To give me hope

[Bob7777777]

I would like to hear stories of the first two weeks on SSRI and then how you are doing after a long time on SSRI.

[Agora1]

Hi Bob7777777 and Welcome to our support community of virtual friends.

As for SSRI medication, it does take at 4-6 weeks to reach full efficacy sometimes

a little longer if dosage was increased during that time.

I can only speak for myself but SSRI medication has been a blessing for me.

I've been on it for 7 years and still feeling good. By that I mean, not sleepy, clear

minded and having a more positive feeling about life.

Work with your prescribing physician and you should be okay. Good Luck xx

[EndUser13]

I've tried tons of SSRIs, with the exception of Mirtazapine to help sleep/reduce nightmares they all sucked big time, offering me nothing but side effects and no help. Once I got a proper diagnosis my physician was better able to prescribe medications that would actually help, fortunately. Everyone is different though. Typically SSRIs will have side effects that may take longer than 2 weeks to vanish

[Geonome]

My first 2 weeks on an SSRI were hard. I had increased episodes of anxiety, depression, which my psychiatrist had warned me about. I stuck with it, and gradually started feeling better. I've been on it for approximately 7 years. No longer weepy, and feel good on it.

[bethelbee]

I was started on Prozac not long after it came out in the late 80's and it worked great for about 10 years, felt like a new person. I had no side effects that I recall. After it stopped working I was switched to Celexa with the same results, no side effects and worked great for about 10 years as well.

[designguy]

Just know that like Agora said, it typically takes 4 - 6 weeks for the med to make noticeable changes so try to allow yourself to adjust mentally and physically. It's also common for people to have increased anxiety because they are so hyper-focused on their body and sensations so try to relax some and just know it takes time for the changes.

[Bob7777777 in reply to designguy]

thank you - that is good advice - I need to distract myself.

[designguy in reply to Bob7777777]

Yes, the best thing you can do is just get on with your day and do what needs to be done. If you have had issues with anxiety, it helps to learn as much as you can about it and how to constructively deal with it, which helps lessen the fear of it. The DARE Anxiety youtubes are really good along with the book and also the youtubes of Paige Pradko. There is an amazing amount of good info on youtube to help educate yourself.

[Bob7777777]

Going to YouTube now to look for DARE