I did a post on top searched health conditions that you don't talk about a little while ago and depression was the No. 1 searched condition. Depression is no joke. According to Mental Health America, approximately 15 percent of people hospitalized for depression eventually take their own lives.They also state that depression is a common condition in the U.S. More than 19 million Americans have clinical depression. More interestingly, one in eight teens and one in 33 children have clinical depression. Now that's scary.
I was also surprised to read on their Web site that less than half of those who suffer from depression seek treatment. People who don't seek treatment generally feel embarrassed or view it as a personal weakness rather than an illness. The good news is, depression is treatable -- 80 percent of people who seek treatment show improvement.
So for the post today, I've listed the top searched antidepressants on AOL Search. It seems that I see at least several ads a day for antidepressants (maybe I just read too many health articles!) and I'm sure you do, too. Before taking any medication, especially for a serious condition, you should always do your research.
You can read more about depression on AOL Body and search for depression treatment on AOL Search.
Top searched depression medications on AOL Search:
1. Lexapro
2. Cymbalta
3. Zoloft
4. Wellbutrin
5. Effexor XR
6. Prozac
7. Paxil
8. Celexa
9. Trazodone
10. Remeron
See sponsored links for: depression symptoms, antidepressants, depression medication.
Reader Comments (Page 4 of 18)
61. i'm 44 + have had depression for over 32 yrs. i really believe it's based on the individual. i know it's genetic; 3 family members have it. i also know it's situational. as a woman, i know at certain times of the month, it gets worse. that makes it chemical. medication does help for most; it's just finding what's right. the process alone is frustrating + sometimes scary. there are so many variables; add physical pain, anxiety disorders, the limitations caused by the depression, having to deal w. the gov't for financial help, societal ignorance, etc. do your homework, learn about meds, ask questions when searching for a therapist. don't settle!!!
Posted at 9:27PM on Aug 12th 2007 by marci
62. As T said, there are many different types of depression as well as many options to treat it. It is a VERY tough disease to deal with especially for those who don't take the time to seek help and understand it. A combination of medication,therapy, a healthy diet and exercise are essential in getting depression under control. Sufferers and family members must also understand that it takes time and patience to gain control of depression and depressive episodes. EVERYONE is different and responds in different ways to various treatments. An educated doctor that you are comfortable talking to honestly is a must. Doctor and patient must work together to find solutions for treating each individual's depression! Please seek help if you suffer from depression. I live a wonderful life now that I have my depression under control. While I know that I may have a relapse at any time, I am aware of the signs that I am headed in that direction and can catch it early. By working with my MD I am able to better control my depression so that it doesn't control me!
Posted at 9:33PM on Aug 12th 2007 by S
63. I get depressed all the time. Wars, low finances, can't pass college, no husband, no children, elderly parents, work for people who are worst well off than I am. Use to take meds for one year. They ended up making me more loopier. The one drug I depend on is JESUS. He shows me the way. He gets me thru the hard times. I don't get what I want in life but Jesus provides for my needs. That's all that matters. I wish I could have more. I only receive what the Lord hands me. Drugs for me is not the answer. I have a chemical imbalance that no drug can cure. My self-will, my motivation, my perseverance, my choice to be happy. I do not depend on people to make me happy I only love and worship and do for GOD. God will keep me upbeat. I could be depressed if I wanted too 24/7 but I don't want to be depressed. I find hobbies that make my heart be full of LOVE. I don't sit and list the depressions in which are present. NOTHING in this world is that worth getting depressed over. God gave us our lives and He allows us to choose our paths. I choose not to be depressed. I agree with this statement.....I am too blessed to be stressed nor depressed. If those of you HAVE to live on meds---I'm sorry and may God heal you in HIS time. Some meds were made for the worse off. I CHOOSE not to take the pills for I want GOD to heal me in his timing and thru my diet, exercise, and lifestyle of Christian church counseling every week-7 days a week.
Posted at 9:34PM on Aug 12th 2007 by Karen
64. yes i know how everybody feels. I'M a 32 yr old single mom of 2 kids and i have suffer with depression sends i was 16 yrs i been on paxil that don't help me that made it worst so i got switch to zoloft but my body got to imune to it and i just got on effexor and its working better for . but i have a very stressfull job and now i looking for a new one so i can be there for my kids for years to come. so don't give up .... just keep going!!!!!
Posted at 9:34PM on Aug 12th 2007 by melinda
65. I am suffering from depression, my mother recently passed away. I am currently taking Prozac, which has been a god send. I think each person must do what they feel is right for them.. If a person thinks that vitamins and diet is the answer then that is okay it is not the answer for everyone.
Posted at 9:34PM on Aug 12th 2007 by Barbara
66. Anyone thinking of taking psych meds should check out websites on them to learn about ALL of the possible side effects. Also note many of these drugs now have a "Black-Box" warning label on them, the highest warning the FDA can give before totally banning a drug. There is no lab test, x-ray, brain scan, or other test to detect "chemical imbalences". Many of the proposed meds are classified as having the same effects as drugs like "speed" or "cocain". Do a search for "psych drug side effects" on the web and you will see what some people experienced taking these. There ARE other alternatives, as many posting comments have pointed out.
Posted at 9:34PM on Aug 12th 2007 by Alex
67. I don't suffer from depression but I have a close friend who's been suffering from chronic depression since the age of 16 and who also suffers from ADD. This person has been taking Parnate(MOI inhibitor)for about the past 20 years.
Is there anyone with depression who's been on Parnate and who can describe the experience for me? I'm trying to lend this person a hand but Parnate doesn't often appear in the depression literature and I could use some extra information about this.
Posted at 9:34PM on Aug 12th 2007 by jrclio
68. I've suffered from depression on and off all my adult life. It generally passes over time, but until then it can be horrible to deal with. I cannot tolerate any of the anti-depressants out there. I'm either alergic or they make me act weird or horribly sick to my stomach. I wish there was something I could do.
Posted at 9:35PM on Aug 12th 2007 by Dana
69. I take Lexapro for depression and have such real dreams all night long that I wake up tired. Has anyone else had this reaction? I also take high bloodpressure medication but I think it is the Lexapro that makes me dream????Doctor doesn't seem to think it a problem but it is to me as I am tired all the time from not sleeping peacefully.
Posted at 9:35PM on Aug 12th 2007 by Marilyn
70. I wouldn't wish depression on my worst enemy. It
is so awful and I was so sick. I finally went
to a doctor and he helped me..I'm still on
a low dose of prozac and it's been 10 years now....
They said I have clinical depression and should
stay on it. I'm 78 years old and feel good.....
I pray for you.....
Posted at 9:35PM on Aug 12th 2007 by kathleen
71. I found outabout7 years ago that I suffer from depression- It started when I became dizzy and thought I needed glasses-I was physically exhausted and thought I was becoming a diabetic-which is genetic. I had several tests run and doctors told me they thought I may have a brain tumor--after lots of tests they diagnosed me with depression--and compulsive disorders--4 different things-I have always been a strong willed person I do not drink or even smoke ciggarettes-I dont believe in them-after seeing this doctor for a very long time and My marriage suffering, I tried several medications(zoloft, welbutrin) And I felt like I was losing my life I was carefree, even about the important things. But now I believe in depression-I live it everyday and know that it will never leave-I just wish I would have been more open minded too others that suffer from it,my mother has for years, I believed that it was just a reason for her too take zanex. Depression is very real, And people are all different, but seeking a doctors advice is the best answer, too at least see what works for you, my medicine is my strong will and faith.
Posted at 9:36PM on Aug 12th 2007 by jonie
72. Everyone feels dissappointed at some time in their life...continuous dissappointment can cause an imbalance in a person's life. Some might turn to drugs...including smoking tobacco...and alcohol; these things will deplete the body of B vitamins.
Interesting! B-Complex is used to treat depression!
So, would it be safe to say that, lack of B vitamins caused by drugs and alcohol can lead to depression.
I know when I was 60lbs over weight it was depressing. I let it get out of control and could not find a quick fix to correct the situation. It was depressing. I found a company that has products that helps one reach and maintain a healthy condition.
One of the products, called "Experience" helped me to lose 3 inches from my waistline in about two months; and another product called, "Pure Trim" helped me to shed the pounds and keep them off and reduce cravings...I am really excited and would like to share this company with you. http://www.to.Awarenesslifelife.com
Posted at 9:36PM on Aug 12th 2007 by rey
73. i suffered depression.but the best thing to handle it is just recognized what makes you depressed then find something to avoid it...then ill just eat fruits and vegetables and take a long long walk at the park and at the mall and dance inside my room.and it really helps me a lot.going to poor countries like asia also helps me to see those people in need really relieves me too.i also avoided toxic people.those people who are toxic.once bad is always bad.
Posted at 9:36PM on Aug 12th 2007 by summer asignar
74. singing is also a big help in relieving depression.
Posted at 9:37PM on Aug 12th 2007 by summer asignar
75. For serious depression, popular medications can be effective ie Zoloft, Prozac, etc. Things like nutrition and excercise should be done in addition to the medication, its not like you have to choose one or the other.
Posted at 9:40PM on Aug 12th 2007 by Michael
76. Depression is essentially a supression of feelings over a period of time. When you can accept and experience ALLOWING ALL of your feelings, both negative and positive, you will relieve most depression. There is no pain in any feeling. The pain comes from the resistance to the feeling. The more resistance the more pain....the more supression the more depression. The more you resist a feeling the longer it stays. What you resist persists.
Posted at 9:40PM on Aug 12th 2007 by Robert Baker
77. i would def. NOT suggest stopping your meds abruptly. if you're looking for a quick fix, good luck. we are all individuals + what works for one may not work for another. adding vitamins, exercise, etc. can be a great thing. do the research. some vitamins + herbs are toxic in high doses. some interfere w. meds absorption. make sure you have a doc you really trust. and make sure you have a psychiatrist prescribe the meds, not a reg. family doc. the drug co's push samples + you become the guinea pig. i wish you all the best. be strong.
Posted at 9:43PM on Aug 12th 2007 by marci
78. Hey ~ I've been taking Paxil, high dose 75mg 1 year . I cant say ive been any better but the dr give me xanax up to 3 a day whichcan off set anything. I;m worry, im 50 and absolutly no labito....Help
Posted at 9:43PM on Aug 12th 2007 by Tommy
79. If you are really concerned about your depression and would like to know why you have depression, I recommend you read this book "A More Excellent Way" it will tell you why you have it and how to get rid of it.
Manic Depression is an inherited mental disease caused by a continual underproduction of serotonin as a result of a defect in the 27th lower right-hand side of the X Chromosome. It is a recessive gene passed through the mother.
Prozac is a serotoning enhancer. It doesn't increase the secretion of serotonin. It just keeps it out on the end of the dedrite in the nerve synapse longer, which balances the imbalance. It doesn't solve the real issue.
There is hope for everyone with this disease, have faith. For more information check this web site.
http://www.helpmehealnow.com
Posted at 9:43PM on Aug 12th 2007 by Mabel Campuzano
80. I don't think spavelous was implying that vitamins and holistic treatment fix everything. However, as one who experienced depression from childhood on, I can testify as to changes that may occur with natural treatment. I was treated by over six different psychiatrists and six different therapists through a forty year time period. One psychiatrist and one therapist helped; the psychiatrist actually utilized therapy. I was hospitalized for one month in my twenties. I tried to commit suicide in high school. Now that I take nothing but NADH and niacin along with other vitamins, I literally feel the best I have in my life. There are many forms of treatment that help people, but if one that is totally non-toxic and without adverse effects works, what do you have to lose?
Posted at 9:44PM on Aug 12th 2007 by bob