SSRI seems to have stopped working

[masterfuleve]

Hi everyone,

I'm new to this forum.  What a great resource!  I have been taking SSRIs for around 7 years - with an increase in dosage about 3 years ago.  Last year I reduced the dosage again - but my anxiety returned - my GP increased it again - but I seem to be worse!  Generalised anxiety and now my old friend depression!!  I haven't suffered from depression for years and now it's back!!  Can they just stop working?  Has anyone else experienced this? 

Thanks!

[geoff]

dear Masterfuleve, welcome to the BB site.

The question you have asked is what your doctor can only tell you, but with me my doctor said that I had to increase the SSRI I am taking so I'm on the recommended max dosage, and what he also said is that if they didn't kick in he would have to change antidepressant, which I didn't want to do, but they are working.

We have to remember that by taking AD's it may require us to take them for a long time even though we are feeling good, because what does happen is that we want to cut down or stop which we may do and then bang it all returns, so go back to your doctor and he/she may decide to put you on another AD, but then you have the hassle of drying out. Geoff.

[masterfuleve]

Thanks for your reply geoff!

Yes - hopefully I can just increase the dosage and stay on the same one.  Over the years I've never had any side effects and it's done the job.  I will report back after I have seen him.

[JessF]

Hello masterful eve, how did the doctor appointment go? And are you doing any kind of therapy? In my experience the medication alone doesn't help fix the problem long term, it's the coping skills you learn in therapy.

[masterfuleve]

Hi Jess - my doctor changed me to a different SSRI and I'm also going to have some counselling.  Years ago I had intensive therapy for almost 2 years which was very helpful - but over time I was obviously falling into old patterns.  Today I'm feeling a lot better - tired - but much happier.

I will see the dr. in a fortnight to review the medication and I will see the counsellor the same week. 

Wow - it sure is a journey!  Thanks for your concern and support.

[JessF]

Thats great news! Medication changes can be a bit of a tricky time, I think our anxiety around them can make it worse too. But it is amazing how different the side effects can be on different ones. Some I have had no problems with, whereas others there have been unpleasant things like feeling a need to go to the toilet every five minutes.