Low dose antidepressant for (possibly hormone related) irritability /anger?

[stirling]

Hi, has anyone taken a good low dose AD that takes the edge off irritability and anger? I'm perimenopausal, unwell with a chronic health condition, single mum and 70% of the time I'm really lovely to be around. Warm, caring, affectionate etc.

The rest of the time I easily fly off the handle, increasingly more over trivial things but when something really bad happens my anger is uncontrollable and my swearing and shouting is awful. Really awful.

I'm reluctant to go onto hrt for various reasons. Is there a low dose ad that a) doesn't completely numb you /zone you out and b) doesn't cause weight gain?

Thank you for any advice

[SimplyBeBlythe]

I’ve been on a couple of ADs - neither were strong enough dose to make me feel foggy but all made me gain weight. However, as they stopped me wanting to throw myself off the nearest tall building I figured it was worth it.
I found the Practice Nurse at our surgery was very helpful and easier to get an appointment with. I hope you can find one that suits you - it is a bit of trial and error.

[madyogafan]

I have been on sertraline a couple of times due to not being able to cope with ongoing family issues.

I'm currently taking 25mg daily (which is half the lowest recommended dose) and its enough for me and works really well.

I haven't gained any weight and not felt hungrier on it either.

[stirling]

Thank you both. Yes I've been trawling through old threads and read about sertraline... Will discuss with my GP

[YogiBear19]

Hello. I was in a very similar situation to you, single parent, peri menopausal and chronic health condition; Went on very low dose of Citalopram (10mg) almost two years ago and it’s been brilliant. I’m much calmer & much less snappy at my children. I feel like my old self again. It literally just took the edge of, if that makes sense. No numbing just nicer!

[YogiBear19]

Oh and no weight gain!

[stirling]

Thank you Yogibear! I feel hopeful. Will definitely discuss with gp