SSRI/SNRI alternatives

[RealLifeClanger]

I really don't want to take SSRI's or similar. But I do struggle with anxiety, mainly health anxiety. I have several diagnosed conditions that affect my health so I'm anxious a lot. The gp has twice given me sertraline and I didn't try it either time because of the potential side effects. I genuinely don't believe I'd be able to tolerate them as I struggle with a lot of medication as it is. My stomach is insanely sensitive (ibs and hiatus hernia/reflux issues) and I'm convinced my liver doesn't process things properly or something.

Are there any reliable alternatives to the standard SSRI's? Either over the counter or on prescription? Thank you 🙏

What types of therapy have you tried so far?

@Eyesopenwideawake I've been in counselling therapy for over a year. I've had about 6 - 7 sessions of hypnotherapy as well but it's expensive.

For additional info, I'm pretty sure I have cptsd from childhood trauma and I am constantly tense. I find it almost impossible to relax.

It might help to have a look at my AMA - https://www.mumsnet.com/talk/AMA/4559328-im-a-hypnotist-remedial-not-stage-ama?page=1

@Eyesopenwideawake thanks, I will have a read.

what about Mirtazapine?

@megatwat I thought that's an snri, is it not? I know someone who took it and gained a few stone so that put me off somewhat. Apparently it's very common.

@Eyesopenwideawake your method of hypnotherapy sounds different to the one my therapist uses. She uses solution focused hypnotherapy. So we chat for a bit about the positive things that have occurred and what might have to change for me to feel better than I do currently. Then I lie on the comfy couch, she puts music on and she reads out a scripted piece, a bit like a guided meditation. I still feel aware throughout but do often drift in to a dreamlike state. But I still feel awake. She doesn't ask me anything during this bit, it's just her talking. Does this sound familiar or do you not work this way?

Mirt is a tetracyclic not SSRI/SNRI

I have been on it years, about 15 year, I have put about 2 stone on but I was very underweight and am now middleaged. I do not really eat more than I used to

Similar, except without the music, script, trance/dreamlike state or comfy couch!

I use IMRs (ideomotor responses) to talk directly to the subconscious using yes/no replies – the mind can move fingers without any conscious input without the need for a trance.

I sometimes need the subconscious to tell the conscious what it needs to say, which is why not using trance is helpful. For example, I had a client who wanted to stop smoking but the subconscious was hesitating, so I asked it to tell the person why it wasn't making the change and they immediately said it was worried about gaining weight. In that why we can deal with fears or objections in real time.

I don't use a script because it's an active conversation. We don't talk to each other in scripts! I work via Zoom so the choice of seating is up to the client 😊

@Eyesopenwideawake thanks for the info. Interesting to know the different methods.