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Relay_for_life How effective are medications
  • replies: 3

I have been prescribed SSRI for anxiety and depression and have been taking them for about 4 months now . Every now and then I have been slightly increasing my dose under supervision of my GP . Symptoms have improved and I am able to function , but I... View more

I have been prescribed SSRI for anxiety and depression and have been taking them for about 4 months now . Every now and then I have been slightly increasing my dose under supervision of my GP . Symptoms have improved and I am able to function , but I still don't feel like I am my normal self . Still struggling with thoughts and sadness at times . I am also seeing a phycologist . My question does that mean that the medication is not working or may be dose needs to be increased ? How should I feel while I am on medication ? . My thinking is that I am on medication anyway so why I am still feeling like that at times ?

ristina has anyone else come of antidepressants and felt like this?
  • replies: 3

Hi im new to this forum and I'll have to cut a long story short.ive had panic attacks for over 20 years and agrophobia for about 18 years.i was on daily medication for 16 years.i also have another medication when I need it.the daily medication seemed... View more

Hi im new to this forum and I'll have to cut a long story short.ive had panic attacks for over 20 years and agrophobia for about 18 years.i was on daily medication for 16 years.i also have another medication when I need it.the daily medication seemed ok,it helped my everyday life, but did nothing for the agrophobia. A couple of months ago the daily medicaiton stopped working and was causing my body to have hyptic jerks constantly, mainly at night,so I wasn't getting much sleep.i was so tired and was starting to feel real down..after 16 years it was time to come of.i did this closely with my doctor and now it's been 3 weeks without it.boy am i going through hell, the nausea is so bad,I can't sleep,I'm anxious most of the time,my heart skips,there's a black cloud above me,I'm so emotional, I'm angry,sad,I'm sick of feeling this bad..has anyone else come of antidepressants and felt like this? I feel like I can't keep going like this..I really don't want to go back on antidepressants. I'd rather find a different way...please help??

Black Cat Side affect or anxiety
  • replies: 1

I came off anti-depressants after 3 years as it stopped helping with my depression.I started on a different medication 3 weeks ago, not sure if I am benefiting as I am suffering extreme dizziness in which is usually part of my anxiety anyway.What I w... View more

I came off anti-depressants after 3 years as it stopped helping with my depression.I started on a different medication 3 weeks ago, not sure if I am benefiting as I am suffering extreme dizziness in which is usually part of my anxiety anyway.What I would like to know is this a side affect of the tablet or is it anxiety? Should I continue the tablets? I'm really not liking this feeling at all.Will the dizziness subside?Each morning I take another tablet in the hope it will make me feel better, but I don't think it is, I feel worse.I feel my depression is a touch better though.Should I persevere feeling like this ?I'm not leaving the house as I'm too dizzy.

RecognisingAnxiety ACT Work
  • replies: 3

Hi All, Had my first psych visit and it was reassuring and comfortable. We're planning some ACT work to tackle my anxiety. I read up a little, but would be interested in hearing anyone else's experiences using this method and how it helped. Thanks. View more

Hi All, Had my first psych visit and it was reassuring and comfortable. We're planning some ACT work to tackle my anxiety. I read up a little, but would be interested in hearing anyone else's experiences using this method and how it helped. Thanks.

Mariasharapovafan1 My medication
  • replies: 2

I was prescribed medication by my doctor, the medication was working very well. Except I've altered bowel movements, reduced appetite and high energy levels. Other than that I feel great. My mood is improving and I eat now smaller meals. I feel free ... View more

I was prescribed medication by my doctor, the medication was working very well. Except I've altered bowel movements, reduced appetite and high energy levels. Other than that I feel great. My mood is improving and I eat now smaller meals. I feel free to enjoy life now.

Moonstruck Are GPs willing to prescribe anti-Anxiety meds?
  • replies: 9

Am I wrong in my assumption that GPs are in the main, reluctant to prescribe"tranquillisers" as they used to be known? (I DON'T mean anti-depressants) Thank goodness my GP supplies something mild for me to sleep when needed - she knows I don't abuse ... View more

