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Is It Me or My Meds?: Living with Antidepressants
By the millennium Americans were spending more than 12 billion dollars yearly on antidepressant medications. Currently, millions of people in the U.S. routinely use these pills. Are these miracle drugs, quickly curing depression? Or is their popularity a sign that we now inappropriately redefine normal life problems as diseases? Are they prescribed too often or too seldom? How do they affect self-images?
David Karp approaches these questions from the inside, having suffered from clinical depression for most of his adult life. In this book he explores the relationship between pills and personhood by listening to a group of experts who rarely get the chance to speak on the matter--those who are taking the medications. Their voices, extracted from interviews Karp conducted, color the pages with their experiences and reactions--humor, gratitude, frustration, hope, and puzzlement. Here, the patients themselves articulate their impressions of what drugs do to them and for them. They reflect on difficult issues, such as the process of becoming committed to medication, quandaries about personal authenticity, and relations with family and friends.
The stories are honest and vivid, from a distraught teenager who shuns antidepressants while regularly using street drugs to a woman who still yearns for a spiritual solution to depression even after telling intimates "I'm on Prozac and it's saving me." The book provides unflinching portraits of people attempting to make sense of a process far more complex and mysterious than doctors or pharmaceutical companies generally admit.
David Karp approaches these questions from the inside, having suffered from clinical depression for most of his adult life. In this book he explores the relationship between pills and personhood by listening to a group of experts who rarely get the chance to speak on the matter--those who are taking the medications. Their voices, extracted from interviews Karp conducted, color the pages with their experiences and reactions--humor, gratitude, frustration, hope, and puzzlement. Here, the patients themselves articulate their impressions of what drugs do to them and for them. They reflect on difficult issues, such as the process of becoming committed to medication, quandaries about personal authenticity, and relations with family and friends.
The stories are honest and vivid, from a distraught teenager who shuns antidepressants while regularly using street drugs to a woman who still yearns for a spiritual solution to depression even after telling intimates "I'm on Prozac and it's saving me." The book provides unflinching portraits of people attempting to make sense of a process far more complex and mysterious than doctors or pharmaceutical companies generally admit.
304 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2006
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
February 6, 2008
I thought most of this book was really excellent. Karp paints a realistic picture of what it's like to be on psychiatric medication long-term, particular meds for depression and anxiety. The bulk of the book consists of people describing in their own words what it's like to be placed on medication and how one comes to terms with it (or doesn't). Much of what was described spoke to my own experiences, which was very cool. The chapter on teens who are medication is a good addition, since there is so little writing from teenagers own words. At times I wished for more background on the speakers' illnesses and experiences, since most of the writing was short blurbs rather than longer autobiographical pieces. It was sometimes hard to tell from the descriptions what the severity of the illness had been, and what kinds of other treatments had been attempted prior or in addition to medication.
My main quibble with the book was the chapter where Karp chooses to stray from the autobiographical accounts in the other chapters and pontificate on whether Americans are being overmedicated for psychological issues. His ultimate conclusion, that it is better to NOT medicate some people who are in need of medication, than to medicate those who might not be, is one that I disagree with, and one that I think is contradicted by many of the accounts in the book. It seemed like the kind of thing he felt obligated to insert on order to not seem to be praising psychiatric meds too highly.
The only other issue I had with the book is that Karp overlooks individuals who take antidepressants in the short-term and do not need to go back on them.
Overall, though, I think this is a really, really helpful book for people who are considering psychiatric meds to read, because it gives what doctors often won't be able to provide -- firsthand accounts of what it's actually like to take and live with the medication. I recommend it highly; just take Karp himself with a grain of salt.
My main quibble with the book was the chapter where Karp chooses to stray from the autobiographical accounts in the other chapters and pontificate on whether Americans are being overmedicated for psychological issues. His ultimate conclusion, that it is better to NOT medicate some people who are in need of medication, than to medicate those who might not be, is one that I disagree with, and one that I think is contradicted by many of the accounts in the book. It seemed like the kind of thing he felt obligated to insert on order to not seem to be praising psychiatric meds too highly.
