Discussion time! Anti-depressants, good or bad?

[mrfoox]

I've seen a lot of different opinions on this site and I'm curious to hear some personal opinions on the matter! State what you voted, and explain why you think that way

I think it's good that they exist (why?)

I think it's bad that they exist (why?)

Unsure

Other (explain)

[Anonymous]

I have suffered from depression most of my adult life. I have tried almost all of the currently available antidepressants, most of the antidepressants that were in vogue 20-30 years ago, and I have been been in clinical trials of medications which have not yet been approved by the FDA.

I never experienced a therapeutic response to any of these medications. I did experience some side effects. One medication caused me to have difficulty maintaining an erection. Several caused excessive drowsiness and dry mouth.

However, I have seen others who have felt a significant benefit from antidepressant medications. I am glad for them, but antidepressants are not the answer for all who suffer from depression.

[broadsword]

Unless you have seen or experienced a loved on who wants to take their own life due to depression. Then see these tablets enable them to come back from the brink. Then it's tough to have a discussion base.
I don't like them but sometimes they are essential. Just one death due not prescribing them is terrible.
I all so agree they are only a tiny bit of the recovery process. Counselling and support are the most important thing.

[fauchelevent]

As someone who's prescribed with them, I can tell you that I think they're good. I'm grateful for them.

[mrfoox]

I agree, I'm in the same boat

[TripleAce]

Much like all medications, they are not perfect. However, taking that into to consideration without appropriate medication a person's life would be at much greater risk

Its clearly the lessor of the two evils. Anti depressants work in 3 different classes I think. They do help when combined with other methods of treatment. But thats not to say one medication is a one fit all. But once you find the right fit, if there is one, it will do wonders

[mrfoox]

Well said

[Soulife]

Anti-depressants exist for a reason: to make the pharmaceutical industry of the world richer. Do we think really that their objective is to cure people? Ah, we're naive if we do. The best anti-depressants I've found are: 1. Music 2. Lemon with water and mint. 3. Love. 4. Compassion.

Anti-depressants are an excuse for pharmaceutical companies to get us addicted to something and spend money on something that only partially cures the illness and doesn't really do the trick. They count how many people they treat not how many people they cure. I wonder why...

[mrfoox]

There are no anti-depressant that completely 'cure' depression, but it can help quite a few people to be able to have more energy and feel less bad. Doctors recommend strongly to go to therapy etc, when they prescript such medication. Since they are well aware the pills doesn't suddenly cure their patients. But they are a step on the way and can help in their daily lives. And not everyone get a positive reaction or any at all, from them, but they're good for those that do feel better taking them.

[worldscolide]

I think they are a good thing but can be over prescribed.

[Anonymous]

Anti-depressants are an excuse to stop dealing with natural human response to negative things. Today's society has a vast majority of people on pills and the highest rate of depression and suicide in human history.
We need to stop taking pills and start dealing with life.

[LemiaOfTheCodes]

I've been taking them since a year ago, since the break down in. my relationship.

[Anonymous]

Without them, I would have killed myself years ago. Honestly, I wish I had.