I just read an article in Newsweek that says antidepressants may be no more effective than placebos. I have been on several antidepressants. My relationship with antidepressants started when I was having moderate situational depression. The doctor tried putting me on three or four antidepressants but none of them helped and I had the additional burden of side effects along with depression.
The only thing that helped my depression was getting out of the situation. But, I have talked to many people who swear that antidepressants help them so I’ve always thought if they work for them and they suffer no side effects then I wish them the best of luck.
After I developed symptoms that could not be explained, physicians that I saw always pushed antidepressants. They told me they weren’t saying that everything was in my head and that anti-depressants actually had been shown to help my symptoms.
I gave them another go round. Again, nothing but side effects. So, I started refusing antidepressants.
Then, my doctor diagnosed me with complex regional pain syndrome. He has a very scientific way of thinking and explained to me in a scientific manner why antidepressants work. So once again I hopped on the horse. This time my companion was Cymbalta. For the first two weeks, I actually felt better. I happened to be on vacation in No Where’s Ville, Pennsylvania when I had a severe anxiety reaction due to Cymbalta. My physician advised that I immediately stopped taking it.
After that, I started doing some research of my own regarding side effects of antidepressants, reading some studies and reading lots of testimony from other patients that made me realize that antidepressants can have some major side effects, even suicidal ideation.
Since then, the only thing I have let my doctor prescribe in the anti-depressant category is Trazadone in a very small dose to help me sleep at bedtime.
I have been mostly focused on side effects of anti-depressants in recent years and haven’t paid that much attention as to whether they worked or not. Many people said that they really work for them and who am I to judge?
I do remember reading a study that said the body adjusts quickly to change in serotonin levels. I also read recently that serotonin levels are not the hallmark for depression that everyone has been thinking they are.
The article in Newsweek says that studies show that anti-depressants are no better than placebos. I believe we all have the ability for self healing if we are able to have faith. Perhaps there is something to the placebo effect and no one should be concerned or ashamed if it truly is a placebo effect.
I am concerned that when everyone starts reading this article , they might discount the placebo affect and perhaps not feel as well. I suggest reading the writings of Edgar Cayce if you are open minded. His abilities are an example of how the mind does have the power to heal.
I grew up in church where they told us that healing only came through Jesus. Now I do believe that healing does come from God but the power to heal has been given to all of us.
Remember the passage in the Bible that said if you have the faith of a mustard seed you could move mountains. I think so.
I once knew a man who had the “gift” of healing. He knew this gift came from God and everyone has the potential ability to “heal.” It is one of God’s gifts to humanity.
I cannot say whether antidepressants work for others or not. In the article someone asked why would the FDA would approve antidepressants if they didn’t work? The FDA has a huge political agenda and they are not always looking out for the best interest of the people. See FDA REMS and the fact that they have blocked two new pain medications that might help chronic pain patients.
Please if you are on an anti-depressant, talk to your doctor before you decide to stop taking your medication. If you get off antidepressants suddenly it can cause serious withdrawal symptoms that could be life threatening.
I am dying 