Difference in AD meds

[Myshelle]

Firstly I would like to say hello , I only joined your forum this morning. I have spent quite a time reading here and see much support and information.

My question, what is the difference between serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRI’s)  and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SSNRI)

I ask as my Dr changed me from the SSRI to the SSNRI, however because I had to take a few days break between the change and did not feel too bad I chose not to start the new med. Personally for me I feel now I have made the wrong decision as 3 weeks on my depression and anxiety symptoms are worsening by the day.

I hesitate to take that first tablet,  I question myself could this pass without it ,though I am not feeling very positive on that thought.

I have been on AD Meds for 30 years so I am no stranger but I was feeling no benefit from my old brand which is why my DR changed me.

Thank you

[geoff]

dear Myshelle, my doctor changed me from SNRI to SSRI because of depression and OCD, but I can't really comment because I'm not qualified but if you google this which you may have already but have a look 'difference between SSRI and SNRI medications'.

I would think that it depends on what sort of conditions you have, but if you have been on a AD for a long period the doctor may want to change it, and that would be my doctors next choice in regards to me, as I am on the max. dose. Geoff.

[Myshelle]

Thank you Geoff for your reply. Yes I did Google and try to understand.

As I said in my other post I had not started on my new meds, much to my own detriment. As I start them today I am hoping for some peace of mind.

[geoff]

dear Myshelle, thanks for that, and can I just tell you what happened with me and could very well not be in your case, but the first couple of days there were a few small side-effects, but it all settled down and I have been taking them for a number of years.

Let us know how you feel with them.  Geoff.

[Myshelle]

Hi Geoff, 24 hours on after first med the only side affect has been a mild headache.

Not feeling any improvement in mood yet but I understand it takes time to get into the system. I am removing myself from social media as I know this is a trigger particularly in the mornings , so much sadness, so much negativity.

[geoff]

dear Myshelle, thanks for letting us know.

It may take a few weeks to kick in, but the headache should settle down, but interested in how it's going. L Geoff. x

[Beltane]

Hiya. Always feel free to ask your doctor or pharmacist these questions- you have every right to know what a medication is, how it works, what good effects its expected to have and what side effects you might have.

You seem to be doing what a lot of us with anxiety/ depression do and that is: freaking yourself out over med changes. It's unfortunately WAY too easy to Google your new drug, see the reviews, see the side effects, etc, and then freak yourself out and decide you're better without them. (I've done this several times). Then of course, you try to go without any medication and you find yourself getting worse.

The reality though for many of us is that we have a legitimate medical issue that needs proper treatment. Just as diabetics need their insulin, many people with mental issues need their proper medications AND psychological therapy to not only recover from their issues but to STAY well (thats why the medication brochure says to not come off them without speaking to a doctor).

If you think about it- the medication is fixing a chemical imbalance in our head- by coming off it and not going on a new one, the chemical becomes imbalanced again which then causes the issues again.

Your doctor should have told you to expect it to take 4-6 weeks to see a mood improvement from any antidepressant. You would also need to back up these improvements with therapy to create long lasting improvement to your condition.

it's normal to get side effects at the start- they should be mild enough. Keep in touch with your GP to discuss any side-effects that concern you, but also to keep an eye on your mood and make sure the meds are working for you.

I made a rule for myself not to research or read anything about a new med i was given. I know that sounds very scary0 even i thought "but I want to know if theres anything dangerous". BUT you know, i would become so scared over "potential side effects' i would either not go on the drug, or go on it but make myself sick with anxiety. So I promised myself not to read up ANYTHING about it, but to just ask my doctor if there was anything i needed to know.

You know, the drug I'm on now is one of the ones thats less-frequently prescribed because its "supposed" to have worse side effects. I havent got a single side effect in 3 months on it, yet "safer" antidepressants made me ill. If its right for you, it'll work.

[Myshelle]

Thank you Beltane, yes I have to agree with all that you have said here and I thank you for taking the time to post.

I should not have tried to go without the medication so very foolish of me and in honesty I don't really know why. I am not that worried over side effects.

I do continue to have mild headaches and am now on day 8 of my new med. I have noticed a difference already in that the depression and anxiety is not as severe. Yes I must keep in mind the chemical imbalance causing depression and the need to keep it controlled.