What antidepressant am I likely to be prescribed?

[Youngatheart00]

Finally admitting defeat. I can’t go on like I am. Feeling full of despair day after day. I can’t lift my mood and all I want to do is sleep. I have avoided the GP for so long but I can’t see how I’m going to get through the rest of the winter without some help.

im paranoid about side effects especially weight gain as just worked really hard to lose 3 stone and am a healthy BMI for the first time in years (hasn’t helped my mindset though

Anyone offer any thoughts on what I’m likely to be started on, how long it will take to work and any obvious side effects? Obviously realise this forum isn’t for medicinal advice as such but would appreciate any own experience or anyone in the know

Fluoxetine (Prozac) is the most common one to start on. Takes a good few weeks to work. I had no side effects.

Some people start on Sertraline. I know less about that one.

You need to look after yourself properly when you have depression. Rest. Fluids. Cosy movies. Look after yourself the way you would if you had ‘flu.

Thank you @TheLightSideOfTheMoon I’m really trying. It’s when the self care isn’t doing anything to fill the pit of despair which seems permanently lodged in my chest I know I need something more

Any other advice on how to take this first step with my GP, I’m so scared and don’t know what to do. If it was a physical ailment I’d know what to do but how do I describe what is going on in my head and pit of stomach? I feel at rock bottom but at the same time like they will dismiss me or think I’m a time waster

Your description sounds like anxiety. My GP was so lovely about it when I finally stopped telling myself to pull myself together and went to see him a few years ago. I was diagnosed quite quickly with anxiety and depression. I did see a mental health nurse as referred by GP. I started on sertraline. My first few weeks were rough (sweats, clicky jaw, increased anxiety symptoms) but I treated it similarly to having a cold or flu, just ride it out. The aftermath was so good. No more panic attacks, no more bouts of crying hysterically. I kind of felt nothing in any strong way, not highs (I laughed but it was numb) or lows (I didn't feel that same sense of despair). I stayed on it for a year then weaned off because I just didn't like the numb feeling. I now can recognise my anxiety when it starts and can calm myself without the drugs. But I almost certainly wouldn't have got to where I am without them. It changed my life for the better.

Thanks for replying @rosiebl - I think it’s a mix of depression and anxiety. I can mostly accurately describe it as crushing despair and regularly on verge of tears. The initial side effects worry me - especially at this time of year. Maybe I will have to wait until January but the next couple of weeks are going to be rough. My tendency is to use alcohol to block feelings out but that usually leaves me feeling worse in the long run.

I'm not sure how they decide but sertraline seems quite commonly used

I'm on citalopram OP. I was also worried about asking for it but got a lot of help on here and people pointed out it was my anxiety doing it's thing. I was prescribed 20mg but bought a pill cutter and took 10mg for the first week. The main side effects were extreme up and downs, so a gorgeous chilled few hours, then really extreme anxiety. I also felt a bit nauseous. After a week I went onto 20 and was fine. I'm back to me, it's changed my life. It's not that scary honesty, do try it , the rewards can be enormous if it helps x

Can you write an online request? I did and explained how I felt and got an immediate prescription back, it was very easy.

They absolutely will not think this.

Personally I would right down how you feel. If you want to make an appointment say to the receptionist it's for mental health. The Dr will then already have some idea. Then once you get to the Dr say something like you think you are depressed and are wondering about antidepressants. Don't worry if it comes out wrong - I burst into tears when I first went to my doctor and they were brilliant at talking to find out the issues

I went to my GP last month with stress and anxiety. I took with me a list of how I felt, the physical symptoms I had, and what triggered me. I found this really helpful as I generally have a habit of making a joke about everything and downplaying my feelings. A list was also quick and easy for the GP to read and refer to. If you have someone you trust, ask them to look through any list you write as they may have useful thoughts.
I was started on beta blockers, but they didn’t stop the bad thoughts and gave me horrible heartburn. I then went on sertraline. I was prescribed 50mg but only take 25mg following a tip from MN about starting slowly on them. I don’t currently feel the need to take the full dose a) because they have made me feel bloody horrible (very headachy and nauseous) and b) because I’ve now started back in work and am coping. I’ve been on 25mg for 3 weeks now and the side effects are slowly getting less.
I was also worried about weight gain, but due to feeling so sick and so being cautious about drinking in case it makes things worse, I’m actually losing weight. The only massive downside is that you aren’t supposed to take ibroprofen/naproxen with sertraline. I have terrible periods and normally use naproxen, I’m afraid paracetamol are no real substitute!

I'd guess at Sertraline or Citalopram. Neither is particularly bad for weight gain, it's the older ones you have to watch as they just make you ravenous.

Thank you. I tried to get through to the GP this morning but couldn’t get through and the online booking system is down

I’m worried about these early side effects over Xmas so think I’m going to try self care tactics, avoid toxic people and just see if I can middle through to January