How effective are depression medications?

For the first time in my life, I am suffering from a severe depression. I have being having suicide thoughts, I wake up every morning and I would prefer to sleep for other 20 hours... I know that this time my depression is not moderate. I am afraid. I am start seeing a patron on the number of days of the week that a feel like having wine or a drink at the end of the day (like a Tuesday! for no reason!). I am 29, I speak 4 languages (well... 3 and 陆), I have lived in Europe, in Asia, in South America, I am banker... bla, bla, bla... in THEORY I am a successful woman... but the bottom line is that I am not doing that well in my life... Today I am not a happy person; I don't consider my self as a successful woman. I don't consider I am doing well at my job, at my personal life... For example, I have a wonderful boyfriend, we live together, but I don't want to touch him, not even a kiss (a true passionate kiss). I have never tried medication for depression. Is it really effective?

Read depression treatments, at http://www.ezy-build.net. (.net.nz/~shaneris) on page 2, and the general advice on page 1. NOT LONG TERM, IF AT ALL! Also read the suicidal thoughts section, on page 5.

the right one will be verry efective,unfortunately its a proses of trial and eror ,it took 5 diferent perscriptions before they found the right one for me
see a doctor and a psychiatrist to get help ,be patient ,and be honest
try not to be caught up in plecebo efects ,some times we want so much to improve we belive the meds are helping when they realy arn't , it will take 30 days for most meds to have any real efect
good luck and hang tight
My husband suffers from depression and anxiety. Trust me I can tell a difference when he's on it vs. when he's not. You need to talk to your doctor. He can try you on several until he finds the one to help. There is no shame in getting something to help for depression. You will feel much better and even enjoy life more. Hang in there and don't give up.
Dear Andrea,

Before going for drugs, I'd love for you to seriously find out what is causing this depression. You sound like you have everything to live for and a wonderful life on the surface, yet, something is making you so sad.

Yes, drugs may help - but you should talk to your doctor first. They are not for everyone. Bright, young women, like yourself, may be able to think this through - and maybe with some help from a professional. Then with the professional's help, could you decide if the proper treatment would be drugs. But please, first figure out what is going on in your life.

I have theories, but they are only that, and may not help you.

And since you are that succesful, find a good therapist.... it's your life we are discussing.
If you've lived abroad and recently come to America, the food is probably messing up your head. It's been well document that when immigrants arrive in the USA, the standard diet, with it's fat, sugar and additives causes them severe problems.
I would consider seeing a nutritionist before taking drugs.
http://www.moodcure.com/
I too have suffered from depression. I took Wellbutrun for a couple of months and feel as though it helped me in the short run. I tried Paxil once and it made me feel like hiding in a closet and gave me panic attacks. I felt like I was going to crawl out of my skin. My sister had the same reaction to this particular drug. She however suffered from sever depression when she lost her two children and I have to say that if it were not for the medication I might not have a sister today. So, my answer is yes, it does work. You NEED to talk to a professional about your situation. Know that you have plenty of people in your life that care about you and want to help. You might even try getting on a website blog with people who know and can relate to your feelings.