6 weeks in
Posted , 5 users are following.
Been on this 6 weeks now. Started on 20mg then went up to 40mg for a couple of weeks. Not really working for me. Feel very low a lot and get upset most days. Lost interest in things I used to like and can't sleep properly anymore. Was a lot better on Mirtazapine although it made me sluggish and a bit zombie like sometimes. Will see doc on Tuesday. May be trying Duloxetine again. Was on it years ago and as far as I recall was a pretty good drug for me. SSRIs are not good for me.
0 likes, 22 replies
a_dream_blossom
Posted
I stayed on 20mg for some reason though and the Doctor told me pills may not work, can't belive I'm gonna have to go through a complete other pill.
Guest
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Im about 2 weeks in now and still feeling low, but not \"as\" low, but i think that is due to 2 weeks off work rather than the tablets themselves. Feel just the same, is this common then?
Guest
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tillywolves
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Stick with it, it does get better. My headaches and teeth clenching were bad 4-7 weeks in, but they do go...
Guest
Posted
My doc is reluctant to try anything else right now which is a shame. He wanted me to see a mental health care specialist which I said seemed unnecessary. Anyway am now on 50mg per day. I am kinda doing better at the moment. Still have problems sleeping and feel tired a lot in the day. Concentration is affected I think. Don't seems as sharp. The only other thing is sexual side effects. Not getting upset much now so it is definately having some positive effect.
Stimpy
Posted
I wasn't looking for a 'buzz' off the medication, just wanted to get back to my old self, must be one of the lucky ones :wink:
Guest
Posted
I am 5-6 weeks in now and the side effects have gone, i now have my concentration back (although still lacking movation to study) i dont feel like giving up anymore.
I think I am feeling a bit more normal (whatever that is). The depression is still there but im not a crying wreck now and it doesnt feel quite as much of a mission to get up in the morning or to go out and do everyday things.
If anything i feel less anxious and more chilled which is a good thing, i feel like ive realised some of the small things that i felt were so important arent the end of the world if they dont work out (like exams etc)
Like you i dont feel like im on medication anymore, as taking the pill at night before bed has immensely helped the tiredness and quite enjoying being aware that i am having dreams.
The only thing I feel like i'm missing is happiness. I do feel more normal but my normal state is depressed and negative outlook but still being able to get on with everyday life. I definitely went through a nasty dip. But I think partly its because i am very introvert and hate social situations and have lost touch with pretty much all my friends and avoid any social events. Something I probably need to work on but it feels like it is so draining to spend time with anyone other than my boyfriend and my close family.
I wanted to ask you did you feel much difference increasing to 40mg then 50mg? Or did it just make the side effect (tiredness etc) worse?
I wish people would post more on these boards. It would be nice to get more up to date experiences & thoughts.
xxxxx
Barney
Posted
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Barney
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Guest
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20mg is enough for a lot of people. Depends how severe your depression is. As the other guy said the pills alone won't fix anything. They just need to make you functional again so you have the ability to deal with any other problems with counsellor etc. I would recommend trying it. A good counsellor can point out things you might not have realised. Cognitive behavoural therapy is good also. You can try it at
moodgym.anu.edu.au if you haven't already.
Guest
Posted
That mood gym thing looks brilliant, I have just registered & will definitely try it out.
I am 6 weeks in on Citalopram now & am definitely better able to \"function\" as I remember when I had to go and pick my first presecription up it seemed like such a mission & the pharmacy was only round the corner.
On saturday I was feeling low so instead of staying home to study I went out for a walk with my boyfriend & we just sat in the sunshine for some time.
I am starting to feel some benefit again from exercise too. I often feel low in the morning but once I make myself go swimming on a Sunday I feel much better for it.
I think also part of feeling less on edge is my manager has backed off a lot to the point he is not approaching me much anymore. But I think when he does I will feel more relaxed & not let it stress me (partly because I dont care anymore). I think for the first year I was so keen to impress by working really hard as I was sacked from my previous job (for no good reason) but there's only so long you can keep it up. Im in a very career driven job but dont really have a burning ambition to be a slave for the rest of my life.
But I do want to pass the exams & be qualified. So need to get motivated!
I would say it has taken about 6 weeks to feel better & its so subtle that I still wonder if it's the tablets or just because ive taken the pressure off at work & also by deferring exams.
I still dont feel \"happy\" but I guess that is not what the pills do, & until I pass my exams & then the world will be my oyster, I just have to suffer and take one day as a time, but at least Im not 60% wanting to quit like before, not its more a case of, lets have a go, and if you fail both, maybe call it quits, & if you pass 1 reassess the situation.
I am also going to be sitting the exams at work which scares the hell out of me! Dont know why it just does!
Guest
Posted
Know how you are feeling with exams. I have my 3rd year of university to finish. Actually took a year break because last September was too depressed to continue. The uni has been very good about it and my adviser is great. Just worried now if i'm going to be able to handle it this year. Hopefully the Duloxetine will be better for me.
I don't feel happy either. Mind you I've heard its best not to try and chase happiness or you might never find it. I just feel pretty lost most of the time these days.
Guest
Posted
Well good luck with your start back at uni, I think the only thing that helps with the stress is starting with the material as early as you can.
I found my concentration was zapped during the 1st 5 weeks of the medication but it has passed. My motivation/energy to just concentrate on work is pretty bad though.
I used to be able to come home from work and just get on with it, now Im lucky if I can sit down for 15 mins at a time!
I think if you can find out what books you need etc & plan ahead some sort of routine, you'll be alright. Plus you'll be more likely to work harder than some of the others as you've had a bit of time to reflect & it takes some determination to get back into study mode!
I cant wait to finish exams for the rest of my life! Got only 3 to go, but it seems like a giant mountain, as so scared that I am incapable & will fail!
Just hope to be ready by 1st Nov as going at snail pace at the mo. Plus doesnt help working full time too.
Are you definite about going back to uni? Do you feel the time out has helped?
xxxx