I'm stupid so don't even bother telling me...but how dangerous would it be for me to, say, get about a month's worth of antidepressant medication (not sure specifically which one yet) and do it, then when it's gone quit cold turkey? I ask this because I don't currently have any kind of medical insurance, or money to see a DR. but was considering going on an antidepressant, and know a website to get what I need.
i don't think it'd be a good idea at all. what do you know about anti-depressants? what if you choose the wrong medication? the results could be bad and your brain chemistry might get knocked off balance. and then to go cold turkey? definitely not a good idea.
Robowalker, that would be a very bad idea. It is extremely important to consult a medical professional before starting/stopping antidepressant medication. Some people can have severe adverse reactions to starting/stopping antidepressant medication and it is very important you talk to a doctor for advice. If you're depressed, I suggest that you work the problem out yourself, or talk to a psychologist if needed. But don't self-prescribe medication, it's a dangerous thing to do. You really don't want Serotonin Syndrome or some other neurological disorder when you could have simply talked to a doctor and done everything safely.
Its very unlikely you would have a serious adverse reaction to an SSRI antidepressant. You need to start at about half the dose for one week, then increase to the full dose. If you only take it for one month, I wouldn't really expect much of a withdrawal syndrome, but some symptoms are still possible... It is more important for you to realize that one month of an antidepressant is going to do you NO GOOD! It takes that long for them to start working, and often even longer before the full effects are noticed. It would really be a waste of money and effort. I wouldn't recommend starting antidepressants unless you think you can commit to the medication therapy for 6 to 12 months.
PS. Normal doses of SSRI's (after one week at half the dose) (once daily unless noted): Paxil (paroxetine) 20mg* Paxil CR (paroxetine control-release) 25mg (not worth the extra money, get generic paroxetine) Prozac (fluoxetine) 20mg* Serzone (nefazodone) 150mg twice a day* Celexa (citalopram) 20mg* Lexapro (escitalopram) 10mg Zoloft (sertraline) 50 to 100mg Wellbutrin (bupropion) 75 to 100mg 3 times a day* Wellbutrin SR (bupropion) 100 to 150mg twice a day* Wellbutrin XL (bupropion) 150 to 300mg once a day (not an SSRI) Remeron (mirtazapine) 30mg at bedtime* SRNI's Cymbalta (duloxetine) 60mg Effexor XR (venlafaxine) 75 to 150mg (Serzone (nefazodone) has been linked to liver damage, I wouldn't use it. Wellbutrin (bupropion) can increase your chance of a seizure, but it is rare. Don't use it if you have a seizure disorder, or if you are taking Zyban. DO NOT get an MAO antidepressant (ie Parnate, Nardil, etc)!!! They have very many drug and food interactions that are life threatening. They should absolutely only be used under strict supervision by a doctor. I would also be very cautions about any tryciclic antidepressants without a doctors supervision, as they can cause heart problems at certain doses or in certain individuals. If you have high blood pressure, use SNRI's with caution - keep an eye on your pressure) * means generic available.
Yeah, I guess you're right gra...the main factor stopping me here though is the $$$. I don't have insurance at the moment, and I think that I would be getting the scripts from an online pharmacy. If I can find a source for it for cheap enough (hah, good luck) do you think I could trust myself to self prescribe...uh, myself if I were to read up a little bit?
If you don't have any health problems, and aren't on any other medications, a regular dose of SSRI or SRNI, as listed above, I wouldn't be worried...
Well this was more of a hypothetical question than anything else. But anyway, I think photogra is right...I mean, it gets prescribed to so many people every day, probably many who don't even really need it...and how often do you hear about people having horrid reactions due to stopping dose or whatever? I know there are withdrawals though that can suck.
If you feel depressed and don't have any money to see a Dr, you can find out what programmes exist in your area to assist people with low/no income receive mental health benefits. They are out there. Also, some pharmaceutical companies offer programmes to give free medication to people who need it. You have to give them financial information and get a referral from a doctor, but you may be able to find a doc willing to refer you through the mental health programmes in your area. I strongly suggest getting the accompanying counseling to go with the meds. Above all else, bear in mind that it takes 6-8 WEEKS to see the full effect of most SSRI's. And going off them cold turkey is NOT recommended. If you're going to take the steps to get on an antidepressant, be smart and continue the medication for as long as it's needed. Peace.
