Considering Antidepressants

[Karlton]

Hello friends,
I'm going on 13 years of success with finasteride, but for some reason I have begun to have some pretty intense depression and anxiety this year. I'm not blaming the medication at all. I think it may have more to do with the fear that it may stop working or cause harm to my body, since there are so many unknowns. My mind has now created a really bad cycle of anxiety and rumination over this.

So my question to you guys, is whether any of you has had any success with any natural antidepressant supplements, or prescription medications? I started taking some natural mood enhancers and I'm hoping they will lift me out of the funk I've been in for the last six months. I am trying to go the natural route for a while, but I am willing to eventually try an SSRI if it means getting my emotions under control. The only thing that scares me about SSRI's is of course the hairloss when going on or coming off the medication. Does anyone have any experience in this area? I could really use some advice by guys that have been in my situation.

Thank you all

[chicago99]

A common side effect of anti-depressants is hair loss, specifically telogen effluvium, which is not permanent hairless, but will continue until you stop the meds. It does not effect everyone who takes anti-depressants, but it does for some. A google search will confirm this. Just wanted to make sure you were aware of this before taking the meds. Good luck

[baldduders]

for me i had bad aniexty/depression and for some reason I lost it by getting a small inflatable boat and spending as much spare time as i can outdoors. Really did the trick for me.

If you haven't tried so yet, I think you might want to try a radical lifestyle change like 6 months as a monk in thailand (your hair will fit in too lol) or backpacking or something new .. sounds like your body and mind are warn out and sometimes the cure is something that is also life changing and fun.. maybe a new career path.. what ever something that turns your crank.

Stop thinking of yourself too that means charity work or something that is for someone else.

[Karlton]

Thanks for the replies. Does anyone have any experience with taking an SSRI?

[mitchellthesuper]

SSRI can cause hair loss.

[Karlton]

SSRI can cause hair loss.

Thanks for the reply. I understand that a small subset of patients have complained about hair loss with SSRI's. Have you had personal experience with this issue?

[25 going on 65]

Thanks for the replies. Does anyone have any experience with taking an SSRI?

Yes. Fluoxetine, citralopram. They helped with depression but made my mood flatter.....lower highs, higher lows. Citralopram had bad sexual sides for me. Do not remember them changing my hair

They are good for some people, not for others

[AnnaM11]

Taking antidepressants for hair loss would not be an ideal option. Antidepressants including SSRIs have been linked to hair loss, and at this point this is the last thing you will need. However, possibility of this side effect is very small like in 1% of cases. So you need to weigh your benefits vs risk. If you are sure depression is not only due to hair loss, in my personal view, you should go for it. Alternatively, you can think of fluvoxamine, after discussing with your pschyo, risk of hair loss, is only 0.02%, I read.

[ChrisA]

I think hairloss is one of the last things you should think about when it comes to anti-depressants.

There are several natural alternatives you should try before you consider a prescribed pill.

- up your consumption of foods rich in omega-3's like fish
- foods with 5-HTP in food like turkey and bananas can lift your mood
- St. John's wort is great for low-level depression
- spices like saffron can elevate mood
- foods high in folate, B6 and B12 like eggs, buckwheat, lentils and spinach can benefit those with depression

Obviously if you have a severe case of depression than you should consult with a health care professional. I would suggest you speak with a naturopath before you turn to prescription medication.

[Hicks]

Best thing for me is being around great people that make me laugh. I can be myself no matter how stupid and we can laugh because they are just as stupid. If you can't do this then you have no friends so go find some good ones. They are out there

Check out Brendon Burchard on YouTube. watch "How to design the perfect day". I try to set up at least 6 social events a month like a happy hour or something that gets me around friends. I also do 1, 3-4 day trip every other month. I don't suffer from depression but yeah I get bummed now and again. I also do a 90 day monthly challenge. T25 is the new one. so far T25 is winning.

Wish I could help more.