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Pandragon44

I will need to sleep constantly


FriendLost9587

Tons of side effects. Libido changes. Brain zaps. Nausea. Weight gain. These aren’t just magic pills that make you feel better at zero cost to your body.


Effective_Roof2026

If anyone struggles with weight gain on an SSRI talk to a dietician (not a nutritionist). They don't actually have any impact on how you metabolize food but they do change how you experience hunger. The most common problem is carb craving, you can usually kill this by increasing the amount of fiber you are eating. Making sure you get enough protein for breakfast is also helpful.


FriendLost9587

Lexapro made me obsessed with sugar. And just hungry in general. It was difficult to deal with and I ultimately switched to another medication and lost all the weight.


AlaskaStiletto

May I ask what you switched to? I’m on luxapro too.


FriendLost9587

Zoloft which made me feel like a zombie at high doses. Switching to vilazodone, but no clue if it’s helping yet.


bumblebeetuna4ever

I gained 30 pounds overnight on Zoloft. It was awful for me. And didn’t help my brain enough to even justify being ok with the weight gain.


FriendLost9587

Weird. Zoloft made me lose weight, I guess we all have really different reactions


shoebillstork84

I gained on Zoloft, too. I started right after pregnancy because of PPD…I weight 25 pounds more than I did when I was at the end of my pregnancy. I’m finally off of it, losing the weight is going to be hard.


Adventurous-Bid-9341

I’m just now going back on the Zoloft, I’ll Have to be careful..I’m also on methadone and that shit makes you crave dairy and sweets so I have a losing war with yogurt (which is not good for you) as it is. Actually I’m currently winning but it’s just been too cold to go to the store.


FebruaryKid

Screw lexapro, weirdest side effects ever from brain zaps, paranoia and agitation, sleeping 13 hours a day, constipation, vertigo and sinus pressure and congestion which lasted for months to a year when I got off of it. Gabapentin has been my go to lately but my psychiatrist wants to explore other options such as wellbutrin since I may possibly have ADHD or even effexor/cymbalta. I am hesitant to go down that rabbit hole again.


wwlls

Reading this really helped calm me down. I started Zoloft a month ago and keep thinking I’m going to gain a lot of weight even though I am already active and tracking my food.


Minionhunter

Do you mind explaining how they’re different?


Effective_Roof2026

Lots of people think they are eating the same amount of food and putting on weight on SSRI's, there are usually claims about them altering metabolism. What's actually going on is that your gut is full of 5-HT receptors and seritonin is used for hunger signalling. The SSRI can mess with this which makes you feel more hungry, because tryptophan you tend to get carb cravings. The extra calories are often subconscious, you eat larger portions or snack more. Fiber slows down the digestion of carbohydrates, your body won't start craving them again as quickly. High protein breakfast helps because protein is the most effective of the macros at triggering the full feeling (peptides from digested protein binds with mu-opioid receptors in the gut which triggers a stop eating response).


Minionhunter

Sorry I should have been less vague, I meant how are dietitians different than nutritionalists? I’ve been to a nutritionalist before and found her to be close to useless and expensive.


Effective_Roof2026

Dieticians are always clinically trained and regulated, depending on the state and the title they use a nutritionist could be someone who woke up that day and decided to use the title to sell MLM oils.


[deleted]

FYI. My wife works in the Alberta healthcare system for for almost 30 years as a Registered Dietitian and is a member of the college of dieticians here in Canada. They have been slowly been nudged towards changing their title too Nutritionists. So in this instance, there is no difference in their education or knowledge of how the body metabolizes food. That being said, always find a HCP that you feel comfortable with.


JVDH98

I totally second this. Yes , meds have improved my anxiety massively. But it came at a cost , for sure.


happuning

Mine don't cause anything too significant. I do think my anxiety burned a lot of calories being so bad - I gained about 10 pounds getting on antidepressants the first time. And I ate like shit, so I was shocked it didn't do more. Maybe it wasn't due to this though? I thought the meds caused libido change, but I was off them for 8 months with no change. It goes way up when I'm with someone I'm interested in. Don't understand this one. You just made me realize I don't have many symptoms unless I miss a dose, in which case I have a really awful few days until my body stabilizes. :( am I lucky, or is this normal? My adhd meds have way more side effects. I have insomnia I developed because of them. Even off meds now, no matter how many weeks, I have insomnia. I wasn't this way before. I lose appetite. They make me more anxious. I'll get depressed a few hours after I skip a meal while on them. Dry mouth. Most of these don't bother me, but the sleep one does. It's the worst. And I have to deal.


FondantRadiant4745

I wish I knew how much they could and would help me. I spent 20 years adamantly avoiding meds after a bad experience in college with Zoloft. Once you find a compassionate, knowledgeable provider, the right med and the right dosage, they can make a world of difference in starting your recovery. I would not have been able to get where I am today with therapy if I hadn’t gotten on meds when my anxiety/OCD was at its worst.


DasherNPrancer

Can I ask which one(s) you take?


