Anti depressant with the most bearable side effects?

[Proseccoagain]

Hello, I am on Lorazepam at the moment, and my GP Is suggesting I need to go on to something more long term such as an anti-depressant. I was prescribed Sertraline a few months back, but couldn't take the side effects so came off it. I am really struggling with anxiety and worry, and some days just finding it difficult to get out of bed. This all started with lockdown and fear and worry about covid. Made particularly worse by being on my own. (My husband died two years ago.)

I would be grateful if some of you nice people could share your experiences of the ones that worked for you, and only had mild side-effects, so that I can have something to discuss with the GP next week. Many thanks.

[freddiochangio]

So sorry for your loss xx

I think the problem is something that works for one person won’t work for another, there are so many variables. Ive tried most before I found out I was bipolar and amitriptilyne probably had the most bearable side effects, just tiredness for me.

The side effects with most don’t last forever though and I know when a friend took sertraline she was prescribed something temporary as well to help her through the sickness until it all settled down.

Feel free to send me a private message if you want any more info, or just if you need someone to talk to xx

[standupsitdownturnaround]

Poor you, I am so sorry to hear. Citalopram has helped me in a very subtle way. It takes some adjustment though and the first few weeks can be horrid.

Some supplements I take as well:
L-theanine (calming ingredient in green tea) if I am anxious. Loads of info on examine about it

If I'm in a really bad sleep phase I take antihistamines that I order from USA. They're not good for you long term but neither is sleeplessness.

Rhodiola Rosea is a herbal antidepressant which is quite stimulating so good if you struggle with energy levels. Don't take it at same time as prescription meds or anything and do your research

Magsnesium Glycinate with evening meal

[nothingcanhurtmewithmyeyesshut]

For me Amitriptyline but its hardly ever prescribed anymore because most people have intolerable side effects. Its different for everyone, just trial and error.

[AnnaMagnani]

Most of the side effects wear off in the first few weeks - also what doesn't suit one person may be ideal for another.

It is all about trying one and seeing. I've had 3, only had side effects with 1 and they wore off very quickly and were worth it anyway as I could tell it was working so fast.

Definitely worth a longterm antidepressant and getting rid of the lorazepam.

[Monsterjam]

Research would suggest Citalopram or if you can convince a GP to prescribe it (cost reasons) escitalopram, highly effective first line treatments with few side effects

[ChaChaCha2012]

I like amitriptyline too, had to get it from a psychiatrist initially though. Amazing for sleep.

Please try not to be on lorazepam for long, the withdrawal from that is worse than any AD side effects.

Others that I didn't have side effects with are agomelatine and vortioxetine. Both are relatively new and availability in primary care will vary between areas.

[Stinkyguineapig]

sorry you are feeling like this and without support.
I was prescribed anti depressants (fluoxetine...which I have had before) last month but didnt last a week because I could not bear the insomnia and nausea. I was awake wretching most of the night and the idea of 2 weeks of that to wear off was worse than the anxiety itself.
I am trying to manage with cbt and cutting out caffeine.
I hope you find one that works x x