Triggering (SI) - Doctor visit, changing meds maybe....
Hi
Looking for advice about changing meds, as otherwise I can only go by what the doctor says which I do take seriously, but would like some more info about the options. My "routine" appointment is on Friday morning.
Have been diagnosed with major depressive disorder, this was in January, I started taking 20 mg of paroxetine, then after a month it was increased to 30mg - with very little difference. I suffer from various side effects, constant tiredness, but insomniaI just lay awake for hours and hours every night and day, some days I eat nothing, some days eay 4 or 5 big meals. I generally will need to SH on days than ones when I don't. I have constant low mood, anxiety, unenthusiastic for anything in life.
After speaking with people on here, the suggestion is to change meds, but like more info about what might work or might not.
I am struggling to work part-time, but think I need to keep working just to keep me struggling through, so need something I can keep working with.
Any info or help would be grateful received
Thanks
Matt x
Is Paroxetine the only med you have tried? If so, your dr might consider trying another SSRI (Selective Serotonin Re-uptake Inhibitor). If that doesn't worj there are loads of other possibilitiies. Peeps on here who are sober and more knowledgeable may be able to help. I was on ADs a year and 1/2 ago - Fluoxetine first and then Venlafaxine. I came off them but was recently put back on Fluoxetine, which this time round appears to have worked although it makes me pissed far to0o quickly. I'm waffling because I am drunk.
I understand re work as I find it is important for me to do so when I can. i retyruned to work last week after 3 weeks off. I took a step back at work last year (to be a paralegal instead of solicitor) because when I can work it is beneficial to me.
Can you try and speak to your gp on Fri, explain that the Paroxetine isn't working but that you would like to try another anti-depressant.
Have you spoken to your GP re other help - eg counselling, psychotherapy? it might be that you need support from secondary services eg a Community Mental Health Team.
There are still many options for you to try so please don't worry. You ewill find something that helps.
Take care!
"Everything is possible through Christ, who gives me strength". Phillipians 4:13
Hey, I guess it really depends on what you and your doctor decide. Everyone is different and what works for you may be horrible for someone else. I asked people about my meds when I first started and they said it didn't work for them, but it works for me. It all depends on the person and the combo(if you're taking more than one). So I would talk to your doctor about it. Take care.
I've only been on fluoxetine and citalopram, the first didn't work. It really does depend on your own experiences, what one person thinks is good and works for them could be the wrong med for you. All that can be really suggested is keep trying. There are so many different ones out there.
Counselling also takes its time, though I havent really been through much of that.
It didn't go well today, doc said not good for me to change yet til I have given them more chance!!! I have been taking 30mg Paroxetine for about 8 weeks, should it work by now, if its going to?
After 8 weeks you should know if it was going to help. I took an 'exceptionally long time' to respond to fluoxetine (that was 6 weeks) according to my consultant. There are many other meds you can try, talk to your dr and discuss the options. Anti-depressants however are markedly more effective when used in combination with a talking therapy.
xx
L_M_G is my mummy :) inkerman and razorbladedarling are my two non-identical twin sprogs (concieved on same day) Scabette< cos she has the cutest puppy dog eyes and i cant resist!feeling-afraid< my bottle of glitter!! which i just have to have :Pmidnight stars< my gorgeous sister, whom i love to bits ;) Dance With The Fairy< *star*gazing*buddie :] Broken-Fairy is my partner in crime ;) little_miss is my real life saviour PaperClip is my stationary queen
Doc said it could take upto 12 if I was a "slow responder". I have started counselling a few weeks back, have had 3 sessions, again doesn't seem to be doing much so far!!
If you are experiancing no negative side effects, carry on, another 4 weeks and you could be feeling a bit better, but changing would mean waiting another 2-12 weeks AGAIN for a new med to work.
I really didnt think it took 12 weeks though. But I guess its possible and having councelling will again take time to make a difference. Councelling takes time to make a difference and sometimes you dont realise the changes till a while after they have taken place. If you are disapointed so far with progress maybe consider (with your councellor) a solution focused approach, identifying a problem, making a combat plan and think of how you could tell you have achieved the goal.
Example: Anxiety eating in public- Steps to confront it (eating in front of a friend/anyone your most comfortable with in a relaxed setting *eg. infront of TV* THEN, eating on a park bench with few people around THEN, eating in a quiet cafe THEN, eating in a restaurant with one person with you THEN, eating with a group)- Once you have suceeded with a step, remind yourself of your progress.
There are many ways to progress, not just in mood terms, but behaviour, coping machanisms, anxiety tolerance, logical/rational thinking/thought processing.
Sorry if that makes no sense, Im tired xx
L_M_G is my mummy :) inkerman and razorbladedarling are my two non-identical twin sprogs (concieved on same day) Scabette< cos she has the cutest puppy dog eyes and i cant resist!feeling-afraid< my bottle of glitter!! which i just have to have :Pmidnight stars< my gorgeous sister, whom i love to bits ;) Dance With The Fairy< *star*gazing*buddie :] Broken-Fairy is my partner in crime ;) little_miss is my real life saviour PaperClip is my stationary queen