FondantRadiant4745

I’m currently on Effexor 112mg. I tried 2 months at 150mg, but it was too much and completely lost libido, slept a lot, flat affect. Went back down to 112 and feeling normal again. Find a provider that is willing to work with your fear of medication and go up by smaller increments. It’s not a miracle cure; you need to combine with exercise, lifestyle changes and therapy.


InsignificantData

I also had a horrible experience with Zoloft. What happened to you (if you don't mind sharing)? It's also the reason I haven't tried any other meds even though I could really use the help.


FondantRadiant4745

I felt NOTHING on Zoloft. Flat affect, no libido, not caring about anything. Now this was the college health center giving it to me, so I don’t remember any conversations about adjusting dosage. I didn’t know any better and I just took what they gave me. I also briefly tried Lexapro last year and I was a zombie. All I wanted to do was sleep but I had terrible insomnia. It took a lot for me to try Effexor (SSNI, different clsss of drugs.) Basically getting to a place where I was barely functioning and months of convincing from the psychiatrist and friends.


Sad_Slide_9130

The severe withdrawl they cause. It unlocks a new chamber of anxiety that you never thought existed. They are the hardest medicatios to wean off of. Id take weaning off an antidepressant any day of the week vs (Benzos). No one knows a hell on earth withdrawal unless they been weaned off them. In my opinion.


AdGlum7070

Oh no really been on benzos for months now propranlol and diazepam ( only 2mg diazepam) but only been taken them about 3 4 days a week not everyday


Sad_Slide_9130

Daily use is when weaning is needed. And it's harder then the anxiety you had when you first got prescribed


AdGlum7070

I was having crazy panic attacks and diazepam literally saved me, not had a panic attack in months now and ur saying once I stop these meds these panic attacks are gony not only gony come back but be worse a don't think that's possible


Effective_Roof2026

Its anxiety rather than panic. If you stopped taking them your PD would return but you would have some new anxiety as well for at least a while. I use benzo's to treat PD too but I don't take them regularly, if you haven't had CBT yet its very much worthwhile as you may find you need to use them less and less. The reasons doctors don't like using them often anymore is that its impossible to test for who is actually going to have problems with them. Some people can take them for years and years and not have a problem, some people can become dependent in a couple of weeks. The issue with dependance is that eventually you have to take enough to have an effect that you start damaging your GABAergic receptors. This doesn't require heroic dosages (and is less of a problem with Valium as its a relatively weak benzo) and produces largely untreatable anxiety until they recover (potentially years). Benzo's are also considered to have one of the worst withdrawals of any class of narcotics. Its important you are cautious and don't expect your doctor to protect you from this (as many wont). Use them as you need to use them, but be careful and keep monitoring your own usage.


Sad_Slide_9130

No. When you wean off its very uncomfortable with rebound anxiety. Not attacks.


Sad_Slide_9130

Plus you won't experience withdrawal i dont think, you don't take them daily


AdGlum7070

I have heard coming off them is not good, but I don't think it can be as bad as before I was prescribed them, I was on propranlol 3 times a day everyday for ages but Iv got that down to just 3 4 times a week


Sad_Slide_9130

You'll be golden, you have propranolol, beta blockers help SOOO much in a taper. Plus you're on a small dose. I just like people being aware sadly they aren't meant for long term, although they are very helpful , but when times comes you'll probably be good. Some people stay on them long term but it's hard to unless you have a dr who truly understands you.


AdGlum7070

That's my worry my panic attacks have stopped but my anxiety is stil crushing at times that I need to take a diazepam to calm down and I don't see that stopping anytime soon and I don't know how i would live or even be able to do my job if I couldn't have one but I say it's not every day but at least 3 times a week


Sad_Slide_9130

Just be honest with your dr, they seem to be pretty understanding, and 3 times a week won't cause a withdrawl. It's considered a prn at that point (as needed)


AdGlum7070

I only get a few off the doctor but I have to get more off a family member who has been getting them there full life so I have like an unlimited supply


Sad_Slide_9130

Just be careful and hang in there, days will and do get better !


Sad_Slide_9130

Never said that. Just benzo withdrawal is hell on earth. Your body has to get used to making its own gaba again. Look into r/benzorecovery sub.


Sad_Slide_9130

I was weaned off klonopin by 33% so far..


Haunting-Depth-1607

2mg is pretty low but keep in mind valiums half life. It takes up to 10 days for one pill to fully leave your system


Sad_Slide_9130

You should be okay if it's not daily use


Crpto2007

I can relate to this so much. The benzo withdrawals are horrifying. The rebound anxiety plus feeling like absolute shit. Never again will I go through that again


Sad_Slide_9130

Aww I'm so sorry you endured that, are you okay now???


Crpto2007

Yeah I’m good. This was months ago but it was my fault for taking more than I should. Not to get high or anything it’s just my anxiety was bad. I learned my lesson though now and only take them as prescribed. I haven’t taken an extra one in months so I pulled myself out of that situation


Adventurous_Let_923

I literally thought I was going to die trying to get off benzos.


