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ChoocheeCasual Contributor
Hi,
ive started a new antidepressant and it’s giving me a lot of anxiety, I’m feeling restless and agitated
it’s day 4 so I know that this can happen
just need some words of encouragement to get through these early days or if someone has experienced something similar and what they did to cope
In response to: Need some support on new medication.
JynxModerator
@Choochee hey, welcome to the forums! Hope you find it to be a warm n welcoming community.
I'm sorry to hear that the adjustment period is proving difficult. It is definitely very normal for it to be a bit of a bumpy ride at first, and for some folks, it can sometimes almost feel like it's making things worse. Did your doc give you some insights about what to expect?
It's great to see you're reaching out for support through the struggle. Do you have other supports in your life you can get in touch with along the way? You can also check out our Coping Toolbox thread for some ideas on ways to cope.
You got this, just hold on!
In response to: Need some support on new medication.
nervouswreckSenior Contributor
Hi @Choochee I started an SSRI again recently and this one had me waking up physically jittery, jumpy and anxious for a few days. Going for a walk helped substantially, but it was very unpleasant for a few days and then it subsided.
You always have choices.. you can either push on for a bit longer knowing that it will likely settle down, or if it’s too much you can speak to your GP again and they will decide if it’s best you drop to a lower dose (slowly taper up, fewer side effects) or discontinue. Either one of those paths is probably going to solve the anxiety in a similar time, but sticking with it will let the antidepressant help you in the long run.
In response to: Re: Need some support on new medication.
ChoocheeCasual Contributor
Thanks for the reply
My GP said I would feel bad for the first 2 weeks
so just trying to hang in there
I've got my husband, son and sister in law here at the moment so that’s a nice distraction
not sure what I’ll do today didn’t get much sleep last night
In response to: Re: Need some support on new medication.
ChoocheeCasual Contributor
Thank you for the encouragement and knowing that it can get better can a few days
im putting a lot of pressure on this medication as it’s the 3rd one I’ve tried the other two also had side effects
one was really bad and I stopped it after a few days the other was I was really dizzy and had terrible brain fog
Maybe I could deal with increased anxiety if I think about my long term goal
In response to: Need some support on new medication.
ArraDreamingSenior Contributor
In response to: Need some support on new medication.
MissMuffetSenior Contributor
How are you feeling today @Choochee ?
Antidepressants are bit of a necessary evil in my experience. I've been on so many, some I had to stop after one dose, others I stuck out for a month before chucking it in. The one I'm on now I had horrible headaches for 3 days but after that it was fine. Unfortunately side effects are pretty common so it's about seeing if the benefit outweighs the side effects. You said it had increased your anxiety and agitation. Maybe chat to your doctor and see if there are any other meds you can take in conjunction to offset those symptoms.
It can be a frustrating time finding the right medication, so I wish you good luck and hope you find something that works
In response to: Re: Need some support on new medication.
ChoocheeCasual Contributor
Thank you for the reply
I’m on day 8 now and last night the agitation and anxiety was really bad
trying to get an appointment with my gp
bit can’t get in until next week
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Help us push aside the stigma and discrimination surrounding complex mental health and change the way people talk about, and care for, mental illness.
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