible what your nerves can do to you.

Let me know how the lexapro works for you..

I have had clinical depression for years so when Jonathan was incarcerated I nearly had a nervous break down, had to take time off from work. None of the anti depressants are even touching my depression. I can cry at the drop of a hat. I take Klonopin for anxiety or I would shake every time I walked into the prison and be in the bathroom all the time. I am not handling well and know I have to take care of myself but Jonathan is always on my mind and how if I don't visit he will think I abandoned him like everyone else including his father. I don't want to hang on the cross, I want God to take care of him but I just can't see him in there without seeing us for his weekly visits. After being so sick on Friday I don't know what to do. I have had three suicide attemps in my life and am afraid of becoming hospitilized again if I can't get medicine that will work for me and learn to take care of myself.
Sue

Hi Susan, try to hang in there, I know it is so hard. Might I suggest counseling, either with a counselor, or a priest, minister, etc.? Also, and I know this is hardest of all, but you can't let this consume your every moment. If you only concentrate on the bad and negative, you will only feed the depression. Try taking walks, watching a comedy, reading an uplifting book...stay focused on what you can control, not what you can't. As for visits with your son, if you can't make it, or it is not healthy for you at this time, just explain to him, you have not abandoned him and explain why you are not able to visit. Our kids are grown, and he needs to realize you are more than just "mom", you are a woman, a person, with feelings and needs of your own. I'm sorry for your pain, we are here for you when you need to talk. Stay strong! God Bless.
p.s.
PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE, NEVER THINK SUICIDE IS THE ANSWER!!!! I have been and lived through this, and you will leave behind loved ones to be tortured with guilt and anguish that NEVER goes away. There is an old saying, that "only the strong survive", please Stay Strong!

Reggie,
I just wanted to say that I spend alot of time reading everything I can on this website, I see alot of your posts and you have also replyed to some of my 'so sorry for me' posts. You are soo kind and humble, and I just wanted you to know, how soo very much your words touch my heart and make me think, that there is a place for me in this world, even though at times life seems soo unbearable. Thank you :)

Oh Pebblelina, Thank you, that touches my heart and very soul. Yes there is a place for you and a purpose for you in this world, and this life. It may not be what we imagined, but it is our life, at this moment. Embrace it, cherish it, even the bad, because it is ours. And just maybe, we can make a difference, somehow, someway. God Bless you Pebblelina, hang in there!

Hi Susan. please know that God loves you and your son more than you can imagine and is watching over everything. He knows your heart and won't put more on you than you can handle. we may think we can't take any more, but He knows our limits. Trust Him. like Reg said, stop focusing on the negative and start looking for those silver linings. start Thanking Him for everything. He will turn the bad to good. He is faithful and will see you through this. He is not only our 'light at the end of the tunnel' but is our light through the tunnel. Lean on Him for when you are weak, He becomes your strength.

Well, I don't know if this is the proper place to post this but I am seeing Jonathan tomorrow and I am filled with anxiety. He can still have visits even though he is on restrictions. I want to tell him not to think everyone in there is his friend and to be careful but I hate the fact that they listen in on the calls. Everytime I go there my stomach gets sick, I have an appt with my family MD tomorrow, I just need to tell her nothing is helping my depression, I am an RN and still can't handle my health due to this anxiety and depression. I was getting therapy for awhile and then she dropped me due to my insurance changing. Hopefully, I can find someone else, it is extremely difficult to find a good therapist, I have a Pastor but don't feel comfortable with him, he does all the talking and never listens. Well, please will you all offer up a prayer for me tonight and tomorrow at 1:00PM, I will be seeing him and need all the prayers I can get.
God bless,
Sue
P.S. What I should also say is before Jon entered prison I had a terrible phobia of prisons, just like some people hate elevators or have a fear of heights, I have a tremendous fear of prison and I still get sick every time I go there so I really need prayer in that area also

Lord, please be with Susan durring her visit with her son. Give her strength, comfort, and peace while she is at the prison. It is hard for her, but because she loves her son so much, she is sacrificing herself, to be there to support him. Also, Lord, please guide her and find her the help she so deserves and is searching for.
Susan, we will be with you in spirit tomorrow, as will the Lord, you will not be alone, lean on us. God Bless.