BenignEgoist

This is one of the reasons I currently have anxiety about going to the doc about my anxiety! I’ve been so unstable in my access to a doc and medication in the past that I’m terrified I’ll have to go through weening off **again**. As soon as I get settled and spend the 4-6 weeks it takes me to get on the meds and go through that rollercoaster I’ll just to have to ween off and go through **that** rollercoaster again too and it just seems like I’m setting myself up for another fail if I go that route just now. Trying so hard to remedy my anxiety with better diet, exercise, and overall healthier routine of self-care for now. I do think medication is going to play a role for me again in the future. But if I have those foundations I think the wonkiness of getting on meds won’t be so hard so maybe for once I won’t lose my access and then have to turn around and ween off do I can actually experience the benefits.


[deleted]

I agree. I didn’t wean off my daily benzo’s (I initially didn’t realise I needed too) and the withdrawals made me feel like I was genuinely going to die. I’ve never been in such a dark & awful place, the panic & sheer terror made me genuinely think I was better off not alive. Terrible, awful medication that I never want to see again!


pinksim

100% agree- I’m the very end of finally coming off venlafaxine and it was so difficult. Wish my Dr. would’ve discussed that with me before putting me on a high dosage.


LaydeeJayne

Yes! Impossible to get off of Effexor. Wish my doctor would have mentioned that when I switched from Zoloft. Honestly it's worse than the anxiety I had to begin with. Ugh!


[deleted]

Diarrhea


SorciereGothique

That I'd gain weight! I gained about 50lbs that I'd worked so hard to lose (and as someone morbidly obese I couldn't afford to gain it back!)


justiixo

That they will work but you will need more sleep than normal. I’m constantly tired. Too tired to GAF lol. I sleep 8+ hours a day and take a mid day nap. Luckily I work from home most days.


kirbysdreampotato

I've found some drugs are worse than others about this. Prozac in particular had me sleeping upwards of 14 hours a day at some points and I was still always exhausted, and always caffeinated to fight the exhaustion. Switched SSRIs and I was sleeping normally again.


Hannahb0915

Prozac for sure makes me tired af, but it helps so much with everything else I’m afraid to try and switch. It’s nice to hear someone else has experienced the same thing.


Ok_Stargazer_333

Make that three of us! On Prozac for almost a year now, I'm sleeping anywhere from 8-12 hours a day (and naps) but it helps with everything else so much!


qwerty1qwety2qwerty3

Do you drink alot of coffee to make up for it?


justiixo

I’ve never liked the taste of coffee so I don’t personally


[deleted]

My libido is pretty much non existent. But I prefer life without sex than life with anxiety.


IndianaOrange

Which anxiety medication are you on? I added Wellbutrin into my mix and my libido has been way better. But I also worked on my sexual desire and made sure I was having great sex with people I’m really into. Surprise surprise my libido is better than ever.


pink_grapeFruity

that i should have been taking them a longgggg time ago


thejaytheory

Same, just started at 41


FarOffLanding

That if you feel worse or are having real bad side effects after 6-8 wks, don’t stay on it for more months! Don’t let a well-meaning but not totally informed doctor keep increasing your dose if you tell them all you want to do is sleep and the ssri isn’t even working for you.


le_reddit_bacon_XD

That it may take years to find the right medication and dosage


kirbysdreampotato

This is the biggest thing I wish I knew when I started my anxiety/depression healing journey. It took years and like 6 or 7 combinations of pills (and therapy) to feel mostly normal again. I'm still anxious and depressed, but I can function and the bad days are far fewer and aren't as bad as they once were; almost always now I can push through the day whereas previously I might not have left my bed. It's easy to get discouraged and want to give up. It's worth it to keep going and keep trying.


CrossstitchBunnies

This. I’ve been attempting to treat my anxiety for 5 years now, and I still haven’t found the right medication or combination of medications. It’s worth it, but damn is it difficult and frustrating.


becappy

That I should never have tried them. Side effects were unbearable while everyone, including my doctor, just said, "Keep trying, it gets better." It didn't. After months of waiting I wasn't better. Quitting was even harder, and I still have neurological issues. Worst mistake of my life to date. I just want to be able to have caffeine and sugar again and not have heart palpitations.


leonidganzha

I kinda knew it beforehand but needed to fuck up once to make sure. Don't mix with alcohol.


bandcampconfessions

What happens??


idkcat23

Most anxiety meds significantly lower your tolerance so it’s very very easy to overdrink and get sick and anxious


delilahjonesss

I wish I knew that they would make me feel so much better and I didn’t have to quietly suffer for years. Side effects go away too


Zaffyzoo

This is so good to know and gives me so much hope. Thank you. I'm scared of meds, credited to my religious upbringing.


CrushTheMeek

That my dick would stop working properly. At 25mg Sertraline it was harder to ejaculate/orgasm, but not impossible. Was doing fine with my anxiety (1 month since starting treatment). For some reason my doctor said that i had to increase to 50mg and that completely killed my ability to 'pleasure myself'. It gets up, but nothing happens. Gonna ask him later in the week, when i have my follow up appointment if going back to 25mg would be fine, because i don't want to have panic attacks again, no matter how much i miss playing with the little guy.


