Another post asked what the title of our life would be and it got me thinking:
Does anyone have extremes in feelings and motivation when taking meds?
Before Prozac (this time) I felt too much: every emotion was a tidal wave and anxiety made me feel like a cactus was under my skin. Not to mention a lot of suicide ideations.
Now, a month in, I don’t have major emotions, sort of numb. Which is a good and bad thing. I also find my motivation is gone. I have zero drive to do anything. Simple things like eating a decent meal, doing dishes, taking a shower… none of it has appeal. It’s like I’m severely depressed but without the hopeless feeling. I just feel… nothing.
Has anyone else gone through this?
I am searching for a therapist but haven’t found one yet that takes my insurance.
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Willow2022
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Yes, when I was on fluoxetine(prozac I am pretty sure?), I was often tired and fairly numb. It was definitely preferable to wishing I was dead though.
Having recently gone off of venlafaxine(effexor) I have been amazed by the power of my emotions, but I think that I am getting used to it. I think that I will be okay to continue this way if I get back into therapy. I usually get deeply depressed and start meds and therapy, but this time I am going to start with therapy and see how it goes.
Yes! I feel that was too. I have been on and off Prozac (fluoxetine) 3 times and each time, my emotions were so intense I would just cry most of the time. But this being numb and really not caring about what I do or don’t do is odd.
I was on it for a year and a half I think. The emotions were pretty crazy going off, I was astounded by their magnitude. It always helps me ride them out knowing that a lot of the crazy swing of things is caused by the med change though. I will say I was at probably the best point in my mental health that I had ever been, and an extended pharmacy mixup made me go a month without it anyway so I just stayed off it.
Oh wow. It scares me to think about getting off because I've been on it for so long. I would have to go really really slow. Glad you felt better after.
You know, I've had similar feelings. I've never been on Prozac, but many other different antidepressants and I have often felt no motivation. I never really thought about it being the medication. 🤔 Now that you mention this, I'm wondering if this has been my low motivation issue. Honestly, I've been thinking I've just become lazy all these years. Years ago I would get excited for a trip or concert etc... and now it's like blahhh. Thank you for bringing up this topic.
I am coming up on a month of being back on it, over a week since I had to up the dose (per doctor’s recommendation). I have an appointment this week to see how I am doing and I will bring it up.
This month though, since being on it, especially a higher dose, I notice I just don’t care to do things that would have normally driven me crazy to leave: take out the trash, vacuum dog hair, finally hang that picture in that empty space, finish the quilt sitting in the corner…
I can see how it could possibly be antidepressants in general. I've been on venlafaxine and feel like I have to force myself to do anything productive. I'm going to bring it up to my psychiatrist too next visit.
I am happy you found something that works! That can be a process in itself. It works for me too as far as leveling but I wonder how to get any sort of motivation while on it. The meds seem to dampen the drive to do things as well as intense feelings.
Hello. Yes, prozac did not work well with my body. Unfortunately, medication is a trial and error. Contact your insurance directly. They should have a website of local therapists that accept your insurance. I hope you find some relief soon.
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middle of the night 
Feeling pretty hopeless and down
I am in the middle of dying inside
What keeps you grounded?
Feelings of worthlessness