The only other issue I had with the book is that Karp overlooks individuals who take antidepressants in the short-term and do not need to go back on them.
Overall, though, I think this is a really, really helpful book for people who are considering psychiatric meds to read, because it gives what doctors often won't be able to provide -- firsthand accounts of what it's actually like to take and live with the medication. I recommend it highly; just take Karp himself with a grain of salt.
November 18, 2010
A definite mixed bag. I found the bulk of the work if not exactly difficult to follow, still rather confusing, as the author switched from interviewee to interviewee throughout the text. This made for a rather abrupt set of transitions, often from paragraph to paragraph. However, I must also give the author credit for letting the facts of the matter speak for themselves, at least as best he could. Some people claimed the medicines either saved their lives or made it worth living, others that antidepressants had not done a thing for them. And both perspectives are given equal time: I can only applaud the objectivity.
I also found the Appendix on his methodology extremely helpful, as what I know about Sociology and Social Psychology could fit inside a flea's navel, with room left over for physics and Chinese musical instruments. I was candidly put off while reading the work as the same "29 year old female accountant", "54 year old unemployed man" and so on were quoted over and over again. Said fact made me wonder if he had just grabbed a few people off the street and then sat down and written the book. These qualms were put to rest with his discussion of his approach as "qualitative" rather than "quantitative." I guess I had simply assumed that what ALL sociologists/social psychologists do is take gobs of data from huge sample populations filling out short questionnaires, crank them through SPSS or whatever package they use these days and spit out results.
Downside: there's quite a bit of preachiness and politics towards the end, and the chapter on adolescents seemed to reference antidepressants only tangentially.
I also found the Appendix on his methodology extremely helpful, as what I know about Sociology and Social Psychology could fit inside a flea's navel, with room left over for physics and Chinese musical instruments. I was candidly put off while reading the work as the same "29 year old female accountant", "54 year old unemployed man" and so on were quoted over and over again. Said fact made me wonder if he had just grabbed a few people off the street and then sat down and written the book. These qualms were put to rest with his discussion of his approach as "qualitative" rather than "quantitative." I guess I had simply assumed that what ALL sociologists/social psychologists do is take gobs of data from huge sample populations filling out short questionnaires, crank them through SPSS or whatever package they use these days and spit out results.
Downside: there's quite a bit of preachiness and politics towards the end, and the chapter on adolescents seemed to reference antidepressants only tangentially.
September 27, 2013
I read this for a project I'm doing on depression, and I found it to be an interesting approach to the subject of antidepressants.
In the course of my work, I have to plow through a lot of studies on different treatments, how well they might work, and how they affect the brain. But Karp's book takes a different perspective: How do people with depression or other mental illnesses feel about taking drugs and how do the other people in their lives react to their illness and their treatment.
Based on interviews with dozens of people in mental illness support groups, some interesting themes emerge. One is that unlike most other medications, people who take psychotropic drugs feel they are not just attacking an illness, but changing who they are. Some have no doubt the drugs make them a better person or a more authentic version of themselves, but many others, even when they see the drugs as necessary to function and avoid suicide, resent the person the drugs turn them into.
Another interesting chapter had to do with how psychotropics make the social pressures of high school even more intense. They ramp up the normal struggle for autonomy between students and parents, as well as the challenge of figuring out how to fit in with peers and not be ostracized or bullied.
The volume ends with advice from the interviewees for others just beginning to take medications. Among their chief recommendations: learn everything you can about your medications and stand up for yourself with your doctor on which ones work and which ones don't; at the same time, don't give up hope and realize that you are not your illness, any more than someone with diabetes is.
May 19, 2011
I liked how this book took the approach of highlighting the issues and questions of people on anti-depression medication struggling with issues of authenticity, relationships while on medication, and the increasing view of mental issues as "diseases." His chapter and connections to the way that the broader construction of society has influenced anti-depression medication and its use and research may be a bit confusing or difficult to chew on for those nto familiar with sociology.
