Hi Sue,

Are you out there? Let me know how you are doing?

I've tried looking for you all over this site, hope this works.

Love,
Eva   (Sun Jan 28 21:21 2007)

I just started taking trazodone 100 mg and the doc up my fluoxetine i have been waking up to read bad headaches i think it is the trazodone does anyone had headaches on trazodone? i am also very thirsty is that the norm?   (Wed Dec 20 18:39 2006)

I have just started Prozac 8 days ago & am having several side effects. Did you stay on it & are you doing better?   (Wed Dec 20 8:43 2006)

I am 27 and have never felt depression before in my life and never really want to rely on medication for help. However it has been a rough time and I have began taking Lexapro and it seems to be working but I am still having difficulty with mental concentration and focus at work. Does anyone know if Lexapro will help me in that regard?    (Wed Dec 6 13:00 2006)

I need help in deciding whether to stay on prozac or give up. I was on prozac for two years and did really well after much depression for years before. Went off of it last April thinking it had been enough time and doing well. Felt the need to start up again the week before Thanksgiving. It's been two weeks now. I feel horrible. Can't work. Am shaky, queasy, feeling awful..Have lost 12 lbs., from no appetite. Advice from Dr. seems to be to take every other day last 5 days of 20 mg. capsule., which I have done. Still feel bad. Now I need to know if I should continue to take or discontinue. When it makes you this bad should you continue?   (Mon Dec 4 14:10 2006)

I have been on prozac for about ten years now For depression and OCD. It has been very helpful for me until the last two years. I began to have symptoms of anxiety two years ago which I have never had before. well this continued for some time until I discovered that when I would miss doeses of prozac my anxiety would get better. Realizing that the prozac was causing the anxiety I decided to go off of prozac. Well that decision in itself brought a whole bunch of problems because prozac can be very addicting. I was having terrible withdrals. Extreme Dizziness, Mood swings, Headaches and other problems. Although the anxiety was gone these problems seemed worse. So I went back on the prozac. The anxiety slowly got worse until I had a full blown panic attack which lasted for hours. I couldn't breath or move. Well come to find out, my doctor told me that Prozac can cause people to develop panic dissorder and the damage is permanent. Well this was not something I had ever been told. I should have been warned! Well I have been off of the prozac for quite some time now. The anxiety has lessened, but now it never seems to go away. I have been ruined! Has anyone else experienced this?    (Tue Nov 28 2:09 2006)

Any Cipralex users,
I am Male 24 yrs old. I am suffering from OCD(Panic Attacks) and I am on Cipralex for the last 8 months, my anxiety is under control but I am gaing weight, any cipralex users can guide me why is this happening. You can send me a personal email at h82pk@yahoo.co.uk.If possible please email me personally.
Loves
Haroon   (Mon Sep 11 15:06 2006)

Im new at anti depressives,i have gad, generalized anxiety, and depression ,from social stressers such as death of family members suddenly,loss of contact with children wife ran off on drugs stole kids no contact 2 years etc.im in recovery a.a. 10 years sober and am worried about this prozac reaction i usually work through problems well but im isolating and not sleeping and angry and more if thers any good news on prozac would like to here !1thanks steven   (Wed Jun 21 14:20 2006)

Hi, I don't know if anyone has any advice, but here goes. I take 15mg of Remeron at night for anxiety/panic and to help me sleep. It's been effective for about the last 4 years, but that seems to be changing. I have been feeling depressed for the last 3 months, returning panic attacks and basically living in a brain fog.  I tried paxil and zoloft before the Remeron and had a horrible reaction to them due the SSRI component. Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.   (Tue Jun 20 17:06 2006)

Hi, Eva

Great to hear from you.....I'm doing ok - still taking lrg amount of meds for anxiety but will be weaning down over the next couple of mths.  I'm starting my 3rd week on cipralex and feel it might be starting to work.  whew !!!

I'm so glad to hear your anxiety is gone; isnt that a relief?  Hopefully things go well with your allergies - good luck and keep me posted.

Love
Sue
XX   (Sat May 27 13:49 2006)

Hi Sue,

I'm glad that the anxiety with the help of the meds is going better for you.  You'll be ok, try not to worry about when you change your medication........you've made it this far and can do it again!

I'm still sick with the allergies but the anxiety is gone (except everyday life stuff).  I'm getting my 8th shot on Monday so hopefully this will be the one....wish me luck!

Keep in touch and let me know how everything is going.......the weather here right now is grey and raining but we've had some really hot weather in the last 2 - 3 weeks.  Talk soon.