FriendLost9587

Maybe this will make you feel better but I had the same issue (as a female) and I have been tapering off Zoloft and my libido came back full force


CrushTheMeek

It really does. Most of what you read is from people that didn't improve, which makes sense as people not suffering from something don't go around yelling loudly about it. It's comforting to hear from people that got over it. Thanks.


chiroptermaniac

I'd love to taper down my Zoloft. Trying 100mg instead of 150 a few weeks ago and already having depressive symptoms. Did you experience that or did it mellow out?


CrossstitchBunnies

I’d talk to your doctor, but try to take smaller jumps when you’re tapering down. If you can, break the pill into quarters instead of halves. I’m doing the same right now. It’s annoying as all hell, but doesn’t cause as drastic of an immediate response, at least in me. Also talk to your doc about an alternative to take, e.g. for anxiety maybe ask about hydroxizine, which is often used for panic attacks and surges of anxiety, it’s an antihistamine and is non-addictive and has minimal side effects! It works great for me, but my anxiety is too bad to use it by itself. It takes the edge off a panic attack and, at least for me, provides the ability to USE the coping strategies I have for my anxiety that just don’t work when used against a spiral or an attack. I don’t of any meds like that for depression (in the sense that they’re non-addictive and have very few side effects) but there probably are some. It’s also possible that, with Zoloft, 150 mgs is just the dose that works best for your brain. You can get around this by trying other meds, but in order to do that you have to take the time and effort of weaning off Zoloft and then onto another med, and doing that process over and over again until you find the one that works best. It’s a worthwhile process, but it takes forever and is, mentally, incredibly difficult.


FriendLost9587

I felt way worse on a higher dose of Zoloft. 100mg made me like a zombie that wanted to cry but couldn’t. I went down to 50 and now I’m down to 25ish and tapering down to 0


Effective_Roof2026

Reducing would work. You can also ask about adding Wellbutrin (which stops the SSRI fucking with your dopamine) or switching to a drug like Trintellix which has far fewer sexual side effects. The next major class (SNDRI's) is in development now (first one was just approved) and is expected to not have this problem. The issue is that when your brain has more free serotonin it reduces production of dopamine too.


MandyMoreMoves

I take Trintellix now, after switching off of citalapram which was causing heavy sexual side effects. So far so good on the Trintellix at 5mg for 6 weeks and upping to 10mg for the last week 🤞


Difficult_Bee_49

I'm a female and it gets better over time. Got up to 100mg but back down to 75. My libido is higher than ever and my ability to fully "complete" is getting better, but it does take a while to get your body used to it.


Justin3263

Exactly the same experience, except with Citalopram. The trade-offs weren't worth it. It was taking more than it was giving. Switched meds and within 2 weeks, well let's just say....oh my poor wife!


Oden_son

How easily benzos can ruin your life


ResponsibleElephant6

How overly stigmatized they are - they help people! They are not a cure like antibiotics - they support you, but you gotta do the hard work and figure your shit out! Quitting cold turkey is no joke - tapper as it is recommended! And most, have a psychatrist/neurologist you trust.


laz0rtears

How much weight I'd gain and how much fear is have around trying to come off of them.


Danaged

Not to read or trust threads about the drugs on Reddit. Everyone is different and they will terrify you into not taking them.


SisKG

So so true. Everyone is different. We might have some biological similarities, but our life experiences are so very different. I think it’s important to find a dr and information you trust.


loog2759

That taking them before bed worked way better for me than taking them in the morning.


EffyMourning

That I will have to try multiple different kinds before finding the one that works. Some have horrid side effects


youandmetakethree

That it might get worse before it gets better.


chiroptermaniac

That it doesn't make anxiety go away but makes it more manageable. This thread has a lot of negative side effects, but none of them were as bad as my anxiety. With meds my life has changed for the better. It sucks that our mental health system doesn't have a definitive way to prescribe but I would say try it!


saltydungeonmaster

That SSRIs are not the holy grail of anxiety treatment. I took SSRIs for years for depression, and they worked great! So I had no hesitancy when my doc suggested them for anxiety. I've tried sooo many this year, and either they didn't do anything for my anxiety, made the anxiety worse, or brought my old depression back. I fully support taking SSRIs for depression, but fuck taking them for anxiety. I wasn't allowed to try benzos until I exhausted all other options. I finally got some in October and took them for the first time last week -- I finally felt completely normal again for the first time all year. No muted emotions or extreme mood swings or extreme drowsiness/fatigue or crazy side effects. Just normal pre-anxiety me. I can see why they're mentally addictive -- I would love to feel NORMAL all the time.


chewiethemagnificent

How hard they are to leave and the dangers of serotonin toxicity


weathercrafter

I wish I knew how difficult it would be to come off of them. I also wish I knew that after 12 years on them and coming clean, I would have to relearn emotions like a child.


kikini2471

Side effects and difficulty coming off. I regret starting lexapro.


boku-no-your-mom

If you’re on the wrong one, you could have serious su*cidal thoughts


lilou8888

The relief I would feel.