Well, I don't know if this is the proper place to post this but I am seeing Jonathan tomorrow and I am filled with anxiety. He can still have visits even though he is on restrictions. I want to tell him not to think everyone in there is his friend and to be careful but I hate the fact that they listen in on the calls. Everytime I go there my stomach gets sick, I have an appt with my family MD tomorrow, I just need to tell her nothing is helping my depression, I am an RN and still can't handle my health due to this anxiety and depression. I was getting therapy for awhile and then she dropped me due to my insurance changing. Hopefully, I can find someone else, it is extremely difficult to find a good therapist, I have a Pastor but don't feel comfortable with him, he does all the talking and never listens. Well, please will you all offer up a prayer for me tonight and tomorrow at 1:00PM, I will be seeing him and need all the prayers I can get.
God bless,
Sue
P.S. What I should also say is before Jon entered prison I had a terrible phobia of prisons, just like some people hate elevators or have a fear of heights, I have a tremendous fear of prison and I still get sick every time I go there so I really need prayer in that area also

Susan,
I was in your shoes several years ago. I felt the world was coming down on me and if it wasn't for my children, I don't know if I would be here today talking to you.
I have given my worries to God and that has helped me more than any pill, doctor or therapist.
I will keep you in my prayers tonight and tomorrow. God will get you through this. He is amazing!! Trust in him.

Big ,warm hugs to you, Susan.................and Jonathan ,too!! I Hope th visit is going well ,right this minute! Breathe from deep inside!!!!!

Susan,
I not only have claustrophobia and cant do elevators, but when visiting my son in 3 county jails, I was so anxious I had to run out of there. now he is in state prison. ugh. so, I have not gone to see him and he has been in there since October. I asked my doc for some Ativan to take for when I DO get up the courage to see him. he is begging and has not had any visitors at all. sigh
so, I am working on a visit end of jan or early feb with his son (age 3) so he can see his daddy.
hmmm we are so brave in other ways but some things just get my nerve. LOL

Hi Everyone,
Well alot of you warned me about visiting today because of the attitude my son had on Friday. He had an attitude again today. He told me that every time I come I lecture him, I really am just trying to help him, I am not a forward person, I am quiet and meek so I would have never said anything to hurt him. He also said that I seem depressed when I am there so he told me not to come like that, I asked him if I should stop coming and he said if I was going to come like that, don't come. I was heart broken first of all it is hell for me to even get myself in there, then to tell me he didn't care if I came or not. He had a tough guy attitude again. He still wants me to put money on his books though, since he is on restrictions, he can only have certain things, not food, so he told me to put money on someone elses books and he would get him the food. This all sounds so shady to me. I am getting the feeling that I should stay away for awhile. I am not going Friday and I don't think I will put money on his books either on Wed. I am not trying to punish him I just don't think I should go in there and be treated that way. I hear all these stories about how their sons and daughters turn around in prison, turn to God etc. I think, why can't that happen to my son. He is worse in there. He has a big time attitude and I don't want to go back and see it anymore, maybe he is trying to push me away. I can't understand. If any of you have any input I would appreciate it.
Susan

Oh Susan, I am really sorry. Don't think in any way that this is your fault. Your son will change, when he is ready to change. Period. He has not reached that point yet, but he will one day, and that's when he will realize how Blessed he is to have you and your support. Until than, all you can do is love him, and keep telling him all that you do. Even if he doesn't want to listen or says you are "lecturing". One day, he will see exactly what you've been telling him all along. As for putting money on another's books, NO, please do not do that. For many reasons, such as, YOU can get into trouble if they find out, and have your visits suspended, etc. and whoever's books the money ends up on, may just keep it and not give your son so much as a crumb. He is getting fed, and has limited things he can purchase, so you don't even have to send much. Whatever you do put on your son's books, will be there for when he gets off restriction. Let him do with out a little, not to punish him, but to let him learn. YOU CANNOT DO HIS TIME FOR HIM. He is going to have to learn to do it himself. I will pray for him, as we all will, that the Lord will humble him and save him. I'm very sorry you are going through this. Stay strong, and know we are here for you. God Bless.

