To try an anti depressant

[inkworks273]

I’ve been feeling terrible for months now. I’m exhausted all the time. Sleep doesn’t help. I wake up, I have a headache and feel like I haven’t slept.

My full body hurts. My muscles burn. Just going a walk with my son is exhausting. As is getting dressed, getting him dressed, going to the shop. Everything feels like a mammoth task and it’s just easier to stay in our pyjamas all day.

The worst thing is the brain fog. I feel like I’m thinking with the light turned out in my brain. I have no mental clarity. My memory is awful. Everything is fuzzy. I get flustered easily.

I’ve had loads of blood tests. Thyroid, b12, iron, folate, blood sugar etc and everything is normal.

My doctor wants me to try an anti depressant for a month to see if it helps. My husband thinks I’m just being palmed off.

Our son is 18 months and the plan has always been to try for another baby which I’m guessing I can’t do if I’m on anti depressants? On the other hand I feel so bad, I don’t know if I could cope with being pregnant anyway.

Wwyd? Any advice/experience would be greatly appreciated.

You would definitely be on the young side - though not impossible I suppose. Your GP probably wouldn't automatically consider it given your age. GPs often prescribe antidepressants for menopausal related exhaustion/ anxiety/ depression, when they aren't needed - but to be fair, its not always obvious if it is the issue!

It has to be said that hormone tests are notoriously unreliable, so it may well show levels that are fine even if your issues are related (or of course, more likely that it's not related to that at all!). If it does show levels out of the ordinary though, it would mean you could be referred for further tests and advice. Or you could keep an eye whether any other symptoms also emerge if other treatment doesn't seem to be helping.

I went to the GP with very similar symptoms (plus constant rage ) at 37 - though DM had her menopause early so I had kind of gone primed with this being a possible issue. Despite that - I was kind of in denial and I battled with various natural remedies for a few years with no effect - and then started HRT earlier this year, which has pretty much nailed it (apart from the exhaustion - but I think that's now pandemic related! It sorted the brain fog and rage...)

@NotAnActualSheep I'm glad you are feeling better. I'd love for my brain fog to clear. I can't remember what it's like without it. I'll definitely bring the hormone testing up the next time I speak to my gp.

So I picked my prescription up this evening. The question is... should I start it tomorrow or wait until after Christmas? I realise there may be side effects until my body gets used to it and I don't want to feel even worse than I do now on the run up to Christmas.

What cos I'm telling like it is? It's a fair enough state to say you shouldn't make assumptions when you know nothing about something. Also when a quick Google would address the issue its abit fucking much.
Yeah I'm jsut fucking looking for shit to be offended about? Why they fuck would I do that? Seems like you're looking for something yo get pissy about when someone challenges you slightly
But yeah you carry on chatting inaccurate crap about antidepressants adding to the stigma. Gold start to you and I'm the delight?!

@Plussizejumpsuit I'd say pissy responses like this don't exactly help with the stigma around depression either, tbh. The OP is struggling, would it have killed you to be nice or just not post?

Honestly I’d start now. The quicker they are in your system the better.

I’ve just started Sertraline (with a bit of diazepam) for severe anxiety. I think it’s worth a try - if they don’t work, it’s one more thing ruled out.

And this isn’t the thread to be arguing on. I’m sorry for anyone that is struggling. Compassion is needed- it’s free and it’s kind.

I’ve been on sertraline (for depression, I started it during pregnancy) for about 5 months. I didn’t even realise how tired and shit I felt before I started taking it until it had started to work. It has definitely improved my energy levels and clarity of thought. I’d say it’s definitely worth a try.

Thanks for the advice.

I took my first one yesterday. Feeling ok so far. My stomach feels a bit weird and I seem to be clenching my jaw a bit.

How long did it take for you to start feeling better @PreRaphaeliteMotherhood?

@inkworks273 Probably 2 or 3 weeks?

Symptoms described so sound like CFS or Fibro, which are closely related. Both can be triggered by depression, stress and even pregnancy. I've had fibro for 5 years or so, I manage with osteopath treatment and medication, including amitryptaline which helps me sleep and body relax. Since being diagnosed I've gone on to have a child, now 3, I took amitryptaline throughout TTC and pregnancy, although on a lower dose than normal.

Talk to your GP, there could be a physiological reason. They will probably do a blood test first. Hope you feel better x