revtothelimit - motorbike forum

So, the physio and the doctor have both suggested medication for depression.

I'm still resisting this as my experiences of medication (28 years ago) was pretty awful. One made me constantly nauseous and the other made me half asleep all the time

Both of them pointed out that things have moved on since then and I should consider it - I had this discussion with the physio about three months ago, but the doctor quizzed me today as I was weepy when I went in to get referrals for tinnitus/hearing and knee stuff.

I'm struggling to accept that I can't deal with the depression on my own - have managed it pretty well for 20 years (I've suffered for over 35 years, but 20 feeling ok with life and the universe, just aware that I had to watch out for it in case it showed up again) and a bit peeved that I can't seem to now - but when the physio asked how I'd managed it before I realised that it was basically having and riding a bike and the last 10 years the winters have had the balance of skiing. Not been able to do either of those properly for 3.5 years, so that hasn't helped!

Given that I'm pretty sure the bastard menopause has a hand in this too, I really am wary to medicate (I have very few other symptoms, but my brain seems to be imploding!!)


So - does anyone have any experience with depression medication? What sort of options are there? Where can I go to look things up?

I'm not suicidal - just seriously emotional, lack of memory, can't process things without tears, struggling to be positive/proactive. I do sleep pretty well since I started taking a magnesium supplement (part of a Vitamin D protocol) and consistently using CBD oil morning and evening. So that's a major bonus - I've never slept well all my adult life!!

I do realise that what's on offer here may be very different to over there, but just trying to find out if I really do have to consider this or just try harder to get a bike (any bike) and rely on that to help get my head balanced again. Buying my first bike was the catalyst for me being able to deal with life and depression easily! Or just try harder to make my brain work better - but that's failed spectacularly in the last 3 months so . . . .



I am probably over sharing here but I don't have anyone else to ask. There isn't anyone up here to ask (well, maybe one, but I'd like a broader perspective) and I don't feel up to calling mates in the UK to find out if they've medicated for depression ever and can they share information!!

Noggin wrote: Thu Apr 22, 2021 6:29 pm
Both of them pointed out that things have moved on since then and I should consider it -

I think the above sentence sums it all up nicely. Consider it at least.

I can offer nothing more than anecdotal information. A very good friend of mine had a stroke 3 years ago,which left his left side mostly immobile. This meant the end of his long years playing bass on the local scene. It meant a lot to him and he went from someone who was always on the go and gigging,to someone who sits in a chair most of the day and must put all he loved behind him and try to move on.

He never indulged in any drug strong than alcohol,so his mindset was to resist medicating for what he saw as a problem he could overcome in time. It took him a long time of unrelenting misery to relent and consider medication.

He's on a low dose of antidepressants,but they really do keep the worst of the black dog away. His mood is more like his old self these days.

Noggin wrote: Thu Apr 22, 2021 6:29 pm So - does anyone have any experience with depression medication? What sort of options are there?

Yes, my saw bones got me onto Sertraline which is an SSRI, I've been on it for just over 18 months and will take my last one on Monday

Weird shit man, or at least it was for me, but it took the edge off, hopefully now we're coming into summer the extra sun will give me the lift I need..

S'not a lot I can tell you about it, it worked for me (well we'll see when I knock them off) I would say trust your doctor, or even better go find a doctor you can trust and go with their recommendations, trust me this is one Google rabbit hole you don't want to approach let alone fall into.
If'n you do end up with an SSRI go get laid as much as possible before you start taking them, because once you're on them you'll not be

I resisted for many months after my GP first suggested it. Which was a mistake in hindsight. I ended up on Certraline which is also an SSRI.

Yes, they have side effects but it's possible the side effects of not taking them are worse.

They worked for me anyway.

Good luck whatever you decide.

MrLongbeard wrote: Thu Apr 22, 2021 6:55 pm
If'n you do end up with an SSRI go get laid as much as possible before you start taking them, because once you're on them you'll not be

I don't think SSRI impotence will be a problem for Noggin...

I struggle with the idea of medication partly because, bad experience of anti-depressants in my early 20's (and total lack of support from the GP then) and the fact that pain meds have virtually no effect on me.

It took me months to actually try the CBD oil that I bought last spring for my shoulder pain!


We agreed that I'd keep going for 3 more weeks, but if I get some info together I might go back sooner!


I will have a read about SSRI's - but as mentioned, the thought of googling anti depressants fills me with fear!! Hence coming here!

MrLongbeard wrote: Thu Apr 22, 2021 6:55 pm If'n you do end up with an SSRI go get laid as much as possible before you start taking them, because once you're on them you'll not be

TBF, after the drought I've had (being broken doesn't exactly encourage a girl to try!) I doubt I'd notice!!

