system
Suggest antidepressants for mixed emotions & suicidal thoughts
human
I'm looking into starting an antidepressant. I've never taken them before. My symptoms are sadness, lack of energy, crying, being snappy at my children. I feel really down and can't pull myself out of it. No suicidal thoughts, but I realize this is not my "normal" or "best" self. I don't have anxiety with it. I know different antidepressants treat different symptoms. What do you think would help with mine?
gpt
Hi,From what you have mentioned, it seems highly likely that you are suffering from depression. Before I go ahead and tell you about the treatment, one caution-- you must seek a formal psychiatric consultation in person for proper diagnosis and prescription. Self treatment is not what I would recommend.For deciding the exact drug, many factors need to be kept in mind. I would like to know your age, and whether you are suffering from any other medical disorder. Considering you are free from any medical condition, I would recommend one of the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors like escitalopram or sertraline initially, gradually increasing the dose depending on the response.These are generally safe with very few side effects. The important thing to remember is that the medications will take time to act, the response will be gradual. Once your symptoms are over, they will have to be continued for few months after that in order to minimise any chance of recurrence. Hope this information was helpful. Best wishes.