Just started an SSRI

[Genimo]

Hi everyone

i am on an SSRI and I have never taken any medication before for my depression.  My depression was leading to self harm so I have started an anti depressant.  It's been a week since I started & immediately within hours of first  starting I noticed myself no longer crying, and my anxiety just stopped- just like that- it's just a calm emotionless thought- free state now. I am feeling not happy, not sad, just nothing, just emotionless, and in a zombie like nothing state.   I can't "really" smile brightly and I need to consciously tell myself to "smile".  

Has as anyone been on SSRI anti depressants, for how long, and did you notice any weight gain and other side effects.. 

Thanks 

[Mares73]

Hi Genimo

Its great you've found & reached out to the Beyond Blue forums-so welcome. You will find lots of useful information on this site as well as truly genuine understanding, compassionate members who will provide lots of support. As someone who has trialled many antidepressants to find the right one for me-I do know that SSRIs are usually the first type of antidepressants a Dr would try-because they have the least side effects, also help with anxiety & you are much more less likely to gain weight than some other types. They usually take 4-6 weeks to work. There are fact sheets on different types of antidepressants on this website. Have a look & if you have any other questions feel free to ask. Goodluck! You are on the right path. Mares x

[Genimo]

Mares, thanks for the welcome.  I am really wanting to find some experiences from people who have been on SSRI's...  I keep reading negative things about them and side effects but I suppose it's too early to comment personally on them.. All I can say is that I cannot cry and although I feel a sense of calmness - I do wonder what the long term implications on the body and mind are by taking ssri's.  Can you point me in the right direction where this type of info from other forum posters would be located.. Many thanks. 

Gen

[Girl_Anachronism]

Hi Genimo, 

There is a forum, below the depression forum on the main forum page for treatments. You can maybe find some good info there.

I will also offer my perspective on SSRI'S. I have been on them and non SSRI antidepressants. SSRI antidepressants I have found give me some pretty awful migraines.  I am having a med review on thursday to get off them. That said, while on them I have noticed that I have a bit more energy and oomph so I guess they work, just at too high a cost for me. Non SSRI antidepressants have given me no headaches but have given me weight gain side effects. 

All of this is with a pinch of salt - different drugs work differently on different people so you may not get any side effects at all. You have to find the right drug for you, if drugs will work for you at all.

Hope I could help.

GA

[Tanzi]

Hi Genimo

I felt the same on SSRI's now I take  selective serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRI), I have been on them for about 2 weeks and am feeling better everyday. Everyone is different though so before you think of changing give it a go, throw out the side effects brochure so if you do feel odd it's for real.

Pills don't do all the work, you also have to make a conscious effort to try and be proactive. Read through different posts on here. Everyone wants the best for each other because even though we suffer we don't want others to suffer.

Let us  know how you go x

[geoff]

dear Genimo, I have been taking a SSRI for many years, as it has helped me through my depression and is also used for OCD which I also have.

It hasn't made me put on any weight, as I am a big bone person, but I have tried many different types of AD's, but for me this was one that my body could tolerate, and I suppose the number of years would be about 15 or so, but I am also on the maximum dosage.

If you google 'SSRI antidepressants', or in particular the type you are taking, then a lot of information will appear, but can I remind you that they list most of the side-effects, some of which may never happen with yourself, or if they do then they may disappear as your body adjusts to it, which is normally the case.

You also have to remember that your feeling of emotionless and zombie state should also settle down, as I can say that I can certainly cry, 'not at the drop of a hat' like with depression, but with emotion.

It's a tablet that is correcting the lost balance in our brain, so give it a few more weeks, but anyway hope that you can reply back. Geoff.