Am I wrong in my assumption that GPs are in the main, reluctant to prescribe"tranquillisers" as they used to be known? (I DON'T mean anti-depressants) Thank goodness my GP supplies something mild for me to sleep when needed - she knows I don't abuse them and make them last....and I simply can't function without adequate sleep. I have no bad side effects or overly drowsy next day....I find them very good for me at least....but do GPs still prescribe something to help for rising anxiety, leading into panic etc....if needed during the day?? Over the years I used alcohol....coming close to death several times...I've been off it for 3 years.....so now have nothing at all to ease the anxiety during the day! If I take a drink it will kill me....but am under the impression that GPs don't like prescribing medication ..going back to alcohol would be much worse for me - I realise that, so I won't. I just go through hell with the anxiety some days! (I was approaching agoraphobia a number of years back, so don't want the anxiety to lead to that again either!) I recall a couple of GPs (when I requested something to help me sleep) recoiled in horror as if I'd asked for poison or illicit drugs! they went onto suggest all sorts of alternatives.....music, relaxation tapes, meditation, yoga, prayer etc etc...all well and good..but they just did not want to give me any medication! I've never asked my current GP for something for daytime use here and there, but should do so next time as I have begun taking tiny amounts of my sleeping meds, just to get through bad anxiety episodes in the daytime......does anyone know the current attitudes of GPS re this...why are they so reluctant to help us in this way?.....Would they rather I had a drink instead?.....

lookingforme New combination of meds and effects
  • replies: 4

I have very recently (two days) been given a new combination of meds: an antidepressant that I have been on for a year now at the same dose, doubled the dose of the meds that are supposed to help me sleep better and a new antidepressant in the mornin... View more

I have very recently (two days) been given a new combination of meds: an antidepressant that I have been on for a year now at the same dose, doubled the dose of the meds that are supposed to help me sleep better and a new antidepressant in the morning. It just feels like my tiredness is exacerbated. I was feeling pretty tired before but now...every morning I feels like I've had a long day for five days straight, I haven't slept well and my head is almost ready to start aching. I know I have to give it time but...I feel less functional before. Just a rant.

af_mil Using Anon name for Psychiatrist Appnt.?
  • replies: 12

Hi, I am under contractual orders not to disclose information that I am finding very difficult to seek help with. It has affected my serious relationship and broken up a happy family due to Professional breach of conduct whereby my Private informatio... View more

Hi, I am under contractual orders not to disclose information that I am finding very difficult to seek help with. It has affected my serious relationship and broken up a happy family due to Professional breach of conduct whereby my Private information was disclosed and used against me. I have been lucky to have the support of a Federal Court Magistrate, but I cannot trust the Psychiatric/Psychology board using my name because my superiors also work in these fields and know of me, yes it is a Defence institution. Is it possible to request or use an Annonomous name so that I can freely talk to a Psychiatrist for Personal help? Thank you, this is a serious concern.

VeeBee Terrified of medication, bit don't want to feel like this
  • replies: 6

After my second baby I was diagnosed with PND and put onto anti depressants. After about 6 months on the meds I felt like I could come off them. When I did I had horrible side effects including buzzing in my head and lack of concentration. Four years... View more

After my second baby I was diagnosed with PND and put onto anti depressants. After about 6 months on the meds I felt like I could come off them. When I did I had horrible side effects including buzzing in my head and lack of concentration. Four years on and I have been feeling depressed again. I have seen a therapist once and have booked in again. I'm terrified about being put back on medication. I really don't want to, but not sure if I can continue with the way I'm feeling. I know meds are a nice quick fix for me, but I do not want to be on them for life. Every time I feel like I'm going well, I seem to drop again. I now have two young boys, work three days a week and have a busy social/sporting life. I can't simply drop it all and spend my days in bed or feeling down. What should I do? ​ ​ ​

Willy05 How long should I wait for SNRI to fully work
  • replies: 3

HI Guys, I am almost 3 week into the second dose of an SNRI. I was initially on the lowest dose for 4 weeks but in the last week I started to notice that things were getting worse again, my GP upped the dose and after 2 weeks I felt pretty good, almo... View more

HI Guys, I am almost 3 week into the second dose of an SNRI. I was initially on the lowest dose for 4 weeks but in the last week I started to notice that things were getting worse again, my GP upped the dose and after 2 weeks I felt pretty good, almost looking forward to things again, but this week I have gone back into the cycle of waking up anxious, spending most of the day feeling unmotivated but when I get home to my wife and two young boys I feel almost normal again. I have a few tools in my kit from my Psychologist for the bad times. I find the diaphragm breathing helps, as well as the Cognitive Behavioural Therapy that I have picked up helps to get through the rough patches. I was wondering if anyone else has started to feel better after 2 weeks, then felt worse but picked up again? Or will it be back to GP again to hopefully only up the dose. Apparently the discontinuation syndrome from this particular SNRI is a real killer. I know that the GP said it could be 4 to 6 weeks to see the full effect, but he didn't say that once it started to work, it would stop. I saw him last Friday feeling pretty good and we were both optimistic. I may be rambling a bit, so I apologise if I am.