fluoxetine

[Black16]

I have suffered with anxiety for years, dont sleep well and Find it hard to relax. Over time I have taken sertraline and amitriptyline and neither agreed with me and had awful side effects. I have had big breaks in between taking the tablets and tried to stay off them

I have been to the docs this morning for a review and fluoxetine has been suggested. I am so reluctant to go on any tablets again. I am so unsure what to do. I have recently tried CBD oil and ashwanga and don’t know if I have not persevered enough but not really felt any difference Would be grateful for any advice. Is fluoxetine worth it or do I persevere with the herbal things

[-Charlie]

Hi Black16

I sure do understand your dilemma.

I tried six different antidepressants over 30 years and never saw significant improvements in my anxiety. My doctor and I chose to end that cycle for the sake of my liver. (I have a high medication metabolism rate causing high tolerances and a need to keep upping the dosages.)

If you’ve only tried two antidepressants I think it would be worth giving the fluoxetine a try. You might find it works much better than the other two.

I use a CBD vape pen and feel it helps me relax when my anxiety vamps up. I wish herbal remedies could be more of an option that doctors offer. The problem in the US is herbal supplements and vitamins are unregulated and can do more harm than good without the guidance of a holistic medical specialist.

It’s hard to know what the right decisions are. I hope you can find what works best for you. xx

[Black16 in reply to -Charlie]

Hi Charlie. Thank you for replying. Blimey 6 and not feeling any better. They must have been awful. Oh no it must be awful having to take huge doses you do have to be careful don’t you as they affect the liver. I have kidney decease so I don’t like to take too many tablets as it is. I’ve only ever taken lower doses. I have a real fear of anti depressants as I either feel like a zombie or the side effects are dreadful. I have tried CBD oil but I don’t know if I’m trying a high enough dose as I’ve not noticed much difference and ashawanga. I think they take a while to kick in too. I’m in the UK and doctors don’t like to comment on the herbal stuff. I hope you’re doing ok. I’m going to have a think about It. I just want to feel relaxed

[-Charlie in reply to Black16]

Very sorry about the kidney disease. I don’t blame you for not wanting to put many chemicals in your system. I know you said you’re have trouble sleeping. That was a big one for me in helping to feel less anxiety during the day. I’m one of those big babies who needs 8-9 hours a night to feel completely rested the next day. Otherwise, the anxiety is much harder to keep on top of.

The things that have helped me the most have been:

Deep breathing exercises (YouTube)

Exercise- I’m a runner and walk my dogs a lot

Bilateral sleep sounds for meditation and sleep (YouTube)

Staying busy and sticking to a routine

Writing daily in a gratitude journal

Spending time outside in general - being in nature helps ground me

Surrounding myself with positive people

Not taking myself too seriously

Letting go of the past and past regrets

Reminding myself that this too shall pass

Playing the piano and listening to music

And most of all, the concept I finally wrapped my head around was to stop fighting the anxiety when I was having a panic attack. I came to fear them which just led to more anxiety. Once I stopped fighting against all the fear they started to go away which lowered my overall anxiety. I didn’t need as many tools once I understood that concept.

I occasionally use Benadryl to sleep and also take melatonin. I really do believe getting enough sleep and not fighting against anxiety are the two things that have been lifesavers for me.

Keep researching and learning all you can. YouTube has some great resources for anxiety you can search for. There’s some great people here who can give you more advice as to what works for them. You just have to fill up that toolbox full of what works and then of course you have to remember to use them every day. Wishing you the best through these tough times xx

[Black16 in reply to -Charlie]

Hi Charlie. Thank you. I think some of my anxiety is due to finding out about my ckd. Doctors never said anything and I just happened to get a locum one day and he mentioned it. Since then I have had health anxiety as well so I am very conscious about what meds I take. Thank you so much for all the tips I must check these on u tube. I do find exercise a big help. I love running. I have read about just going along with the anxiety and not letting it beat you which makes total sense and I’m trying so hard I must try Benadryl I hope I can take it with my dodgy kidneys I can’t thank you enough for all you advice it really helps to know somebody really understands and wants to help

[-Charlie in reply to Black16]

You’re very welcome. We’re here whenever you need support. x

[-Charlie]

Here’s a link on CBD dosages that you might find helpful.

healthline.com/health/cbd-d...