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Posted: 12 November 2006 at 9:19pm | IP Logged

Yup, me again. Has anyone who's taken anti-depresants before experienced withdrawal symptoms, or noticed that they've felt lower coming off them?

For the past few days I've not felt brilliant. I've not been feeling very well physically so am not sure if its that, or if it was because I've had an unsettled week or if its down to the tablet reduction. On Sunday last week, I stepped down to 2 on 1 off and it felt OK but then by Thursday, I was feeling quite low. Friday was worse, but then over the weekend I've perked up a bit. I'm not even sure if I'd notice a change that quick if it was the tablets. I've taken tablets on saturday and sunday and will see how I am tomorrow as to whether I carry on 2 on 1 off or go back up to 3 on 1 off.

Its a funny feeling really. I've been absolutely fine coming off the tablets and when I've taken them in the past I've never had a problem coming off them. This week has been odd, I worked different days, I made the decision to up my days at work to 3 and I booked Ella into nursery which to be honest, has made me feel a little wierd! So it could well just be that.

Posted: 12 November 2006 at 10:29pm | IP Logged

i wanted to send you hugs

youve had an odd week what with one thing and another-im sure thats partly to blame!

a mix of the two possibly hasnt helped

me x

Posted: 12 November 2006 at 10:39pm | IP Logged

John is on anti depressants and if he misses one tablet he has bad withdrawel symptoms.  He gets dizzy and feels really sick.  I never noticed it when i was on them but i wasnt on them long enough for them to really take effect. 

I hope your back to your old self soon hun sending huge huggies and kisses xxx

Posted: 12 November 2006 at 10:48pm | IP Logged

Hiya,

What type are you taking? I know shen I was on Seroxat (sp?) the withdrawal symptoms were so bad that I almost went back on them just to stop it.. even though they are apparently non-addictive... Fortunately, I managed to persevere and after a few weeks the symptoms went away.. I did still get the odd 'down' day but at that point I felt strong enough to cope...  Now, five years on, I'm back on Anti-D's, a different one this time and whne I reduced them from 2per day to one I hardly had any symptoms at all.. I had tried to cut them out completely but I started to get really down again and decided that it just wasn't the right time so I've carried on with just the one...

Good luck coming off them though and if it is the meds, the symptoms should start to subside soon.. if not, speak to your GP again as it maybe just isn't time yet... It's such a stressful time of year anyway and with the other things you've got on you might just need to slow down a little...

Take care,   and huge cyber hugs..

Posted: 13 November 2006 at 10:15am | IP Logged

Hi all. Jenny, its Fluoxitine I'm taking. I've taken it before, but not for as long. I've been on this lot for 18 months.

I've not taken one today (so still on 2 on 1 off) and will see how I feel tomorrow and wednesday. If I still don't feel settled on it, I'll go back to 3 on 1 off and go back to see the doctor.

I'm off to meet Greedy in a mo which is good as it will get me out of the house. I'm having this wrestling match in my head about it as Ella isn't 100% and it would be the easiest thing in the world to ring her up and cancel but, I really want to go - I'm just struggling to get myself out! ITS MAD!!

This is the part that I hate. Why the hell do I have to battle myself to get out of the door to go somewhere I want to go. I'm not just saying it cos she'll probably read this (Hi Greeds!) but because this is a typical reaction for me. I plan to go somewhere, then the day comes and  - I turn to stone on the doorstep. What am I scared of? What do I think is going to happen? I don't know, I just struggle to do it. I've met her before, I'm really looking forward to it, its not the drive, its a nice day - so what is it?!

I am going to go. DH is on his way to his Granny's funeral today in Chichester and I've asked him to ring me at 10.30 to make sure I leave the house. Its madness, i've even set an alarm clock in the past and its not uncommon for me to literally jump out of the door! You see saying it out loud makes it sound even more stupid.

I do wonder if this part of me will hang around for ever. I bottled out of a works night out the other day - to go out for an indian - MY FAVOURITE FOOD! What the hell is wrong with me.

Oh well, have to go and finish getting ready. Thanks all.

Posted: 13 November 2006 at 11:35am | IP Logged

Dizie I have no knowledge of anti-depressants so it would be wrong of me to advise on this.  As you say maybe see how you are in the next couple of days and then decide how best to tackle it

With the other thing - I think its all part of the illness and the road to recovery is a one day at a time thing.

As you say it would be easier to cancel but just think about how you would feel in a couple of days, you would be so annoyed that you did.

I read a something recently about a woman tackling pnd/depression and one of her quotes was "“To stay motivated towards keeping on recovery…in the recovery process, I have to program my life. I work. I make appointments. I make plans with people"

It was her way of fighting to get better and by doing all these things she was slowly getting her life back on track and rebelling against what the illness was telling her to do.

Its a long process but you are doing fantastic and I have faith that you can beat it.

Sending huge hugs

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Posted: 13 November 2006 at 3:14pm | IP Logged

Dizie what you have described there is what I go through everytime I am invited out. I look forward to it but the day comes and I phone and make an excuse, eddie's ill, my hips ache, whatever but the truth it I could do it but I dont. I get panicy just making a phone call which is daft! DP has no patience with me, but then I have never really explained how I feel.

I take Sertraline because it helps with anxiety problems too. I have had panic attacks in the past and have come close recently to having them again.

If I miss just one tablet I think I'm ok, then I'll realise I havent left the house all day, shout at dp for no reason when he comes home, and cry over silly things. Its bound to happen. If I've been ill, had a bad few days, edwards ill, i havent slept, have family problems, etc, I am worse.

See how you feel over the next few days but if you need to, go back to 3on1off for a little longer, it isnt a backwards step, just a little side step! You have to think about what is the best option for you and ella and if the tablets still help then stick with them for a little longer.

Hugs honey!

Posted: 13 November 2006 at 7:40pm | IP Logged

hi dizi, i was on floxatine once for about a year, i decided i was feeling better and came off them too quick i actually went worse than i was to start with and had to start all over again you shouldnt really get any withdrawal symptoms i would speak to your doc if i was you x

love elsie xx