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Anti-depressants for physical symptoms

Posted , 8 users are following.

colourmyworld
colourmyworld

I have experienced, fatigue, aches and pains, headaches, lack of concentration, lack of motivation and memory problems (also self-harm a few years ago) which have not been diagnosed despite different tests. The only thing they could think of was low iron but even when taking extra iron there's no change 

One thing that has been suggested is depression and it seems to fit the bill although my mood tends to be an up and down thing. I worry that because I'm not "down" all the time, I can be upbeat at times but othes I'm ittitable and just don't want to do anything at all.

Does this sound similar to anyone?

The fatigue is the thing that is effecting me daily and I struggle with a lot! Also my anxiety levels have gone up over the past year.

Does anyone have suggestions on if anti-depressants would help with my symptoms?

I'm concerned as a lot of the side effects are the reason I'd want to take them! Are the side effects constant or only for the first few weeks?

I know a lot of people say therapy and exercise help too but I just don't have the energy to do them. Any help would be much appreciated.

1 like, 21 replies

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  • julian33896
    julian33896 colourmyworld

    Posted

    Hi!

    Prozac has definitely helped me with fatigue, lack of motivation, and stomach issues. I think it's great for depression! However, it hasn't helped me much/at all with my anxiety (constant butterflies in the stomach, weird gagging feeling in throat). But if you need a boost of energy go with prozac

    • liana01735
      liana01735 colourmyworld

      Posted

      Hi, sorry to butt in I just thought I'd share my experience with you. I tried three different meds before I found one that didn't give me side effects I couldn't handle BUT I think that some were just in my head so I explained to my GP that I was afraid and she put me on a very low dose to start with that I increased steadily to the max dose and the GP agreed with me when I said maybe I shouldn't read the side effects because it just makes you paranoid and you think you feel them. If you do get a side effect and you're not sure it's normal look it up but otherwise don't look. I have had mild side effects but as the pill started working and my anxiety level dropped they didn't really bother me! The leaflet in my meds says side effects generally wear off in about two weeks. I hope that helps x
    • jran
      jran liana01735

      Posted

      Hi Liana

      What meds and dose are you on, 2 weeks is great i have been on 10mg of escitalopram for just over a month with some improvement but still some side effects. I woke up yesterday bad and had a dizzy foggy head on  and off till lunch time but i took a sleeping tablet night before so that could have done it today woke up a 4am very flat till about 6am but not funny in head. Everyone says how good escitalopram is but takes a while to work.  Insomnia  has improved a bit.Cheers

    • liana01735
      liana01735 jran

      Posted

      I'm also on escitalopram and I take 20mg. I've taken it for a few months now. My body seems used to it, I do get some fatigue and occasional mild dizziness which is nothing that stops me getting on with things. I'd be careful taking other things with it as you don't know how it may react. It did take a while for me to get the full effects so hang in there. 
  • Taina75
    Taina75 colourmyworld

    Posted

    Per the symptoms you described and the fact that all lab work were fine, I think you should see a psychiatrist or at least a psychologist.    They can assess your condition and make an assessment of what could be happening.

    One misconception people have is that if you have depression, you are always sad and down; but in reality that’s not true.  You could have lows and downs.  Also, not all symptoms are just emotional, many are also physical. Please make an appointment with a specialist. 

    • colourmyworld
      colourmyworld Taina75

      Posted

      I have an appointment to work out what's best, I feel like I should try therapy but it's hard as I work full time and have no energy to actually get myself there. Also my anxiety makes me nervous to do it rolleyes I will see what my doctor says. Thank you.
    • Taina75
      Taina75 colourmyworld

      Posted

      I personally don't like therapy either, but I treat it like any other medical appointment.  Sometimes it's hard to find the right physician, so I will recomend doing some research first.  And you need to be completely open.  It's the only way that works.  Best of luck
    • julian33896
      julian33896 colourmyworld

      Posted

      Yes I got more anxious from therapy haha, but everyone is different! So you never know. Oh, and I had zero side effects on Prozac, Xanax made me really tired and didn't help.
    • Taina75
      Taina75 julian33896

      Posted

      Xanax made me hyperactive.  Did not like it at all.  Prozac was fine,  but the one that work the best for me was Cymbalta. 
    • colourmyworld
      colourmyworld Taina75

      Posted

      Thank you so much for you suggestions it's really nice to get peoples opinons who know what it's like!
  • angela43016
    angela43016 colourmyworld

    Posted

    To be honest (and it's only my opinion) it seems you are going through all the symptoms of depression. Yes it is awful when you feel like this but please speak to your Doctor about your feelings and if he offers you anti depressants give them a try. Good luck with this x
    • colourmyworld
      colourmyworld angela43016

      Posted

      Thanks, it's nice to get opinions on it, I think I was just nervous about medication but it's really starting to effect my life with work, driving and socialising.
    • angela43016
      angela43016 colourmyworld

      Posted

      Of course it would but don't you think your illness (and that is what it is) is affecting your life more? I have taken them for a long time and they gave me my balance back. Xx
  • jran
    jran colourmyworld

    Posted

    they all have side effects worse luck but it sounds like depression and anxiety and Antidepressants will help but may take time to work and get over side effects but you will feel better. Everones make up is different what works for one may not work for others. Be kind to yourself. I think lack of iron makes you tired not depressed.cheers  
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