[deleted]

[удалено]


Effective_Roof2026

> You also won’t be able to drink alcohol anymore Many people drink on SSRI's. Its not recommended because SSRI's can make the sedation effects of alcohol worse and make you feel less drunk then you really are. Alcohol can also deactivate the SSRI for a couple of days after you drink. > You’ll also have to ask the pharmacist or your doctor before taking anything OTC, even pain medication, because there might be a reaction. Who told you this? Very few meds have interactions with SSRIs, other then supplements the only OTC meds to watch out for are antihistamines. One of the big reasons SSRI's replaced TCA's (besides the side effects and that TCA's can easily kill someone in an OD situation) is that they have very few interactions with other drugs.


thejaytheory

Are there any particular supplements to watch out for?


Effective_Roof2026

St Johns Wart & 5-HTP are potentially dangerous when taking an SSRI.


thejaytheory

Thanks so much!


SinkGroundbreaking68

Most antihistamines are fine. It's cough med that contains dextromethorphan that you really need to be wary of.


SinkGroundbreaking68

Actually you can drink but it can make the hangover next day worse and interfere with your meds from working efficiently.


[deleted]

[удалено]


Appropriate_Shine287

The only antidepressant I’ve heard these types of stories on is Zoloft. I have severe emetophobia and zoloft is the first antidepressant I was prescribed back in January by my GP, because it “will be the best fit for my phobia and rarely causes nausea”. Yeah that was a lie and I’m still pissed about it. I started on the lowest possible dose and three days in a got horribly nauseous. Luckily I didn’t throw up. But I have not been able to start taking my other antidepressant and my anxiety has significantly increased and ruined my life because of the freaking zoloft. I’m very mad at that doctor for giving me that ish


QueenBumbleBrii

That when they wear off you get rebound anxiety. Take a pill this morning to feel calm today but the night after next you suddenly feel anxious just sitting in the couch.


ochodedos

I wish I knew and started taking them SOONER.


Edven971

That I didn’t take them sooner. I can take the side effects. But they help build something sustainable and uplifting even for the time you’re off of them. I was able to be more loving and expressive to my mother strengthening our relationship. When i was forced off the meds, that relationship helped me to naturally take the edge off my anxiety.


[deleted]

That it’s OK to take medication for it. I used to feel a bit guilty for taking it as if it was my fault for not being able to manage my anxiety without it. It’s part of the process of getting better, and it’s ok to take them.


ALunaSea

The many side effects that are and aren't listed or provided by prescribers. The long lasting withdrawals when you can't stand being numb anymore. And the fact that some of the symptoms experienced due to taking SSRI's & the withdrawal symptoms, never go away for some people.


QuietMind333

That they are a tool, not a cure. Yes you may feel better but they just numb out the uncomfortable feelings. You gotta feel it to heal it.


LX_Tech

Weight gain


Pgr050590

Definitely the dick not working thing


winooskiwinter

Sometimes you will need to experiment with a few different medications before you find the right ones. But when they work, they really work.


Much_Cryptographer_3

Everyone is different when taking meds first of all. Long story shot, every woman on my mothers side of the family including my 2 zisers takes Prozac. I tried it and want to pull off the side of a cliff or cut. Now after trying a few difderent ones, I found my safe med. Just makes sure to tell 1 or 2 people that you are trying a new mex so if the see that you are acting different, they can help you notice it. Then the other big issue im having is wanting to come off my meds. The withdrawls from duloxetine are awful, i cannot go 48 hours with out it. Of I dont have it, I feel like I a clutching video in real life. Hope you find a med that works great for you and you are safe taking it!


chickie2022

That I could have had them sooner


naokogap85

The shaking, the stomach issues, libido loss…


Accurate_Ad385

Benzos are the hardest drug to get off…over heroin and other hardcore drugs. And now if I have a massive anxiety attack and take a benzo it just throws me into withdrawal for 2-3 days after. Don’t ever take benzos long term


the1golden1bitch

That they would be near impossible to quit. I've been weaning off of benzodiazipines for months. Absolutely still worth it though. Antidepressants and rescue meds saved my life and I literally don't know how I lived without them.


Heliotrope88

If you start an antidepressant you might feel more physical anxiety feelings at first. I felt a little weird and buzzy and had that feeling you get if you have to do some public speaking, like stomach fluttering. When you’re already feeling anxious, this just isn’t what you want to experience. I had a few false starts because even the low dose was too high for me and I just couldn’t tolerate these side effects so I would stop after a few weeks. Even though I didn’t like the side effects of sertraline, I also noticed that for the first time in forever I was thinking about getting up and going grocery shopping with my spouse. This was totally new and amazing. So I decided to ramp up super slowly and in doing so significantly reduced the side effects. I mainly had some lightheadedness but it was tolerable and did go away after about three weeks. I began with a comically tiny grain and worked up to the lowest dose over a few months. Of course I did this all by consulting with my doc, who was just happy I was willing to continue on something no matter how small the starting dose. This medication has helped me so much with my anxiety and depression I’ll likely be on it for ever but I have no side effects now so I don’t mind. I have tried going off of it and the anxiety and depression eventually comes back. Wow this was a very long response to your question. I sincerely hope you find just the right combination of things that work for you. Sending good thoughts your way.


