Confused about which AD to accept; can anyone advise?

[FleeTheBeast]

Hi, wondered if anyone can give me any feedback on the different types of AD medications you may have tried? I'm a bit confused and worried about what to do.

Basically I am taking propranolol for the anxiety, but the pscyhiatrist wants me to choose which type of AD to take. I have been told that some like citalopram may make my anxiety worse short term as they are more 'alert' and I may need another pill to take the edge off. The other type apparantly will make me very drowsy & lethargic.

I am also concerned as they have said i will need to be on them for 9 months+ and we were planning on trying for another baby in the not too distant future when I'm feeling a bit better, I'm worried about getting dependant on these medicines then not being able to have another baby. I have just stopped BF my little girl who is 6 months.

I'm also worried about gaining weight as have had trouble with eating disorders in the past and I don't want to be stressing about more excess weight every day as well.

If anyone has any experience with these tablets and which were ok I would be greatful to hear your opinions

Thanks

Hi, I can't really advise fully as I don't have any experience with propranolol and not sure what your other choice is? I've been on mirtazipine which was ridiculous, I literally couldn't function I was that drowsy and out of it, I could barely string a sentence together.

Then I went onto fluoxetine (Prozac) which made my depression a million times worse, I started having horrible panic attacks and became suicidal.

Then I went onto citalopram and HALLELUJAH! it was like a wonder drug for me. I feel so much better, have been on them since last feb. I also have/had ED and did not gain weight with them. They don't help with that side of things though, just the actual mood, then again if your mood is better then perhaps your bahaviours will be too.

Bearing all that in mind, everyone is different. I've had friends who've had exactly the same reaction w/fluoxetine and citalopram and some who've had the exact opposite. You would have to talk through with your Psych to decide what to try and plan to be able to switch after a certain amount of time if they're not for you.
Good luck x

Thanks for your reply NS- it was very kind of you to take the time.

I'm glad that you have finally found a drug that works well for you - I guess it isn't an easy process to find out which is best. I think I have been worrying about intensifying the anxiety but also don't want to be sedated & zombified! It is just hard going into the unknown. I wasn't expecting to have to choose the medicine type myself.

The psych said if I get any side effects they can give me more drugs to stop them but I'm not sure that is right really.

I thought things were picking up this morning (felt a bit brighter) but I've felt so shocking since lunchtime I'm willing to give the tablets a go now. Not sure that the CBT is doing much so far.

Thanks again

Hi - there are different levels of ADs, ones they use as a first line of treatment and then ones that they use as a 2nd line of treatment etc. All ADs list all possible side effects, but that doesnt' mean you will suffer from all of them. Have had many different sorts and not put on too much weight - increase in appetite more what causes weight gain so having healthy snacks in helps!

Citalopram and fluoxetine are both SSRI's, first line of treatment. It is good practice to stay on the AD after recovery to prevent relapse - hence you got told 9months. These are not too difficult to come off, unlike some of the 2nd line ADs (eg venlaflaxine) ... and if I remember rightly fluoxetine is one of the safer drugs to take during pregnancy. Not sure of safety of propanol in pregnancy.

Guess sooner start tablets, sooner you can stop - and if one doesn't suit you, you can phone them and get prescription swopped to another one.

Anyway, the above is from my experiences - am not medically trained so please ask your Dr!