I've been off of them for about two years now but I spent the large part of 6 years on them. Some made me super super tired... some made me nauseated in the morning... and then I found just the right combination and it made me feel better than ever. They take a while to kick in... and beyond that it takes a while to find what works just right for you in terms of type and dosage... but if you keep on them and let your doctor know exactly how you're feeling on them, you'll eventually be able to find some that make you feel great for the first time in forever

I've been taking zoloft for several years. Initially it made me very nauseous and lethargic. It's not untypical when you take serotonin inducers because your stomach is lined with transmitters.

Everyone is different and it takes some hit-n-miss experimentation to find the right medication for you.

I was on Zoloft for about 4 years or so when I was in high school. Since my depression is mostly biological (meaning, not so much nurture, just nature) it really worked for me. Thing is, taking anti-depressants for teens/young adults can cause suicidal thoughts/tendencies. I had that going on when I first started to use them, but after a few months I got over that stage and they helped me out a lot.

I don't take any anti-depressants anymore; haven't for years. But I think that if your depression is mostly/all biological (meaning nothing in your environment causing it like family, job, stress, school, etc) than you should try Zoloft/a pill. I don't take pills anymore because of my own morals but they are a good head start to thinking more positively. Growing up, experiencing life and therapy has helped me a lot with my depression and it's not even a quarter as bad as it used to be.

As far as side effects I don't really remember having any. I'm not allergic to anything and have never had a problem with any medications so I can't really help you there.

Aside from what I've said: it would be a good idea to take out unnecessary stressors in your life. I know it's easier said than done but it really helps. I know it's hard to do too but trying to think positively and laugh every chance you get also helps a lot. I'm a pretty pessimistic/negative person myself so it's kind of hypocritical for me to give that kind of advice.

Changing aspects about your school, job, family, friends, significant other, and daily activities can really help out your mood. I also recommend HIGHLY to start working out, even if that means taking a leisurely stroll for 30 to 60 minutes a day. Exercise can REALLY help your mood. If you can afford it, I would suggest getting a gym membership. Working out will release natural happy drugs in your brain. Also, changing your diet can also help you out. Taking out shit like soda, juice (by that I mean, if you drink tons of it) and replacing your food intake with more healthy things like fruits and veggies can add to both your mental and physical health. :3

I hope my tips/suggestions have helped. If you want to talk about anything further please let me know. (Also one-on-one therapy with a good therapist you like is good too!)

I've been on fluoxetine for about four or five months now and I can say it's really helped me, as I was horribly depressed before I started on them.

Everyone else has already said what I'd have said, though.