Effect of antidepressants on our nerves

[Liverpatient]

Hi, I had, before 3 years ago used tolvon and cipralex for depression and anxiety for about 4 years. After these 4 years usage, I was also diagnosed with hepatitis B, and I've since two years ago been feeling increased burning feet and hands, as well as fever which get more difficult during the night.
My question is do antidepressants harm our nerves? I'm asking this question, because my depression and anxiety is really getting worse, and I may start taking antidepressants for it, but not really sure it may worsen my situation with the nerves.
I've recently been diagnosed with something called smal fiber neuropathy, a nerve disease that affects the smallest nerves, esp. in the extremities. This disease could be related with hepatitis B, but I wonder whether antidepressants also play a role. Thanks for any answers.

[Paxiled]

I don't think anyone knows the answer to your question, quite frankly.  Some antidepressants, such as Cymbalta, have been shown in studies to help some people who suffer with nerve pain have less pain.  But any drug that alters the way the body naturally processes brain neurotransmitters can have a host of effects.  But so can uncontrolled anxiety and depression -- this also can cause exaggerated pain that is worse than the disease would indicate.  The only way to avoid this problem is to try and fix it through therapy or some other non-medication method.  If that doesn't work, we're all kind of stuck at this point in time.  What we do know is the long-term use of these types of drugs can affect our brain long term.  We know they have peculiar side effects on certain individuals.  We know that for some they are a life saver.  It's such an individual thing that you do your cost/benefit analysis, make a choice, and hope for the best.

[Liverpatient]

Thanks a lot, Paxiled. I appreciate your reply. Most of the chronic side effects of these drugs come from prolonged use, which is the case with most patients, I guess.
I can, at least, confirm that I got shaky hands and legs after using these antidepressants for 4 years.
The best option is as you said, never to rush to these drugs, instead, identify the cause of the depression and anxiety and try to remedy it through talk therapy, or other non-drug methods.