Dear Dan
Hello and welcome. Glad you found your way here and I hope we can support you.
Was there a particular reason why your GP upped the meds dose? For example, did you say you felt worse? I cannot comment on why the GP did this as obviously I don't know. It's my experience that the doctor usually has a reason so maybe it's worth asking.
Antidepressants (AD) can take up to six weeks to fully kick in. Sometimes there are side effects which are uncomfortable but which fade after a short time. Sometimes the side effects stay longer. It is not possible to predict how this will affect an individual as we all react to meds in different ways. I know I had lots of problems with SSRI ADs while others had no difficulty at all.
Often there is an explanatory fact sheet in your AD which lists expected reactions/potential side effects and tells you what to do in extreme circumstances. May be useful to read this. If this was not in your meds packet I suggest you go to the pharmacist who dispensed this prescription and ask for a copy of the facts sheet. You can also discuss your symptoms with the pharmacist.
If I have learned one thing it is that reactions are just not predictable. Often it seems a small change in dose can produce a disproportionate reaction. When my GP decided SSRI were not for me she started me on a low dose of AD from another group. Over the next few months she gradually increased the amount until I was taking a therapeutic dose. For me it was fantastic finally taking something that did not make me feel worse but instead was a great help.
Have you got your therapy sorted out? It may also be useful to discuss your meds with your therapist.
Please keep posting in here if you find it helpful.
Mary
