Should I restart antidepressants after a prior poop-out?
Posted , 7 users are following.
I feel a bit like I've hit a "brick wall" in recovery from anxious depression. I've been signed off for a couple of months now (and unemployed) but everytime I try to 'sign on' again to look for work I have a meltdown. So far I've been getting on my bike every other day, spending time using things I've learnt from counselling (worry time, keeping a rota - mixed results), eating well and spending what time I can with my partner. Taking time off has helped tremendously but I don't feel stable and the majority of days still... hurt like hell, frankly.
Antidepressants and me don't get along that well; most don't work or oddly enough, make me worse despite a good run on half the SSRIs and mirtazapine. Venlafaxine works.. but pooped out to the point where it wasn't working in the slightest. But the first year on it was great, after that, not so much.
Has anyone been through a similiar situation? My GP tells me only I can decide but I'm torn - I want to push myself but most days I feel like (and do) crawl back to my bedroom out of exhaustion, distress and stay there to sleep, try to make sense of it all or just focus on seeing if I can get any enjoyment out of this free time.
I'll be grateful for any advice 
3 likes, 25 replies
hypercat chris40927
Posted
Hi there is nothing to stop you looking for work whilst you are on ESA is there? Test the waters until you sign back on and ease yourself in gently. If you find you are ok with looking for work and interviews then signing back on won't seem so difficult. x
chris40927 hypercat
Posted
I'm coming to the end of my last sick note, so not much time to test the waters. Three months off and you feel like you have to be ready by now but I still think "testing the waters" would be a better option. Honestly though, I'm afraid to ask for another sick note unless its a phased return one.
That said, I am doing better - actually eating and sleeping without "jolting awake" in the early hours. Just very depressed and anxious most days. It's difficult guaging whether to get back to what must be done. Though I'm guessing it's best to try and see what happens.
f64006 chris40927
Posted
I myself have tried venlafaxine with codeine, and it replicates the feeling of tramadol remarkably. Having said that, beware of tolerance and withdrawals - use conservatively only during crises.
Switching GPs to a more sympathetic one might help. I am a 19y/o dude, undergrad, who would have no reason to be depressed at all... except that family history of depression is HUGE and I also have endocrine issues.
Jack1986 chris40927
Posted
Hello Willb,
Did you have success after returning to lexapro? I was on lexapro for 5 years and had major success. 4 months ago it pooped out and am unable to find the same relief in Paxil or Zoloft. I would love to return to lexapro but I'm curious if it worked for you a second time around. Anyone know what the timeline is to wait before returning to the same ssri?
Wilb Jack1986
Posted
Jack1986 Wilb
Posted
Wilb Jack1986
Posted