Love Eva.  :-)   (Fri May 26 22:55 2006)

I had these kind of side effects with prozac which didn't subside - that's why I changed medication. I know it can take a few weeks for side effects to settle but if it's so bad you really should go back to your doctor for advice. Keep on hoping - you will get there! Pam X   (Mon May 15 13:13 2006)

thanks for writing back.  I don't know how long to give the Prozac my stomach is really hurting?  Will this subside?  Is it the prozac?  I don't know what to do I need something to work.  I've been on it a little over 2 weeks.  The first week at 10mg then up to 20mg.  The first week didn't seem so bad but this week it's awful.   (Fri May 12 11:12 2006)

HI, Eva

Glad to hear from you....my anxiety is under control which is a relief (with the help of meds) and I'll be switching anti depressants from Remeron to Cipralex due to side effects.

I'm afraid to make the switch as the doc wants me off the remeron and on nothing for 2 wks b4 I start the cipralex.

Hope all is well with you.....let me know

Love
Sue
XXX   (Tue May 9 11:20 2006)

Hi - great to hear from you. I don't mind at all you asking about my medication.
I am taking trazodone 150 mgs at night and find this works well for me after a nasty experience on prozac. I found prozac made me more anxious and I had dreadful sickness which caused me to lose a hell of a lot of weight. However, I know a lot of people who find prozac the wonder drug so it's just a trial and error thing until you find the right one. I know prozac takes a while to work - just stick in there and take advice from your GP. Hope you start to feel better soon - let me know how things are going. You will get there - everybody does - I didn't think I ever would but I feel so much better and you will too. Pam.   (Tue May 9 10:54 2006)

You wrote back to me recently and mentioned you are on your way to recovery.  Good for you?  Do you mind if I ask what med did end up working for you?  I've been on Prozac for 2 weeks but nothing so far.
Still hoping   (Mon May 8 16:44 2006)

Hi Sue,
Just wondering how you're doing!!  I'm doing well with the anxiety but I'm in a bad way with the allergies.  I hope you're doing well and everything is alright.  Love Eva :-)   (Mon May 8 13:58 2006)

I too tried prozac, it helps many people, but wasn't for me either.  When I was on prozac, it wasn't that my apetite went away, I found it really easy to lose weight, not that I needed to, before I stopped it I weighed 119lbs and have since put on about 6lb since stopping it.  Although I have been on mirtazapine and it makes your apetite crazy and ended up putting on a few lbs with that.

hope things get better.   (Sat Apr 22 10:32 2006)

There is always hope - I also had a fairly major episode and never thought I'd feel the same again. I am pleased to say I am on the way to a full recovery - you will too just be kind to yourself and time is a great healer. Don't rush - just take small steps and you will make it.
Prozac suits many but unfortunately not me at the time - didn't do my weight any favours as I felt very sick with it. That's not to say it won't suit you though as it has others but I do know what you mean about how nice it is to have an appetite back ( pounds later!!!). I tried a few different medications and was told this is normal until you find the one that suits - just take the advice given and stay strong.
Take Good Care and keep in touch. PamX   (Sat Apr 22 9:53 2006)

Hi,

I've been expericing a majore depressive episode and anxiety for about 3 months now.  I'm in therapy and I'm on lexapro (20mg) and klonpin (I take about .375mg a day).  I seen little to no benefit with the lexapro.  My doc wants to switch to Prozac for obsessive thinking.  I worried because I've lost a lot of wieght and just recently started eating better since the klonopin.  Is the Prozac going to ruin the appetite that I'm just starting to get back?  Help, I feel like my life it ruined.
Thanks.   (Thu Apr 20 13:37 2006)

Hi Pam, how are you doing?  I'm ok but couldn't get an appointment with my doctor until next Monday.  I don't really know how I'm doing to be honest.  I some days are ok, some  days are pretty bad, it varies a lot!   (Wed Apr 19 13:08 2006)

No news from anyone - Eva, Sue, Leanne, Claire, Laura and all - hope you are all keeping well. Would be great to hear from you all to see how you are doing.   (Wed Apr 19 6:54 2006)

Sorry to hear you are having a bad time again - what a shame after you were feeling so good. I hope you will feel better after seeing your GP and perhaps starting on something else. It's just so unpredictable this whole thing isn't it?
I had to re-start my trazodone after attempting to come off (don't know why I did this really!)I too felt dreadful - it's just not worth it cos we'll get there in the end, all of us!!
Take Good Care - Pam X   (Sun Apr 16 4:41 2006)

hey, how is everyone doing?  Better than me I hope!  I'm over a month off everything, first 2 weeks were great but now everythings back and I'm back to square one.  Going to go back to the docs next week sometime and probably go on effexor.  I hope this one works :/   (Sat Apr 15 15:01 2006)

Cymbalta and Effexor are almost alike. Check out the Cymbalta med..   (Sat Apr 8 12:48 2006)

Have decided to quit trazodone cold turkey as feeling bloody awful on it (only been taking it for about two months)- anyone have any experiences of this? Not sure if I should be doing this or not!!   (Fri Apr 7 7:48 2006)

I have been given Effexor to take for my anxiety and panic attacks, but am petrified about taking it because I am afraid of the side effects and withdrawl symptoms.  

