Taking SSRI's for anxiety/PMS for the first time.

[CloudGate]

Hi, I was hoping to hear from some other people who may have experience, particularly any ladies who may be in a similar situation.

I have GAD and day to day it's usually manageable, I just turned 30, I ride my bike alot, eat well, try not to drink too much and get enough sleep. The past year I noticed my anxiety gets significantly worse with PMS. I have a really rough time where none of the usual things help and I feel really miserable, critical of myself and so worried about even the smallest things, to the point I stay in bed/on the couch for days. An example: Last month I lost my keys during this time and it turned into a full-on overwhelming nightmare where I am the biggest failure....then once this time has passed I can usually look back a bit mystified as to what just happened and how everything spiralled into such a big deal.

After chatting with my doctor and gyno and tracking my moods, I agreed to try a low dose SSRI for 2 weeks every month during luteal phase, which is something recommended by gynaecologists and some studies (I read up a lot before agreeing to give them a shot). I'll admit I've been scared of pills in the past and been hesitant to try them- I'm worried that I'll feel numb, or it'll make it worse or a whole myriad of reasons... but also I'd really like to get on with my life instead of flipping out over a small event and feeling really terrible about myself for a week or more every month.

It didn't help that when I went to collect my prescription the pharmacist started grilling me about why was I only taking them for 14 days at a time, that he didn't think that would be effective, had never heard of doing that etc. That was nearly enough to make me forget the whole thing. It seems like when you look around there's all these negative stories but I know many people have positive experiences and it's not a one size fits all approach. And it's weird because I'd never judge someone else for taking medication, but I feel critical of myself for doing so.

Perhaps someone in a similar situation may have had a beneficial experience? How did you feel in your first weeks? So far I feel a bit groggy and kind of removed, still kind of wondering if I'm doing the right thing or If I am in a situation that warrants needing medication. I know it's really early and I'm willing to keep trying, it's just all new right now and I don't really have anyone else to ask!

Thanks

[bigstar]

Hey, I was prescribed anti-depressants last week. And after a week of insufferable depression and mania I've finally given up on the idea that this will go away on its own and I am currently in my bed, after a night of not being able to sleep, and a really long conversation with someone at lifeline (god bless her soul), staring at my pill. I'm terrified of it--I really can't believe its come to this but all my traditional strategies no longer work and my mind is in shut down mode and my body feels like its dying the depression is that bad. I was dry reaching this morning for no reason and I've lost at least 3 kgs in the past week. Feelings of hopelessness and loneliness are just crazily intense and I'm not even sure if the I exist, in the spiritual sense, anymore. I know the side effects in the beginning can make me worse, but to be fair, I have all the side effects of this SSRI already so I really got nothing to loose.

I wish you luck !

[romantic_thi3f]

Hi CloudGate,

Welcome to the forums and thanks for being here.

I have never heard of taking SSRI's only during luteal phases, but it does make sense and I can see where your GP and Gynaecologist is coming from. It sounds like you have definitely done your research in knowing that there are studies supporting this idea.

It sounds like your main concern though is how you'll feel taking the medication - which makes total sense so I'm going to talk about that more.

It's true what you said about it's not a 'one size fits all' approach. Some people will find that the first medication will click with them, others may have to try a few. For some the side effects might be too intense but it will wear off. Sadly there is no easy way to know how we might react and how we might feel. Knowing that you're taking a low dose SSRI makes me feel more optimistic in that it is designed as a short-term low dose, where in major depression often the starting dose can be quite high - leaving more potential for side effects and difficulties adjusting.

I think it's important to know too that while the list of side effects is incredibly daunting, in reality people can adjust well and quickly. There is usually one or two side effects that are too be expected - such as headaches and nausea. This depends on the medication but I know my pharmacist usually highlights the most difficult ones that people report.

I have personally heard of people feeling worse, but usually it is short-term and only because the body is adjusting to the medication. Out of all the people I've talked to who have been on SSRI's I think there's only about 2 people who have felt kind of numb - but again, they were prescribed a high dose.

It sounds like the benefits of taking the SSRI and how it might help could outweigh the idea of what you might or might not experience - but at the end of the day that is up to you. Perhaps you could consider having another chat to your GP or a different pharmacist about your concerns.

Hope this helps 🙂

[Tokoloshe]

I can relate. My whole menstruating life (I am now 50) has been a roller coaster revolving around those pms times. I have lost jobs, friends, opportunities exactly because of what you describe...some small thing that just sends you over the edge and becomes this huge issue. And yes, looking back a week later I am often like 'what the *##* happened!?'