The book is not anti-medication. The most poignant storyline that was repeated in a variety of ways was how patients continued to struggle against depression by testing or considering going off their medication. I realized while reading this book that medication does not cure depression. It merely manages it. What is it like for people to continue to hope while dependent on medication?
This is by no means an authority on psychopharmocology, but I appreciated that it explored and reflected on some of the questions concerning identity that people considering or on anti-depressant medication might wrestle with. I would recommend this book, but particularly for those with good sociological filters. :)
I own a copy of this book.
The book is not anti-medication. The most poignant storyline that was repeated in a variety of ways was how patients continued to struggle against depression by testing or considering going off their medication. I realized while reading this book that medication does not cure depression. It merely manages it. What is it like for people to continue to hope while dependent on medication?
This is by no means an authority on psychopharmocology, but I appreciated that it explored and reflected on some of the questions concerning identity that people considering or on anti-depressant medication might wrestle with. I would recommend this book, but particularly for those with good sociological filters. :)
I own a copy of this book.
June 15, 2012
Thoughts I had (frequently):
"Why is this a book?"
"This isn't actually providing any new information. WHY IS THIS A THING?
"Who actually sat down, read what was written, and then decided it would be an awesome idea to publish this?"
"Are these people stupid?"
"Wow, you are an idiot."
"Well, aren't you just a special snowflake."
Bad.
1.5/5
"Why is this a book?"
"This isn't actually providing any new information. WHY IS THIS A THING?
"Who actually sat down, read what was written, and then decided it would be an awesome idea to publish this?"
"Are these people stupid?"
"Wow, you are an idiot."
"Well, aren't you just a special snowflake."
Bad.
1.5/5
July 31, 2018
It was interesting to read the stories of those affected most by mental illness. Deff. lots of good insight & it validates the experiences of those who feel so alone. For that reason, I loved the book. The best part, no doubt, was the last chapter. In fact, if you don't have time to read the entire book, just reading the last chapter "High On Drugs" might be enlightening. The only thing I did not like was that it did seem VERY repetitive at times & could have been organized better/condensed.
October 13, 2025
Yeah this one was rough. It had a promising start with the first chapter zeroing in on the experiences of just a few individuals, but after that it became an endless compilation of quotes from countless nameless voices all strung together in vague and confusing ways. Reading this book was not enjoyable and the entire message of the book could have been summed up very easily in just a few pages. Safe to call this one a waste of my time.
Currently reading
December 7, 2019I'm reading this book because to meany psychiatric medication are being used today. I want people to read this and deside not to use these harmful drugs!
January 26, 2023
Nonfiction, great compilation of first-hand accounts about prescription drug use and what the patients have learned from it, not the doctors.
October 16, 2024
Well-written but redundant. I’d love to read a revised edition post-Covid as conversations around mental health have rapidly evolved in the last 15 years.
December 2, 2025
Read this for a class. Truthfully didn't enjoy it. Why so negative!
August 5, 2009
This quote, placed at the start of chapter 7 of this book, nicely sums up the author’s general attitude toward psychiatric medication and the psychiatric community: “On Prozac, Sisyphus might well push the boulder back up the mountain with more enthusiasm and creativity. I do not want to deny the benefits of psychoactive medication. I just want to point out that Sisyphus is not a patient with a mental health problem. To see him as a patient with a mental health problem is to ignore certain larger aspects of his predicament connected to boulders, mountains, and eternity” (Carl Elliott). The author is not opposed to the use of psychiatric medications (he’s used them), but he is concerned they are prescribed too easily, for too mild emotional/psychological ailments, and with too much of an attitude that mental problems are biological diseases to be treated with pill and too little acknowledgment of the fact that there are circumstantial life elements and spiritual elements that contribute. He notes that there is often no good way, for instance, to study whether taking an anti-depressant improves depression more than a life change would.
