SSRI

[Jupiter2000]

Just wondering if anyone has tried ssri's for anxiety? I used to be on benzo (xanax) but they only want it used for short term...reading the problems on ssri's give me pause...just wondering if you've tried them and how they worked for you?

[Traz60]

Hi Jupiter, Yes, several yrs. ago I was on Lexapro for quite some time and before that they tried many different meds, but all of them were for major depression. I no longer take anything for depression, but I was also given valium for my panic/anxiety. It used to be quite severe. My panic attacks often landed me in the ER until I was given permission to take 40 mg during a panic episode (which were more like seizures in my case.) Maybe I'm just different than most, but I don't understand their apprehension of providing a small dose of benzodiazepines for people with anxiety issues. I still have valium prescribed and could take 20 mg/day if needed, but I only take it on as needed basis. A 90 day supply can last me upwards of 7 months. I never found myself addicted to the benzos, but I found the Lexapro very difficult to wean off of due to the side effects. It's important to wean off at a very slow pace. Anyway, I'm not sure if this response was helpful to you, but perhaps others will also share their experience with SSRI's too. Then you can piece it all together and come up with an answer that suits you best. Good luck with whatever avenue you decide to take. I wish you well!

[Jupiter2000 in reply to Traz60]

Thank you! Your response was helpful and appreciated! I wish you the best as well!!!

[Davidatp]

Xanax followed by Klonopin.

[WhatNow07]

Years ago I was on Lexapro. Later I switched to Luvox.

Currently I’m on Luvox and titrating the dosage to get off of it. It’s not fun. The anxiety symptoms come back and you have to re- deal with them.

My doctor wants to switch me to another SNRI named Effexor ER but I’m not sure that is best for me.

I have also taken:

Ativan

Clonopin

Xanax

At different times when needed for panic and anxiety.

My happiest times are when I haven’t been on any of those medications.

Lexapro worked well for me but caused an orgasm delay that was considerable.

Luvox also works well but it is old school and interacts heavily with many medications. Even basic aspirins and such.

[Jupiter2000 in reply to WhatNow07]

Thanks that was very helpful! I agree it seems best when not on any meds if possible! I wish you the best!!!

[Hidden]

SSRI’s are usually / generally the safest anti-depressant as they have less side effects. Obviously each individual will react differently to medication so despite what you real online or on here, the best option is to find reliable sources and / or ask your doctor. I have discussed this particular issue with my GP and she said that SSRI’s are generally safer/have fewer side effects.

[WhatNow07 in reply to Hidden]

Hi Kelly, please don’t take this personally as I don’t know your GP....

Speaking to your GP about SSRI / SNRI or such is literally like asking a gastroenterologist for Cardiac advice.

Surprisingly GP know very little about mental health or the chemistry behind it. I am also not claiming that I know more than GP’s about medicine. However when it comes to Mental Health medications I would definitely speak to the correct source; a Psychiatrist.

I can not tell you how many times a doctor has prescribed me an antibiotic or medication that has a extreme interaction with my SSRI, however when I ask them they shrug off the SSRI and say there is nothing to worry about.

We need more mental health resources in this country and more mental health awareness and skilled caregivers.

[Hidden in reply to WhatNow07]

It would be a great privilege to be able to access anything higher than a GP / counsellor but sadly there is no resources / psychiatrists / psychologists where i live and i can’t afford to travel overseas to see one. I am fully aware of how inexperienced our GP’s are, and I wish I could access more professional help. My reply to this post was to give an option, and share my experience of what I am able to access. Obviously I would recommend seeing someone who specialises in mental health, but I think everyone knows that.

[Delora]

Hi Jupiter, I'm currently on SSRI for anxiety and depression and although no it doesn't fix it, it does help. I find I still get bad and good days but the actual intensity is weakened. I'm very happy with them and it's the help without feeling completely changed. I do find that they can make my memory foggy where I can forget what I'm saying midsentence or plans I've made as well as making me tired (this can be difficult at University) but overall the side effects I experience are worth it as they've given me the boost to be able to do more. I experience extreme moods and find the tablets help control this where I don't just go 0 to 100 but can tell when I'm starting to get anxious or experiencing a low giving me time to get somewhere I feel more safe. I hope that helps a little.

it's good to bare in mind that everyone reacts differently to different meds and intensity of side effects and actual side effects experience may differ. I have a friend who is on the same tablets and after the first 2 weeks they don't have any side effects at all.