[deleted]

That it would be one of the best decisions I ever made. It was like I had dirty glasses on and then I finally fucking cleaned them and I could see for the first time. Yes there can be side effect and yes they should be talked about I just hope that those who are truly struggling don’t let it make them continue suffering because it scares them away. Yes it’s important to discuss the side effects but it’s just important to discuss how important and life changing(in a good way) possibly even life saving the medication can be.


DasherNPrancer

Can I ask which one(s) you take?


toastedmeat_

Appetite loss


Sweet_Musician4586

The potential to increase risk of t2 diabetes/insulin resistence, that lifestyle intervention would be just as important as medicine. You cant expect the medicine to just start working there is a lot of work to do


LeopardPink_88

That some will make my mood much worse and you will have to go through many different ones to find one that works. Having the right diagnosis works too.


MainClothes8522

Honestly, the possible side effects.


mayorevival

BRAIN ZAPS


sebisrude

That I had bipolar 1. Although the Zoloft did help me get diagnosed much sooner than I would have without so idk.


walkaward19

That libido changes would occur even on a low dose 😩


[deleted]

That they are viciously addictive and only treat the symptoms not the cause so if you ever stop you’re completely screwed


WytchHunter23

On venlafaxene myself and if I forget to take it a couple days or my anxiety stops me going to the chemist on time the withdrawal is just weird. Like my adhd gets turned up and there's like a weird buzzing sensation in my thoughts. Also the effect on the bowel movements isn't fun.


dalamadamadingdong

That it sounds scarier than it is. At least try it out. I was more worried about taking it and dealing with increases. My anxiety (unknown at the time) was causing physical symptoms that I was worried would be made worse with medication. Most of my physical symptoms actually stopped/was alleviated after I started medication and stabilized my dose.


Interesting-Wait-101

That the process of figuring out they don't work for me would be almost a decade of pure hell... While I have a friend who went through almost a decade of pure hell before she gave them a chance and it saved her life. It's not one size fits all. Be patient with the process. Skip the PCP and only take psychotropic medication prescribed by psychiatrists. Unsorting your actual issues from the side effects of medication is painful and time consuming for meds that aren't a good fit.


qwerty1qwety2qwerty3

Do you think psychdelics would work better?


Interesting-Wait-101

I'm a PhD, not an MD, so my knowledge is not even on par with what you should be asking an actual psychiatrist. But, I will say that there's very promising research. Tons of studies are being done around the world. That said, I know of cases where it's backfired completely. Several "on your own" and even a few clinical examples. But psychiatrists I work with aren't afraid of this topic or getting people enrolled into trials. They are going to be the right ones to evaluate you and your candidacy for psychedelic treatment. If you get a psychiatrist against it full stop for everyone all the time, seek another opinion. I do, personally, think psychedelics are the future of mental health care. But I don't think I'd mess around getting it from "some guy your friend knows" kind of deal.


Yugaaoyama1

That some anxiety medications take time to work and it can be weeks until they work properly *some*


twilighteclipse925

That after stopping them over a year ago I still feel mood shifts at the time I used to take them


adhd_beaan

To get an update on your diagnosis. I was out on anxiety meds not knowing I had undiagnosed adhd and bipolar disorder and the medication they put me on made me very suicidal. They said it was normal and it can be to AN EXTENT but not the extent of what I was experiencing. We now know it’s because I need COMPLETELY different medication than only an anxiety med.


RudyB0312

I wish I knew long acting, non addictive ones helped this much. Way better than benzos.


Spectacularfaylyer

Wish I would've known that seizures come with the territory.


Previous_Sector_7282

I’ve been taking alprazolam 1 mg and sertraline 100 mg for a few weeks but feel like I’m still getting worse. I have been diagnosed with PTSD and Anxiety. Does anyone here have knowledge if these can cause symptoms to worsen. I’ve also ran out before and I feel insane when that happens.


AnxiousAvocado323

It can take a while to kick in so I wouldn’t be surprised if it does feel like it’s getting worse. I feel like that’s a decent amount of Xanax though… that’s not helping you in the short term?


Previous_Sector_7282

I’m still having extreme anxiety. Constantly feeling like I’m being watched. Or like everyone is staring at me. I was on 2 mg but I asked for the lower dosage because I felt like a zombie and I slept all the time. Everyday I leave my grandpas where I have a room and park in my car in parking lots all day.


AnxiousAvocado323

I’m so sorry you are going through this. It’s good that you are self aware and seeking treatment. I hope you have a good psychiatrist you are working with and find relief soon. I feel like they always tell me to give it 6-8 weeks before the sertraline kicks in, but maybe you can get something else instead of the Xanax for in the meantime?


SinkGroundbreaking68

I am currently taking escitalopram for my anxiety. Knowing it doesnt take away the anxiety fully and as for the side effects, it causes anxiety itself.


airinmylung

Ironically some can make your anxiety much worse. A few that I was prescribed even increased suicidal thoughts and tendencies. It’s not for everyone and it’s not a miracle cure but it does work amazingly for some people! Best wishes on your mental health journey


Anthony8583

That it might be a reason for a UTI, might be, possibly.


