SNRI or SSRI better for Anxiety

[Lilly_olive]

Hi all 😀

hoping I can get some feedback and or peoples experiences with the above matter

I was taking an SSRI for 15+ years for Anxiety and depression, it worked wonderfully and I really believe it changed my life as I’m sure people on here know how debilitating anxiety and depression can be,😢it suddenly stopped working like it had always done( nothing in my circumstances changed)and I became very anxious, my GP talked me into changing to an SNRI as she said this worked on an extra neurotransmitter to further help with symptom Control.

the change to an SNRI was smooth and I felt normal and good for 3 months but then started getting very anxious and a little depressed again!

Back to the GP and she’s increased the SNRI dose saying I was only on the minimal dose for anxiety although it still seemed high too me?

I use other ways I’ve learned over the years to help my mood ie mindfulness, exercise, physiologist. Etc.

Just really wondering as the GP is very young and maybe not very experienced are SSRI or SNRI better for chronic anxiety? Should she not have tried me on another type of SSRI before changing me altogether?

i really don’t want too see a physiatrist as I genuinely manage my condition fairly well, and I know these are expensive with long wait times.

Wondered if anyone else has had a similar experience and could shed some light

thanks 🙏 in advance

[blondguy]

Hi Lilly olive

Welcome to the forums and thanks for the great thread topic too 🙂

I understand your situation as this is my 23rd year on SSRI's for anxiety attacks....bad ones. You have mentioned that you have tried all avenues available and good on you!

As you know the meds are never a fix all. On their own the meds can provide some relief for sure. Its taken me 37 years of acute anxiety to realize that they do help us build a strong foundation on which we can heal more effectively using a good counselor or a proactive GP on a frequent basis....(I have been on a monthly visit with my GP for 20 years for a 'fine tune'

Just as per my own anxiety levels......monthly counseling is fine.....fortnightly is better and weekly really works well. Can I ask how frequently you have seen your GP or a counselor? (if thats okay!)

The forums are a safe and non judgemental place for you to post Lilly Olive 🙂

my kind thoughts

Paul

[Lilly_olive]

Hi Paul

thanks for your reply.

Can I ask if you ever had problems with the SSRIS not working as well as they used too?

I see the GP every few months but as I mentioned she’s very young and I get the impression she has limited mental health experience.

as for the Counsellor, I have a referral on a MHCP too see a physiologist I don’t see them very often maybe only every couple of years as even with the rebate they are still expensive plus there’s always a wait too see the really good ones and then I find the ones with a shorter wait list are ok but after 4-5 sessions they seem to think I’m fine

anyhow I’m giving another one a go next week as I understand the importance of therapy aswell as medication.

[blondguy]

Hi Lilly

You are more than welcome to ask Lilly! I have been on the same SSRI (Z) for 23 years and havent changed it as I had acute anxiety attacks whilst working in senior corporate roles and managed to get by

It took me 10 years to really understand that I needed some help so I called the local council and they put in me in touch with a psychiatric nurse...He was brilliant...He had me crying (venting my pain) after the second weekly visit.....I ended up seeing the community mental care worker weekly for seven months......It did wonders...

The SSRI is still working fine.....yet when I have any increase in anxiety/depression I now know that something in my life isnt doing me any good.....toxic people....toxic workplace.....any ongoing stress etc

umm.....it was 1996 when I started the SSRI.....I was 36...

Paul