SSRI experience

[Jazzdude]

Hi,

Story short. Been on Lexapro from the year 2008 and that helped my GAD/health anxiety/mild depression very much. I was on 10 mg dose, the higher doses had me very agitated and full of anxiety (OCD like of anxiety). I felt that this 10 mg was right for me back then. I was on it 5 years, sometimes beeing in 5 mgs also (had a good 6 months with this dose). In 2013 I experienced something bad with this medicine, I started to have panic attacks and extreme anxiety while on med. I tried to increase the dose to 15 mgs(2-3 months), the things got worse. The last effort was to come down and suprisingly I got massive relief right away coming of the meds. However, I experienced massive brainzapping and depression which I wasnt having before I started the meds. I decided to try Zoloft 50 mg. It helped the depression but again got very agitated and nervous, lots of muscle ridigity and sweating. I was on that medication for 4 months and doctor put me on luvox. Luvox made me very sleepy and again very agitated/anxiety ridden. After that, I tried to switch back to lexapro which had helped me in the beginning. Again my anxiety level was sky rocketed after 2 months on 10 mg. Got massive relief when tapering down. So, the wierd thing, I have anxiety issues while on meds now, the anxiety is more bad when trying to go on meds. Now I will try Buspar for my GAD. Sometimes I feel maybe I would be better without the medication. So my question, can SSRI's and similar lose their effectiveness or give more anxiety than without them?

[gypsylee]

Hi,

Story short. Been on Lexapro from the year 2008 and that helped my GAD/health anxiety/mild depression very much. I was on 10 mg dose, the higher doses had me very agitated and full of anxiety (OCD like of anxiety). I felt that this 10 mg was right for me back then. I was on it 5 years, sometimes beeing in 5 mgs also (had a good 6 months with this dose). In 2013 I experienced something bad with this medicine, I started to have panic attacks and extreme anxiety while on med. I tried to increase the dose to 15 mgs(2-3 months), the things got worse. The last effort was to come down and suprisingly I got massive relief right away coming of the meds. However, I experienced massive brainzapping and depression which I wasnt having before I started the meds. I decided to try Zoloft 50 mg. It helped the depression but again got very agitated and nervous, lots of muscle ridigity and sweating. I was on that medication for 4 months and doctor put me on luvox. Luvox made me very sleepy and again very agitated/anxiety ridden. After that, I tried to switch back to lexapro which had helped me in the beginning. Again my anxiety level was sky rocketed after 2 months on 10 mg. Got massive relief when tapering down. So, the wierd thing, I have anxiety issues while on meds now, the anxiety is more bad when trying to go on meds. Now I will try Buspar for my GAD. Sometimes I feel maybe I would be better without the medication. So my question, can SSRI's and similar lose their effectiveness or give more anxiety than without them?

I've been on and off various SSRIs for 20 years and I wouldn't say they can cause more anxiety (except when you start on them). I would say they lose their effectiveness though. You seem to be very sensitive to them so perhaps you are better off without them.

All the best,
Gypsy x

[Jazzdude]

I've been on and off various SSRIs for 20 years and I wouldn't say they can cause more anxiety (except when you start on them). I would say they lose their effectiveness though. You seem to be very sensitive to them so perhaps you are better off without them.

All the best,
Gypsy x

Thanks for the answer. I have been 3 weeks off from Lexapro now, and so far so good. I think one reason is that I take now Buspar (5 weeks). Had to lower that dose too from 2 x10 mg to 2 x 5 mg and the feeling is now better. Been on that dose about 1,5 weeks. Still having some brain zaps when I take the pill. I am wondering if I go down to 5 mg(ridiculous dose) per day will I feel even better. I may be trying this and eventually come off and see how it feels. Isnt Buspar also affecting the serotonin in brain?

My doctor also sees me very sensitive to drugs. Maybe always been so, but nowadays it is more prominent. He said maybe try Wellbutrin or Cymbalta next if I am not getting any relief from Buspar/ or being without drugs. What are your thoughts on those drugs?

[gypsylee]

Thanks for the answer. I have been 3 weeks off from Lexapro now, and so far so good. I think one reason is that I take now Buspar (5 weeks). Had to lower that dose too from 2 x10 mg to 2 x 5 mg and the feeling is now better. Been on that dose about 1,5 weeks. Still having some brain zaps when I take the pill. I am wondering if I go down to 5 mg(ridiculous dose) per day will I feel even better. I may be trying this and eventually come off and see how it feels. Isnt Buspar also affecting the serotonin in brain?