In general, he advocates the simultaneous use of therapeutic, medical, behavioral, and spiritual approaches to tackling the problem of mental illness. “The real challenge is to avoid dichotomous thinking. Positions that understand mental illness as solely a matter of nature or of nurture will always fall short. A healing discipline that frames human suffering only in terms of disease lacks commonsense validity….my quarrel with psychiatry and pharmaceutical companies is not about drugs per se. I am far more bothered by the confluence of forces that lead doctors to routinely medicate for life distress.” He feels there is some danger that most or all emotional pain, which is sometimes necessary, will come to be seen as abnormal, and that because culture defines normalcy, there is a threat that psychiatry can be used as a tool of forced conformity. “The more pills we dispense for normal distress, the more we avoid tackling our most difficult social problems, potentially undermine personal responsibility, and perhaps even threaten the sort of diversity necessary for a flourishing democracy.”
The book recounts the struggles of numerous depressed individuals, most who realize they need medication but who nonetheless have an ambiguous relationship with the drugs they take and who would like to be able to stop taking them, and some of whom have tried unsuccessfully. It honestly explores the fears that drug takers have of losing some portion of their authentic selves. Overall, it’s a fairly balanced and sympathetic book. It’s cautious about psychiatry without being alarmist. His advice to those who suffer from depression? “Recognize that drugs alone are not the answer. Have realistic expectations about medications. Move beyond the shame and stigma associated with mental illness. Appreciate what your illness can teach you about yourself and life in general. Don’t give up hope.”
The quotations from interviewees became a bit excessive at times; his basic points are summed up neatly in the end, and this may have made a better long article than a book. It’s worth reading (or at least skimming) if you or a family member is suffering from depression and considering the use of antidepressants (or is already using them).
In general, he advocates the simultaneous use of therapeutic, medical, behavioral, and spiritual approaches to tackling the problem of mental illness. “The real challenge is to avoid dichotomous thinking. Positions that understand mental illness as solely a matter of nature or of nurture will always fall short. A healing discipline that frames human suffering only in terms of disease lacks commonsense validity….my quarrel with psychiatry and pharmaceutical companies is not about drugs per se. I am far more bothered by the confluence of forces that lead doctors to routinely medicate for life distress.” He feels there is some danger that most or all emotional pain, which is sometimes necessary, will come to be seen as abnormal, and that because culture defines normalcy, there is a threat that psychiatry can be used as a tool of forced conformity. “The more pills we dispense for normal distress, the more we avoid tackling our most difficult social problems, potentially undermine personal responsibility, and perhaps even threaten the sort of diversity necessary for a flourishing democracy.”
The book recounts the struggles of numerous depressed individuals, most who realize they need medication but who nonetheless have an ambiguous relationship with the drugs they take and who would like to be able to stop taking them, and some of whom have tried unsuccessfully. It honestly explores the fears that drug takers have of losing some portion of their authentic selves. Overall, it’s a fairly balanced and sympathetic book. It’s cautious about psychiatry without being alarmist. His advice to those who suffer from depression? “Recognize that drugs alone are not the answer. Have realistic expectations about medications. Move beyond the shame and stigma associated with mental illness. Appreciate what your illness can teach you about yourself and life in general. Don’t give up hope.”
The quotations from interviewees became a bit excessive at times; his basic points are summed up neatly in the end, and this may have made a better long article than a book. It’s worth reading (or at least skimming) if you or a family member is suffering from depression and considering the use of antidepressants (or is already using them).
June 24, 2024
Incredibly validating for anyone who’s ever struggle with their mental health. Short stories from real people can sometimes be hard to relate to, but I appreciated all the perspectives
April 15, 2017
‘Is It Me or My Meds?’ is a detailed look into the relationship between antidepressants and the people who take them. David A. Karp, a sociologist who himself uses antidepressants, interviewed approximately 60 individuals about their use of medication and how it has affected their mental health.
I’m going to really try to emphasise mental health in my reading in these last 6 months of 2016, so I thought that this would be a pretty good place to start. I like starting off with non-fiction to get a general overview, and then moving to more specific depictions in novels and other literature. My knowledge just feels a bit more rounded that way. Due to the fact that the book was grounded in specific people’s experiences, I found it very interesting indeed. My favourite chapter was one that made the point that medications are like dating, and then marriage. The first medication isn’t necessarily the right one – and ones that seem right for months or years might suddenly stop working.
