I have been on/off antidepressants for around 10 years, most recently about a year ago tried a course of sertraline again. I came off these after 3 months and always have done previously because I cannot cope with the side effects; they are not mild and I physically cannot work with them. I am talking full on V&D, not being able to eat (and when I do it would be back up in 10 mins), insomnia - but when I did sleep it would be restless and full of nightmares, unbelievable sweating, anxiety so bad it would cause palpitations, dizziness and vertigo, dry mouth, constipation and headaches - these may be caused by the lack of food/sleep/anxiety.
The longest I've stayed on a course is 5 months (citalopram), in this time I was still feeling the side effects, particularly sickness and insomnia, but not any of the benefits. I've been back and forth from the doctors over the years and simply get 'what is it you want us to do?' 'go to the gym' 'Counselling' which I've tried and they didn't help.. I want an antidepressant I can at least work with and won't completely wipe me out within 2 weeks. The only medication I've felt helped me over the years was diazepam - which of course cannot be prescribed over and over.
I'm having a bad time with my moods and I am always emotionally exhausted. I'm utterly miserable and negative all the time, it's not fair on me, DS or OH. I just sit at home every night crying about everything and feeling pessimistic. I don't know what to say to the doctors as I'm just brushed off each time with a new prescription for sertraline which sits in the back of the cupboard with the rest. They ask what I want, but I'm not a doctor, I don't know what the options are. Can anyone recommend a medication that they've found easy(er) going than others they've tried