I know that many of you out there take Antidepressants after all
having a shunt is enough to depress anybody. I started taking them
after my 7th shunt surgery and crainiotomy for a subdural hematoma at
age 43 in 2002 the year I was diagnosed.
I had side effects from them and I cannot remember all of
them that I took over the last couple of years. I do remember that
Paxil made me feel like everything was okay in the world and I could
just go outside and stand in the middle of the road to be run over by
an 18 wheeler and I wouldn't even care. I took Remeron and then
within a few months gained 30 lbs which I did not need, I took Effexor
which made me perspire profusely and raised my blood pressure, and I
even tried the newest drug Cymbalta which after 1 1/2 months made me
feel even more depressed. Now I have been using Wellbutrin for 2
months and it seems ok.

We had discussed this issue at our last meeting in my
acute head injury group which meets bi-weekly. What I learned was
that we are all slightly different chemically and so are the drugs.
They fit us like a lock and key and what works for one person doesn't
necessarily work for another. Also, many of these drugs require that
you take them for a month or more before you feel their effects. Last
of all don't expect a miracle. These drugs are not to make you happy
(you can only do that yourself), but place you on an even keel to
normalcy.
So if you take or are contemplating taking Antideppressants and
it's not working for you do not despair. And do not give up on them.
Something should work for you.
I find that Antideppressants in addition to psychotherapy has
been very helpful in improving my mental state living with
Hydrocephalus.

Happy New Year from Daniel Ruxin. Antioch,CA