Well I never thought I would even remotely consider this but, never say never...

My life is a total wreck and I am giving a little thought to maybe trying an anti depressant. I've always balked at them before and on those rare times when I tried them they didn't seem to work. Some would argue I didn't stay on them long enough for them to work. Yup. I can be stubborn at times.

My question is, is there an anti depressant out there that doesn't turn you into a zombie? I don't want to be explosive either. My kids don't need that on top of everything else. My brain is mush as it is with my life in its current state of turmoil and my energy level is in the toilet too. I might be interested in something that would help clear the fog and give me a bit of an energy boost.

Please do not suggest effexor. Someone I care deeply about was on it for many years. They went off it cold turkey (from max. dose) due to side effects. They are hands down the number one reason why I have always said no to an AD for myself. It didn't seem to work for them and I heard lots of horror stories from other people about other ADs. For the record I do think ADs can be helpful. I'm not bashing those who take them. Nor do I think everyone on them turns into a zombie.

Please don't suggest counseling either. Been there, done that, got three closets worth of t-shirts, not going there again.

Am I looking for the impossible?

I understand your worries. I have been on one for several years now. I actually asked to be put back on Effexor because it worked best for me. They changed me to Cymbalta because the DR. thought it would help with my Pain. It did not and the Effexor helps my Mood so much better. But everyone's body reacts different to medication. It's basically trial and error. So don't give up. There are so many different Anti Depressants out there. And stopping any medication cold turkey is not good. I found that out with the cymbalta...it was awful! It also takes 2 to 4 weeks for most to kick in and help. If you have any questions at all please feel free to ask. Be glad to help. Take care Lori T.

The tricyclics do work, and are milder than the SSRI family.
They are easier to get off, and you can titrate to a dose that works for you. They are somewhat sedating at first, cause dry mouth and perhaps blurred vision. Nortriptyline is commonly used or Doxepin.

Wellbutrin is not an SSRI either, but sometimes causes anxiety and heart palpitations. It has fewer sexual side effects.

Taking l-tryptophan at night is an option. There is a post on page 1 of Vitamins about it.

Are you sure you need an antidepressant at all? Could you be strung out, in other ways. More anxious or angry for example?
Other meds may work better for you than antidepressants.

There are agitated depressions, as well, so your doctor can determine what to give. If you don't go to a psychiatrist, but instead a family doctor, you may not get anything that works well. Your family doctor may just reach for Lexapro samples, 0r the dreaded Cymbalta with its risk of liver failure! (you may not with a psychiatrist either but chances are better you will be properly evaluated).

People low in magnesium for example, may subjectively report tension and stress reactions. Fixing that may improve your mood substantially.

There are no easy answers, and expect some experimentation with doses and types of drugs.

Thanks for your replies. I'm looking in to your ideas.

For those who don't know my husband of 20 years is moving to our (daylight) basement and we will probably be getting a divorce within the next six years. We are going to try to live in the same house until our youngest child graduates from high school. Emotionally I am a wreck but I still need to function. No easy task.

I don't really think I need something for my mood as that is pretty even. Being able to think clearly, remember things correctly, and energy to function are my concerns. I wondered about it a little before the divorce bomb dropped a few days ago but now they seem much worse. Maybe the looming divorce is simply playing tricks on me.

I'm not taking any meds, vitamins, or herbs. I should be taking a multi vit. since I am gluten sensitive but I haven't gotten in that habit yet. I have been gluten free for 1.5 years now. Thanks for your help.