antidepressants, do they actually work? Options

[deadinaditch]

i have a history of depression in my family, and for the last couple months i've been having a hard time with mood swings. i have all the symptoms of the disorder: aches and pains in the neck and shoulders, apetite loss, sleeping too much, all of it. they haven't taken me to a doctor yet and i'd actually like to have a second opinion before they send me off to the haven of piss tests (scary thought) and blood drawing (scarier thought).

both of my parents are prescribed to wellbutrin.

has anybody had any experience with any sort of medication, becoming prescribed and its afteraffects? is it worth it? does it work? does it change how you act? is it likely i'll have seizures? i'm kind of afraid.

thanks a lot...

[raech_mad_cow]

Hey,
I've had depression for nearly 5 years now off and on. I have tried all sorts of medication. Generally i find that antidepressants do help but certainly not for the long term! They help with mood swings but please see your doctor first as certain types of depression need certain types of drugs.
I find depression extremely difficult but im getting there slowly. If you need any advice at all or someone to keep in touch with e-mail me! raechel_mad_cow@hotmail.com
Use people too! You'd be amazed at how lovely people can be when you admit to problems....im training to be a nurse and although i found some people who didnt want to know the majority were so supportive.

Raech
xx