New Antidepressant

[ZyGirl_DogLvr3]

I know it can be 'normal' to get some side effects when starting a new AD, but these are the most concerning to me:

*Frequent mood changes during the day - sad, depressed, anxious, happy - It keeps cycling all day long. 😞

*Intense Hot flushes throughout the day (even when it's not too hot) - My temperature rises

*I get shaky, panicky and very scared

*Dissociation when afraid/overwhelmed and I 'freeze' and 'zone out.'

With this particular med  it may take up to 3 weeks to start taking effect. Is there anything in particular that you guys recommend I do or not do during my 'transition' period? I can't see my psychiatrist for a couple of months because he's away so that's not an option. 😕

Thanks very much for the support here! 😄 ❤️

[PatT]

Hi ZyGirl_DogLvr<3,

When starting a new med I typically try stepping up all the best self help methods I know like exercise, socialising, meditating and following a fairly direct schedule. I've found that these things work best at ensuring the side effects are minimised by being distracted and finding happiness in natural things.

Good luck with your transition,

Pat.

[MarkJT]

ZyGirl_DogLvr<3, what i did when getting used to mine was pretty much what Pat has said above but to be honest i was not having the side effects that you were. These though were my 2nd try as the first type completely did not agree with me. I went back to the psych and he ceased it.

Even though your psych is away, if you need to double check about them can you head to your GP? Good to have a back up plan.

Mark.

[MsPurple]

Hi ZyGirl

I think Pat and Mark offer great advice. Self care and seeing your GP during this transitional new medication period is very important for your mental wellbeing during this time.

Unfortunately as we try new medication we can also have increased anxiety because we are anxious about the side effects and whether it will work. So side effects may increase during this period not because of the medication itself but because of your stress associated with the medication (change), if that makes sense? I found that when I changed meds it reduced after two weeks as I became less stressed about the medication because I realised it wasn't causing any unbearable side effects (less than my previous ones anyways). I would continue taking the medication as prescribed even with the symptoms you told us. If you are concerned go to your GP and ask for their opinion before ceasing medication.

Another thing I would recommend during your new medication transition period is to avoid alcohol, drugs (other than prescription) and maybe excessive caffeine. Alcohol is a depressant so you could confuse low moods with the medication not working when it is actually the alochol can cause the low moods. Caffeine is also a stimulant that can cause increased heart rate, if you have too much you may confuse this with anxiety. I reduced my alcohol intake and caffeine when I changed medication just so I knew it wouldn't interfere and so my headspace was more clear.

Hope this helps and good luck. Keep us updated.

[geoff]

hi ZyGirl, all of those great people above me have given you great replies, and you have to remember that you are introducing your body to a new antidepressant (AD) which is going to try and help you overcome your depression, but firstly when you are given a new AD you worry that it is going to accentuate your conditions until your body accepts taking it, because there is always that concern.
What I did was to keep in touch with my doctor who was also my psychologist and explain what has been going on, but she just told me to wait and let it settle down which wasn't much comfort, however as the days go by hopefully these symptoms will slowly disappear as your body adjusts and if this doesn't happen then it's time to go back to your doctor.
They may not not want to change any medications that your psychiatrist has given you, but 2 months is too long time to wait. Geoff. x

[pipsy]

Hi ZyGirl_DogLvr<3. With coping with severe depression, coupled with adjusting to AD's, plus the isolation from your psychiatrist the anxiety would be pretty overwhelming. There are a couple of options open to you. You could make an appt with your G.P and ask him about the side-effects, or, if he is not available, you could have a chat with your pharmacist. Most pharmacists have a basic knowledge about AD's and the various side-effects. I feel if you try to persevere, feeling as you do, fear of the continuing side-effects could make you decide to stop taking them and this would add to your anxiety. Geoff's comment about the 2 month lapse till you see your psych is also a real concern.

Lynda

[ZyGirl_DogLvr3]

PatT said:

Hi ZyGirl_DogLvr<3,

When starting a new med I typically try stepping up all the best self help methods I know like exercise, socialising, meditating and following a fairly direct schedule. I've found that these things work best at ensuring the side effects are minimised by being distracted and finding happiness in natural things.

Good luck with your transition,

Pat.

Good advice Pat, thanks! 🙂

I have been taking it extra easy lately and am making sure I rest when I need to. Meditation, stretching, distractions and a simple schedule is helping. ^_^

[ZyGirl_DogLvr3]

MarkJT said:

ZyGirl_DogLvr<3, what i did when getting used to mine was pretty much what Pat has said above but to be honest i was not having the side effects that you were. These though were my 2nd try as the first type completely did not agree with me. I went back to the psych and he ceased it.

Even though your psych is away, if you need to double check about them can you head to your GP? Good to have a back up plan.

Mark.

I can go to my GP if needed. My local Pharmacist suggested that I stay with this med for another week and see how I go. Thanks Mark.

[ZyGirl_DogLvr3]

Thank you for the guidance MsPurple! 😄 ❤️

[ZyGirl_DogLvr3]

I understand what you're saying about the mind and body adjusting to new medication. If I feel the need to see my GP, I will.

🙂 Yeah. It sucks that my Psych is away at this time, but I will keep trying to bring the appointment forward (possibly with the input of my GP) and he (my Psychiatrist) even checks in over the phone occasionally so I will try to arrange for that to happen soon.

Thanks Geoff.