Skub wrote: Thu Apr 22, 2021 6:43 pm He's on a low dose of antidepressants,but they really do keep the worst of the black dog away. His mood is more like his old self these days.

That's awesome.

I've had enough of what feels like unrelenting misery over the last 3.5 years with my shoulder. I should be feeling better - even though it's take for freaking ever to get back to what will be normal

My black dog has really only been a cute little black puppy for the last ten years (although it was full and proper grown up after the cycling accident for about 6 months) so having a full sized grown up black dog with attitude hanging around again is a bit pants!!

Asian Boss wrote: Thu Apr 22, 2021 7:00 pm Yes, they have side effects but it's possible the side effects of not taking them are worse.

Good luck whatever you decide.

It's side effects I'm wary of due to the issues when I was in my early 20's. But maybe I should just MTFU and deal with it?!

thank you

moth wrote: Thu Apr 22, 2021 7:19 pm

MrLongbeard wrote: Thu Apr 22, 2021 6:55 pm
If'n you do end up with an SSRI go get laid as much as possible before you start taking them, because once you're on them you'll not be

I don't think SSRI impotence will be a problem for Noggin...

I guess the worst would be loss of interest! But the hot physio is away for a few months, so no one to be interested in

Mrs CJ had the baby blues that didn't let up, so she was prescribed anti-depressants. This was 40 years ago, and they were horrible.

A little while back she had some problems, and was prescribed modern ones. They worked. They didn't have massive side effects.

Medicine, like bikes, have moved on a bit.

I believe women taking SSRIs may experience a decrease in both sexual drive and function. It can continue when they cease taking the medication.

Asian Boss wrote: Thu Apr 22, 2021 8:40 pm I believe women taking SSRIs may experience a decrease in both sexual drive and function. It can continue when they cease taking the medication.

I'm in menopause, basically my life is no longer fucked in a fun way as all those negatives happen naturally anyway!!!

Cousin Jack wrote: Thu Apr 22, 2021 7:51 pm Mrs CJ had the baby blues that didn't let up, so she was prescribed anti-depressants. This was 40 years ago, and they were horrible.

A little while back she had some problems, and was prescribed modern ones. They worked. They didn't have massive side effects.

Medicine, like bikes, have moved on a bit.

I get that it's my trust issues on medicines that haven't moved on. But after the treatment in Bristol post op, I have very little reason to have trust. Although - the treatment here post op was awesome. So I need to man up I think. Probably x

No relevant depression advice but as I'm sure you're aware French doctors seem to over medicate.

Lost count of prescriptions I've binned.

DefTrap wrote: Thu Apr 22, 2021 9:14 pm No relevant depression advice but as I'm sure you're aware French doctors seem to over medicate.

Lost count of prescriptions I've binned.

It's part of the reason I've been reluctant to ask for help as I know they will go down the medication route. (They are always surprised when I refuse codine and tramadol - but they don't work, so no point!!)


My MT is pretty good. Better than I thought to be honest. He wasn't pushy but was quite straight talking today. I think the physio had probably talked to him so he may have been aware that the physio thought there was an issue (don't actually know if they are supposed to communicate but I have told the physio before that it's ok if he does, so . . . )

But yes, I will talk him down from what he suggests to something less - if I go that route x

Well get the Monster down to me I fix it for cost of parts only you get it back then go out and enjoy, flies in your teeth smile on your face forget your woes for a couple of hours at least. And the next day you can do it again even go meet a few of the rapscallions on here. KENT Medway towns

maccecht wrote: Thu Apr 22, 2021 10:07 pm And the next day you can do it again even go meet a few of the rapscallions on here

Nog's, if'n you're ever in country and want / need a chat then fire up the bat signal, we'll see you right chick

Noggin wrote: Thu Apr 22, 2021 6:29 pm So, the physio and the doctor have both suggested medication for depression.

Anti depression meds are a common thing for ongoing physical issues, like wot you have wiv your shoulder. It's not prescribed because you're depressed, it's prescribed because it helps with the physical problem. The stuff the doctor will prescribe won't be hard core antidepressants, it'll be a very mild version and only for a limited amount of time. As mentioned, the French do like a pill or two which is why they have three pharmacy's per person, but in this case I'd get the prescription, Google it to see how strong the pills are, then if they're mild enough buy them and take them. BTW, I've been drinking and hope this makes sense.

There’s not a lot I can helpfully contribute but I hope you can get sorted x

I’ve only ever had one lot of anti depressants and that was many years ago and if anything they made it worse. But things have moved on since then. We’ve even got inside toilets now

However my son in law suffers from depression and he’s sometimes on a course of medication. The good thing is they seem to take affect pretty quickly and are quite short term. The tricky thing is knowing when to look for help. He’s pretty good at facing up to it which you seem to be doing as well.