Although I take an SSRI full time, I have been offered the same regimen as you. I take my every day because I also suffer depression. I also was extremely reluctant to begin with. The first few days to a week I felt very weird. Even on the low dose I was given. But by ten days to two weeks in I was feeling so much better. It has helped me a lot. One word of warning that isn't discussed enough; some SSRIs can take away your desire for intimacy/libido or ability to orgasm completely. I have had to change medication for this reason. So bear in mind that the first medication you use may not necessarily be the perfect fit and do go back to the doctor if you have any of these sort of concerns.

My experience is a very positive one in terms of treating pms. I just waited far too long to get help. I believe many women may have Premenstrual Dyphoric Disorder which is not discussed enough.

[bigstar]

How'd you go? Did you start taking them?

I'm on day 18 of my SSRI's and I can glady say I am in a much more stable place than I was before I started taking them. Although the first week was hell with pretty bad insomnia and suicidal thinking--they seem to have stabilized me significantly now. I'm told their full therapeutic effects don't start till 4 to 6 weeks so this must be a good sign that they've started freeing me from the crippling depression. After an entire lifetime of being philosophical opposed to the idea of medication for mental illness I've done a full about-face and am indebted to them for giving me my life back to some extent. Granted there still is a lot of work to do psychologically, the meds have just given me a base which I can work off.

Anyways, I highly recommend SSRI's if you feel like all the measures you've taken (riding your bike, eating healthy and sleeping well) are not ameliorating your symptoms. I was exercising three times a week, riding my bike everyday to work, eating healthy, sleeping well and I was still miserable. Some of us are just unlucky I guess and there is no rhyme or reason to why we feel certain ways.

[CloudGate]

Thanks for your reply!

I did start taking the dose and the first week was a bit rough, the main things being nausea and sweaty hands.
I think after the first 5 days, everything settled in and I really noticed that the rattling thoughts that race a million miles a minute in the back of my head had quietened down and I had a bit of peace for the first time in ages. I slept really well- Sometimes I'm anxious about falling asleep and when a few stressful things did happen, I felt like it rolled off me easier and wasn't such a big deal.

As the next couple of weeks went on, I felt pretty good, didn't freak out about anything or feel my usual self-hating slump.

When the next week rolled around and it was time to stop taking the SSRRI's, the quiet in my head has seemed to continue. I've been feeling pretty good- maybe even the best I've felt in a long time?

It's nearly time in my cycle to start taking the SSRRI's again and I'm curious to see if I get the sweaty hands and nausea again. No problems in the orgasm department I am very pleased to report ha.
One other question though- has anyone noticed this kind of medication interfering with your actual periods? Mine was late- (I have a Mirena IUD so pregnancy is highly highly unlikely and with this form of birth control I sometimes don't menstruate or only very lightly, so I'm not concerned and have talked with my Gyno about this in the past, its normal with some IUD's, but do get all the other symptoms of PMS)

[CloudGate]

Thanks for your reply Bigstar.

Sorry to hear you're not feeling so good- I can relate to some of those feelings! And also like you've tried so many things so might as well give medication a try. Right there with you!

How did you get along with your meds?

I'm feeling pretty good a month in and wanted to share that with you and see how you were doing as well? The first week was definitely challenging and it was a little strange at first to be without the constant nagging worries that usually follow me around where ever I go. I feel like I have a little bit of peace which is nice.

The first week or so- I felt really unsure. Sweating alot, nausea, not sure if I was doing the right thing. One day I felt really distant and detached. I felt like my concentration was almost non-existent. Another day I had one beer with a friend and felt really drunk and not nice, had to excuse myself and go home. After that, I did really start to notice a difference and all these things I'm describing settled down and I felt just kind of normal.

One day I was feeling really nauseous, I was at work (I sometimes work at a market by myself) and started chatting to a friend who is also a vendor, and was surprised to find out that they too were on SSRI's.

They told me something really great, that made me feel understood and relieved, I want to share with you and that is: Congratulations on taking steps towards caring for yourself as it's not easy to go on medication and some people who really need to never do.

So whatever hesitant feelings you may have been having, be a little proud for taking care of yourself.

How are you doing? I'm really interested to hear if you've had any ups or downs.

[CloudGate]

Thanks for your reply!

You are correct - the first week or so was uncomfortable with multiple side effects, however these went away or minimised to a point where they were easy to manage, and I felt that overall the SSRI's were very helpful. I'm nearly a month in and in the phase of the cycle where I don't take the medication and still feeling the benefits of a bit of peace from nagging, rattling thoughts and being overly stressed. Partially your natural hormone cycle helps elevate your mood but I would say there is an added benefit from the SSRI's as well.

I'll keep you updated how I go, I'd like to give this more time before coming to any solid conclusions and have an appointment to check back in with my GP at the two month mark.

Thanks again.