Can someone please let me know if you are taking Effexor and if you have any symptoms with it?

I just want to stop worrying about it.   (Thu Mar 30 20:47 2006)

Thanks Claire for your advice - sometimes I just think i've got to be strong and see this through myself - not too sure at the moment!!
Hope you are still feeling okay without the meds - let me know. Pam X   (Tue Mar 28 4:56 2006)

Hi Pam, I'm not too sure about therapy, my doctor recommended seeing a psych, but like you I didn't know why I was depressed or anxious so I didn't see the point.  He said it could help with coping skills and such, not necessarily getting to the route of the problem, if there was one.

I guess it dependes on the person and how much you're willing to tell the therapist.  I say give it a try and if it's not for you, you haven't lost anything, but you could if you don't give it a try.

Hope you're feeling better, good luck. x   (Sun Mar 26 16:55 2006)

Dear all
My GP has suggested an assessment and therapy for the anxiety - I feel I don't really know the root of why I have had this. Does anyone feel the same and has advice on therapy?   (Fri Mar 24 6:34 2006)

Sorry to hear you have had such a rough time. It does sometimes take several changes of medication to get it right and although you have had such horrible side effects so far take advice from your GP. It's worth trying effexor or whatever is recommended - you cannot go on feeling so low when there is every chance you will feel better with the right medication. Let us know how you get on - we all get better eventually, sometimes it just seems we will never get there but we do!! Take good care - PamX   (Thu Mar 23 12:09 2006)

Hello, I was on Lexapro for 3 months and I gained 25lbs so I got off of it as I got even more depressed because I had recenlyt had a baby and was only 10lbs away from what i was before conceiving... After 2 weeks of getting off of the Lexapro I was depressed ad I had ever been... so my doctor recommended Cymbalta 30mg the first week and 60mg the second week and from then on out... The first week was ok but the second week i was in hell...  I did not sleep for 4 days, I was drinking over 100 oz of water and day and was still severely dehydrated and I started gettign blisters all over my lips..  Needless to say I went to the doctor anf she took me off of it.. I am scared to try anything else but again it has been 2 weeks since I have been on it and am feeling helpless and depressed. The Doctor said if I wanted to get on anything she recommended Effexor or generic Prozac..  I sm so scared to try anything else but I know I need help...  any recommendations??

Thank You    (Wed Mar 22 15:34 2006)

Hi, thanks for asking about me, I do still check the site now and then. I'm doing alright much much much better than I was on the remeron and prozac.  I'm on nothing at all still, it doesn't make sense but I'm not complaining, my doctor didn't understand it either!  I guess AD's work wonders in some people and give others an awful time.  

I'm still not completely "cured", I get the odd anxious time, but nothing compared to before and I havne't cried since I came off the remeron, which is a big step forward!

Glad to hear you're much better than before, keep going!

To everyone:  I have been reading a book by Paul Gilbert called Overcoming Depression.  I was never really into all the self-help stuff but this book is pretty good and he bases his ideas on the cognitive behavioural therapy techniques.  I would recommend you take a look if you are interested.   (Wed Mar 22 6:24 2006)

Hi Claire
Hope you are still making big steps forward.
Let me know you are okay. I am okay - all the horrible nausea has gone but still a little anxious during the day. Can't complain though - much much better than I was.
Take good care - Pam X

   (Wed Mar 22 2:51 2006)

Hi, Pinkee

I've been on remeron for 6 weeks now and just the last few days the depression seems to be coming back big time....I dont see the doc until end of mth so will have to see if we can increase it again cause I need something to make these feelings go away.

Sorry to sound desperate but I truly feel that way right now.

Hope the lexapro works well for you..let me know.

Love
Sue
   (Mon Mar 20 10:01 2006)

Hi Sue, How long have you been on Remeron? You're right, the brain fog could possibly be from the anxiety.  I think I've decided to cut the 7.5mg of Remeron in half and try taking that for a couple of weeks before bed along with klonopin. I'm going to give Lexapro a shot. Have been on it for about a week and a half.  I wonder how long it will take before I feel any effect.  I'll keep you posted, thanks for replying, pray for me please, I wish you a great week, pinkeetoz   (Sun Mar 19 19:42 2006)

Hi, Pinkee

I'm on 30 mg Remeron as the other anti-depressants caused my anxiety to increase.  The remeron has worked best so far but the depression is still there.  As far as the brain fog I do have it but not all the time and thought it was the anxiety.....sometimes your body has to adjust before the meds start to work.  Let me know if the brain fog is still there if you go off remeron - I tried lexapro but it wasnt effective for me.

