Depression

[RDR]

Is it just me or do SSRIs produce the most awful side effects?
I know you should keep taking them through the worst of the side effects but a week of suffering from that, which are worse than the original symptoms, seems terrible and even at that its 2-4 weeks before the theraputic effects are felt.

[Sharon]

Is it just me or do SSRIs produce the most awful side effects?
I know you should keep taking them through the worst of the side effects but a week of suffering from that, which are worse than the original symptoms, seems terrible and even at that its 2-4 weeks before the theraputic effects are felt.

Not just you! I recall the side effects being really horrible and it taking several weeks for things to settle down (i felt twitchy, flu like, achy, implosion sensation, to list a few!). But, they did settle. After that you need to make sure you take them regular as clockwork to stay side effect free. The upside is that they may well do do what you need them to do so stick with it.

[Boxer6]

Is it just me or do SSRIs produce the most awful side effects?
I know you should keep taking them through the worst of the side effects but a week of suffering from that, which are worse than the original symptoms, seems terrible and even at that its 2-4 weeks before the theraputic effects are felt.

Not just you! I recall the side effects being really horrible and it taking several weeks for things to settle down (i felt twitchy, flu like, achy, implosion sensation, to list a few!). But, they did settle. After that you need to make sure you take them regular as clockwork to stay side effect free. The upside is that they may well do do what you need them to do so stick with it.

Quite true, sadly. Some are worse than other though, as you might expect; in my conversations with many patients over the years it seems (anecdotally you understand - no double-blind studies here!) Venlafaxine is by far the worst, closely followed by Paroxetine (now not much prescribed due to other, more violence-related issues). Of others, I can personally attest that Lofepramine really sucks the Big One - really horrible side-effects, so bad I couldn't tolerate them for more than a week.

[Doorstop]

Venlafaxine IS a fucking nightmare .. I have a crap month or two every time they change my dosage of thon.

Shaking, teeth grinding, palpitations, terrible sweating upon any sort of exertion, increased vigilance and paranoia while it kicks in, increased blood pressure meds, increased anti anxiety meds, and the obligatory ECG ..

[RDR]

Is it just me or do SSRIs produce the most awful side effects?
I know you should keep taking them through the worst of the side effects but a week of suffering from that, which are worse than the original symptoms, seems terrible and even at that its 2-4 weeks before the theraputic effects are felt.

Not just you! I recall the side effects being really horrible and it taking several weeks for things to settle down (i felt twitchy, flu like, achy, implosion sensation, to list a few!). But, they did settle. After that you need to make sure you take them regular as clockwork to stay side effect free. The upside is that they may well do do what you need them to do so stick with it.

Sorry Sharon but I couldn't sit back and let someone I love suffer those awful side effects.
I have never seen such waves of terror and fear, I had to come home from work and just sit with her.
The side effects were much worse than the original, anxiety based in the main symptoms, secondary to hormonal issues.
I took her back to the GP last night and she stopped the SSRI and has given a low dose of a beta blocker coupled with a anxiolytic at night time.
Much better this morning, more like her old self though a little anxious those horrendous symptoms will come back.

[bAzTNM]

I'm on Tramadol for pain (back) and I find them to be the best anti-depressant. A quick Wiki look-up claims that they are a SNRI, instead of a SSRI. 50mg and I'm right as rain, Sun shining bright. They should just prescribe that to people.

[Boxer6]

I'm on Tramadol for pain (back) and I find them to be the best anti-depressant. A quick Wiki look-up claims that they are a SNRI, instead of a SSRI. 50mg and I'm right as rain, Sun shining bright. They should just prescribe that to people.

Problem is, not every medicine works for every body. For many people, Tramadol simply puts them to sleep and does nothing for the mood state.

[HelenD]

Tramadol has no effect on me, sedative, moody or otherwise, until it's on the way out and then I get all the withdrawal symptoms. Needless to say, I gave up on it fairly quickly.

[bAzTNM]

Tramadol has no effect on me, sedative, moody or otherwise, until it's on the way out and then I get all the withdrawal symptoms. Needless to say, I gave up on it fairly quickly.

Granted, the withdrawals are hellish for even small doses. Supposedly worse that Heroin?

I use it for an anti-depressant because, to be honest, it's an utter shit painkiller.

[RDR]

So what is it with GPs. Do they think that the answer to everything is just to medicate and provide no other support other than to change the medication?
CBT? a 23 week wait for referral, so what happens whilst you are waiting and your employer is on your back to get back to work?
Employee counselling service? 6 week wait.
Self help? yes you can get it but it costs £97 on line as the Scottish NHS won't support it but English PCTs do.

[Lone Groover]

So what is it with GPs. Do they think that the answer to everything is just to medicate and provide no other support other than to change the medication?
CBT? a 23 week wait for referral, so what happens whilst you are waiting and your employer is on your back to get back to work?
Employee counselling service? 6 week wait.
Self help? yes you can get it but it costs £97 on line as the Scottish NHS won't support it but English PCTs do.

http://www.livinglifetothefull.com

Free to access CBT course on line. Appears simplistic at forst glance, but has a proven track record of success.

[RDR]

So what is it with GPs. Do they think that the answer to everything is just to medicate and provide no other support other than to change the medication?
CBT? a 23 week wait for referral, so what happens whilst you are waiting and your employer is on your back to get back to work?
Employee counselling service? 6 week wait.
Self help? yes you can get it but it costs £97 on line as the Scottish NHS won't support it but English PCTs do.

http://www.livinglifetothefull.com

Free to access CBT course on line. Appears simplistic at forst glance, but has a proven track record of success.

Thanks LG, much appreciated

[Scotty100]

I can recommend the website
http://www.blackdogtribe.com/
It is run by the comedian Ruby Wax, who has severe clinical depression.Its best to register to access all the content which is free and confidential. Lots of forum threads and direct access to Psychiatrists and Psychologysts that you can send direct questions and receive honest no bullsh1t answers.
They are also on Twitter @FollowBDT
Cheers
John

[Fat Cat]

Does anyone else find this fucking weather utterly depressing? My mood is not great at this moment despite fluoxetine but this weather is just rubbish! Hate it. Where's the sun??

[HelenD]

I've read of low light levels affecting seratonin levels in the brain which in turn affects mood. The damp and humidity can also be a problem for people with certain conditions, notably rheumatoid arthritis, which in turn is not going to improve their mood.

I have chronic head pains which are always worse in this sort of weather. Can't say that cheers me up much neither. I can see how it would make the difference to someone with plenty on their plate and tip them into depression.