What to take when you can't hack SSRI's?

[stuffingball]

Hi all

I was on sertraline for a few years for anxiety/depression a couple of years ago. I got pregnant and had my first child all while taking it. I stopped taking it when I got pregnant with my second child as I felt I was able to cope, and haven't taken it since.

This last year I have been really struggling and it's mostly anxiety but I think actually I'm depressed too as I don't see much joy in anything, and each day is just a day to get through. I feel I didn't enjoy my second child's early days and it's just not stopped (to be fair there was only 14 month gap) and when I think back to my first borns early days it's filled with happiness.

Anyway, I had a tough time anxiety wise last year and tried sertraline again, and I felt like I had been poisoned. Tried for about a week and stopped because I literally couldn't get out of bed. Tried citalopram instead and had the same effect. The only other thing the doctor gave me was propranolol which I do use now and then to help with the anxiety attacks. Also I signed up to a CBT course and did that online.

I did feel better for a while, but it's now gradually creeping back and I'm wondering whether to try them again. My youngest is 18 months and I just want to feel happy again.

Does anyone have any advice for me? I'm worried about trying ssris again because of the effect of them last time

There are quite a few ADs that aren’t SSRIs. Unfortunately , it’s a case of trial and error. You might get further if they’ll refer you to a psychiatrist. Many GP’s have a limited knowledge on such medication and will use a restricted range of ADs

FWIW, I take Agomelatine. I suffer from side effects a lot but have had no problems with this. However I very much doubt a GP would prescribe it. And it’s actually not funded by the NHS at all in Scotland (I got special funding).

ASk about Valdoxan. I can't take SSRIs and that one was good.

There are guidelines for those that didn't tolerate SSRIs so definitely speak to your GP and they can advise you

So many other drugs are available so it’s worth asking your GP.

Tricyclic antidepressants. I take Amitriptyline. It gives me constipation sometimes and a dry mouth but other than that we're good so I call it a win.