Hi Susan
You and your son are in my prayers. My son was in prison for over 2 years before he stated believing in God and gave his heart to God. Changes can happen but not always right away. Because we live out of state I do not get to visit my son very often. When we do visit it is very difficult walking into the prison. One of the things I do while waiting to be checked in and while walking to the visiting room is to say the Lord's Prayer over and over again. That is what keeps me sane thru my visits. Take care of yourself.
Sue

I am getting the feeling that I should stay away for awhile.

very good idea. let him miss you, he is still trying to manipulate you, apparently this has worked in the past for him-it is all about him. he should kiss your butt for the trouble and pain he is causing you. new game, new rules.

BTW I speak from experience...your son sounds like mine used to...about the first two times he was in jail. he learned if he wants to see MY face, he best behave. this time he has been in since october. I "might" visit him in february. after all, he never listened to any of my advice which would have saved us both this time of pain.
I do love my son...enough to make him know I am not his toy. no money for a while ok, kiddo? let him appreciate each cent.

Susan, I am so sorry you are having to go through this. When I read your last post, I wanted to reach out and give you a hug. So here you goes... (((((Susan)))). I agree with the others. I'd stay away for a while and let him see what it is like to not have the support from you. I have been so blessed that I haven't had to deal with this kind of behavior in a while. Our son didn't like to follow the house rules when he was 15-17 and we butted heads many of times. I will keep you in my prayers. God be with you and your son in this time of need.

I know that this was titled "moms on meds" but I felt the need to reply. I take Zoloft. My son has been in actually prison since 12/26/07. I got on that when he was still in county. I don't see any side effects. Well, I have lost my hunger but that can't be all bad can it?

Welcome David's Dad. Good to see a dad on here. Feel free to pop in on any thread at any time. We are all here for the same reason. Just wish meeting all these wonderful people didn't have to be under these circumstances.
I take Celexa and Xanax when needed. Seems the Celexa has made me get my appetite back. Maybe I should try to switch to Zoloft.

Hello David's Dad, glad you found us here at the parents forum. I'm so sorry though about your son. Like Ovietor said, feel free to join in on any forum, we're all to help eachother through this time. I don't have any side effects from Zoloft either, unless I miss a dose. LOL. I hope you will be joining us on all the other threads, oh by the way, I think I "found" your hunger! heehee, take care!

Life is hard at times. I know! Question about meds, kava kava in the past. However, that gave me a stomach ache. I have taken ativan? Half a pill. I took that when all the &$%%^ hit the fan with my son! I found it took the edge off, however. I have gone back to work as a pilot, so I don't take anything!!! And I mean, nothing. Flying is my stress reducer! I can look down at the world, where things look smaller.... and pretty. I only work part time, but it feels good to be back in my field, but structuring my time so I can still homeschool my kids. I try to always remember when I get stressed, "the Lord is at my right hand, therefore I will not be shaken...." and "the joy of the Lord is my strength." Somedays though, like today, after reading the paper with my son's name in it , once again, I don't feel so very strong...

I have taken zoloft for years as well. I take 100 mg and also take busprone, ativan, ultram but I have fibromyalgia and have to have the pain medication for that. I believe that sometimes we all need help from medication at one time or another.
I also took cymbalta for about a year and I liked taht but it got to expensive for me to handle since my husband passed away in July so I'm back to the generic of zoloft.

charliesmom,have you had much problems with sleeping?I cant seem to get a good night sleep for nothing,and these dang hot flashes are driving me and everyone around me CRAZY.some nights I stay awake till 4 in the morning,Cause I WORRY,till im half crazy with grief,thank you k

Moma I have a hard time sleeping...........I lay and think. Anyway I have tried to avoid meds but a friend gave me some Ativan and it just helps take the edge off and it has no lingering effects. You can also take it prn and don't have to be on it all the time. I usually give myself a couple hours then take one if I need too. Hope this helps

thank you lavina,my mother has some and maybe,il borrow 1or2,and give it a shot,i know i cant do this much longer,hugs and prayers moma.