My doctor also sees me very sensitive to drugs. Maybe always been so, but nowadays it is more prominent. He said maybe try Wellbutrin or Cymbalta next if I am not getting any relief from Buspar/ or being without drugs. What are your thoughts on those drugs?

I've never been on Buspar. I googled it and I don't even know anything about the class of drugs it belongs to. But it's weird you get brain zaps from taking the medication because I've only ever had that when I come off it (and is common side effect of withdrawal from SSRIs).

Never been on Wellbutrin either - I stopped trying meds after starting Prozac because it worked so well and only tried different SSRIs and SNRIs. Cymbalta is an SNRI, which are very similar to SSRIs.

It sounds to me like you have a bit of an unusual brain chemistry - not at all saying there's anything wrong with you, just different to me and lots of people (who find the SSRIs effective). You are definitely more sensitive to meds than me - I can increase Lexapro by 20mg and not notice any difference.

The problem with these meds is it's a bit of a "hit and miss" thing. I tried a few different (older) anti-depressants before Prozac and they were pretty useless. So you have to weigh up how you are without anything versus the side-effects of the meds. I was a complete mess without medication but you might be better off.

It's just important that you have a good relationship with your doctor and tell them what's going on. When I had my first depressive episode I was seeing mine for an hour every week for months.

Good luck :)
Gypsy x

[Jazzdude]

I've never been on Buspar. I googled it and I don't even know anything about the class of drugs it belongs to. But it's weird you get brain zaps from taking the medication because I've only ever had that when I come off it (and is common side effect of withdrawal from SSRIs).

Never been on Wellbutrin either - I stopped trying meds after starting Prozac because it worked so well and only tried different SSRIs and SNRIs. Cymbalta is an SNRI, which are very similar to SSRIs.

It sounds to me like you have a bit of an unusual brain chemistry - not at all saying there's anything wrong with you, just different to me and lots of people (who find the SSRIs effective). You are definitely more sensitive to meds than me - I can increase Lexapro by 20mg and not notice any difference.

The problem with these meds is it's a bit of a "hit and miss" thing. I tried a few different (older) anti-depressants before Prozac and they were pretty useless. So you have to weigh up how you are without anything versus the side-effects of the meds. I was a complete mess without medication but you might be better off.

It's just important that you have a good relationship with your doctor and tell them what's going on. When I had my first depressive episode I was seeing mine for an hour every week for months.

Good luck :)
Gypsy x

Thanks for the reply again. Yeah, I think my brain has somehow altered during the SSRI usage, I am now so sensitive to these. I have some withdrawal also from Lexapro although it is 3 weeks now when I came off. Brain zaps and little dizziness. All this intensifies when I do take the Buspar dose. I still feel Buspar is somehow helping. I will give this a more time and see what happens. Maybe come off and try to be without. If this dont help I will try Cymbalta or Wellbutrin, you never know how they affect as you said, hit and miss.

[Jazzdude]

Experimenting with Buspar dose. Decreased the daily dose to 5 mg and now the feeling is more relaxed, not so much inner tension, lump in the throat not so prominent etc. Maybe I should try to be without meds or stay with this very low dose and see how the things will go.

[Mike Castillo]

My doctor also sees me very sensitive to drugs. Maybe always been so, but nowadays it is more prominent. He said maybe try Wellbutrin or Cymbalta next if I am not getting any relief from Buspar/ or being without drugs. What are your thoughts on those drugs?

I have been taking Cymbalta for a few years and its a VERY good medicine. Very clean and well made and so far, no side effects, besides a little weight gain. lol.

[Jazzdude]

I have been taking Cymbalta for a few years and its a VERY good medicine. Very clean and well made and so far, no side effects, besides a little weight gain. lol.

I stopped Buspar 4 days ago. I have also been SSRI free about 5 weeks now. The side effects were little too much and got no relief because I feel now better without it. Next step is to wait and see how things will go. If there is no improvement, maybe try cymbalta. So far I am better with no meds.

[Mike Castillo]

I stopped Buspar 4 days ago. I have also been SSRI free about 5 weeks now. The side effects were little too much and got no relief because I feel now better without it. Next step is to wait and see how things will go. If there is no improvement, maybe try cymbalta. So far I am better with no meds.

thats is GREAT to hear. I think you can do it. Not sure if your involving exercise in your therapy. Read this, it might inspire you to start today if you havent already. lol http://bit.ly/imikecastillo

[Jazzdude]

Yes, I am exercising (running, biking, yoga). Also have a rather good diet. Now off 7 weeks from Lexapro and 3 weeks off from buspar. Feeling much more relaxed and better than with them. Somehow the drugs stopped working or started to work against me. So far so good and not gonna start any SSRI/SNRI now.

