Starting new medication and need some encouragement to cope

[Leo_Klies14]

Hi guys,

I’m relatively new here and it’s great there are resources like this to reach out for support. I am also glad to find a supportive community out there. I have generalised anxiety disorder and I found reaching out for support has helped so here goes

I have started transitioning from taking one antidepressant to another and I am on day 10.

It has been quite challenging for me to be honest and I’m experiencing mental side effects like increased anxiety and heart palpitations. My gp has mentioned that it may be tough for the first few weeks as your body adjusts and to give it time.

I’m also going through a very challenging personal situation at the moment and there are times where I am losing hope that things will get any better.

I am wondering what everyone’s experiences were whilst starting new antidepressants and how to cope with the first few weeks when you feel like you can’t. 

[Laura68]

Hi Leo

I have started my first course of antidepressants and what can I say.  Up to day 8 now and it is so difficult.  I

Know I have to keep going to hopefully find some relief once my body and mind adjusts.  All I can say is, you are not alone.  Hang on in there

Laura

[ABC01]

Dear Leo_Klies14,

 I can empathise with you on new medications and how they can affect you mentally, physically and emotionally. It is unfortunate that something that is supposed to help you can cause havoc before it calms down and you can see it doing it’s job.

 I recently changed from an antidepressant that I had been on for a decade to a new one and then added a few more as my diagnosis had changed. For months I was suffering from side effects,until we finally found the right medications that didn’t interfere with each other, but addressed my illnesses. It is hard, but the results are worth it. I have felt much worse when taking a new medication and asked myself if I had been given the right medication. But due to the chemical makeup of medications, the body often has a short term response too it.

However we should always read the literature given to us to know which side effects are not okay to be having. That is when we need to go back to the doctor. And always be honest. Tell your professional what you are really feeling. That is how they will know if this medication is the right fit for you or not.

Self-care is what is needed right now. Taking it easy and not being so hard on yourself is also a good avenue. And listening to yourself too.  Feeling trapped inside, go for a walk in the fresh air. Not feeling like cooking, buy some microwave meals. Don’t have all the answers, no-one has all the answers. Praise yourself for what you are doing. Being proactive about your mental health and seeking help. Brilliant!

But it is true, all medications take time to start working and then time to see results.

Journalling, Mindfulness, Exercise and anything that brings you joy or happiness. All of them are good options. And reaching out here is a great step.

When I was transitioning medication and had side effects and felt like I had enough, I reminded myself of the people I love and who love me. I reminded myself that I deserve happiness too. Sometimes things happen in life I have no control over and didn’t do them to myself. And if I had a hand in it, it wasn’t on purpose. So I don’t deserve to be suffering. Not if there is a way to ease it. Battling depression & anxiety and side effects from my new medication, I reminded myself of my 14 year old dog who has been my illuminating shadow since I rescued her. She deserves better then my depression, and I am the only person who can give that to her, as she is too faithful to choose someone else, after 10 years together. So I have to push through. Even on the hardest days, I have to push through for her. So I hope you have a wonderful reason to push through too. Even if you don’t, YOU can be your wonderful reason.

Please take care of yourself.

ABC01