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[CrispyChick]

I think this is a really powerful thread.

The main message for me - is there is more than one way to deal with the hell.

Yes, for many hrt is what is needed. But for some, they need more than that or simply can't take it. I'm in peri and my own estrogen is causing carnage and so adding extra estrogen simply compounds my problems.

If there's another option out there that can help with at least some of my symptoms, then I'm definitely open to it.

I've been on escitalopram before. In fact, I'm still on a very very low dose. Which does nothing.  . So i aim to increase it. But...the initial side affects are hell. For me. So I need to be ready and strong enough to go through them.

For those just starting out on antidepressants - it can get worse before it gets better. But, in mg experience, it's was worth it. But knowing that I found really helpful. Otherwise you want to quit.

Xx

[CLKD]

CrispyChick - which dose of escitalopram are you taking and when?  I have 10mg at night and 5mg in the morning, if I need to up the morning dose I have no problems with side effects  other than my mood lifts and doesn't descend into full-blown depression.

[CrispyChick]

I've been on 5mg for years. Previously been higher. The 5mg dies nothing for me.

It's in my long term plan to get up to 10mg. I'm just not ready yet. 

[CLKD]

How about 5mg at night and 5mg in the morning?  That's a good few hours between each dose and the brain will take a while to become used to it and there shouldn't be any physical effects ......... my biggest problem was nausea 

[CrispyChick]

Worth a try clkd. Yes. I'll bear it in mind.

I've got drops so I can increase 1mg at a time. I'm afraid I'm a sensitive soul. I've been up on them a few times before.  I find increasing brutal. 🙈

Might also claim why I'm so sensitive to y on hormonal fluctuations! Just sensitive. Full stop.

[CLKD]

I'm sensitive too  .......

[England]

This post is very helpful! C Draper I can so relate I do everything cardio exercise, resistance training, meditation, no alcohol, non smoker, healthy BMI and have a positive out look yet still riddled with morning anxiety upon waking.
I try to hide this and continue without anyone noticing work place and home setting. I have tried several HRT which has helped physical symptoms but not psychological ones such as Anxiety. This has been  ongoing for the last four years. I’m very reluctant to try fluoxetine because of the shame factor and thinking that I can get through everything and would never of dreamed contemplating them before. Now I have got to a point where I dread daily the awful anxiety as soon as my eyes open.
I feel like my life is on hold I dread everything yet don’t let it stop me but just some relief would bring back some normality! I dread if it ever affects my family life.
C Draper how are you now ?

Has anyone managed to wean off them eventually and be ok without ?

Thank you greatly

[CLKD]

Yep.  The ones we hear about are those that have difficulties but we are not aware of what other problems that they each has.

What shame  ?  who needs 2 know other than yourself and your prescribing practitioner?  I've long ago stopped telling others about my health issues, they are not on the 'need to know list'! 

I had to wean off one AD in the late 1990s and it took 9 weeks with gradual reduction of dose. GPs have access to smaller amounts that is generally prescribed.  My problem was bounce back anxiety and my brain went into 'what if I have to restart'.  But I didn't have to.  Once I became aware that any bounce back lasted no more than 36 hours, my brain settled down.

Why suffer?  I won't ever give up my ADs or anti anxiety meds.

[England]

Great advice Thank you.

I still have not dare start them apprehensive about the possibly side effects whilst working long hours, driving and young children to see too. I know there is no best time and I suppose the sooner I start the quicker i am eventually hopefully going to get some relief!

Was thinking of starting at 2.5mg for a couple of weeks and slowly increasing to 5mg to try and prevent the side effects. When is best to take morning or evening ?
Gosh this is a lonely place to be hey! I’m thankful for this forum you really do feel alone throughout this peri menopause phase!
Thank you

[CLKD]

Morning.  Do U have help with childcare, mayB begin the prescribed dose on a Friday evening ......... if necessary the children will have to forgo their activities for a few weeks so that U do less driving? 

A few weeks ago depression side-swiped me: Thursday I knew it was creeping back but felt OK in the day, Friday I think I was busy; Sat I was irritable all day and Sunday I didn't want to be alone.  We drove to the Surgery as I knew an added 5mg in the monring would help, pharmacist not available for 3 weeks, GP had no appts. Apparently, but by filing in the triage form within the hour I had an face2face appt with our GP the next afternoon.

[England]

Thank you that’s helpful!

Has anyone started on a low dose of fluoxetine 2.5mg to reduce side effects?

Thank you

[CLKD]

Can U get 2.5?  If worried why not begin with a low dose for 3-4 nights then see how U feel?  What does your prescribing practitioner advise?

[England]

Thank you!

How are you getting on now C Draper? Would love to hear!

I’m Worried if I go on fluoxetine I will never come off them? I don’t have anyone to talk to as I’m everyone’s back bone!
Just feel embarrassed that I’m having resort to fluoxetine.
I lead a healthy clean lifestyle with regular exercise,cardio ,weights non smoker, no alcohol, meditate and do everything I possibly can but it doesn’t stop the impeding dread every time I open my eyes.

Now starting to affect family life. I no longer feel like me no more!
I constantly walk around with a mask on.

Thank you as always for everyone’s support!

[CLKD]

So why worry about stopping any medication if it helps?  If U get your Life back ..... would U be embarrassed taking essential heart medication or being treated for diabetes and to be honest, what we choose to eat/drink/use in the way of medication is simply between our prescribing medic and ourselves.  I no longer tell anyone other than our GP, Dentist and DH .  No one else is on the 'need to know list' ;-)

Depression is organic in the main, often without appropriate medication it can't be improved.  Without my ADs I wouldn't be here.  People also become depressed when they are unable to alter their lifestyle - situational.  Medication and discussion helps a lot.  Despite a good lifestyle, depression and anxiety floored me.

Who U tell in order to keep the household running is up2U, learning to delegate is also important depending on the age groups.  If U broke your leg for example they would have to step up ;-)

[Peri-wrecked]

Hi C DRaper,

Thank you so much for posting your story. I feel like I could have written this except I am not on prozac but currently trialling HRT again.  I feel what you say about not having any interest in anything etc.  I feel similar but I drag my ass out of bed every morning and try to keep going.  It is what prompted me to try HRT again.  I am only a short while into my HRT so I know it wont work straight away.  Even this morning I woke up and cried, I haven't been able to cry in a long time but it is good to let it out every now and then.  I actualy thought to myself I need to try something else, go back to my GP and get something fast but I am slow to do that as I definetly feel it is my low hormones casuing me issues.  I have a lovely life, good enough job, great kid even though i am a single parent, would love to meet somebody but struggle with parental commitments to find somebody. 
thank you for your message because I know if things do not change soon for me I will look at going on a low doese anti-depressant and hope that will help me.
I wish you all the best and I hope you continue to get better each day.