Anti-Depressants: The Truth Behind the Drug

["IRISH" RUFUS MURPHY]

I of all people know what it's like to be prescribed anti-depressants. I was 'classified' as having no less than five different 'disorders'; OCD, passive-aggressiveness, social anxiety, panic attacks, manic depression [bi-polar disorder] to be exact, as well as other minute comments such as 'shutting down' and 'acting out'.

I was first given an anti-depressant when I was in the 7th or 8th grade. I was given 50mg's [later to be 100mg's] of Paxil. After a few 'trial weeks' of taking this drug, where I slept constantly and felt like my brain was being literally ripped apart, I was switched over to Zoloft [50mgs to 100mgs and later 150mgs].

Again the discomfort in my head returned, and something odd happened as well. I was only 16 years old and started losing my hair. I also couldn't sleep at night, and when I did I wouldn't wake up for hours on end. I felt like I was 'disconnected' from my self. Without consulting a doctor I went cold turkey off the drug and haven't looked back since [2yrs ago].

Oddly enough, this drug that swore to have no 'addicting' qualities whatsoever, made me go through withdrawals once I stopped taking them, where it felt like electrical shocks were going throughout my entire body.

I have managed myself very well ever since, learning that by controlling my emotions and trying to remain focused on goals and keeping myself busy and amused made a world of difference, and I cannot say that all the things are 'cured' with my new self-confidence, but they are greatly supressed.

Then it occured to me of how many other people are on anti-depressants, and with growing news stories all the time of 'odd' side-effects, that maybe everyone should actually get a FULL list of the side-effects, rather than a few of the side effects that are labeled on the bottle.

Maybe then they could make a conscience decision of what to put into their own bodies, or their children's bodies, rather than jump the gun and ingest a pill that they know little about than having the stigma of being a 'wonder drug'.

Here are the side-effects [some rare] of anti-depressants, no matter the brand:

-Sense of smell and taste deteriorates

-Suicidal tendencies in younger users

-Agitation/Confusion/Anxiety

-Sleepiness/insomnia/drowsiness

-Dizziness/Nausea/Headaches

-Violent Behavior [to selves or others]

-Tremors/Seizures/Strokes

-High Blood Pressure/Heart Attack/Rapid Heart Beat

-Dry mouth/Constipation/Urinay Retention

-Liver Inflammation/Menstrual Problems/Abdominal Pain

-Sexual Side-Effects [loss in libido, failure to reach orgasm, lack of pleasure]

-Blurred Vision/Weight-Gain-Loss/Hair Loss

-Stunted Growth/Facial Hair


And unfortunately that is just the tip of the ice-berg when it comes to the potential side-effects to these drugs. I can't really make any claims that all anti-depressants are bad, there are alot of people in this world who have such awful mental disorders that they need artificial means of help as well as love and support---but nonetheless I will stand up and point out in my case, that the drugs all but ruined me physically and mentally.

I had alot of the side-effects listed above, lost alot of my hair, and believe it or not, the drugs more or less 'shut off' my emotions. I couldn't even cry and though it's been two years since, I still find it hard to cry. I don't know if it's from the drugs or because I have become either a stronger person or that it just takes alot to make me break down and cry.

I just want everyone to know that no pill in this world is a magic cure, and there are better alternatives than ordering a perscription. Believe me, in the long run, it makes you a stronger person inside than it doesn't.