5 minutes with Fi - Let's talk about anti-depressants

[@paranoidandroid192]

Hi Fiona, I've been on antidepressants (fluoxetine) for about a year and a half now and at first I had pretty bad side effects with lethargy, tiredness and irritability being the main ones and I didn't feel much benefit either, until they upped my dosage after a couple of months. This is the dosage I've stayed with now and I do feel like they are vital for me to take them. I haven't missed a day of taking them and while I can't say I have no bad, depressive episodes, I still do, they do seem to make me feel better than before I was taking them. Like you, I think I'll be on them for life and I'm not too worried about that. Glad you're having a better experience with yours now as well xx

[@fionathomas6724]

sunshine 08 I’m the same, i still have bad episodes but I feel I recover quicker x

[@Poodlerock]

Firstly I was very wary about trying medication as I really wanted it to be a last resort - tried cbt therapy and phone appointments which didn’t work out for me, so I ended up getting to the point where I knew I really needed help and medication sounded like the best idea - I was put on citalopram and the only side effects I had were I felt a bit woozy for the first few days but nothing since - I definitely feel it’s made a difference so far though I’ve only been on them for just over a month. I used to get very low and upset quite often but now I feel like my emotions are under control a bit more so I can get on with things now - tbh you’ve inspired me a little bit to write down my own experiences with anxiety and stress so it will help me to focus on something and bring back my motivation I hope!

[@fionathomas6724]

Sadooskria that’s great that you’ve seen an improvement so quickly! So happy for you!

[@Poodlerock]

Fiona Thomas thanks :) I think the only thing I’m still concerned about is whether I’ll be able to eventually come off them or not, but I’ve been given a 6 month trial period to test them out 👍

[@thunderitout]

Thanks for the great testimony. Did Remeron ( Mirtazapine) help with anxiety? Or do you take something else for anxiety? Appreciate it Jeff