Mind Bending Drugs et al
Some time ago I posted on this forum my experiences following an extended period of use of Tramadol which is a very effective pain killer. I took the drug over a 9 month period at pretty hefty rates (whilst NEVER abusing my prescription) whilst surgeons tried to piece together my left arm which had been cat 5'd after a ladder I was up collapsed from under me at home.
What I did not know when I took it was that it is a SNRI as well, in other words an anti-depressant. I found when I skipped, missed or tried to stop I ran into really bad problems ( I became dependant on this poison) and this culminated in post acute withdrawal syndrome (PAWS) and a whole heap of psychological effects which the man on the street would term a nervous breakdown.
I ended up with all sorts of care but today I have recovered from that awful experience. I totally echo what loose rivets has posted above. The effect on me destroyed a beautiful marriage to a woman who I will always love.
Again I can honestly say that I was DEFINITELY not myself whilst I was on this devil of a drug.
Like others I have experienced mixed reactions to my diagnosis of clinical depression as against peoples reaction to my shattered arm. With the arm, people were universally sympathetic. With my depression (definitely brought on by the tramadol in my view) the reaction was very much more mixed, Some people I found incredibly simply did not even believe it.
There is a stigma against those folk who are diagnosed with depressive disorders I regret to say.
In my experience the best policy is to get early medical advice, but do everything you can to steer clear of these mind bending drugs. I was put on anti-depressants and frankly that just caused another raft of problems for my dearest friends to have to cope with.
My advice is do everything you can do to avoid taking them but sadly doctors seem only too ready to dish them out with the cornflakes.
A healthy lifestyle with lots of physical exercise, a relaxing hobby (flyfishing for me) and surrounding yourself with non-judgemental people is the way ahead.
And loose rivets you say it how it really is. Thanks.