The book also included a lot of advice for people as they begin to take antidepressants. It explained simply and practically what potential side-effects could be, and gave examples of people’s various experiences. It was this variety that I thought was the most useful, as some people did indeed find their antidepressants to be a wonder drug, whilst others, after decades of searching, still could not find the right medication for them. In any situation, Karp attempted to discuss the medication in a positive way without shoving a pro-meds agenda down your throat. The complicated nature of the topic is very clear, and individuals’ choices and opinions are clearly respected.
I would be interested in an updated version of the book, however – published over 10 years ago, there is a lot of emphasis on Prozac as a relatively new drug. I wonder whether opinions have changed given the increased prescription of SSRIS (selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitors, the most common form of antidepressant). I know that Karp has since released another book, ‘Voices from the Inside: Readings on the Experience of Mental Illness’, which I imagine will also touch upon the topic of medication. I might check that out at some point, too.
NB: These are pretty expensive, so if you want to read them, I’d recommend borrowing them/requesting them from a library. I’m making the use of my university library whilst I still can!
I’m going to really try to emphasise mental health in my reading in these last 6 months of 2016, so I thought that this would be a pretty good place to start. I like starting off with non-fiction to get a general overview, and then moving to more specific depictions in novels and other literature. My knowledge just feels a bit more rounded that way. Due to the fact that the book was grounded in specific people’s experiences, I found it very interesting indeed. My favourite chapter was one that made the point that medications are like dating, and then marriage. The first medication isn’t necessarily the right one – and ones that seem right for months or years might suddenly stop working.
The book also included a lot of advice for people as they begin to take antidepressants. It explained simply and practically what potential side-effects could be, and gave examples of people’s various experiences. It was this variety that I thought was the most useful, as some people did indeed find their antidepressants to be a wonder drug, whilst others, after decades of searching, still could not find the right medication for them. In any situation, Karp attempted to discuss the medication in a positive way without shoving a pro-meds agenda down your throat. The complicated nature of the topic is very clear, and individuals’ choices and opinions are clearly respected.
I would be interested in an updated version of the book, however – published over 10 years ago, there is a lot of emphasis on Prozac as a relatively new drug. I wonder whether opinions have changed given the increased prescription of SSRIS (selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitors, the most common form of antidepressant). I know that Karp has since released another book, ‘Voices from the Inside: Readings on the Experience of Mental Illness’, which I imagine will also touch upon the topic of medication. I might check that out at some point, too.
NB: These are pretty expensive, so if you want to read them, I’d recommend borrowing them/requesting them from a library. I’m making the use of my university library whilst I still can!
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January 8, 2016I am very glad I bought this book.
I was not looking for a scientific-type book with lists of studies and their results. I was mostly satisfied. There were still too many studies involved for my taste, but I suppose they are necessary to lend credence.
Rather, I was looking for a book to help me understand myself, kind of like psychotherapy. I found the book to be very helpful. It talks about individual case studies. I could pull little pieces of wisdom from different people's experiences, where they applied to me.
The book was thought provoking.
It didn't give me an answer to my questions - i.e. what is me and what is my meds. (It sounds corny but) what it gave me was more important. I walked away with a sense of peace. Whether or not I'm acting as me or as my meds, the positives of taking medication outweigh the negatives (for me). I will accept whoever I am right now as "me," and I will live happily with me as best I can.
I'm thinking of reading it again. I also liked the author's tone. He was very accepting and understanding. He sees that different people have different (or even similar!) situations and need different solutions.
I was not looking for a scientific-type book with lists of studies and their results. I was mostly satisfied. There were still too many studies involved for my taste, but I suppose they are necessary to lend credence.
Rather, I was looking for a book to help me understand myself, kind of like psychotherapy. I found the book to be very helpful. It talks about individual case studies. I could pull little pieces of wisdom from different people's experiences, where they applied to me.
The book was thought provoking.