Ugh. I'm so upset! I went on antidepressants in December and have gained 8 pounds!! It's so unfair. I really believe I am better off on the meds. I feel calmer and less anxious and can actually function without freaking out. Before I went on them I would be at work and have to go into the bathroom and cry and take deep breaths because I missed my son so badly and was so devastated about what our family is going through. Now, thanks to the meds I can deal with the situation and do my job. I just hate that these things make you gain weight.
I don't want to quit the meds and scarifice my mental/emotional health for my physical health, but geez I'm not happy about this weight gain!

i know,i know,im still not sleeping at night,and have to take care of parents during the day,still no sleep,i want to take somthing but im afraid i want be able to get up the next day to look after them,im eating toooooo much and not enough exercise,heart attack waiting to happen,but if i could find somthing that worked for me i would be the biggest gal on the block,to hell what anyone else thinks,YOU do what works for you,noone is living this nightmare for you,you owe noone,take care,and do for you

Prozac. Have been for several years. Have not had any side effects. If I am particularly stressed, I can up my dose to 3 20milligrams pills a day. If I am just coasting along, I can take one pill a day. Good luck to you.

I don't think any of us really would choose to use anti-depressants, but there are times some of us have no other choice. I've suffered with SAD for years without meds but when our family went through this situation with my son it was very clear I had to have some outside help. I was paralized with grief. First try, I was prescribed a medication that literally put me on my butt. After two bad falls, I figured out it was the meds and not old age creeping up on me. Now, I'm on 75mg of Effexor even though prescribed 150. I didn't notice any side effects after the first week. If I go off of the Effexor for a couple days, I'll cry over anything. I also get a bit surly and smart mouth my family says. It's kinda fun for a couple days, but then I start getting these looks and know they've had enough. I didn't cry at my Dad's funeral, but was able to give a sincere,heartfelt tribute to him at the funeral that brought many others to tears. Prayer, praise and trusting God is most important. Then finally you need to eat well, exercise and rest. One of the best things I can do for my son is let him see me doing okay. He feels a lot of guilt for putting the family through this and I try to show him that my faith is God is a source of my strength. If he sees me falling apart it will make it just that much harder for him. PTO is a good place to share our struggles and victories as we are all in the same boat.

Better living through chemistry!


(That's my motto!)

LOL Mary. I have been on Zoloft for many years. I will have to be on it for the rest of my life probably. It is to me what insulin is to a diabetic. I just physically need the help of a medication. No side effects here either. As for sleep, I finally went and got on Lunesta, but I try not to take it every night. Sometimes a benadryl will do the trick. LOL

welcome David's dad were happy you found us! I also take effexor and have noticed no side effects.momma you must take care of your self so that you can stay strong for your son .God Blees each of you your all in my prayers.

Hi I would just like to agree with Reggi, you need to think of couseling also. I work with the mentally ill, and like the doctor says, there is no magic pill that will make everything better. It takes medication and counseling. Be careful of any Benzodiazapines (ask doctor) :no: they can be highly addictive, and at this point in our lives I don't think any of us need another problem. I started on an oldie when my son was arrested 1/2007 Elavil antidepressant) I like it, total hell can be breaking loose around me and I'm still doing ok. Total hell breaks loose around me alot at work. For the court hearing I have Xanax (benzodiazapine) I only take half, and a bottle of 30 lasted over a year. That is because I know what they will do to people. So take something get some counseling, and somehow we will all make it through this. Oh, as far as sleep what we start with a work is 50mg of good old Benadryl, works for me. I used to just lay in bed and my mind would not shut off, I sleep like a baby now. :sleepy: