SSRIs and time to work

[AnxietyGirl74]

Hi There,

I started on an SSRI 11 days ago and have not yet started feeling any better. I had to come off an SNRI. Anxiety is really bad and I’m awake from 4am. It’s really tough! How long should it be before I start to feel better? I need some hope that this is going to work. Anyone have any ideas of things that might help?

Thanks.

AnxietyGirl74

[IreneM]

Please be patient Anxiety Girl.

If you don't start to see results within another two weeks, go back to your doctor.

For Sleep: if you are not on any medications that are sedative (makes you sleepy) like Geoff and I, try doing some of the other things that I do:

* Don't eat too much in the last few hours before going to bed, if you do, make sure that they are high potassium fruit (Potassium and Magnesium are natural relaxants). If your digestive system is too busy trying to digest food it can keep you awake.

* Nightcap - Have warm milk drink just before bed, I have a warm milk and honey. If dairy is an issue, try alternative milks like soy or almond milk. My sister had hot milk and water. After 5 or 6 pm I just have chamomile tea which is also relaxing, and my nightcap as the last drink.

* Meditation or relaxation music in the background quietly can also help.

* If your head is full of negative thoughts, try and use a journal to let go of any negative feelings before you drop off, and do it in low light, too much light can wake you up. Avoid electronics during this time.

[Tams20]

Hi Anxiety Girl,

Definitely go back to your doctor if you don’t start to feel better, or start to feel worse. I have just come off SSRIs after 3 months because they were making me much worse. I was prescribed SSRIs for anxiety and depression and I have just been diagnosed with Bipolar II. They were the wrong meds for me.

One thing I did when I went to my GP was write down details of what I had been experiencing and feeling (based on advice I had received from these forums). I did it because I wasn’t sure how honest I would be talking about it, but it proved very useful. My GP then passed it onto my Psychiatrist in her referral letter and the psych said that she wished everyone did it as it helps them so much.

Good luck - I hope you feel better soon!

Tams

[geoff]

Hello AnxietyGirl, what I did a long time ago was turn on the radio to a station playing the music you like, listen to the song playing and don't think about anything negative, hopefully this will help you sleep.

If you listen to a talk back program this will only stimulate your mind, that's not what you want, you need to relax your mind and not get it thinking.

Hope this helps.

Geoff.