Started on Prozac today

[Wheelchairdave]

Realised that my mental health was spinning down and down. Thoughts of self harm and that I'd be better dead. Got fast track to the GP and have started on 20 mg Prozac. Feeling low but hope it's the right step. I have mental assessment next Friday.

[Pairofboots]

Hi, a lot of us get to this point before we realise. I hope that the MH assessment goes well, but I would request an assessment by a neuropsychologist, these are better placed to take into account the brain injury as a factor.

[cat3]

Hi Dave. Prozac or similar SSRIs are a godsend to many people (myself included) but, if you haven't already been made aware, the first weeks can be tricky as the brain is adapting to the changes, including the boost of serotonin.

Many folk give up too soon owing to odd sensations and/or no improvement in the first couple of weeks, but this is normal whilst the brain is learning to use serotonin more effectively. However, as each brain is unique, other people feel benefits within a week or so.

I hope you don't have to wait too long before the benefits kick in m'love. Sending all best wishes for better days to come.... Cat x

[Wheelchairdave in reply to cat3]

Is day two today and is strange feeling but have been feeling strange since was in hospital. Just hope I can tolerate them and I begin to improve. Am full of anxiety and am struggling with urges to self harm and stuff. Don't know what to expect from Fridays mental health assessment but because my speach is so limited being able to make myself understood will be a challenge. Thanks for your advice.

[sashaming1 in reply to Wheelchairdave]

Maybe try writing down your speech thoughts on a piece of paper for better communication for the assessment?

[cat3 in reply to Wheelchairdave]

Do try to make notes Dave to express anything you're unable to verbalise. But for answering random questions from the team, as professionals, they should allow time and patience for you to express yourself.

I'm assuming they're aware of your brain injury ?

If you need to use one word at a time or speak via your phone app then don't be apologetic or embarrassed ; you need them to grasp your issues fully if they're to be of help.

All best wishes... x

ps. Do you have a Headway card for brain injury ?

[Wheelchairdave in reply to cat3]

They do know about my brain and also mobility problems. I'm being assessed by a team trained in doing assessment for adults with learning difficulties. It's from Merseyside health Trust. Thanks for your advice. The prozac headache starts 6 hours after taking it. First day took ar m8day cos that's when I got them head started bad at 6pm. Yesterday took prozac at 9am headache started about 3pm.

[cat3 in reply to Wheelchairdave]

I feel for you Dave. Hope the headaches abate before much longer... x

[Wheelchairdave in reply to cat3]

Yesterday was bad really from mid day paracetamol every four hours. 6.30 and just woke and still slight headache. Will take my fourth tablet at about eight so it's going to be a lot worse. 4th day today really hope soon will start to improve with the pain. Thanks for encouraging.

[cat3 in reply to Wheelchairdave]

Just a thought.. are you keeping extra hydrated ? Our brains tissue tends shrinks when we're dehydrated and the action of shrinkage causes pain ; I learned this after my SAH. I was taking Codeine every 4 hours for a couple of weeks 'til the ward sister began monitoring my water intake.

Only by her standing over me whilst I drank a full glass of water 3 times daily did I feel the headaches start to ease. And this applies as a general rule for everyone, with or without a brain injury.

Drinking extra water can sound too simple as a remedy but even now, 11 years on, I go to to the tap as soon as a headaches starts. It really helps, and along with the Paracetamol should make a difference.

Let's see what the team say on Friday about the Prozac and how to proceed ; let us know please Dave. But I hope you've felt some improvement by then.

Avoid alcohol and drink loads of water🥛 I know it causes more visits to the loo but it's worth it ! 😑 x

[Wheelchairdave in reply to cat3]

Thanks so much. I'm permanently catheterized since 2014 so I drink about 12 drinks per day to avoid uti infection. This is day four. Have taken paracetamol at 9am and at 1pm. Feeling a bit sick and the head is bad.

[cat3 in reply to Wheelchairdave]

It's good you're keeping a record of meds and symptoms ; it's what they'll be looking for on Friday for sure. Keep updating them and rest as much as possible. You're putting up a good fight m'love ...hard I know !

Stay strong ; thinking of you.. x

[Wheelchairdave in reply to cat3]

Thanks again. I can't speak much and Friday is going to be difficult. I'm worried if I manage to convey that I have been thinking about self harm and even ending my life they could section me and force me into hospital. My wife knows I've been having problems obviously but not the extent. The GP knows but were pleased cos I said my family were the reason I couldn't go through with suicide cos would upset them. I'm really mixed up but I don't want to risk being sectioned.

[cat3 in reply to Wheelchairdave]

Please talk to your wife Dave.

If ending your life is a dominant preoccupation for you then your wife needs to know. She deserves to be alerted to a potential catastrophe. And as you struggle with life challenging issues she could be a sounding board offering support and reason, helping reduce feelings of isolation & helplessness.

Suicide devastated my own family, mainly because of the 'not knowing'.

Will your wife be going along with you on Friday ?

[Wheelchairdave in reply to cat3]

It's a home visit with being paraplegic. It's a service based I my home town run by Merseyside health. Mixed reviews on line about them to be honest. I am now being classified as an adult with learning disabilities because of my speach and I can't write with a pen. They are supposed to be trained in adults like me. My wife knows I'm hearing voices and having really bad thoughts but I've not mentioned the S word. She will be here they are coming at 1045 Friday. Really appreciate your help. Just don't want to relay anything to them that would ring alarm bells about my safety too much. Hope the prozac works. Thanks 😊

[cat3]

OK m'love. Remember we're always here, and if the Prozac doesn't help there are plenty of other options.

If desperation hits too hard please contact the Headway helpline for professional help and advice ; they're discreet and have helped so many folk with nowhere to turn. Their no is freephone 0808 800 2244 during office hours.

Keep in touch Dave... x

[Wheelchairdave]

Have had my 7th prozac tablet this morning. Yesterday I only took 2 paracetamol and today none at all. Headache hardly there at all now. Feeling a bit nausea but OK. Been to my first headway meeting this morning but was very quiet just two others there. Had a nice coffee. I have my mental health assessment in the morning which I'm a bit worried about I don't know what to expect. Feeling anxious in the extreme.