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So I just got back from my first session with a psychiatrist (did a one-on-one 3-month cognitive behavioral therapy last winter but that did not help very much). So he suggested I take some anti-depressants and if I wanted to, I could redo the CBT but in a group format.
These are the anti-depressants he suggested:
Zoloft
Prozac
Effexor
Luvox
There was a fifth one but for the life of me, I can't remember what it was now (I don't think it was either Paxil or Celexa...).
Anyway, I'm going to be doing some reading on here and the Internet to try to decide what would be my best option (either one of those or something else altogether). I was really hoping to avoid anti-depressants (side effects really worry me, especially weight gain and loss of sex drive) but if there is a real chance it could change my life, I may give it a try. I asked the doctor to give me a week to think about it and research the different available drugs. In the mean time, if anyone has any suggestions? I'm in my mid-thirties. My SA is more psychological than physical although I do get some physical symptoms too.
Maybe you should give your decision more time? It is a major decision so there's nothing wrong with giving it more time.
If it takes a month or two, you'll certainly be more well-informed.
Lexapro was the last antidepressant I took, and I stopped taking it in 2004. Up until the other day, I hadn't been reading about antidepressants. I haven't been taking them.
I googled SSRIs and I was surprised to learn that they're more dangerous than was first believed. I guess they do alter your brain and body quite significantly. And the side effects may not go away, when you stop taking them.
The side effects may continue for a month or even years. I suppose these side effects vary from person-to-person. The longer you've taken them, the more problems you may have. Some people may do fine. There's always exceptions to the rule. Exceptions with everything. Some people can smoke for 50-years and not have one problem. Other people can't.
If you're contemplating children, think that through. These medications may alter your reproductive system.
Maybe you can take them to just jump-start your life in a positive way. But certainly don't entirely rely on them to FIX your life. Do other positive things, too. Therapy, and exercise would be good. Exericse can boost moods a lot.
Good luck!