Starting SSRI during reversing out?

[Laverdista]

OK, I realise that I sort of asked this in my post a couple of years asking for help, but I think I've finally convinced myself that I'm not sure I can deal with the anxiety and depression of 'reversing out' without some help. However the self-same reversing out has given me terrible health anxiety!

I know a few of you replied and said that you'd had to go on an SSRI to cope with reversing out or B12D anxiety/depression symptoms, but just wanted some more reassurance that those of you who did start SSRIs at the start of or midway through reversing out found that they helped. I'm guilty of over-analysing stuff and worried that there'd be some strange unforeseen reaction due to the way that B12D affects serotonin.

Please reassure me. .. 🙂

[buggles84]

Maybe talk to a driving instructor for a refresher course. Or possibly use local transport for a while

[grumpyold in reply to buggles84]

"Reversing out" refers to B12 deficiency symptoms getting worse before they get better.

It has nothing to do with the poster's ability to drive a car! I'm sure you didn't mean it this way, but your reply could be interpreted as mickey taking.

[tomdickharry in reply to grumpyold]

In addition to that, could everyone posting please state the terms in full before going on to use abbreviations?

We with addled brains don't always understand what you mean and the internet is notorious for giving misleading information. In my younger, healthier days I would have immediately understood SSRI but now need to check everything.

When I can't recall the abbreviation I usually leave that post and go on to another.

[grumpyold in reply to tomdickharry]

Noted, but I didn't abbreviate in my reply to buggles84 so I'm a tad confused.

Maybe you meant your reply for someone else?

[wedgewood in reply to buggles84]

Don’t do that on here !

[Ghound]

Hi, Just to reiterate and emphasise ; YES !!!!

SSRIs definitely helped me !

I was initially treated with various older types of antidepressant and they were useless in my case.

SSRIs were literally my saviour.

They also can take a few weeks to have an effect, and as I said, you can feel a bit strange and ill at first, but I couldn't have climbed out of the dark hole I was in without them, and believe me, I'd been trying so very hard and for so long !

Don't listen to the bad press that SSRIs have had in the last year or so.

I came off them very slowly and gradually as advised, and haven't needed them for a long time.

They may not suit everyone, but they were absolutely the turning point in recovery for me.

I hope you're on the road to recovery very soon,

Best wishes xx

[Laverdista in reply to Ghound]

Thank you. I had a really bad experience on Citalopram 12 years ago (it actually MADE me suicidal 3 weeks after taking it - There's now a warning about that on the leaflet) and it's made me terrified of taking any SSRI again. But I'm actually at a point where I need help. The combination of the B12 reversing out symptoms coinciding with empty nest syndrome is a toxic (possibly fatal) cocktail for my mental health. It's not easy for me to be so open on herr, but I feel that at least some on here have experienced the neuropsychiatric 'hell' of B12 deficiency. 😔

[Ghound in reply to Laverdista]

Hi, Obviously you have to be careful after your experience with Citalopram.

What I will say though, is that different SSRIs work better for an individual than others.

My son was treated with Sertraline and unfortunately had a serious psychotic episode, necessitating admission to hospital.

He was then successfull treated with another SSRI .

I think a danger point with SSRIs is when a patient feels there is no improvement and their Doctor increases the dose too soon.

The psychiatrist felt this had happened with my son. It turns out he didn't require such a large dose, just needed more time for the smaller dose to kick in.

You had a bad experience, but there are other treatment options, and your doctor would monitor you closely to ensure your safety.

Sometimes we need a bit of professional and pharmacological help to get us out of depression.

Take care, best wishes xx

[Laverdista in reply to Ghound]

Thanks. My GP is unfortunately useless with regard to antidepressant prescription. I'm trying to find a good, empathetic, open-minded psychiatrist but they're thin on the ground here.

[Chickens44 in reply to Laverdista]

There is a great clinical psychologist in Malvern. I can give you her details if you like. She is not cheap but I felt she was worth it.

[Laverdista in reply to Chickens44]

Thanks.

[mcg-woo]

Yes! I took Escitalopram (generic for Lexapro) 5mg, which is a fast-acting SSRI. Users usually begin to see effects within a week. Within 6 weeks or so, my anxiety was completely gone

I had never taken an SSRI before and was scared to death. It helped me so I could better recover from the relentless anxiety I was experiencing.

I have also witnessed the life-changing effects of slow-acting SSRI Sertaline on relatives diagnosed with anxiety with disorders.

One of the things that affected me with low b12 was almost this manic state when researching to problem solve. I imagine it may be affecting you the same. Extreme overthinking—that’s part of low b12 effects

Relax, take a deep breath and try the SSRI. Millions and millions of people are on them or have taken them—even children. SSRI’s have very good safety profiles.

Good luck!

[Laverdista in reply to mcg-woo]

Thanks so much. Would you mind if I messaged you? I have a few questions about Escitalopram and don't want to bore everyone on here with them!

[mcg-woo in reply to Laverdista]

Sure, no problem!

[Nackapan]

You need to trial something .Come off it if no help.

Different drugs help different people.

Needs must at times.

I understand your anxiety is not helping you make the decision .

Listen to those close you trust .

[tomdickharry]

Apologies, it was meant as a generalization, for everyone, not personal.

[Iheartb12]

I truly know how you feel and im sori youre struggling. Marijuana helped me a lot. Not sure if that's an option for you. Rick Simpson oil (RSO) was helpful to take before bed. It helped with pain overnight and into the early afternoon.