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[racjen]

I don't think i can take any more of this evil stuff. Been on it for 8 days - initial side-effects of constant stomach ache wore off quite quickly, but the even more acute anxiety, insomnia, constant diaorrhea and now increasing depression are becoming unbearable. i can feel i 'm getting to that suicidal point again, which is what SSRIs always do to me - been in bed all morning and not planning to get out anytime soon. Don't think I'm going to make it to the 2 week point where side-effects are supposed to magically melt away. Whenever I describe this to doctors they act as if I'm REALLY unusual and that suicidal ideation with SSRIs is only really seen in young people - result is I come out feeling like I'm making it up. But it really is real and i feel so shit I want to go to sleep now and not wake up, I've just had enough.

[Kathleen]

Hello racjen.

I am so sorry that you are suffering, my heart goes out to you. I'm  afraid that I can't remember but are you seeing a psychiatrist at all? It appears that your GP is out of his/her depth and a more clued up professional may have the answer. Incidentally I heard recently that Clonidine is often prescribed for anxiety and this may be worth a try for you.
I completely understand your frustration and despair but hang in there. The ladies of the forum are always here for you.

Take care and sending hugs.

K.

[Karen max]

Hi racjen
I'm same with any ssri and the worse one was the one your taking , My GP knew this as yrs ago after birth of my daughter I took post natal depression I was given Prozac and it sent me crazy ... then it was called in and fluoxetine!!!
Are you still on mirtzpine? As they can cause what you are feeling , I went through 4 yrs of hell with

I honestly know how your feeling as I've been there and it's hell
Sending you hugs

Kaz x

[racjen]

This was prescribed by a psychiatrist with the Community Mental Health Team, but now it's up to my GP to manage it. To be honest i've found it tends to be psychiatrists who're more patronising and disbelieving of the severity of the side-effects. My GP is a lot more sympathetic and treats me like a grown adult.

[CLKD]

If it hasn't started 2 give relief than ease off!  It may work after a couple of weeks but it may not so why suffer?  4 me it was nausea that stopped me taking many of them, usually within 36 hours  . 

[racjen]

No, not on mirtazapine as well, that just did nothing at all (except help me sleep). I've tried sertraline, citalopram, venlafaxine, reboxetine, lofepramine, amitryptyline as well as pregabalin and beta-blockers. Nothing helps without terrible side-effects.

[racjen]

If it hasn't started 2 give relief than ease off!  It may work after a couple of weeks but it may not so why suffer?  4 me it was nausea that stopped me taking many of them, usually within 36 hours  .

Because I am desperate to find something that helps, and if it takes two weeks to get past the worst that's what I have to do, otherwise I'll never know if it would've worked if I stuck it out. I can't keep on trying and giving up after a few days; with this one i'm resolved to stick it out and then give up on the whole AD thing if it doesn't help. So it's my last chance.

[CLKD]

 U need a .......... what have U tried 4 anxiety, do U have any rescue remedy to hand?  I find mouth spray useful.  What about a warm bath?

[Karen max]

Racjen

I know exactly how your feeling and I truly understand it it's the bloody worse thing ever !!!
Yes I agree with you stick it as long as you can as it can take 14-18 to get into system

Have you used the anxiety spray or the pills from Holland & Barrett ? I also found lavender bath salts eased anxiety for me little ..

Mail me anytime you want a chat sending you hugs xx

[racjen]

For anxiety I've tried propanolol, pregabalin and all the ADs listed above, plus various less conventional things like CBD oil. As far as ADs go, I don't want to be rude, but ca I suggest you don't give advice unless you know what you're talking about? It's usually stated that you can expect at least 2 weeks of feeling worse before they begin to kick in, so it really isn't helpful for you to suggest I give up after a week if they're not helping.

[CLKD]

Your began by stating : I don't think i can take any more of this evil stuff. Been on it for 8 days - initial side-effects of constant stomach ache wore off quite quickly, but the even more acute anxiety, insomnia, constant diaorrhea and now increasing depression are becoming unbearable.

Hence I shared my experience of not being able to tolerate side effects  .  Until after 18 months my GP found one that actually helped within 3 days.  It was the last available at that time - 1991.

Why suggest that I don't know what I am talking about - that is disrespectful in that I have personal knowledge about ADs and anti-anxiety medications.  Whilst it is stated in the leaflets about taking 2 weeks to 'work' on most ADs, as well as suggesting that symptoms may become worse etc., my experiences of talking with many sufferers over the last 25 years, including patients in hospital, is that the drug is either tolerated well within days so the patient continues; or side effects cause the person to stop taking it. Sadly there isn't a quick fix ......... I worked in the psychiatric 'industry' for several years and have relatives who are Nurses in that field so lots of discussions over the years has been had over mugs of cocoa into the early hours. 

So I ask: why suffer 

[Sparrow]

I have taken floxetine twice and had no problems. Everyone is different as to what suits them as well as tolerance to side effects. Sertraline effected me so badly there is a note on my medical record that I must not be given it again.

Only you know if the side effects are tolerable for you. I don't think CLKD meant to offend. She was just relating her own experience. That's all we can do.

[Kathleen]

Hello again ladies.

I agree with Shadyglade that all we can do is refer to our personal experiences and hope that helps other ladies.

I think we've all encountered 'experts' whose understanding and insight has been sadly lacking so it's no surprise if we are sensitive to these issues. Knowing someone has encountered your exact circumstances and has found a solution is so helpful and comforting and I believe most posters on the forum recognise the limitations of their advice.

Wishing you all well ladies.

K.

[racjen]

If it hasn't started 2 give relief than ease off!  It may work after a couple of weeks but it may not so why suffer?  4 me it was nausea that stopped me taking many of them, usually within 36 hours  .

That's not sharing your experience, it's giving advice which you're really not qualified to give (unless you have a qualification in mental health that I'm not aware of). No-one should be setting themselves up on here as an authority on mental health matters, or anything else for that matter, unless like some members they do huge amounts of research and can provide references. Otherwise it's not only misleading, it could be upsetting or even downright dangerous. Your last piece of incorrect advice was that if you have breast cancer with no lymph node involvement you won't need chemotherapy - complete rubbish, I know, I had just that and still had to have 6 rounds of the toughest chemo going.

[Jules53]

Hi Racjen

I know how you are feeling. I have been on Prozac for nearly 8 weeks now - 6 weeks at 20mg but it made my anxiety so much worse, so I dropped down to 10mg 11 days ago. The anxiety is still there but a bit more bearable. I also started HRT a week ago and am feeling so tired a d down at the moment too. I am at a loss at what to do as it's having a big impact on me and those around me. There is a Facebook page for Prozac and it can take up to 3 months for some people to feel the benefits.

Just wanted to let you know you are not suffering alone and sending you a hug.

Jules x