I can't believe I'm typing this on here but I am (MUMSNET WARNING). This post may self-destruct once Noggin has read it

HRT is great stuff. If you've not tried it, do so. It made all the difference............for a while. Each doctor I saw had a different opinion of HRT so you might as well make your own mind up and tell them what you want. I tried a few brands and the only reason I stopped taking it was because the one I liked the most became unavailable. I heard various rumours about why that was and I wonder now if I could get it again. It improved my mood and my physical state (joints/skin/hair) so to me it was a wonder drug. I read that there are no long-term benefits to taking it - it's just a bit of relief.

I was prescribed Mirtazapine once, an anti-anxiety medication. I hated it so I didn't complete the course and I never complained again to my doctor again about feeling a bit fed up - I really wasn't that fed up. It made me way too lethargic, I could have slept 24/7 and I was hungry all of the time. Anyone I know who has taken it for any length of time has put on weight.

On the HRT subject, Mrs. G was prescribed it a few years back. Made her depressed, tired, irritable. Didn't suit her at all. Apparently it's made out of pregnant mares' piss.

Anyhow, she forked out for private consultation after the GP shrugged and said tough-titties, and was prescribed some other HRT made out of something totally different, applied in gel form to the skin each day, and it was like a complete turnaround. She went back to the GP and was told that, yes, she could have that on the NHS anyway, apparently. He wasn't aware there was an alternative tot he standard.

Moral of the story? HRT can be great for you ladies, but not for everybody, so make sure you explore the options.

maccecht wrote: Thu Apr 22, 2021 10:07 pm Well get the Monster down to me I fix it for cost of parts only you get it back then go out and enjoy, flies in your teeth smile on your face forget your woes for a couple of hours at least. And the next day you can do it again even go meet a few of the rapscallions on here. KENT Medway towns

Not sure where you are (I think you've said before but memory is something that I'm losing big style ) - I'm guessing Kent cos you've written that!!
But someone 7.5 hours from me has offered and I'm going down next weekend with it. At least I'll know if it can be made to run or if I have to bin it and find a cheap something to see me through the summer! But thank you sooo much xx

MrLongbeard wrote: Thu Apr 22, 2021 10:27 pm

maccecht wrote: Thu Apr 22, 2021 10:07 pm And the next day you can do it again even go meet a few of the rapscallions on here

Nog's, if'n you're ever in country and want / need a chat then fire up the bat signal, we'll see you right chick

Thank you. I will take you up on that. I suspect the earliest I'll be over for a visit will be September. So depending on the restrictions, I might stay for a week or so to visit peeps!!

Pirahna wrote: Thu Apr 22, 2021 10:32 pm

Noggin wrote: Thu Apr 22, 2021 6:29 pm So, the physio and the doctor have both suggested medication for depression.

Anti depression meds are a common thing for ongoing physical issues, like wot you have wiv your shoulder. It's not prescribed because you're depressed, it's prescribed because it helps with the physical problem. The stuff the doctor will prescribe won't be hard core antidepressants, it'll be a very mild version and only for a limited amount of time. As mentioned, the French do like a pill or two which is why they have three pharmacy's per person, but in this case I'd get the prescription, Google it to see how strong the pills are, then if they're mild enough buy them and take them. BTW, I've been drinking and hope this makes sense.

TBH, I've spent the day talking to a good mate who's been there and done that with depression and meds so I am sitting here thinking!! In a good way! (Also, I'm fully vaccined up and two other good things have happened - nothing like good things to make you feel human again!! ) Also, just thanked him for the chat and he's replied that it helps him to have someone to talk with so no need to thank him. Which is cool

Scotsrich wrote: Fri Apr 23, 2021 6:43 am There’s not a lot I can helpfully contribute but I hope you can get sorted x

I’ve only ever had one lot of anti depressants and that was many years ago and if anything they made it worse. But things have moved on since then. We’ve even got inside toilets now

However my son in law suffers from depression and he’s sometimes on a course of medication. The good thing is they seem to take affect pretty quickly and are quite short term. The tricky thing is knowing when to look for help. He’s pretty good at facing up to it which you seem to be doing as well.

I've had trouble with the getting help bit - but only because, since I was about 12 (the first time I remember feeling like this) I have had to MTFU and just find a way to deal with life whilst feeling bad. And of course, since I first came to the mountains ten years ago, I've not felt this bad!!! It was why I needed to post up here. I do have one person to talk to up here but needed a broader response really xxx

Potter wrote: Fri Apr 23, 2021 7:11 am If you've tried a bunch of other stuff and now you're at a dead end then go see the doctor and give them a try, you can always throw them away after a week if they don't agree with you - which is what I did with the stuff they gave me - at the time I wasn't really against taking them or anything, but they just seemed to dull my mind too much, so I binned them and figured out another way to be happy.

