Your experiences on anti-depressants / anti-anxiety meds
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Thread Starter
Join Date: Apr 2017
Posts: 76
Your experiences on anti-depressants / anti-anxiety meds
Hello all,
I wondered if you had any experience with anti-anxiety / anti-depression meds that you wouldn't mind sharing?
I was put on 50mg Sertraline (I believe it's also called Zoloft) by my doctor and started yesterday.
I spent the afternoon in a hazy fog, really tired and spaced out.
This morning and this afternoon, while on my daily dog walks, I was totally and utterly fizzing with adrenaline and anxiety. And that does not normally happen on dog walks where I usually feel safe and happy.
I do understand that anxiety can temporarily worsen on these types of meds but this feeling right now is absolutely horrible. I was on the verge, earlier, of asking my friend to have my dog for a couple of weeks - but I realised I would almost certainly not leave the house in two weeks which would make things much worse.
I want to get better as this anxiety has become a nightmare to live with. If I knew that there was a strong chance it would improve after a while, I would have to just grit my teeth and breathe through the initial stages.
What are your experiences?
I wondered if you had any experience with anti-anxiety / anti-depression meds that you wouldn't mind sharing?
I was put on 50mg Sertraline (I believe it's also called Zoloft) by my doctor and started yesterday.
I spent the afternoon in a hazy fog, really tired and spaced out.
This morning and this afternoon, while on my daily dog walks, I was totally and utterly fizzing with adrenaline and anxiety. And that does not normally happen on dog walks where I usually feel safe and happy.
I do understand that anxiety can temporarily worsen on these types of meds but this feeling right now is absolutely horrible. I was on the verge, earlier, of asking my friend to have my dog for a couple of weeks - but I realised I would almost certainly not leave the house in two weeks which would make things much worse.
I want to get better as this anxiety has become a nightmare to live with. If I knew that there was a strong chance it would improve after a while, I would have to just grit my teeth and breathe through the initial stages.
What are your experiences?
Magsie
Join Date: Oct 2013
Location: UK
Posts: 26,681
Hi Casseopia, I'm on 20mg a day of citalopram and initially I felt a bit confused like I couldn't do more than one thing at a time, instead of dashing about like a mad thing!
But after a couple of days that went and I was left with a wonderful calmness. But not in a zombie, not out of it.
I hope it settles down for you very soon.xx
But after a couple of days that went and I was left with a wonderful calmness. But not in a zombie, not out of it.
I hope it settles down for you very soon.xx
Member
Join Date: Aug 2015
Location: Western US
Posts: 9,003
Casseopia, you really are leaving no rock unturned in seeking recovery.
I haven't been on Zoloft. I'm on paxil 20 mg. The first few days I felt like I had drank 3 pots of super strong coffee. Not fun. I wound up cutting it in half for awhile. In the long run it has worked for me.
Please stay in contact with your doc and you are probably right in keeping the dogs. Antidepressants are a crap shoot but dogs are proven to be therapeutic!!
I haven't been on Zoloft. I'm on paxil 20 mg. The first few days I felt like I had drank 3 pots of super strong coffee. Not fun. I wound up cutting it in half for awhile. In the long run it has worked for me.
Please stay in contact with your doc and you are probably right in keeping the dogs. Antidepressants are a crap shoot but dogs are proven to be therapeutic!!
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Join Date: Apr 2017
Posts: 76
Originally Posted by Bekindalways 
Casseopia, you really are leaving no rock unturned in seeking recovery.
I haven't been on Zoloft. I'm on paxil 20 mg. The first few days I felt like I had drank 3 pots of super strong coffee. Not fun. I wound up cutting it in half for awhile. In the long run it has worked for me.
Please stay in contact with your doc and you are probably right in keeping the dogs. Antidepressants are a crap shoot but dogs are proven to be therapeutic!!
I haven't been on Zoloft. I'm on paxil 20 mg. The first few days I felt like I had drank 3 pots of super strong coffee. Not fun. I wound up cutting it in half for awhile. In the long run it has worked for me.
