How many nurses take antidepressants or antianxiety medication?

lsyorke, RN · Jan 31, 2005

Cymbalta is the drug that Traci Johnson hung herself in the clinical labs at Lilly during her participation in the clinical trial.She had no history of depression or suicide and was screened by Lily as a good candidate for participation. Cymbalta has been clinically proven to inhibit the isoenzyme pathways need for metabolism of this drug.

http://www.antidepressantsfacts.com/2002-05-20-Duloxetine-CYP2D6-inhib.htm

Psychmed, Effexor is one of the hardest of the snri/ssri drugs to wean off.The recommended weaning now being recommended is 3-4 months between weaning doses. It can take years to wean off. This is something that those who chose to take this drugs need to know before starting. If you in a situational depression realize that you are making a time commitment to getting off these drugs which may impact your life drastically.

I know I sound like the voice of doom when it comes to these meds. The decision to take them is totally individual. My goal in putting out the "other" side of the story is to educate. We as nurses should be able to interpret all the information that is available and make an informed decision. The "not for public" view information is just as important as the marketing tools.

NurseFirst · Feb 1, 2005

More than the public cares to know about :)

I know lots of nurses on anti-depressants - no big deal
I had a drug rep job inbetween nursing jobs and that's when I needed an anti-depressant and took Effexor :chuckle - most reps I know were on something too......

MamaTheNurse, BSN, RN · Feb 1, 2005

oh, if the public only knew the half of what the life of a drug rep is like!!! :chuckle

MamaTheNurse, BSN, RN · Feb 1, 2005

and BTW, Effoexor is sure a b**ch to wean yourself off of!!

lsyorke, RN · Feb 1, 2005

Mama, I know people who have had to open the capsule and count out the little pills inside to lower the dose slower. Really pathetic that people have to go through this!

peaceful · Feb 2, 2005

Good to hear a side of the story from someone choosing an alternative to meds for relieving depression. I am a psychiatric nurse who hands out tons of meds a day. I do believe that there are alternatives to relieving depression and offer every possible choice to patients. The psychiatrist who i work closely with also does not push meds. I have seen amazing results with meds and without. I think healthcare professionals must keep their minds open to all possibilities to treating mental illness.

As a teen who suffered from clinical depression and contemplated suicide, I feel I can comment on this.
I refused to go on any meds as a 16-17 yr old. Instead, I chose intensive outpt counseling and the effects of loving relationships. Today, as an adult, I think we need to concentrate on keeping our lives simpler and lowering stress and steer farther away from antidepressants and anxiolytics. Don't misconstrue; there is a need for those meds, but I think we are too quick to seek a fast fix rather than removing the causes of our ills.

lsyorke, RN · Feb 2, 2005

Peaceful, you and the psychiatrist that you work with are a breath of fresh air! Thank you.

DR2004RN · Feb 2, 2005

I have taken Celexa for the last two years and it has been a lifesaver! The only SE's I have experienced were dry mouth and weight gain (I have gained about 20 pounds in the last two years.) I tried to wean off of it about 4 months ago, but I was not able to do it. I was emotional, paranoid and difficult to live with. I went back on, and since then, I have been feeling wonderful. I was afraid at first to start on any meds for fear I would become a zombie, but I don't feel that way, I feel...... human, the Celexa helped. My husband was on Effexor, and switched to Desyrel because the Effexor was messing up his sleep, he would be awake all night, but sleep after work in the evening. He weaned off just the way the doctor instructed him to do, and he was fine. The Desyrel has really changed his life too. We are happier together.

Audreyfay · Feb 2, 2005

I was on Paxil for about 6 months, when my daughter went through those rough teenage years, and I was a single parent at that time. Went off it for about 5 years. Then when I moved into cold climates again, I found I felt better if I was on it. I don't think it is because of our profession or who we are as a whole. I think it is because we are more informed that there is help for those of us who have depression and anxiety. It isn't caused by anything other than chemical imbalances. Just like the use of insulin pumps. Of the people who have type 1 diabetes and are healthcare professionals, they have a significantly higher number who are on insulin pumps, than the general public. So, does that mean they have a harder-to-control diabetes? Of course not. It means they are more informed and know that an insulin pump makes their life easier and their blood sugars easier to control. So, I choose an antidepressant, until I retire to Hawaii or Arizona! (FYI: I know I never will retire, but it never hurts to dream!)

medpsychRN · Feb 2, 2005

I was thinking similar things about diabetes. Some need insulin, some take oral agents and some do well on diet and exercise alone. Same with depression. Some people do well with seeing a therapist and there is no need for meds. Others need meds for awhile. Some need it full time. The key to managing any disease is to have a good physician, ask alot of questions and do a little research. I work with top of the line psychiatrists who teach and do research. They are on the cutting edge of treatment. I am fortunate to see very unusual, difficult cases. Some are genetic (no, neither parent has mental illness but it is along the line of congenital), some are related to other diseases and some are refractory. There is a wonderful outpatient department and not everyone is started on meds. Each and every patient is treated as an individual and medical causes for mental illness are ruled out first (if possible).

It's a difficult decision to seek treatment and equally a difficult decision to take meds. I honestly haven't come across anyone who is looking for an easy way out. Most depressed people tough it out for a long time before seeking help.

asher315 · Feb 2, 2005

Count me in the medicated group. Through the years I have been on everything. It's not my profession (but it does add stress!) But heredity that has given me chronic depression for which I now take Paxil and Wellbutin daily. I hate taking medicine but I hate what I become when I don't.

hipab4hands · Feb 2, 2005

and yes, there are those psychiatrists that overprescribe, the candyman.
totally inappropriate meds/dosages.
but one needs to experiment with diff meds before they find a good fit. and yes, we're talking about people whose lives have been debilitated to the extent that running around the block just will not suffice.
the right meds along with therapy is the answer for many many people.

I started taking antidepressants about a year ago for chronic pain-it has been great. I can now sleep and get a full night's sleep. In return, I now have energy to do the things I need to take care of.

In addition, I know work was contributing to the insomnia, so I made lifestyle changes. I cut back on my work hours, no longer work extra hours on my days off, and when I'm off duty, I'm off duty. I will not accept any work related calls on my off hours.

Life is good!