I have suffered heavy depression for about 17 years now and about 4 years ago decided to seek help for it. I first started on Lexapro...no good...I couldn't take the lack of libido. I am a lover not a...not lover.
On Prozac I experienced a similar side effect. So I talked to my doctor and he put me on Cymbalta. Now don't get me wrong...the anti-depression aspect fulfilled it's end of the bargain...but I felt as though my mind was not my own. Plus, if I accidentally skipped a day I would end up on the emotional spiral. P*ssed off and or crying. I first realized I needed off this stuff in October 2007. I heard a Neil Young song and it sent me off crying. I felt as though I was mourning. The fact that I was dependent on it made me very uncomfortable. When a person has a case of depression that goes on for nearly 20 years the promise of NOT being depressed by taking a pill is very inviting. I also figure that because some of these drugs are still new there is no way for a doctor to understand the full potential of the side effects. It's as if they prescribe it with a footnote that says, "Ok, You asked for it." So came March 2008 and I was still battling the withdrawal. I gave up completely on the "weening" myself off the drug process. About a week or two into the "cold turkey" days I slammed into a brick wall. I had the brain jolts, the emotional roller coaster ride and thoughts of suicide. I felt as though I had been fooled.
So I went to the local health food store and started looking at herbal alternatives. I found that a combination of Rhodiola, Kava and St. Johns Wort has helped me tons and for those sleepless nights I take a Melatonin tab (300 MCG) and that helps me sleep. With the Rhodiola I have experienced an upshot of mental focus and dare I say I have gained a bit more self-esteem. The Kava and St Johns have also helped curb the ol' brain jolts. I know this may not be the answer for everyone but I have found it to work. The fact that Rhodiola is an adaptogen helps a lot too.
An adaptogen is a substance that helps adjust the body's response, on the cellular level, to various stresses put upon it. This results in a regulating effect on many of the body's systems, the immune system, nervous system, endocrine system, cardiovascular system and mental functions. The effects one can detect are an increase in mental clarity and physical energy, enhanced immunity and resistance to disease, reduced recovery time after exercise (particularly significant for endurance athletes), improved metabolism, and more restful sleep.
So if you are looking for an alternative to help ease some of the muck that comes along with the DT's here is a good avenue to explore and always keep your sense of humor.
