Menopause Matters Forum
Menopause Discussion => All things menopause => Topic started by: Unicorn on August 23, 2022, 05:15:43 PM
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Hi all, sorry to post again, but wondering if anyone has tried Fluoxetine for racing heart, flushes and anxiety?
My last question, then I'll leave you all have a break, sorry! Xxxxx
Just to say a huge thank you to all of you for the advice, this forum and its ladies are fantastic xxx
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I've been on most of the antidepressants there are out there at various time in my life, including Fluoxitine many moons ago when it used to be the first line treatment. Compared to other SSRIs it is slightly more stimulating and can (and did for me) cause a bit of insomnia for the first few weeks. On the plus side I didn't gain any weight with it - in fact I lost it.
Is there any particular reason why you're asking about that AD than any other? If you're looking for an AD in general than I believe first line treatment is still Citalopram. I found Escitalporam or Sertraline to be the best SSRIs out there (in terms of benefit vs side effects) but it's a very personal thing... a bit like HRT, everyone will have a better response to different meds.
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Hi Gilla999, thanks for replying 🥰
My GP decided to try them as I was on them years ago xx
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If you've taken them and know you tolerate them that makes sense. I do recall there being some evidence / studies that show SSRIs can be used for night sweats etc associated with Peri menopause. It didn't work for me but there is evidence behind it. Good luck with whatever you decide to do! X
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Thank you ❤ im so lost and in tears atm.... on hrt and I thought it was working but anxiety and pounding heart horrific today. I'm at a loss on what else to do xx
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Thank you ❤ im so lost and in tears atm.... on hrt and I thought it was working but anxiety and pounding heart horrific today. I'm at a loss on what else to do xx
Unicorn, I know how overwhelming this is. You are not alone here. Anxiety is so debilitating. I know you are desperate to fix this but right now I think you may need to just tell yourself this, I am anxious but this will pass. Can you take some deep breaths? It can help to lie down. Put your hand on your chest and take some deep and slow breaths. This will pass.
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Thanks Flossie ❤ does this ever get better???? Xx
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Yes it will. I think it helps to take it one day at a time. Thinking of the future will only add to your anxiety. Do you think you may find some therapy helpful?
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Hi Flossie, thank you for the idea, but I think the anxiety is more 'physical' if that makes sense? Its the pounding heart, heart fluctuations that make me feel ill. I have stress in my life, but I feel it's not connected? Does that make sense? Xx
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Hi Flossie, thank you for the idea, but I think the anxiety is more 'physical' if that makes sense? Its the pounding heart, heart fluctuations that make me feel ill. I have stress in my life, but I feel it's not connected? Does that make sense? Xx
That does make sense. I was thinking of something like CBT which helps deal with anxiety by teaching coping methods. I understand you may not wish to discuss personal things but I wondered if a practical technique may be helpful.
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It's a weird one, because I have had anxiety in the past but this kind of feels 'different' (strange but true). This feels like a more physical with the pounding heart, especially in the morning and hot face 🥵. It comes on me when I'm calm (?!) I don't understand it xxxx
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It's a weird one, because I have had anxiety in the past but this kind of feels 'different' (strange but true). This feels like a more physical with the pounding heart, especially in the morning and hot face 🥵. It comes on me when I'm calm (?!) I don't understand it xxxx
For me I find sometimes I develop anxiety or depression and I do not know why. I think it is connected to something happening but then being blocked out. Perhaps then it is too much for our bodies and it shows physically. I am not sure if that makes sense?
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It's a weird one, because I have had anxiety in the past but this kind of feels 'different' (strange but true). This feels like a more physical with the pounding heart, especially in the morning and hot face 🥵. It comes on me when I'm calm (?!) I don't understand it xxxx
Unicorn by any chance does it happen after you drink tea or coffee? for me it was a big trigger just keep an eye and see. x
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I'm not sure Flossie, I'm sooo confused...I don't think so 😍.
Thank you Molly, I'll try and cut coffee out or go to decaff for a while.... I think it makes it worse xxxx
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I hope your GP is being supportive and helping you get to the bottom of this.