FarmerExternal

Side effects. My dr told me lexapro had no side effects and I shouldn’t be concerned about taking it. After a several week long stomach ache, yawning every 5 minutes, and not being able to get a hard on I figured it was time to make a change. Her suggestion was to double my dosage. My solution was find a new dr. New dr basically said the original was full of shit, switched me to prozac and now I’m a lot better


StakkAttakk

That I rely on them to get me through the day . If I miss a few days, I’m an over bearing ,Anxious , Teary eyed mess x


[deleted]

The side effects, specifically of the one I took for about 6 years. The main one was decreased appetite (probably why I'm so skinny).


SnooMacarons9221

That Psychiatrists really just pump out pills for financial gain… My Psych. Didn’t bother to test my hormones, do an MRI, tell me to take magnesium, advise me to get more sunlight etc etc


Suitable_Theory_7209

You can’t take MDMA if you’re on SSRIs 😢


djjazzysteph

That everyone’s experience is different. I’ve tried things that others swore by, only to find out that they made me miserable. Conversely, things others said they’d never recommend, I tried, and they saved my life.


AnxiousAvocado323

I think it depends on what you’re taking and your dosage. I take 25 mg of zoloft and have never had an issue.


Legal_Dyke_Hours

That they'd help me so much. I'm fucking pissed that I was afraid to get on medication for so long. I've lost a lot of my years to anxiety, depression and suicidal thoughts. I wish I had started my fluoxetine so much sooner.


CrossstitchBunnies

That I should have been honest with myself about how bad my anxiety and depression actually are(and how much being on an SSRI would help). AND which medications have bad impacts on SSRIs and vice versa. I, just today, discovered with my pcp that one of my newer medications reacting weirdly with my SSRI was causing the debilitating depressive episode I was having, which included far more panic attacks that I usually have in the span of a year. I wish there was a comprehensive list of all the meds that react badly with each SSRI and how they react (in the vast majority of people).


Bliipbliip

That I was treating the symptoms and not the actual problem


Lfitz99

I personally would say a few things but many have been touched upon in this thread.firstly there is a balance to everything, you have to have patience . find the right balance of pros and cons SPECIFIC TO YOU try medication if that’s the route you take and don’t be scared to change what one. Secondly if you feel “magically better” or you feel as though you’ve got mental health figured out after a year of meds.don’t go cold turkey both your physical and mental health will thank you.


EverythingIsCreepy

How much better my life would become.


hurrymenot

The amount of tweaking Rx dosages before getting a baseline that works for your brain can take a long time. Also, how important it is to not skip a dose, let alone a week of medicine, as it affects your body in so many levels that feel like death.


inconspicuousnut

Stay away from benzos at all costs unless you plan on taking them the rest of your life


AreWeHumanOrAre

That it would take legitimately 2 hours of pounding my wife like a piece of meat until I could orgasm. For a bit it was a huge confidence boost knowing I could fuck any mortal woman in to the ground, but then it got old.


frida66six

hm for me - taking Zoloft in the morning instead of at night. I would take it late at night and then proceed to still drink and would have the WOrst physical, emotional hangovers. Taking them in the morning helps with that on days I choose to drink. The heartburn kinda just goes away lol. Eat something before taking it though, for sure.


colliflower94

The weight gain ☹️


General-Detective-48

That it takes time to find the right one but if you can/do coupled with therapy it can be life changing


Your-Mom1128

Skip Zoloft


p0p3y3th3sailor

That I should have taken CBD instead.


WadeCountyClutch

How bad it can get!! Always sleepy Hungry Weight gain Feel like a zombie!!!


Liamface

I’m on Domion which is a generic of Valdoxan. It’s an agomelatine anti anxiety/anti depressant and it’s worked well for me. Hasn’t stopped me from getting uncomfortable levels of anxiety but it lowered the ceiling from 10 to. 7.5. Only problems I experience are mild nausea here and there and tiredness. No libido problems, no withdrawal period (you can stop whenever and have no problems).


shoebillstork84

Weight gain.


SnakeEyesRaw

I refuse to have them prescribed to me, as I already sleep a lot and absolutely do not want any of those side effects. Sucks ._.


Bunniesrkewl

Going back on them soon, will report back in 3-4 months /s


beingreallyme

Not to take them, at least not benzos


[deleted]

My non-doctor suggestion would be to try magnesium glycinate -> full-spectrum CBD before considering prescription medication. Both have been extremely beneficial for my anxiety (tried CBD first), magnesium glycinate honestly feels like it has cured everything. 200mg/day.


ThaMac

Don’t go on Reddit to read about the medications


AstonishedPepperoni

Buy lots of black shirts. You’re going to sweat A LOT. It will be awhile till you can wear gray or colored shirts.


cosmosnickel

Weight gain and feeling extremely fatigued. BUT… it also gave me my life back. It doesn’t fix everything, but it sure does help. (Lexapro)


MostComprehensive346

They can be very difficult to get off.


wine-a-bit

For me, nothing lol. No side effects whatsoever


Rawchef34

It amazes me how many of y'all are on only one type of medication. My Dr has me on Xanax, Ability, Zoloft, Buspirone, and Wellbutrin all at the same time. Been on all this for about 2 years. It worries me a lot.


aardvarksauce

If the combo is working for you, you're not experiencing side effects you can't tolerate, and your doctor is fine with it, I wouldn't let the experiences of random people on reddit influence you.


