Depression and Antidepressants...

prmenrs, RN · Nov 12, 2004

Better living thru Pharmacology. Been on them for years, don't plan on stopping. Ever.

Antikigirl, ASN, RN · Nov 12, 2004

LOL, my entire CNA,LPN and RN staff are on some type except me..LOL! And I plan on looking into it very soon! Our facility has no probelms with it because staff moral improved with antidepressants, and my facility does recognize our jobs are stressful, sad, unforgiving at times..and does go home with you!

To bad they don't do much more for us than saying antidepressants are okay..LOL!

I am thinking Zoloft too, but will let my MD choose (and he is a friend of mine, and he knows me and wanted me on something 2 years ago because I changed once I got this current job..too stressful for anyone..but I keep giving him the run around and he knows it..LOL!).

Birdie RN · Nov 13, 2004

Just my observations- I am no doctor - but I work in a mental health opc - that both zoloft and paxil are real helpful for depression and anxiety. Wellbutrin can wosen anxiety I have noticed. paxil does have a disontinuation syndorome that I have noticed in some folks, of course there is always that nasty weight gain side effect. Effexorxr is fine, too but I don't know how helpful it is for anxiety symptoms- May not be so good for you if you have HTN or heart disease. One note of caution: some antidepressants can REALLY bring out a manic episode in someone with a bipolar diease process! Don't get me wrong, I love our primary doctors, but I feel strongly that most people really need to see a psychiatrist. Don't forget to wear your hat and wear sunsreen when on these medications:)!

DebP · Nov 18, 2004

I have had major problems with depression my entire adult life (well, since high school) I am now 31. It has been a major factor in my destruction of my career. After years of counseling and finally finding a med regime that works, I'm trying resurrect my career. I am devastated to say, it's a no-go. Even with the state of nursing today, I cannot get a nursing job. I've decided to get my RN and try to start with a clean slate. I guess we'll see. I love nursing and it's all I know. Also, I'm not trying to make ya'll feel sorry for me, but I sure wish I would be given another chance. (more like about the 6th)

mattsmom81 · Nov 19, 2004

One note of caution: some antidepressants can REALLY bring out a manic episode in someone with a bipolar diease process! !

Thank you so much for your input. My psych rotation was over 30 yrs ago so my knowledge of these drugs is quite limited. Although initially the Prozac helped during a rough time of my life (and I've stayed on it as I am in premenopause with mood swings)I have noted a progressive slow mood change to anxiety/tension.

Thinking the Prozac may not be for me anymore, I weaned myself slowly off the Prozac and have been off it completely for several weeks and am still tense...can't relax, can't sleep much, racing negative thoughts. Glad to hear there are other options such as Paxil and Zoloft...guess I need to look into this more and get to see a psych doc for a full workup. Scary to think this may be a bipolar mania but can't ignore it either.

Thanks again for sharing your expertise...I appreciate it. :)

Birdie RN · Nov 20, 2004

So glad to be of help ! Thankyou for taking care of yourself, best of luck and please let me know how it goes !

Euphrosyne7, MSN, RN · Nov 20, 2004

I have been taking Paxil 12.5 for about a year now for panic disorder.......it has worked wonders; however, I also consulted and have been seeing a cognitive-behavioral psychologist who has been extremely helpful to me and just last month, I told her that I am now feeling so good that I will just call her if I need an appt. I have started clinicals (which was a trigger for my anxiety/panic) and am happy to say that between the paxil and psychologist appts., I have been fine. I would strongly suggest that if it is panic and not depression that is your problem, you should also consult with a good cognitive-behavioralist because they will give you methods for dealing with a panic attack that you can use that are extremely helpful in "nipping it in the bud" before it becomes a full blown thing.

I plan on waiting till the summer (when my stress levels will be lower) and trying to wean off the paxil.........at this time, I have not had any incidence of panic/anxiety for about 6 months now so I want to see if I can do ok with just deep breathing etc.

Good luck!

HarryPotter · Nov 28, 2004

Many antidepressents may have s/e of low libido. Zoloft and Paxil may have that s/e. In terms of drug screens, anti-depressents don't show up on drug screens. Tranquilizers like Xanax and Ativan would show up. When u take a drug screen, u need to say that they are prescribed for you. A lot of Nurses take anti-depressents. There is nothing wrong with that. Unfortunately, there is still a stigma about depression, anxiety, etc. As there is with alcoholics, but a few brave souls who are in the spot light have come "out of the closet", and thus have helped people go get help. You can do the same.

Dublin37 · Nov 29, 2004

Many antidepressents may have s/e of low libido. Zoloft and Paxil may have that s/e. In terms of drug screens, anti-depressents don't show up on drug screens. Tranquilizers like Xanax and Ativan would show up. When u take a drug screen, u need to say that they are prescribed for you. A lot of Nurses take anti-depressents. There is nothing wrong with that. Unfortunately, there is still a stigma about depression, anxiety, etc. As there is with alcoholics, but a few brave souls who are in the spot light have come "out of the closet", and thus have helped people go get help. You can do the same.

I've been really happy with Effexor but i'm starting to notice more and more headaches. Has anyone had this prob? There hasn't been low libido probs, but sometimes extreme headaches during :imbar . if anyone has info please let me know.

WannaBmaleRN · Dec 6, 2004

As far as dont ask dont tell thing...So its possible to apply for liscene with the state and just lie about past dealings with depression? I am looking into going to school for nursing and really dont wanna put all that time and effort only to have the state tell me no go..