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Yes Flossie, thank you, my usual one is pretty good, but I have to wait to speak to her.
I spoke to another GP yesterday as I was desperate and I explained I wanted to change my antidepressant, as I didn't know which way to go.... I spoke by email to a hrt specialist last Sunday and she suggested that because these symptoms happened, this time when I came of the utrogestan for my bleed, she suggested taking it everyday. I am 5 days in taking utrogestan daily, 100 rather than 200 every 15 days for 12 days. Still pretty bad 😬.
So I thought I would do anything to feel better, and rang the on call GP to change my antidepressant. This GP was a bit dippy but lovely and was a bit hesitant and wanted to increase my Sertraline to 150 from 100. I wasn't keen so I said I would try fluoxetine again. Now I feel back to square 1 😪😪😪❤
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It is difficult. Your anxiety could be hormonal which would mean the HRT needs tweaking. Do you think you may be intolerant to progesterone?
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Thanks Flossie 🥰.
I'm not sure to be honest, as there isn't any particular pattern when the pounding heart happens, on hrt or without it 🤷♀️ i really wish I knew what makes it worse or even better xxx
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I have tachycardia. This means I get heart palpitations. They come out of nowhere and they really hurt. I did see a specialist who said they are not serious and if I wanted I could have an ablation. Could this be what you have?
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I did visit a cardiologist a few times. I've had all the heart tests going ❤
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I did visit a cardiologist a few times. I've had all the heart tests going ❤
That is very reassuring as it means your heart is healthy. I am sorry they cannot work out the cause. I know it is worrying for you.
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I don't want to sound like 'poor me', but I really think I am a lost cause. I read that these symptoms go on for years, or for the rest of your life 😪 I can't cope with the anxiety xxx
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I don't want to sound like 'poor me', but I really think I am a lost cause. I read that these symptoms go on for years, or for the rest of your life 😪 I can't cope with the anxiety xxx
You do not sound like 'poor me'. You are anxious and sharing your concerns. What has your DR said about your worries?
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The GP just increased my gel. In the beginning, I thought it would work but 1 and a half months on the increase, I've been anxious and heart all over the place for over a week 😪😪 I'm so lost and nobody seems to know how to rectify it xxx
I'm worried my next stop will be a psychiatric hospital 😪
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The GP just increased my gel. In the beginning, I thought it would work but 1 and a half months on the increase, I've been anxious and heart all over the place for over a week 😪😪 I'm so lost and nobody seems to know how to rectify it xxx
I'm worried my next stop will be a psychiatric hospital 😪
It is very hard to be accepted in a mental health ward so you need not worry about that. You are anxious and struggling but this does not mean you need to be sectioned.
It does sound like you need more support. Maybe you need to stress how bad you are feeling to your DR and tell them how much you are struggling? Sometimes it can be so hard to let others know how much we are struggling.
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Thanks so much Flossie, I really appreciate your time xxxxx❤
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Thanks so much Flossie, I really appreciate your time xxxxx❤
You are most welcome. :)
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I know this is really bad, but I have just taken 1 of my partner's gabapentin, and I feel a little better xxx
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I know this is really bad, but I have just taken 1 of my partner's gabapentin, and I feel a little better xxx
I am sorry you are feeling so desperate. I would ask GP for something like diazipem to take in emergencies.
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I'll hopefully be starting a new antidepressant today (once it comes from the chemist).... wish me luck ❤ thanks again xx
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I'll hopefully be starting a new antidepressant today (once it comes from the chemist).... wish me luck ❤ thanks again xx
I wish you luck. :-*
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Unicorn just to say I can totally relate to your description of it being more physical. Prior to me experiencing that I had felt like anxiety was "badly worrying about things" sort of thing. I didn't realise until it happened to me just how physical an act anxiety is and how it doesn't need to be connected to anything you're worrying about or what's going on in your life. I feel the word 'anxiety' is actually misleading for that reason! At the worst of it my anxiety was causing me to vomit on and off during the days, terrible headaches and constantly thirsty, horrendous palpitations and much more. Real anxiety in a medical sense is very much a physical thing.