[raggamuffin]

Finding the right medication can take a long time. Then again, medication isn't always for everyone. It's a band aid and doesn't solve root causes of stress, anxiety or depression. If you're not finding it overly effective then speak to your Dr or look up local therapists and perhaps enquire about some sessions?

Ed

[Surfside]

I have an appointment this Friday with a new doc, and I would like to go back on the Zoloft again, but because the newer ones are the "money makes", I get the feeling I'm going to put on something new. I've been unmediated for quite some time now using natural "cures" so to speak, but It becoming clear, that, I'm declining again, and will need something to get me out of this rut I'm in.

In the past I've used pretty much all of the classic SSRI meds (Prozac / Paxil) but hated the side effects, and I'm desperately trying to avoid the narcotics again, because of my addictive personality.

We shall see.

[Jazzdude]

Yeah, had some appointments with therapeutists but in my case, they did not help much. Lexapro was fine almost 4 years, then have had problems with all SSRI's. Some mild serotonine syndrome also occurring during usage along with anxiety. Now, having some hard time with "waves" what is described after prolonged use of SSRI and discontinuing. Having some good days, but some days are harder and sometimes during the day the feeling is altered, like mood swings. Still, for now, prefer this feeling over the constant fear/anxiety and depression caused by SSRI.

[Jazzdude]

Just a little update. I had to start Cymbalta about 1,5 months ago. My mind was not ok, too much mood swings and got this panicky feeling whole the time. First I was on the 30 mg dose for the first month and it did help somewhat. Now raised to 60 mg, still having some good/bad days but I think the overall outlook is better now. Maybe I will stick to this for awhile and see how things will develop. Thanks.

[Mike Castillo]

thats good to hear. I been on 60 mgs for a while and its been good, thank God

[Jazzdude]

thats good to hear. I been on 60 mgs for a while and its been good, thank God


Strange thing happened, I was taking 2 weeks 30 mg x 2 at the same time. Now last week switched to one 60 mg at morning. Got the same side effects like in the beginning, increased anxiety, tingling hands, headache etc. This is my 8 th day and maybe it is bit lessened. Should it be the same amount of drug or is there some metabolism thing going on? However, will continue like this and wait for the results. Thanks.

[Jazzdude]

Been now almost 6 weeks in 60 mg dose. Again having some problems, anxiety and depression are better, but having this tingling sensation and kind of agitation issue going on. Is this due my dose should be little lower? Also some insomnia issues has been going on lately. I think I slept better with 30 mg. What do you guys think? As you know I am very sensitive to these kind of medicines, could not raise lexapro 10 mg to any higher etc. Thanks.

[Jazzdude]

Hi

Been now off from Cymbalta, did not tolerate it either. Some help was achieved but not much. Doc put me on low dose Risperdal (1mg) and now I can say that the anxiety is FAR more better. I can live without the constant on the edge etc. Let see how things develop but this seems better route than any SSRI medication. Have any of you tried atypical antipsychotics for anxiety?

[Vonnegutjunky]

I'm following your med story - hope things work for you- I am in the midst of a medication crisis myself -

[gypsylee]

Finding the right medication can take a long time. Then again, medication isn't always for everyone. It's a band aid and doesn't solve root causes of stress, anxiety or depression. If you're not finding it overly effective then speak to your Dr or look up local therapists and perhaps enquire about some sessions?

Ed

Yep. I reckon I've been on more meds than the rest of this forum put together LOL. SSRIs have gotten me out of my worst depressive/anxious episodes in that they sort of kick-start my brain into being more sociable and outgoing. The first time I was on Prozac and it kicked in, the change was phenomenal. I was probably a bit manic in fact. They do make the anxiety so bad at first that I've needed benzos to get through the initial stage. I've even thought maybe you feel better because they make you feel SO bad initially LOL.

But after they drag me out of that "acute" anxiety/depression they don't do a hell of a lot I don't think. That's where you need lifestyle changes (breathing, exercise, diet, meditation etc) and therapy (learning coping strategies and just having someone to talk to).

I think SSRIs are the best of a pretty bad bunch of meds to be honest. Benzos work a treat on anxiety but we all know they aren't a long-term solution. So I guess what I'm saying is, there is really no pill that cures anxiety (or even treats it very well in the long-term).

[Jazzdude]

Thanks for following the "story" and your thoughts. Right now I am feeling more calm than ever. I can now drink also coffee what I couldnt do while on SSRI. They work on bad episodes of anxiety and depression as Gypsylee stated. But I dont know about the long term benefits anymore. By the way, been off from Cymbalta about 5-6 weeks, still feeling these annoying brain zaps. I think this is common?