Feels sooooo bad but can't bring myself to take my antidepresssants

[Wilburis]

Hi

I've had a pack of antidepresssants in the cupboard for 11 months now but can't bring myself to start them.

I have been on meds previously and I know they can make you feel worse before you feel better.

My problem is that I feels so bad all the time, constant daily panic attacks, pins and needles, dizziness, numbness, heart racing, etc. I really don't think I could manage feeling any worse than I already do for a few weeks before they hopefully start to kick in.

Anyone have any words of wisdom for me please?

xx

[BlueIris]

Not everybody suffers bad side effects when they start new meds. All I had was a few groggy days and a week or so of mild nausea. In return, I've got my life back.

[Wilburis]

Hi

Ive been on these particular ones before, and I did feel much more anxious.

Also, I have the extra anxiety of taking meds - I can barely force myself to take paracetamol :blush:

[BlueIris]

Maybe you could chat to your GP, ask if they can offer you something different this time? I know it's tough when you're feeling low, but you need to be your own advocate.

[nomorepanic]

You don't have to take them to be honest, try other methods rather than drugs

[Wilburis]

Hi

I've been on so many different ones during the years, never thought they helped until I came off them. Everyday is Hell - from waking up shaking with fear, to when I go to bed. I even have panic attacks trying to get to sleep.

I haven't left the house by myself in over 2 years. I got booted off a telephone CBT course I had, as my issues were too severe.

The kids are back at school tomorrow, so I'll be all alone, worrying about everything.

[Beachlady]

Hi

I've had a pack of antidepresssants in the cupboard for 11 months now but can't bring myself to start them.

I have been on meds previously and I know they can make you feel worse before you feel better.

My problem is that I feels so bad all the time, constant daily panic attacks, pins and needles, dizziness, numbness, heart racing, etc. I really don't think I could manage feeling any worse than I already do for a few weeks before they hopefully start to kick in.

Anyone have any words of wisdom for me please?

xx

Make you feel worse before you get better? Are you talking side effects? That can be managed by titrating your dose. Talk to you doc about this and get on your meds.

[MyNameIsTerry]

I've only tried two and both times have been bad for me. The first time I had no clue about them and my GP gave me the old speech about the minor "some sweating and loose stool" and within days I had taken a big nose dive. The second time around I knew this was very likely and of course I didn't want to feel any worse let alone as bad as that and the reality was the second time was actually far worse. But my attitude the second time was different, I was prepared and accepted I had to try something.

So, accept it could be a hard time but you are already living a hellish time. My anxiety was 24/7 too. Sometimes you have to try and grin & bear the consequences until it eases. Take things hour by hour and just slog through the day no matter how much it hurts. If it becomes too intolerable then your GP will may try something else.

I got through it after 10-15 days of total hell. My side effects lasted much longer than the 4-6 weeks and caused me so many problems but I kept taking it day by day and little by little they abated.

You will get through it but it's a matter of accepting it's possible it may be very hard. Once you do that, don't delay, start. You will only put it off otherwise. Once you start you tell yourself you have made a commitment and stopping is the last thing you want to do because you will only have to go through this period again and it could be the same.

We will be here to support you.

[Fishmanpa]

Hi

I've had a pack of antidepresssants in the cupboard for 11 months now but can't bring myself to start them.

I have been on meds previously and I know they can make you feel worse before you feel better.

My problem is that I feels so bad all the time, constant daily panic attacks, pins and needles, dizziness, numbness, heart racing, etc. I really don't think I could manage feeling any worse than I already do for a few weeks before they hopefully start to kick in.

Anyone have any words of wisdom for me please?

xx

You already feel like shit. The worst that can happen is you feel shitier but at least you tried. There's a member here with an absolute marathon thread that started meds and it was apparent it escalated his symptoms BUT.... The meds kicked in and its quite apparent they're working. What have you got to lose at this point? :shrug:

Positivethoughts

[Wilburis]

Thank you guys. I know I have to bite the bullet and try.

Fishmanpa, could you help me find the thread please?

xx

[ankietyjoe]

Well actually you don't HAVE to bite the bullet and try. The majority of people don't actually improve with meds, it's just one method that might work and your experience has already shown you that they make you feel worse.

I've always refused to take meds and found my own way to beat anxiety, this was kickstarted by my GP saying 'well if you don't want to take antidepressants, you'll just have to find your own way to sort it out'.

If you're going to do something that's going to make you feel worse in the short term, go out of the house by yourself. Exposing yourself to the things that you fear is a fundamental teaching in CBT. Go out for a walk, and every single step you tell yourself it's your choice, you'll be home soon, the anxiety will pass and that what you're doing is not dangerous. 2-3 minutes of this is enough on the first go. This is what actually works, and what will cure your anxiety long term.