Can I ask my GP to prescribe me anti depressants?

[Lifeisinshambles]

I’m in a very low point in my life, and my pre existing anxiety and ‘severe low mood disorder’, as camhs described it years ago, are definitely flaring up. I’ve never been on any mental health medication before.
I’ve got an appointment for tomorrow morning, am I allowed to ask for medication?
I have had these disorders for years and the therapy techniques they told me all those years ago simply don’t do anything for me. I’ve got a lot on and I just think some medication would help me get things going again.

Yes,absolutely.my GPs surgery almost expect you to say what it is you want. Just explain as above then say you would like to start Ads to see if that will help.

Yes, you can say that you would like to try antidepressants as you feel worse than what is 'normal' for you and that you have already tried various therapies.

Read up on the different side effects, be aware that it can take several weeks before you start to notice a difference and be prepared to stay on them for at least a year if they are working for you.

But... Your GP isn't obliged to prescribe them for you. They have to feel it is appropriate / a reasonable option and safe.

So I’ve been. I’ve been given a prescription of sertraline and I’m also having my thyroid and vitamin levels checked next week.

Good news OP. Sertraline has been great for me. I have had various therapy and cbt courses too but I find they work alongside the meds for me. Please remember it will take a few weeks to kick in. Good luck.

That’s great. When i went through a really tough time with a family estrangement and a lot of stress, I did exactly the same, asked the GP for medication. He discussed my different options and I chose sertraline.

I will caution that there is an adjustment period. I was completely exhausted for the first 3 days or so, like not able to drive safely sedated and needing to sleep a lot. That may or may not be the case for you. But it took me by surprise and I had to take a day or two off work as I literally could not function. By day 4 though, there was a noticeable difference in my mood and ability to cope. I know they say it can take a few weeks, but it really was only a few days for me.

I am not a medication sort of person, but the difference it made was really beneficial. It got me out of a slump. With some other lifestyle changes (I started exercising more, stopped drinking, cut out all the people who were causing me drama), I just kinda naturally eased myself off it after about 18 months. No problems stopping and life is much better now. It’s been probably 3.5 years since I came off and I’ve not felt like I needed them since, but they got me through when I did.