Need to take ADs but scared of specific side effects and interactions

[Fringebenefts202]

I’m depressed atm. No particular cause apart from unrelenting work and some difficult relationships, so no different to anyone else really.

Never felt this way before. Not sad but not motivated to do anything much either. Small tasks seem insurmountable.

Two different docs have said I would benefit from ADs. However I am overweight and have the odd episode of heart arrhythmia treated by beta blockers, for which no cause has been found. I am also quite anxious, but less so since taking propranol. I am overweight too.

I have been researching ADs and found out that if they are taken with beta blockers, it can make the affects of the beta blockers stronger? I just wondered if anyone has any experience of this please?

Before I had beta blockers I was wrongly prescribed medicine to lower my blood pressure which I didn’t need, and found myself on the bathroom floor, so I’m keen not to repeat that.

The other side effects of ADs can be heart burn and variations in blood sugars. I already have both of these because I’m overweight and post-menopausal so again I am scared that ADs will exacerbate these already unpleasant symptoms.

Lastly of course I really don’t want to put on any more weight.

I know I need to reduce my work hours and focus on my physical health but I think right now, I need ADs to do that, so I am in a bit of a dilemma.

I am going to get some more advice from my doctor but while I am waiting for the appointment, can anyone who has been through anything similar please advise or offer any advice?

Thank you.

It's good to hear of people not experiencing weight gain with mirtazapine. They're great for sleep too, my gp chose them because I had the worst insomnia of my life and they're really helpful for treating that.

Op I understand your worries about withdrawal. Again, lots of medications need to be tapered down when coming off them and anti depressants are the same. It's important that the medical community has recognised that some people get stuck on them long term but again its not true of everyone.

Personally, if I have to take them for the the rest of my life then I'm at peace with that,but I am planning on dropping the dose in a few months which will be a good test. The biggest thing to remember is not to stop taking them suddenly without gp supervision because it they can cause rebound depression/anxiety symptoms.

Great idea of a pp to talk with a pharmacist. Most will have private consulting rooms so you can talk with them in confidence rather than at the counter, but if your depression is a side effect of the beta blockers then you might be able to treat it by having your existing medication adjusted.

my experience is that a starter dose was magical. I felt immensely better, but most importantly, it gave me the perspective to see just how badly I needed more intervention.

Please could you tell me which anti-depressants you are taking. I need to have conversation with the doctor about this