I would very much recommend speaking to your doctor about options to support you at this time, like the ones we've already spoken about. You WILL get better, your body probably needs a little support at this time! For me Sertraline has been a life saver in that way. It may also be that you need to tweak your HRT dose but it's impossible to tell "what's what" in that sense, as the two are so closely linked. So best to eliminate one thing at a time! xx
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Thank you Gilla ❤ I appreciate that xxx
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Hi Poppy toast 🥰 thank you, I hope you have lasting relief xx
I have been off the hrt now for a couple of days, just as a last ditch attempt to see what's what 😳 and I have been on the Fluoxetine instead of the Sertraline. I know it's all of a huge change, but I do feel slightly better, not 'normal' but slightly better. I have also restarted a bit of magnesium. I think I need to go back to square 1. On hrt I have a pounding heart which cause anxiety and when I am not on hrt, I have the same. Very confusing xx
Just to ask Poppytoast, can you take Tibolone whilst still having periods? Xx
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Glad to hear it's heading in the right (sort of) direction for you, Unicorn. As someone who's had the pounding heart / god am I going mad / this is just all so overwhelmingly physical I can't think my way out of it / etc kind of 'anxiety', I would encourage you to speak to your doc about rescue meds. For me, just knowing that I have something (in my case diazepam, because I'm an asthmatic who can't take propranolol) massively helps. When you're on that white knuckle ride, being able to slow it all down a bit is hugely important.
And it does get better. At least for me it did. I was also terrified of it getting worse.
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Thanks Elkwarning, I appreciate it ❤ im so glad things have settled for you too xx
Just had a big cup of coffee.... big mistake!! I'm such a foolish child! Doesn't usually affect me when all is well, but now on decaff......😁 xxx
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Hijacking thread. My GP has suggested I try fluoxetine for anxiety which has become alot worse since peri. I'm very prone to insomnia and my sleep is pretty good so concerned as have read it can cause insomnia the first few weeks? Also have tried other SSRIs previously years ago and while found good for depression, if anything I found them made me more jittery
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Hi Bungo 🥰 hijack away! We are all in this shiteshow together 😄❤
Seriously though, I'm so sorry you're kind of going through the same thing and I feel for you... Big hug.
Today, my pounding heart is alot better. I have been off the Sandrena, utrogestan and Sertraline 100 for 4 days now... I am 4 days on 20mg Fluoxetine and magnesium but I am absolutely wiped out, low and demotivated..... I really don't know what is worse. I cannot remember a time where I felt 'normal' anymore 😪 xxx
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Hijacking thread. My GP has suggested I try fluoxetine for anxiety which has become alot worse since peri. I'm very prone to insomnia and my sleep is pretty good so concerned as have read it can cause insomnia the first few weeks? Also have tried other SSRIs previously years ago and while found good for depression, if anything I found them made me more jittery
You may benefit for an anxiety medication rather then an antidepressant. I think it is a very individual thing in terms of side effects as we will all react differently. I would try an anxiety medication that is taken before bedtime to promote sleep. Have you ever used propranolol?
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Hey Flossieteacake 🥰 yes, I have used propranalol and they helped slightly but I felt they weren't enough... sorry Flossy, I have varying degrees of symptoms that swing to and fro nearly constantly..... I'm really a loss cause xxxx
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Hey Flossieteacake 🥰 yes, I have used propranalol and they helped slightly but I felt they weren't enough... sorry Flossy, I have varying degrees of symptoms that swing to and fro nearly constantly..... I'm really a loss cause xxxx
You are not a loss cause. You are so hard on yourself. It took me 10 years just to find an antidepressant I could take. We are all different. I am sorry you are feeling so bad.