Please stay in contact with your doc and you are probably right in keeping the dogs. Antidepressants are a crap shoot but dogs are proven to be therapeutic!!
I'm back to the doctor in a few weeks but she said to call anytime.
Yes - I get what you mean about the too much coffee thing. I hope mine passes, like yours did.
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Join Date: Apr 2017
Posts: 76
Originally Posted by Mags1
Hi Casseopia, I'm on 20mg a day of citalopram and initially I felt a bit confused like I couldn't do more than one thing at a time, instead of dashing about like a mad thing!
But after a couple of days that went and I was left with a wonderful calmness. But not in a zombie, not out of it.
I hope it settles down for you very soon.xx
But after a couple of days that went and I was left with a wonderful calmness. But not in a zombie, not out of it.
I hope it settles down for you very soon.xx
I'd like to stick with it, if it has any chance of helping. I might just need to cancel everything for a few days (expect the dog walks, obviously!) and get through it.
A work in progress
Join Date: Jul 2010
Location: South Jersey
Posts: 16,633
I think any effects at all that worry/trouble you deserve a call to the doctor, who can tell you whether it's normal or a sign that you might be having a bad reaction. The doctor can also tell you what else you should pay attention to.
My older son had a severely adverse reaction to Paxil as a teen. He became manic and committed an act that put him in the juvenile justice system. His doctor ignored our concerns, and we later learned that Paxil can be especially risky for adolescents.
Some people have had suicidal reactions to antidepressants. These aren't common side-effects, but the point is they are potentially life-threatening ones. It never hurts (and may help) to report any concerns to your doctor. Even if all it does is to put your mind at ease it's worth it.
My older son had a severely adverse reaction to Paxil as a teen. He became manic and committed an act that put him in the juvenile justice system. His doctor ignored our concerns, and we later learned that Paxil can be especially risky for adolescents.
Some people have had suicidal reactions to antidepressants. These aren't common side-effects, but the point is they are potentially life-threatening ones. It never hurts (and may help) to report any concerns to your doctor. Even if all it does is to put your mind at ease it's worth it.
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Join Date: Apr 2017
Posts: 76
Blimey Lexiecat, that sounds horrendous. Yes I have heard about certain meds bringing on suicidal thoughts. I'm not having those, it's fine but my anxiety has increased. I've been reading that this is common. I'll call the doctor tomorrow if I still feel worried.
I'm sorry to read that about your son.
I'm sorry to read that about your son.
Member
Join Date: Dec 2016
Location: Rupert ID
Posts: 469
I never took any antidepressants until almost a year ago. (I realized I would never keep my sobriety without help for my depression & anxiety, for one thing.). I started off with a generic for Cymbalta. I did not care for that. It left me foggy and sapped my energy, among other side effects; sleep, sexual, balance. My other meds (heart) may have caused negative interactions though.
I have been on 150mg, 2 x daily, of Bupropion (Often sold as Wellbutrin.) for 8-9 months now and am much happier with it. Far fewer, much less intense, side effects. It takes awhile with any antidepressants but with me, I eventually noticed that it leveled off my highs and lows.
I also started seeing a therapist, (Another thing I never thought I would do!), that I see once a week, usually. He is substance abuse qualified as well and it has been very helpful, a very positive experience. I learned though that I had to be an active participant in my own mental health, just as you have to in your physical health. I still suffer some depression and anxiety, but wow, compared to when I started, it is remarkable. I started to have people I talk to remark that I looked and seemed so much happier and healthier. One of my sisters commenting a few months ago on the phone, that it was the first time I sounded hopeful in a very long time.
I have been on 150mg, 2 x daily, of Bupropion (Often sold as Wellbutrin.) for 8-9 months now and am much happier with it. Far fewer, much less intense, side effects. It takes awhile with any antidepressants but with me, I eventually noticed that it leveled off my highs and lows.
I also started seeing a therapist, (Another thing I never thought I would do!), that I see once a week, usually. He is substance abuse qualified as well and it has been very helpful, a very positive experience. I learned though that I had to be an active participant in my own mental health, just as you have to in your physical health. I still suffer some depression and anxiety, but wow, compared to when I started, it is remarkable. I started to have people I talk to remark that I looked and seemed so much happier and healthier. One of my sisters commenting a few months ago on the phone, that it was the first time I sounded hopeful in a very long time.
Being Sober is Awesome
Join Date: Apr 2017
Location: Oregon
Posts: 507
Zoloft made me like a zombie, I tried prozac when I was last drinking and ended up in a hospital. I am now on low dose of wellbutrin and lexapro once a day and I feel better than ever. My social/overall anxiety is near completely gone. I actually share in meetings and stay after to help clean up. My sponsor also knows I am on the meds and said its ok as long as I take it as directed. I think some of us are just naturally chemical imbalanced.
Sober since 10th April 2012
Join Date: Apr 2012
Location: Perth, Western Australia
Posts: 6,047
I'm a long term taker of anti-depressants and find they help with anxiety, and just a little with depression, with is better treated with walks and socialising, as in positive interactions with other people.
You can talk to your doctor, but don't forget your pharmacist who should be very familiar with the side effects of drugs. They should be able to tell you how common your reaction is, and when you might expect it to pass.
You can talk to your doctor, but don't forget your pharmacist who should be very familiar with the side effects of drugs. They should be able to tell you how common your reaction is, and when you might expect it to pass.
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Originally Posted by FeelingGreat
I'm a long term taker of anti-depressants and find they help with anxiety, and just a little with depression, with is better treated with walks and socialising, as in positive interactions with other people.
You can talk to your doctor, but don't forget your pharmacist who should be very familiar with the side effects of drugs. They should be able to tell you how common your reaction is, and when you might expect it to pass.
You can talk to your doctor, but don't forget your pharmacist who should be very familiar with the side effects of drugs. They should be able to tell you how common your reaction is, and when you might expect it to pass.
I don't think I'm depressed - I am far from numb - I am simply grieving. It's the anxiety I need treatment for mainly. It's the worst feeling in the world, not feeling safe.
Will see what the doctor says today.
Guest
Join Date: Aug 2015
Location: Atlanta
Posts: 8,674
I am a big proponent of taking the right drugs when you need them. A good dr with whom you are honest is critical.
I take a regimen - (Antabuse for the first 90 days) - including Paxil 20mg x1 a day and lorazepam (ativan) 1mg up to 3x a day. The Paxil was added last Dec when a mild depression and greater anxiety set in; it made me incredibly sleepy when I took it in the morning with my other meds (I take lamictal for BPD-related maintenance and acamprosate (campral) for cravings) so we changed to taking it at night with the seroquel I take for sleep/anxiety every night. I am struggling with sleep right now but the change in the paxil timing was a good move. I think I need to focus on caffeine intake in the afternoon/evening and on eating as connected to sleep.
Working hard at my own program includes drugs; probably always will. At 445 days, that's A-ok by me and dealing with side effects is a minor ongoing "issue" that's totally worth it!
I take a regimen - (Antabuse for the first 90 days) - including Paxil 20mg x1 a day and lorazepam (ativan) 1mg up to 3x a day. The Paxil was added last Dec when a mild depression and greater anxiety set in; it made me incredibly sleepy when I took it in the morning with my other meds (I take lamictal for BPD-related maintenance and acamprosate (campral) for cravings) so we changed to taking it at night with the seroquel I take for sleep/anxiety every night. I am struggling with sleep right now but the change in the paxil timing was a good move. I think I need to focus on caffeine intake in the afternoon/evening and on eating as connected to sleep.
Working hard at my own program includes drugs; probably always will. At 445 days, that's A-ok by me and dealing with side effects is a minor ongoing "issue" that's totally worth it!
Member
Join Date: Nov 2011
Location: CA
Posts: 215
Zoloft is wonderful for me, but every one of those can react differently with different people. For me it also helps with a bit of OCD, but it most definitely helped ME with my depression. I slept the first week when starting it, but also began a couple other meds at the same time. I've had to take anti-depressants for a while.
Member
Join Date: Oct 2004
Location: maine
Posts: 1,548
I've had pretty good luck with antidepressants. Better than not sleeping through the night and being t-boned in a car accident.
It may take two weeks or so before you actually feel less depressed, so don't expect miracles.
It may take two weeks or so before you actually feel less depressed, so don't expect miracles.
under new management
Join Date: Jun 2015
Location: Calgary, Alberta
Posts: 2,339
I think everyone reacts differently to antidepressants.
I see posts about Wellbutrin working well for some folk but I had a very unpleasant and quick reaction; manic and round the clock digestive issues.
I take a low dose Trintellix (vortioxetine) and, other than some itchiness that did resolve, it has worked well for me.
It may take a few tries with different AD's but when you find the right one it is worth feeling normal.
IMHO, I wouldn't stay on something that was creating unbearable side effects, I would just move on the next option, which a doctor can advise you on.
I see posts about Wellbutrin working well for some folk but I had a very unpleasant and quick reaction; manic and round the clock digestive issues.
I take a low dose Trintellix (vortioxetine) and, other than some itchiness that did resolve, it has worked well for me.
It may take a few tries with different AD's but when you find the right one it is worth feeling normal.
IMHO, I wouldn't stay on something that was creating unbearable side effects, I would just move on the next option, which a doctor can advise you on.
Member
Join Date: Feb 2017
Posts: 432
I am on escitalopram 10mg daily and I think it helps me to an extent with my anxiety. First few days were horrendous including suicidal thoughts and whatnot but it went away after that. My T tapered it up slowly. It doesn't help so much with my depression though. I am planning to talk to my doc about it soon.
Member
Join Date: Feb 2017
Posts: 54
Hi Cass-
I am taking 10mg of Citalopram & for the first 4 days I had high anxiety and panic attacks. I'm not sure if the two were related, but after about 10 days, I have had the most calm, peaceful feeling I can remember. Today I am having a sad day, but before starting the meds, I would have allowed that to bring me to a weepy, non- functioning place. Now I'm just letting myself have a sad day, but know that that's ok and it will pass. Never thought I would be a proponent for meds, but if it helps, I would do anything! Take care!
I am taking 10mg of Citalopram & for the first 4 days I had high anxiety and panic attacks. I'm not sure if the two were related, but after about 10 days, I have had the most calm, peaceful feeling I can remember. Today I am having a sad day, but before starting the meds, I would have allowed that to bring me to a weepy, non- functioning place. Now I'm just letting myself have a sad day, but know that that's ok and it will pass. Never thought I would be a proponent for meds, but if it helps, I would do anything! Take care!
Member
Join Date: May 2010
Location: USA
Posts: 13,560
I just started Trintellix and have been feeling itchy this week. Thanks for posting this, I did not even think to tie the two together.
Originally Posted by 2ndhandrose
I think everyone reacts differently to antidepressants.
I see posts about Wellbutrin working well for some folk but I had a very unpleasant and quick reaction; manic and round the clock digestive issues.
I take a low dose Trintellix (vortioxetine) and, other than some itchiness that did resolve, it has worked well for me.
It may take a few tries with different AD's but when you find the right one it is worth feeling normal.
IMHO, I wouldn't stay on something that was creating unbearable side effects, I would just move on the next option, which a doctor can advise you on.
I see posts about Wellbutrin working well for some folk but I had a very unpleasant and quick reaction; manic and round the clock digestive issues.
I take a low dose Trintellix (vortioxetine) and, other than some itchiness that did resolve, it has worked well for me.
It may take a few tries with different AD's but when you find the right one it is worth feeling normal.
IMHO, I wouldn't stay on something that was creating unbearable side effects, I would just move on the next option, which a doctor can advise you on.
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