Lived Experience Forum

[Prilly123]

Hi, I'm new to this. I've suffered anxiety on and off throughout my life. 2 years ago it got really bad and I went on medication. I tried 4 meds before I was referred to a psychiatrist. He put me on an antidepressant which worked great within 4-6 weeks. Felt fantastic for 6months so decided to wean off. I did successfully then after 3months anxiety came back bad. My Gp put me back on the med that worked. It's been 11 weeks now and my anxiety is down and I'm sleeping better but my mood has gone very low. I feel a little lost with where to go from here. Frustrated as to why this med is taking so long to work. Anyone have any feedback on antidepressants second time round?

[Sahara]

Hi @Prilly123,

yes, I was on a certain antidepressant, then I weened myself off it and then eventually had to go back on the same medication a second time. I think it worked quite well the second time, too, but it wasn't a 'cure', so to speak- I still had to deal with all my issues.

Are you seeing a psychologist for counselling and do you think you are making progress?

It might be a good idea to go back and see your psychiatrist and have a good chat about your medication and everything else in your life. I am no expert on all this, I can only advise you as a fellow patient.

I suffered a severe episode of depression, about 11 years ago and I have also suffered from anxiety, at times severely, for most of my life. I am currently not taking any medication and I hope to continue that way, if possible. My understanding is that quite a lot of antidepressants work well for both anxiety and depression... you will need to get a professional opinion on this, though. 

Welcome to the Sane forums, @Prilly123. Please feel free to write and ask anything... it is a very friendly forum. 

[Former-Member]

Hi @Prilly123

I've tried a few different antidepressants and they have all had some positives and lots of negatives. Everyone seems to respond differently to medications as well which makes it really hard to give 'advice'. Glad to hear that your anxiety is lower but not so great about the mood. I agree with @Sahara in that it would probably be good to go back to the psychiatrist if possible to get further advice.

I've found that my depression is mostly maageable with medication but the medication doesnt cure it... just gives me a little bit of head space to try and use other strategies to cope with it.

Thanks for sharing your situation, i know lots of people on here have had similar meds issues and it helps to hear that others are working through similar things (we're not so alone!)

[Prilly123]

Thanks Sahara. Trying to get appointment with a psychiatrist. I've got a good GP. I'm trying to keep positive. Really want to feel myself again.

[Prilly123]

Thanks Lisajane, just want the meds to get me to a place where I can manage things better.

[Former-Member]

Go back to your doctor,I no longer take them,refuse to take them for various reasons.My only advice is to look at ways you can help yourself without depending on a "happy pill",such as exercise or other self care practices.

[Prilly123]

Thanks Li1 and long term that is the plan but at the moment I need the medication until I am stable enough. I do exercise, walk, yoga and meditation. I will get there it just takes time.

[outlander]

hi @Prilly123 welcome to the forums 🙂

id suggest speaking to your gp about seeing a psychiatrist.. they specialise in medications and may find you have better success goign through them instead of gp but make sure you still keep your gp in the loop and monitoring you as well

[Former-Member]

You do a lot Prilly123,wish I had your positive attitude and faith.Good luck i

[Prilly123]

Thanks outlander, I see my GP tomorrow so I'll discuss it then.