It didn't give me an answer to my questions - i.e. what is me and what is my meds. (It sounds corny but) what it gave me was more important. I walked away with a sense of peace. Whether or not I'm acting as me or as my meds, the positives of taking medication outweigh the negatives (for me). I will accept whoever I am right now as "me," and I will live happily with me as best I can.
I'm thinking of reading it again. I also liked the author's tone. He was very accepting and understanding. He sees that different people have different (or even similar!) situations and need different solutions.
March 17, 2009
I wanted to like this book more than I actually did but I found it sort of redundant. I did make me think more about how every kid who comes onto our unit is placed on meds without much talk about what it will mean for them long term or what side-effects these intense psych meds have on such young kids. This would be a good book for someone struggling with the meaning of having depression/bipolar/anxiety and questioning whether or not to take meds. I especially found the chapter on Teens interesting.
October 23, 2014
Karp's work is a collection of personal narratives on medication and the medical experience. It does a fantastic job drawing out themes of authenticity and identity, empowerment and hope.
As a social worker, I was fascinated to read this outsider experience of the mental health model that essentially pathologizes unpleasantness and individual struggles with this.
I'm definitely taking away from this work new ways to discuss medication with clients and I'd recommend this if only to read critiques of the medicalizing of pain.
As a social worker, I was fascinated to read this outsider experience of the mental health model that essentially pathologizes unpleasantness and individual struggles with this.
I'm definitely taking away from this work new ways to discuss medication with clients and I'd recommend this if only to read critiques of the medicalizing of pain.
Read
December 30, 2008Pretty interesting. I've never seen a book like this, looking at the sociology and psychology of people taking anti-depressants. What their experiences are like, individually and as a group. Not too earth-shattering for me, since I know a fair amount about this topic already, but neat to see it all put together and he did a pretty good job of it.
July 18, 2010
Very interesting to get other peoples opinions on the usefulness of anti-depressants. To my surprise, many of us are conflicted about the benefits vs detriments of using these drugs. This one really made me think and I would recommend this to anyone currently taking medication for depression. At the very least its good to know you are not alone.
January 10, 2012
a great book on the often taboo topic of how a person's concept of self is threatened by the idea of taking medication for psychiatric problems, and details common paths that people with mental illnesses travel down their "careers" of dealing with their illness. it is very light in terms of any bias (except when the author plainly states that it is his own bias), which really helps as well.
September 28, 2013
This book contained some helpful insights for me, as someone who does not take psychiatric medications but feels it is important to understand the lives of those who do. However, I found many of the interviewees' quotes redundant, and Karp's analysis was heavy-handed at times. I did not expect to feel bored while reading this book, but by the halfway point, I was.
December 27, 2008
Lots of interesting stuff in here. Wish he'd done more on the struggle between traditional psychotherapy and biological psychiatry, as well as healing individuals vs. changing social structures. All in all, a decent read. For professionals, there is a good appendix detailing his research process.
September 12, 2010
An excellent and very accessible piece of qualitative research that really gets into the ambivalence many people have about taking psychiatric medication. Goes beyond biology to get into how relationship with doctor and family impacts treatment.
August 1, 2012
Well written, with useful anecdotes. Recommended for people on antidepressants and other psych medicines who aren't so sure they want to be on their medicines, or are trying to work out how they feel about being on the medication and how it affects them socially.
September 15, 2014
Wonderful to know that I am not alone in my struggles to medicate or not to medicate. Great book to help you realize that you are not the only one feeling this way, which is a common thought during depression. A must read if you are on or are thinking about taking medications.
June 22, 2016
This book was very relatable in many ways but I couldn't help but feel as if the author was repeating himself a lot. Toward the end I just wanted to finish this book as soon as possible just so I can say I finished it. Relatable yet boring unfortunately.
October 15, 2008
Eye opening read. Puts anti-depressant medication and those who take them in a new light. I never knew I had a choice!
December 30, 2011
skimmed thru it, found some interesting part.
Stories of sufferers and drug pros n cons,
mainly cons
Stories of sufferers and drug pros n cons,
mainly cons
August 13, 2013
Interesting exploration into why the mentally ill are so often noncompliant with drug regimens.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews