I have a friend who just told me that she is suffering from depression. She's actually been battling it for a few years with different types of antidepressants. I can't imagine what she has been going through.Depression is a common condition in the U.S. According to Mental Health America, more than 19 million Americans have clinical depression. More interestingly, one in eight teens and one in 33 children have clinical depression. Approximately 15 percent of people hospitalized for depression eventually take their own lives -- a tragic statistic.
The good news is, depression is treatable -- 80 percent of people who seek treatment show improvement. I decided to find out what the most searched antidepressants are on AOL Search and discovered that Lexapro, Cymbalta and Zoloft are in the top three spots on the list. (Please remember: Before taking any medication, especially for a serious condition, you should always consult your doctor.)
Do you know of any depression treatments that did not show up on our list? If so, please tell us about them. You can read more about depression on AOL Body and search for depression treatments on AOL Search.
Top Searched Antidepressants on AOL Search:
1. Lexapro
2. Cymbalta
3. Zoloft
4. Wellbutrin
5. Prozac
6. Celexa
7. Paxil
8. Effexor
9. Trazodone
10. Remeron
See sponsored links for: depression symptoms, antidepressants, depression medication
Reader Comments (Page 2 of 8)
21. I have depression. I've had it for years and just this past year, I acknowledged it. Sometimes people dont admit to it or use it as an excuse. My depression hurts me in many ways. Emotionally, physically and mentally. My mind is my worst enemy and my heart is heavy. Depression is a serious condition i've come to realize. I am surrounded by many friends but feel lonely, I am smiling to others but hurting on the inside. I dont know what to do but to take anti-depressants to try and help the feeling . All those who mock medication, I say to try and understand that treatment in any way , shape or form does help. Everyone is different, but the general public that has depression usually follows the same route. Thank you for your time.
Posted at 5:02PM on May 13th 2008 by MICHELE
22. Beware of the comments that glorify a particular home remedy type of drug and give you the website where you can find out more about it. These are just sales reps trying to push their products. If you suffer depression, see your doctor. He'll know best how to help you. If not, change doctors until you get one who understands depression. You might have to see a psychiatrist if your regular doctor can't help you. But, there is help available. Don't despair.
Posted at 5:06PM on May 13th 2008 by William L. Burkhardt
23. I would say avoid all these drugs. The current "one size fits all" approach is hit or miss and just a bandaid at best.
Side effects, severe withdrawal symptoms, erratic mental activity that worsens one's conditions are most often the results.
Life is a deep mystery. Contact something within yourself and see what this is. Suffering can lead to wisdom. Time heals. Be patient.
Avoid the "experts" and their current faddish and simplistic notions ("bipolar" e.g.).
They don't know that life is an art, not soluable with pills.
For everyone who says "this drug is a lifesaver" will find the effects are temporary at best. And decades later they will still be struggling with their dosages.
Think bigger. Delve into the mystery. But strive for control and balance always. Gradually you will develop it. And negativity will become positivity in ways those who don't struggle can't achieve.
Above all, don't expect immediate results as you engage in your struggle; and remember your suffering will deepen and enrich the quality of your life eventually, and will lead to an ability then to help others.
Posted at 5:11PM on May 13th 2008 by keith
24. Okay. For your information, I suffer from depression. Not only depression, but I also suffer from Panic attacks (anxiety in its worse form) and agoraphobia. I have been on all the 10 listed medications at one time or another. None of them worked for very long. Paxil was the worse. It stole my memory. There is a three year span where I don't remember very much at all. Not only that, I have forgotten how to play the piano. Shortly after coming off Paxil, I discovered I no longer knew any piece I once could play from memory. I took myself off all medications by my own choice. YES, you do have that choice, but you also must accept the responsibility that comes with it. Personally, I had no reactions from any of the medications even when stopped 'abruptly.' I noticed a 'shoop shoop' (like the hula hoop with the beads in it) in my head and it also affected the way I felt...like I was slightly off balance when I stopped taking Buspar. I stayed off all meds for a year. By the end of the year, the depression and anxiety were building again until I was no longer able to function. I started taking Cymbalta. It helped within the first week, in spite of the fact that I was going through two traumas. My mother's Alzheimers was getting progressively worse and there was a betrayal from my now former fiance, abuse and I ended up having to move on very short notice with no place to move to. I have difficulty sleeping so they have given me Lunesta to take whenever I need it. I don't take it unless I know I have to get up for an appt. or have something important to do and can't get to sleep. Otherwise, I have adapted to staying awake until I get sleepy, then I go to bed. I haven't been able to work and I've refused to go on disability (keep hoping I will be able to manage the panic and agoraphobia enough to return to work, but doesn't look like it). I have Valium prescribed for the panic/anxiety. I can take it regularly four times a day, but I don't want it to lose it's effectiveness, so I only take it when I feel a panic attack coming on or those who know me make sure they give it to me if they find me in an 'unannounced' panic state. There is a chemical imbalance. I have been in therapy for over 10 years. There is no magic bullet for the agoraphobia. I don't know that therapy is going to help with this. My father has it and has dealt with it all his life. I have had it since a child, but didn't know what it was. I only knew 'something' was different about me than my siblings. I think all of you should investigate all the medications, the side effects, and take into account the long term affects. My mother is suffering from Alzheimer's now. They believe hers was induced by medications she took for depression years ago. There is a correlation between nerve endings and the 'bundling' of nerves seen in Alzheimer's patients. This is from medications they gave 40 years ago. I can't remember them all, but I do remember Elavil was one of them. Read up on all the information you can get on depression, medication, dementia, and Alzheimers. Keep this in mind when a doctor prescribes you medication. ASK QUESTIONS. Don't just accept his/her word. Know what you may be doing to your body. Yes, these medications do affect weight (I've am overweight for the first time in my life & weight gain is a side affect of almost all these meds). For those taking them who are adults and in relationships, almost all of them affect libido. I mean affect....as in it almost kills it. This is also a known side affect. It isn't a rare affect. So make sure your spouse or partner knows you are on medications and how it may affect your relationship. It can tear a relationship apart if you both aren't on the same page, which should be your trying to help yourself get better. I suggest you take mini vacations on the weekends together. Do something that doesn't cost a lot, like walking in the woods, or going skating, or a walk around the neighborhood. Anything to get you outdoors and together. If you have grandchildren, spend time with them. Children are a great source of 'life' laughter and joy. If you have a hobby you've lost interest in, push yourself to try to do it again. Just one little project. That's a start. Most of all....what has helped me cope and live with this if PRAYER and my belief in GOD. He will get me through this even if it can't be cured. Prayer and talking to God is a great source of strength. If you can find others who suffer from the same thing, discuss it with them. See what they do and help each other. What many don't realized is that depression if more prevalent than most of us realize simply because people don't know they have it, or if they do, they don't/won't talk about it. If you start talking about yours, you'll be amazed at how many people are suffering to some degree or another. Not only is this something (chemical) wrong in our body, but our society, the rapidly changing environment also has an affect on many of us. Many people don't even realize this, but just listening to the news, if you're not a complacent person can cause you to be a bit depressed. If you suffer from depression it takes on an entirely different aspect. I had to stop reading the newspapers & watching the news because I couldn't stop dwelling on the 'bad' things happening around us. So, I wish you all good luck and remember to do your research or have someone who loves you research for you so you'll know the answers. I know it is difficult to concentrate with depression, so have your spouse, parent, child or loved one do this for you and inform you. It is important to have someone with you who knows what is wrong with you and will be there to help you. Good luck to all of you and may you all continue to improve.
Posted at 5:12PM on May 13th 2008 by Terry
25. It is very sad to see some of the ignorant comments people make. Depression is very serious and not something that just goes away. It takes more than a funny movie for someone with this disease. I watched my mother battle with depression for years. And it's the hardest thing to sit every day and pray that your mother will make it thru the next. All you want is for them to be happy-but they want that more than you. So really think before selfish and ignorant remarks are made. We dont know what it's like to be in someone else's shoes.
Posted at 5:13PM on May 13th 2008 by Cntrygirl
26. http://www.health4wealth.com/zylene4u (zylene and other product info)
Again, I am just not a fan of taking so many meds to fix something that half the times the Docs have no idea what they are doing. My aunt was diagnosed with Bi Polar and some other things and takes a ton of meds. She is worse of now because she walks around like a zombie.
I am a believer and this isnt for everyone but stay in shape, eat healthy and give yourself the natural and organic supplements it needs.
Check out Zylene and the better health collection from the link above. Its really amazing and I have lost over 80 pounds. I was depressed and could barely get myself out of bed in the mornings for work. At this point I am active again and my life and my family has meaning.
Check it out and my blog is above in another comment.
Posted at 5:15PM on May 13th 2008 by Ryan
27. Why is it every friends of mine taking antidepression pills end up killing themselves either shot themselves or Hang themselves,,,,,Is it the pills that making then worse negative and depressing ,,,,
Posted at 5:16PM on May 13th 2008 by Dollydale@aol.com
28. There is a new medication out that is called "Lamictal." It is an anti-depressant that is also supposed to help with anger. It also prescribed to epilepsy patients. I am currently on Lamictal but I'm slowly reducing my dosage. I informed my doctor that this medication has much worse side effects than helping me control my aggressive nature. For example, here are some effects I pulled off the internet:
"Less serious side effects may include:
dizziness or drowsiness;
blurred vision;
nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, upset stomach;
headache;
lack of coordination;
weight loss;
anxiety, sleep problems (insomnia), unusual dreams; or runny or stuffy nose."
From http://www.drugs.com/lamictal.html
Now, did you notice these are the LESS serious side effects? I absolutely experienced dizziness (on occasion), blurred vision, a HUGE lack of coordination, and nightmares that literally had me running to save my life every single night (from people who wanted to rape & kill me). It did help my problem with anger, but I'm trying to learn personal anger management because I hate this medication. PLEASE seriously consider the side effects before taking this medication. Honestly, I feel that pharmaceutical companies are not doing enough testing on these medications prior to F.D.A. approval. And our government is so damn greedy, that they're approving all medications as quickly as possible so their Fat Pig pockets can be lined. What has happened to our government? Did they forget "We the people, for the people?"
Posted at 5:17PM on May 13th 2008 by Pickle
29. And you wondoer why America is the most medicated country in the world? My oh my, what did generations past do without all of these anti-depressants? It appears they managed to live and propagate the race. Let's make a concerted effort, NOT TO USE THESE MEDICATIONS. The drug industry is telling you that you need them, they are sending the doctors on lavish trips and supplying other "perks" to get prescriptions written. The Indian government sanctions web sites that allow anyone to buy prescription medication on line, including kids! This crap is actually sent through the good ole U.S.A. postal service. Why is no one trying to stop this? Why do I get no response from government agencies on this problem? Does anyone have the answer, out there?
Ken
Posted at 5:18PM on May 13th 2008 by Ken
30. Here's a good medication for bipolar with depression...take 200mg-300mg of seroquel nightly...seqoquel makes you tired and gain weight so 200mg might be better....you will sleep great with seroquel....take 75-150mg of effexor in the morning for depression.....these medications work well together and there are usually no side effects...
Posted at 5:19PM on May 13th 2008 by Gary Beltz
31. DON'T SUFFER-TAKE YOUR MED'S-SEE YOUR DOCTOR-START LIVING!
Posted at 5:23PM on May 13th 2008 by -linda-
32. I DO NOT CONSIDER HEATHER MILLS A CELEBRITY,MORE LIKE A MONEY HUNGRY,BITCH.IF I HAD BEEN THE JUDGE FOR THAT DIVORCE SHE WOULD HAVE CHILD SUPPORT FOR SIX MONTHS BECAUSE I WOULD HAVE THE BABY THE OTHER SIX. HOW DARE SHE THINK SHE SHOULD HAVE A HOME THAT HAS BEEN IN HIS FAMILY FOR GENERATIONS....
Posted at 5:23PM on May 13th 2008 by carolyn
33. I agree with the person who told the idiot about no such thing as depression. You are fortunate enough never to have had to experience it. But wait until you lose a loved one, get ill, get a divorce, lose a job, etc. Then you won't be saying there is no such thing as depression. Then there is clinical depression, which does exist. The Mental Health Association is too big an organization for depression to be fake! On another note, try Abilify. It works wonders for most.
Posted at 5:23PM on May 13th 2008 by mf
34. I've been on medication for Manic Depression for many years. I take Welbutrin, Lamectal and recently added Zoloft. This combination addresses depression, mood swings and generalized anxiety.
Posted at 5:23PM on May 13th 2008 by nicholsprc
35. Abilify is the dirtiest drug for Bipolar on the market....it will turn you into a zombie...try seroquel it's very clean and works well....200-300mg daily is probably all that you will need...if you have sleeping problems this drug will fix that....always take at night.
Posted at 5:25PM on May 13th 2008 by Gary Beltz
36. Without a doubt, antidepressants have helped many
individuals battling this serious affliction, but
the statement in the article that eighty percent
are helped by drugs is overly optimistic. If truth
be told--according to published articles and clinical
studies--about fifty percent of people taking
antidepressent see improvement.
Posted at 5:25PM on May 13th 2008 by Frances Kleinman
37. I think all antidepressants are for the trash. Tell me what our forefathers did years ago when they did not have any of these?
Posted at 5:27PM on May 13th 2008 by jan
38. Did anybody else have what they call sight, or eye trailers (after vision effects) after using Remron? I didn't know what was the matter with me.
Posted at 5:30PM on May 13th 2008 by David
39. Just got on the new antidepressant Pristiq. It just hit the market. Its 50mg and is fantastic. Seriously I had tried Lexapro, Zoloft and Cymbalta, Pristiq is the only one that has helped me. Hope this helps!
Posted at 5:31PM on May 13th 2008 by Sam
40. I notice alot people who take antidepression pills end up killing themselves ,,,,5 of my friend did ,,and it is sad ,,,,gives them negative feelings ,,,,
Posted at 5:33PM on May 13th 2008 by Dollydale@aol.com