Getting ON SSRI's - Your experiences / tips / ideas needed

[annalawny]

Hi, all - I've posted here periodically, about getting antidepressant meds, which I am supposed to be starting soon.  I have read a lot about getting OFF SSRI's when someone wants to do that, but can't find anything about going ON them - I mean how it felt initially, what, if anything, the doctor did or said, e.g. make you have bloodwork or other tests, etc. Just wondering what to expect at my next visit.  Am expecting her just to whip out a prescription for whatever and tell me to just take it, but I have no idea.  I realize at the end of the day 'every person is different,' but just wondering how others dealt with it.  I am already taking valium (1 mg, but I'm supposed to take 2 mg.) and I've seen different things about taking benzos w/ SSRIs.  Would appreciate your feedback.  Thanks.  Anne

[Jack1986]

I was on SSRI and quit because it didn't help me at all, even make things worse.
I am trying nowdays alternatives like food complimentaries (gnc, solgar).
I don't know your situation but I would try natural medicined before the real chemicals.
It is just my exeprience.

Thamk you.

[mammo]

Ask your doctor what you should expect while on the medication. Although we all react differently to them there are some things that remain the same.  Your doctor should explain to you how there is a short adjustment period for these medications, and what to expect during that period.  He should also tell you if at any time you are concerned about how you are feeling, to call him right away.  There are no blood tests that need to be done before starting the meds, it's all about you and your doctor communicating.  I have been on several different ones thru the years with great success, I hope you do well also.  Don't be shy about asking your doctor questions.  Best wishes and take care!

[looloo141]

Hello I have been on 3 different SSRI's at different points in my life.. I have never had any bloodwork done for starting on them, sorry to confirm your fears but basically it was a case of passing me a prescription!
With Zoloft especially I noticed an increase in anxiety in the first few weeks and I felt quite restless, although for me out of the 3 SSRI's this one worked the best for me, but it was for bipolar depression.
My first time with SSRi's was at 18, it was Prozac, I don't know whether it was the circumstances of my illness but within a few weeks I tried to end my life and was put on anti pyschotics aswell.
I have a lot of people close to me that have been on SSRI's and they have helped massively!
As for the Valium it is probably a good thing that you haven't been taking 2mg because when you start on the SSRI's you will probably need to increase it, you should talk to your doctor about the short term effect of the SSRI's as I am pretty sure that they will increase your anxiety.
Good Luck

[lilymoon]

The first two weeks you might have some side effects,just not feeling well those almost always pass,after those two weeks the good effects of the ssri will start to kick in.So you need to have patience and hang in there. To minimize side effects you could talk about building up the ssri slowly.You wont need any bloodwork or other tests done,you'll just get a prescription probably. Its ok to take valium together with an ssri,they say it can make the benzo have more affect but I never noticed that.Do watch out with driving.Lily