Help please - how long do meds take to work for you?

[kizzie]

Hi Ive been back up a therapeutic dose of anafranil (clomipramine) for the last 10 weeks - 8 weeks back up to 75mg with is the max dose i have taken in the past. (Its a tricyclic)

I had already been on the drug since 2006 (75mg then 50mg then 25mg then 20mg and below for a year) and had been very well for the last3 years. (I cant take more than 75mg because it reduces my blood pressure too much).

I took 7 weeks off work and returned 2 weeks ago. I returned after a similar break from work in 2006 and managed ok. This time i have also reduced my hours and have taken a temporary downgrade to reduce my responsibility. But the depression and anxiety and still extreme and I am crying regularly through the day and feel quite desperate.

My psychiatrist has said that he would expect anafranil to work again (its the third time Ive been on it) and to stick with it for another few weeks - but am i just clutching at straws. If something hasnt worked after 8 weeks at therapeutic dose then is there little chance of improvement after this time?

I would really appreciate any thoughts - finding it very difficult to cope.
x

Hi there kizzie

FWIW I don't think ADs can "damage" your brain. If you wean yourself off they leave your system - I don't think they leave any permanent changes.

Sorry you are feeling bad again

You will have good days again. I saw my psychiatrist on monday and she couldn't believe how good I am at the moment. I am virtually off all my medication too.

I'm sure I will have bad patches again at some point, but am enjoying feeling good again for the moment. In my worst days I honestly didn't believe I could feel this good ever again.x

thank you for the encouragement GetDown x

Itsonlyajob - hope your appointment goes well. I was so terrified before my first appointment. And devastated - couldnt believe my life had come to that. But actually it was fine. And it will mean that you get access to the right support. Good Luck!

Thats exactly how I felt - honestly.
But just keep telling youself its not forever - nothing ever is.
Dont let stories like mine worry you. The vast majority of people with PND get better - and get better completely. Even in my case - im going through a difficult time at the moment but since my original problem I have had some very good times. It hasnt been constant for the last 11 years.

Hi Itsonlyajob - have you done any relaxation exercises.
At the moment my worst symptom is depression and lows which i am very bad at coping with but ive got more experience with anxiety and feel a bit more able to offer advice.

One of the simplest ones is to breathe in through your nose to the count of 4 then out through your mouth for 6. Put your hand on your abdomen and make sure that rises rather than your chest. (If your chest rises it means the breathing is too shallow and will make anxiety worse.) At the same time count out loud and concentrate totally on your voice.

It can help with the nervousness and also the physical feelings like nausea/dizziness x