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Hijacking thread. My GP has suggested I try fluoxetine for anxiety which has become alot worse since peri. I'm very prone to insomnia and my sleep is pretty good so concerned as have read it can cause insomnia the first few weeks? Also have tried other SSRIs previously years ago and while found good for depression, if anything I found them made me more jittery
You may benefit for an anxiety medication rather then an antidepressant. I think it is a very individual thing in terms of side effects as we will all react differently. I would try an anxiety medication that is taken before bedtime to promote sleep. Have you ever used propranolol?
Hi Flossie, never been suggested by my GP. I did a quick Google there and it also can cause insomnia at onset? Also linked to weight gain ?(which is a total dealbreaker for me)
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Out of curiosity, the first time I took an SSRI, I had noticable side effects (shakes etc) the first few days but they worked brilliantly for me. I came offf them after a year and when went back on them a few years later, they didn't have any effect
.I tried a different SSRI a few years later again and couldn't see any improvement.. Can SSRIs stop working if stop/restart?
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Hijacking thread. My GP has suggested I try fluoxetine for anxiety which has become alot worse since peri. I'm very prone to insomnia and my sleep is pretty good so concerned as have read it can cause insomnia the first few weeks? Also have tried other SSRIs previously years ago and while found good for depression, if anything I found them made me more jittery
You may benefit for an anxiety medication rather then an antidepressant. I think it is a very individual thing in terms of side effects as we will all react differently. I would try an anxiety medication that is taken before bedtime to promote sleep. Have you ever used propranolol?
Hi Flossie, never been suggested by my GP. I did a quick Google there and it also can cause insomnia at onset? Also linked to weight gain ?(which is a total dealbreaker for me)
With the list of side effects they will be enough to scare anybody. The thing to remember is everybody is different. For example, I use vortioxetine and I am fine on it but many others feel bad on it. I understand you are afraid of weight gain. I would not use an antidepressant for anxiety as it works in a different way to an anxiety medication.
I took propranolol once and the next day was still sedated. ;D We are all going to react differently.
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Out of curiosity, the first time I took an SSRI, I had noticable side effects (shakes etc) the first few days but they worked brilliantly for me. I came offf them after a year and when went back on them a few years later, they didn't have any effect
.I tried a different SSRI a few years later again and couldn't see any improvement.. Can SSRIs stop working if stop/restart?
Did you withdraw slowly or just stop cold turkey? It is a shame you did not find you could use the one that helped you previously.
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Out of curiosity, the first time I took an SSRI, I had noticable side effects (shakes etc) the first few days but they worked brilliantly for me. I came offf them after a year and when went back on them a few years later, they didn't have any effect
.I tried a different SSRI a few years later again and couldn't see any improvement.. Can SSRIs stop working if stop/restart?
Did you withdraw slowly or just stop cold turkey? It is a shame you did not find you could use the one that helped you previously.
Stopped over a few weeks, every second day etc..I took in my early 30s when was having difficulty with a relationship and crying all the time. So it worked for depression. I think I just hate taking any meds at all so I'd always try to come off them after a year. Id love to get my file from my GP as can't even remember how many times I've been on and off them and which ones tried etc etc. I just remember the most recent time when I honestly felt more anxious on them.
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Out of curiosity, the first time I took an SSRI, I had noticable side effects (shakes etc) the first few days but they worked brilliantly for me. I came offf them after a year and when went back on them a few years later, they didn't have any effect
.I tried a different SSRI a few years later again and couldn't see any improvement.. Can SSRIs stop working if stop/restart?
Did you withdraw slowly or just stop cold turkey? It is a shame you did not find you could use the one that helped you previously.
Stopped over a few weeks, every second day etc..I took in my early 30s when was having difficulty with a relationship and crying all the time. So it worked for depression. I think I just hate taking any meds at all so I'd always try to come off them after a year. Id love to get my file from my GP as can't even remember how many times I've been on and off them and which ones tried etc etc. I just remember the most recent time when I honestly felt more anxious on them.
I know many people stop antidepressants as they feel better, only to them feel depressed. It is the antidepressant that makes them feel better which is why stopping makes them feel low.
I know many people hate to take medication. For me I think of quality of life. If something improves your mood I see it as well worth it. I know I could not function myself without my antidepressant.