I think I read in another thread somewhere that you do not like anti-depressants because you have seen and learned too much what they could do. Can you please tell me some of the reasons you don't like them? How do you feel about sleeping pills? Right now I am on generic effexor 75 mg. 3x a day for a total of 225 mg. and I also take Ambien 10 mg. at night for sleep. Thank you for any info you can give me about the drugs I am taking.

Over the years... I have seen the data on SSRIs totally change.

When they came out, the serotonin reuptake was the primary theory of how
they worked. But you know, now researchers say that no one really understands how they really work!

I have seen many many people (thousands actually) "change" on them.
Their eyes especially become wide --almost hyperthyroid-- in appearance..
A startled look. I personally call them "Prozac eyes", and there is a subset of patients who become hypomanic or manic on them. I can usually tell when I counsel patients easily, before they start talking, that they are on antidepressants.

And I have seen the suicide issue..as well. Some attempts and some completed. (personally)
Also the agitation side effects, and the tardive ones. Over time SSRIs downregulate dopamine..which is the reinforcement/learning/pleasure neurotransmitter. I don't want to give up MY dopamine! Sexual side effects... nope not for me either!

Newest research points to brain neurogenesis with SSRIs.
http://www.biopsychiatry.com/newbraincell/index.html
But the bottom line is that no one really knows. how they work.

Then there are studies showing SSRIs about equal to "placebo"..these are
coming out more now, with all the controversy (they were hidden by the drug companies) And there are people who plateau out quickly on them..hence the new TV commercials that encourage you to try the Wyeth product (Effexor) when "traditional" antidepressants don't work.

I don't want increased bleeding events.. since I take aspirin or NSAIDs occasionall for pain. SSRIs are contraindicated for this use.

I know how I feel in the summer...normal. In the winter, now that I am getting old, I can see seasonal issues with light/and poor energy levels. That is why I am trying the light therapy. I have to work odd shifts ..and have done so for all my adult life, so that does not help me either. I naturally want a more
natural approach, and that is just my style.

Thank you very much mrsD for sharing that with me!