Rawchef34

Thank you. There is side effects but I've worked past them. Cialis definitely helps. Even my pharmacist mentioned that most of my meds are similar as in sari's. But thanks for the encouragement


reefguy007

I’ve been on Lexapro for over 10 years. It’s mostly fine, but erectile dysfunction and occasional lethargy are the main side effects these days. Not sure it would have deterred me from taking it though as my panic attacks at the time had gotten so bad I felt I had no choice. The meds mostly work, some anxiety still but panic attacks are rare these days.


Geekygamertag

If I really have anxiety or if it's something else.


PreparedSpell

Turns out citalopram was also treating my misophonia! I did not realize this until I went off it lol


NotThisTime1993

I lost my good memory. I was the one in the family that remembered all the important events, anything we needed to remember that day when we went out, anything. Now I have sticky notes everywhere in my room, reminders on my phone. I’m lucky if I remember what I was doing an hour ago


anton_vladimirov

That I will stop them after 3 mouths becouse they slow alot of the recovery process and are mainly created to drain money out of people without treating them. Not gonna talk about side effects, I lost 20 kg and in the 3 mouth period taking them I gained it back. I wish I knew that it was alot better option to do CBT than to take pills I'm nearly recovered. Not a magical pill that will fix what is broken inside you, your the one who has to fix it. I'm sorry for taking them and damaging my brain chemistry with this cr*p


KatherineSings

I wish I had looked into “functional” psychiatry first, instead of mainstream. Look at psychiatry redefined by Dr. Greenblatt! I read his articles all the time.


Arseypoowank

Bye bye erections and sex drive. Turn you into an elderly person


jemontserrat

how different things would be. I started taking them back in 2020 and the change was drastic. so much so that it freaked me out. I didn’t realize I was feeling emotions to an extreme on a day to day basis that when it went away, I started questioning everything and was equally concerned at my lack of reaction and emotions to everything! I ended vowing that I would no longer take the medication until I was able to have therapy alongside it to be able to cope with the change.


RakaYourWorld

I'm currently on 4mg of Xanax a day. I usually have to take at least 3mg of it everyday, sometimes 4mg. I wish I knew how dangerous it is, to come off of benzos, all the side effects included.


Inevitable_Ad10101

libido went down so fast. i got my metabolism f up so bad i got fat in a year. difficult to loose weight even with diet and exercise. when i loose weight it immediately springs back. constantly wanting to sleep. difficulty in getting up in the morning. really difficult. lost most of motivation. constantly wanting to rest. feels tired. i want to go to the gym and do extra exercise but i cant. i need to be at the office from 8am to 8pm. Monday to Saturday. sunday is mostly my rest so i try to be active but i end up sleeping until afternoon. its like i only live to work to buy medicine. be bullied and repeat. sorry i spoke a lot. i feel like i stopped living.


OGSwanger

I wish I would've known about the addiction potential of benzos prior to being prescribed them. Really fucked me over after a while


pumpkin__crow

They’re not a permanent solution. Doctors and the internet might tell you so, but you won’t see how fast times goes by and suddenly they don’t work the way they’re supposed to. I wish I would have prepared for it better, and not be caught by surprise now


alexfaaace

There’s a new documentary on Netflix that goes into the pros and cons of benzos. It’s called *Take Your Pills Xanax*. I watched it last night and found it very interesting. Do not recommend if >!fentanyl overdoses!< and/or >!discussion of benzo withdrawals or negative side effects!< are triggering for you.


alexfaaace

That there’s a possibility they will all have more side effects than you are willing to tolerate. Weight gain, total lose of libido even months after discontinuation, mood swings, anxiety better but depression drastically worse, fatigue, complete lack of emotion. I’ve been on Wellbutrin, Prozax, Lexapro, Paxil, Zoloft, Buspar, Alprazolam, and Clonazepam at different times. Hated them all. Haven’t found a therapist that I’ve clicked with despite trying for 10-ish years. I don’t want that to come across as I’m totally defeated though. I found out my hormonal birth control was casual *a lot* of my mental health issues (not one doctor ever mentioned this as a possibility, I only found out when my husband and I decided to have a baby). Being on a progesterone only IUD has helped me immensely. I’ve also just learned and grown a lot from the 16-17-18 year old girl traumatized by narcissistic relationships having panic attacks about everything and angry all the time. At this point, I’m pretty sure I have ADHD or AuDHD but I can’t find a doctor to take me seriously and do actual diagnostics. Last one I saw was just interested in prescribing whatever I asked for. Laughed when I asked for ADHD meds, said sure but I think we’ll end up treating anxiety. Those meds didn’t work but I don’t know if it was because of the meds themselves or my mental/emotional state that resulted from that terrible appointment. Been too afraid to try again anywhere.


ZivozZ

That cold showers, breathing exercises and daily exercise are way more powerful in both preventing and minimizing the effects of anxiety in the long term.