Have you tried anti depressants for the anxiety? What were your experiences?

[DN129]

I feel I've kind of chased up the 'limit' of what I can do with behavioural changes and the anxiety. Over the past year since its been bad, at times I feel like I've made genuine huge progress with the phobias it latches onto, only after months of being functional for the anxiety just to come back in peak form almost out of no were and erode the previously made progress. Almost back to square one.

I have considered anti depressants for a while now, but been adamant to avoid them simply due to the side effects and wanting to do this myself. But I think its at the point now if a low-dose would reduce the anxiety, even by a bit, then I think it would allow me to better cope and fight with it.

What are your experiences going on/off them? How much of a difference did they make? Were the side effects worth it?

[pipsy]

Hi DN129. Over the years I have tried various AD's. Some made me feel better, side effects were explained. Once I worked through the side effects (mainly hunger, slight weight gain) I found I functioned better. About 15 years ago, I discovered I was menopausal. The advantage of the AD's were less mood swings, no 'flushes', a bonus. I experienced some problems, such as headaches, not too severe, I did hallucinate slightly. 5 years ago, the AD's were ceased and after the initial withdrawal problems, my main problem now is insomnia. Many of my depression problems were due to marital problems. Unsupportive hubby, verbal abuse by in-laws. I am now on my own, but feel happier as I am stronger in myself. I am also a recovering alcoholic, that problem, coupled with AD's increased my depression. I do still suffer some depression although I recognize when I feel this and have strategies to work through them. AD's do work, but mixing them with regular alcohol intake means you suffer more severe depression. The alcohol numbs the pain of the depression, but the depression is worse because alcohol actually brings it on worse.

Lynda

[Zeal]

Hi DN,

I have anxiety/OCD, and I've been taking SSRI's (antidepressants) for almost 5 years. I don't experience side effects, though I may have been more irritable when I started taking them originally, while I was adjusting. Once I forgot to take my antidepressant (AD) one day, which caused anxiety and low mood for several days after, even though I took my AD the next morning. Stopping the medication abruptly causes these symptoms I experienced.
I didn't want to take AD medication when it was first suggested to me by a GP. It took a new mental health diagnosis a year or two later to change my mind.

To be honest, I can't remember clearly my experience of starting AD's five years ago. There are others on the forum who have discussed their experiences with going on and off AD's though. Here are links to previous conversations about AD's taken for anxiety:

https://www.beyondblue.org.au/get-support/online-forums/anxiety/newly-diagnosed-with-anxiety-need-advice-#qkGKf3HzvGGEbv8AAOnT_A

https://www.beyondblue.org.au/get-support/online-forums/anxiety/thanks-beyond-blue#qhffS3HzvGGEbv8AAOnT_A

https://www.beyondblue.org.au/get-support/online-forums/anxiety/anxiety-newbie#qhHyLHHzvGGEbv8AAOnT_A

https://www.beyondblue.org.au/get-support/online-forums/supporting-family-and-friends-with-a-mental-health-condition-(carers)/advice-from-parents-about-paroxetine#qi9k53HzvGGEbv8AAOnT_A

Hopefully some of this is helpful. Others will probably reply to your post too 🙂

Best wishes,

Zeal

[mermaidgirl]

I am on my 3rd day of starting meds for anxiety and I have to say that last night was not good. I woke up with major hot flushes/ feelings of skin burning which caused a panic attack. I must admit though I feel a bit less anxious during the day. I still feel anxious but it seems to pass more easily. I was very very reluctant to start on meds too but finally started as I was getting good worse and worse.

From everything I have read and people have told me it gets worse before it gets better.

Its worth a try x

[blondguy]

Hi Mermaidgirl

I wasted 8 years of my life dealing with anxiety naturally until my GP gave me a script for anti-depressants.

They can take up to 2 weeks to kick in. Mine took about a week and reduced the severe anxiety by at least 50%. Yay!

That was in 1996. It was the smartest decision I have ever made. Been on the SSRI's for 20 years now. It helped me cope better at work and took the highs and bad lows away.

we are here for you Mermaid, you are not alone

my kind thoughts

Paulx

[nowhereman]

Hi.glad to read your post.im Max... with anti depressants.and i guess anti psychotics. Dont stop them without supervision and permission of the specialists. I tried that.it was one of the scariest times ive had. Really bad. I take only anti depressant now.sometimes i have to increase it.i only take 20 mgs .its doing enough. Hope your doing ok too.