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terrified of anti depressants

6 replies

daisyji · 26/03/2025 20:48

Hoping for some advice please. I had a sudden burnout/breakdown 8 weeks ago after a visit to my gynae surgeon (i've had lots of nasty ops), I literally just went bang the day after and i've been largely unable to do anything since, can't get out of bed, wake up feeling utterly terrified, cry for most of the day, just about manage to fake it for my children before crawling into bed. I've gone from working, looking after kids, being bubbly, outgoing etc to a shell of a person. This is the third time this has happened in 3 years. I have a condition called Ehlers Danlos, which I think makes medication tricky, I had a v bad reaction to escitalopram the first time this happened and i'm petrified to try again, but I literally can't go on like this as I can't function, can't cook, shop, drive, see anyone, i'm just existing and haven't left the house for a week. I just sit and sob for hours. I paid and did a genes test, which showed that I had contraindications to most anti depressants. Has anyone been in a similar situation? I've just been prescribed fluoxotine but i'm too scared to take it. Thank you in advance.

OP posts:
Touty · 27/03/2025 00:51

Take the medication. In 10 days you could feel wonderful.

LushLemonTart · 27/03/2025 00:51

Have they started you on a low dose?
I'm no expert but didn't want to ignore you. I really hope they help?

wandawaves · 27/03/2025 01:43

Like my GP said to me- if you have a reaction, stop taking it. Problem solved!

Maitri108 · 27/03/2025 01:44

I don't know your financial situation but my advice is to see a psychiatrist. They are the best people to find the right medication.

In the meantime, try the medication. If you react badly, then stop the medication.

Is there anyone who can help? A relative or friend who can support you during this time?

Just take it minute by minute, breathe, try to eat - soup is good, drink water. Have a bath. Watch a box set. You can try Hub of Hope and see what's available in your area.

Some areas have crisis cafes staffed by mental health specialists, they'll give you tea and have a chat. There may be other support available.

You can also contact NHS Direct option 2 and speak to the mental health team. They can advise you on what support is available.

Thereisntenoughgin · 27/03/2025 02:04

I don't know about fluoxitine as I'm lucky citalapram weeks well for me, but I know that for most ADs an "easy on, easy off" approach is recommended. I've certainly found this as I am quite sensitive and had some pretty awful reactions in the past. This includes to citalopram when I suddenly went cold turkey after only just starting it for a month (went on holiday and had left it behind, couldn't get any more quickly). You could try it in miniscule amounts and build up very gradually? I would talk to your gp about your concerns though.

Good luck, I've been there with lots of gynae surgery and too had a really rough recovery. Got there in the end though so am sure you will too Flowers

Midnightlove · 28/03/2025 08:15

Hi what test did you do out of interest?

I'm the same as you right now, finding it hard to function, it's awful. I'm actually taking fluoxetine and am 6 weeks in, still not good to be honest. I was on citalopram for 15 years before that though and it worked great, I just built up a tolerance to it so had to change. Fingers crossed for you

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