Tri training and depression medication

As to which med is right for you...the only person that can answer that is you. Really. It is seriously highly individualized.

I am on a combination of Lexapro and Buspar for daily meds. This is to treat OCD, Anxiety/panic, and depression. I also see a therapist who specializes in my disorders.

Once the initial side effects subsided, I have had zero interference with my meds and my training.

I first when on a anti-depressant about  5 years ago and believe it had no impact on either my mood or my active lifestyle. I did change drugs a year ago at my Doc's suggestion and did have some stomach issues for a few days, and also each time the dose was increased to bring me to the standard. Other than that, again no physical side effects. Now being weaned off of it as Doc thinks I may have come to grips with my 'thing'. Yeah, not too sure about that one!

Edited by blairrob 2009-11-19 9:29 AM

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Edited by UrsusAdiposimus 2009-11-19 11:14 AM

I don't believe there is any reason why anti-depressants would interfere with triathlon or any other endurance training. I have been on meds for some years, and the only side effects I ever had was a bit of nausea during the first couple of weeks.

I would think carefully about whether you want to go on meds, or whether there are other ways you can manage your condition - therapy, improving your diet/lifestyle etc. However, if you decide that you are struggling to enjoy life without meds, then by all means go ahead. As others have said though, try to combine the meds with therapy. It definitely helps.

x2 

I don't have any rainbow side effects *huge smile* but I know that some drugs seem to have more of an impact than others.

X2. I was on Lexapro for two years combined with therapy one or two times a week. The Lexapro was able to get me through but I'm convinced that the therapy is what helped me the most. Now I manage my depression through a combination of the cognitive tools I learned in therapy and the wonderful endorphins I get from s/b/r.

FWIW weaning myself very slowly off the Lexapro was one of the worst physical experiences I've ever been through. I was supervised by a doctor but the physical withdrawl symptoms were way worst than I expected. Because of that I'd be very cautious to ever go back on an anti-depressant again. That said, as others have mentioned the meds impact each person differently so it may be very different for you. Good luck!

I had that same problem (well, in a chick way)...except i never GOT to the pot of gold. :-(

Adding buspar or wellbutrin def. helps though

The meds themselves shouldn't have any side effects that keep you from training.  Obviously listen to the doc and ask what the side effects are for the particular drug he/she prescribes...but from what I can tell the majority of antidepressant type meds do not negatively affect training.

The decision to go on meds can be huge.  The great thing about meds is that they are not permanent.  At some point, eventually, you should be able to ween yourself off them.  I personally waited to use meds until there was really no other way out.  That wasn't exactly intentional, but it is what it is.  I typically don't like taking meds but in this case I was out of other options.  I had been doing therapy for awhile with no success and I was spiraling downhill rapidly.  So that would be what I suggest you consider in your decision.  IMHO chemical solutions are pushed a bit too much in today's day and age.  If you can recover without the use of them that is always the better solution.

As for which drug is best...your doc is going to have to help you there.  They are all used for slightly different situations.

Upfront I should say that I'm not medicated at this point. I got put on meds when I was 13, and finally took myself off of them when I was 27. For me, that was the right decision. That being said, I've been on so many different types of medications, and the most important thing you can do is take notes. Add notes in your log everyday, so you can look back over the course of a month and have a record of how you were feeling. You can then take those notes to your doctor, and come up with the best options. Be your own best advocate, be open to trying new things, and be really brutally honest with your doctor.
Good luck.

This took me awhile.

As long as you don't chintz them on the tip they have no right to complain.

Thanks everyone for the advice...I am just always hesitant to resort to medication to solve problems, but it seems like nothing else has worked and I'm at the point where I'm disinterested in passions in life like triathlon.  So maybe that means it's time to try medication.

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I can't say anything regarding the negative effects of any depression meds, but I have read that Buprion, the generic form of Wellbutrin, actually has an athletic benefit. Apparently, it keeps body temperature lower during intense exercise. I have no details on this in terms of dosage or true effectiveness. I am not condoning anyone takes these meds just for the athletic benefits, I'm only adding my thoughts on the OP question.Chris