Help! I feel like a space cadet

Melfunction81 · ‎12-05-2017

Hi all. Ive been taking the same antidepressants for about 2 years. My dose was increased about 6 months ago and Ive had no issues except the few times I've forgotten to take it and I get horrible withdrawal symptoms like feeling dizzy, headache, nausea, a weird zapping sensation in my head, rapid heart rate, tingling in my fingers and generally just feeling spaced out. Anywho my problem at the moment is that I haven't missed a single dose of my medication but I feel those same symtoms now. It started yesterday was worse today but now I just feel awful. Has anyone had this happen to them before? Anyone have any ideas? I cant afford to see my GP for a few weeks so just thought Id ask

TIA 🙂

Rhu · ‎12-05-2017

Hi Melfunction,

Maybe those symptoms are due to the increased dose? The dizziness, spaced out feeling and headaches are fairly common side effects, or it could be symptoms of increased anxiety. If it's some sort of side effect, it will normally pass after a few days. Did you feel that way when you first started the antidepressant two years ago?When was the last time you forgot to take your medication? If you can't afford to see your GP, perhaps you could just telephone him/her and talk to him instead?

You're definitely not feeling along in that. When I first started my antidepressants a few weeks ago, I initially had the same reaction. I was constantly feeling tired and spaced out, and my anxiety actually got worse the first few days.

Take care of yourself and let us know how it goes.

Rhu

Melfunction81 · ‎12-05-2017

Hi Rhu thanks fpr your reply 🙂 I dont think its from the increased dose because Ive been on the same dose for about 6 months and when I started the meds and increased the dose I felt amazing.

I haven't missed a dose in months since I started using a weekly pill box but it really feels the same as when I have missed doses in the past. Im going to talk to my pharmacist today, it began when I started taking the meds from a new box so wondering if somehow I got a bad batch or something

My depression and anxiety are actually better than they have been in a year although I have just moved and had to put my cat, who was my best friend,to sleep last week so maybe its stress

Ihope that you are feeling better now with your meds. I have been on all sorts of antidepressants since I was diagnosed at 14 and Ive had the same reaction as you. This is the first type ive been on thats felt like an upper instead of making me feel tired all the time. Hopefully they level out for you

Thanks again for your reply 🙂

Rhu · ‎13-05-2017

Hi Melfunction,

So sorry to hear about your cat 😞 Sounds like it could be a combination of stress and grief that triggered those symptoms. It's awfully hard to have to go through a beloved pet's death. I hope you can recover from it soon.

The new box of meds you got, was it a different brand from what you had last time? I've heard stories of people saying that when they change brands of medications, it affects the way they respond to it. Apparently it's something to do with different additives across brands, maybe it had something to do with your symptoms?

My meds have definitely made a big difference to me! The anxiety has settled a lot and though it sometimes strikes, it's a lot less acute, and I can actually go about my day without having that awful anxious feeling and racing heart. My boss actually mentioned I've been a lot more focused on my work and far less frazzled and stressed so it's a good sign there! I still get a bit drowsy and fuzzy headed at times but that has gone down a lot too.

Let me know how everything's going with you 🙂

Rhu