Mrs Potter had something going on, the doctor thinks it's connected to an early menopause because it's more anxiety about irrational stuff (hormonal) rather than depression, she was worried about taking tablets because she felt it was like admitting she couldn't cope and she felt bad about that which added to it all, but I told her to just go and get them, which seemed to ease her mind about it. She took them for a while, which seemed to make her feel more positive that she was doing something about it, then she stopped taking them when she felt like she didn't need them anymore.

If you try them it doesn't have to be a permanent thing, sometimes you just need a bridge to get you over something.

Thank you. I do feel that hormones have as much if not more to do with what's going on than everything else. I mean, when I listed to the new physio then the doctor everything that has happened since Aug 2017 that could be part of the issue, it's a bloody long list!! But I was pretty much dealing with it until december. So what changed? The season didn't happen, we are still restricted on lots of things, no social life. But that happened last year too. It could be a culmination but it could be hormones.

I think I will go back next week and have a proper chat with the MT (GP) about it all and see what he suggests. Then I can make a more informed decision based on what he thinks as well as what I'm willing to try

Trinity765 wrote: Fri Apr 23, 2021 8:33 am I can't believe I'm typing this on here but I am (MUMSNET WARNING). This post may self-destruct once Noggin has read it

HRT is great stuff. If you've not tried it, do so. It made all the difference............for a while. Each doctor I saw had a different opinion of HRT so you might as well make your own mind up and tell them what you want. I tried a few brands and the only reason I stopped taking it was because the one I liked the most became unavailable. I heard various rumours about why that was and I wonder now if I could get it again. It improved my mood and my physical state (joints/skin/hair) so to me it was a wonder drug. I read that there are no long-term benefits to taking it - it's just a bit of relief.

I was prescribed Mirtazapine once, an anti-anxiety medication. I hated it so I didn't complete the course and I never complained again to my doctor again about feeling a bit fed up - I really wasn't that fed up. It made me way too lethargic, I could have slept 24/7 and I was hungry all of the time. Anyone I know who has taken it for any length of time has put on weight.

Thing is - the guys have posted as much/more about menopause stuff too!! This place rocks!!

I'm not against HRT but am not overly keen. I have virtually no symptoms so not sure if it is that. But I will talk to the MT and see what he thinks/recommends. The last blood tests just showed I was in menopause but he didn't comment on levels of hormones - but then, I didn't dissolve into tears for no reason back then!! LOL

Weight is another issue - I had stayed basically the same (fat) weight since the accident which surprised everyone. THe last 4 months I've started gaining and am not happy about that at all!!!

gremlin wrote: Fri Apr 23, 2021 11:16 am On the HRT subject, Mrs. G was prescribed it a few years back. Made her depressed, tired, irritable. Didn't suit her at all. Apparently it's made out of pregnant mares' piss.

Anyhow, she forked out for private consultation after the GP shrugged and said tough-titties, and was prescribed some other HRT made out of something totally different, applied in gel form to the skin each day, and it was like a complete turnaround. She went back to the GP and was told that, yes, she could have that on the NHS anyway, apparently. He wasn't aware there was an alternative tot he standard.

Moral of the story? HRT can be great for you ladies, but not for everybody, so make sure you explore the options.

Cheers - definitely going to explore. I've got friends that hated it and some that loved it! x

Potter wrote: Sat Apr 24, 2021 7:13 am Took me a while to find it, but have you got half an hour (ish) spare? You can skip the intro.
https://www.ted.com/talks/robert_sapols ... anguage=fa

Most of it is just funny and interesting, but towards the end he talks about reward and dopamine and ultimately hanging onto hope.
It kind of sums up why I think that many humans can cure themselves from depression - although you need to employ intelligence and tenacity.

In my very simplified way of putting it (I don't have the eloquence or skill to describe it in the way he does) if you set yourself challenging goals (too easy and it doesn't work, in fact for me I have to set almost fantasy land goals) and then set off towards them with the mindset that it's going to be a hell of a ride but there is a chance that you could achieve them, then you'll get a decent chemical balance in your brian to ward off depression.

Success, reward, winning, belief, challenge, etc, that's the gist of it.

I'll watch that in a bit. Thank you. (As in, I'm doing stuff now!! Not that I'm putting it off just cos!)

I do mostly agree with you. I think I've been doing that for 20 years. But, all the things that have happened in the last 3.5 years + age stuff + realism of lockdown/restrictions + finding out I don't have the support network here I thought I had = I have had the ability to sort myself out kicked out from under me.

It's why I dismissed the physio back in January - I didn't need 'help' because I'd always been able to regulate things myself. But maybe I do just need a bit of help right now and then go back to being able to sort myself out!! LOL


Am just gonna finish the bits I was doing before I logged in here so I can then watch the video without them staring at me from the sofa!! LOL

Thank you