Sue   (Sun Mar 19 16:57 2006)

  I suffer with anxiety and depression. Was hospitalized 4 weeks ago with severe anxiety/depression and put on 15mg of Remeron. Remeron caused so much brain fog, I couldn't stand it so I am trying to wean from it. I cut the 15mg in half, so down to 7.5mg.   Two weeks ago the doc added Lexapro.  I also take .5mg of klonopin in a.m. and at bedtime.  Well I tried to go off Remeron completely 4 days ago and I am a mess, guess I will go back to 7.5mg tonight. Can't believe Remeron could have such control over me. Scarey.     (Sun Mar 19 8:27 2006)

Hi, Eva

Thanks for writing - I'm doing ok; not wonderful as I still have lots of aniety but I think a little better every week.

How are you?  Hope your food alergies will clear up or at least become bearable soon.

Let me know how you're doing....talk soon

Love
Sue
XXX   (Mon Mar 13 11:02 2006)

Glad you don't feel as bad as you did, good luck on the trazodone!

I don't understand it, but I'm feeling much better :)  That's on nothing at all.  Don't know if it's due to everything getting out of my system or just the remeron being in my blood at a lower dose.  not sure how long it takes to get of of your system completely.  But I'm so glad to be feeling better than i did.  Last week was really scary and I never ever want to go back to that.  Hopefully things will stay the same. x   (Sun Mar 12 7:58 2006)

How are you today Claire - any improvement?
I don't feel as bad as I did but the doc has put me back on trazodone and has asked me just to give it a little longer. Still quite anxious during the day though. Will persevere and see. Hope you are feeling better than you did - let me know. PamX   (Sun Mar 12 5:30 2006)

Eva - you are so encouraging considering what you've been thru yourself - thankyou so much for your kind words. But it does seem that i'm getting there and then it all falls apart again! Par for the course I guess. Anyway keep well and thanks again XX
Dear all - hope you are all okay today aswell. PamXX   (Sat Mar 11 7:39 2006)

Hi Sue,
Just keeping in touch to see how you're doing. Hope everything is good!  I'm doing alright......just the food allergies I'm still working on.  Let me know how you're doing ok?

PS.  Pam, everything will work out fine, just keep on keepin' on..........boy that was corny huh?  you'll be fine............we'll all be ok.

Love Eva  :-)   (Fri Mar 10 1:44 2006)

Yup I'm in the UK, bit further up north in Scotland.  Good luck with everything and I hope you start to improve a bit.

I'm actually feeling alright just now, apart from feeling a bit ill, think I'm getting the flu or something.   (Thu Mar 9 12:09 2006)

Sounds like we've been thru pretty much the same stuff eh?
Like you if I don't feel OK with nothing the doc is gonna try effexor. Not too keen though on trying something else that's gonna make me feel much worse.
Well let's keep in touch and hope that we'll both start to ipmrove soon. Are you in the UK? - I live just outside London.   (Thu Mar 9 9:46 2006)

I'm off everything because after over 2 weeks on the remeron, everything was getting much worse, worse than when i was on nothing at all.  My anxiety was really bad and I feel slightly better not on anything at all, even though it's only been a few days.  I think I had another panic attack, it was just the same cycle happening over again like with the prozac and I don't want it happening again. That't why I chose to go off everything altogther.  To be honest I don't think things could any worse than they were a few days ago, so hopefully I'll be slightly better on nothing.  But my doc is going to put me on effexor if I don't get any better.

Basically I knew everything was getting worse because i have self-harmed in the past and I found myself doing it twice in one week for the first time ever.  I only did it ocassionally in the past, once every few months probably.  I didn't know why I was doing it, it just felt reliveing, I have talked with another person who had tried about 9 different AD's and they did the same thing to her.  But she was misdiagnosed with depression.  I had a blood test as well at the docs just to make sure everything was ok.   (Thu Mar 9 8:55 2006)

Why are you off everything at the moment Claire?   (Thu Mar 9 8:07 2006)

I know how you feel.  Last night I was at my worse EVER, if I had no family etc that care about me, I'm sure I would have done something about it.  But I'm glad to be getting off the pills and I am going to try my hardest without anything to see how things go.

I know sometimes it may seem like there's no hope but please be stong.  Do anything you possibly can to help you feel better, eat well, try to get a good nights sleep, have a bath etc. Anything at all.  Just take a moment to lie down and relax a bit, think about why you're so down, try to feel like it's not so bad afterall.

I did this last night after everything got so bad, I couldn't take anymore, I had a hot shower to calm me down a bit, because I think think I was having a mild panic attack.  But I tried to chill a bit, did a lot of thinking.  I don't know if it'll help you at all, but at least I try, lol.

Hope you are okay. x   (Thu Mar 9 6:40 2006)

Feel really awful - like there's just no hope at all. Have quit everything cold turkey as it is all making me physically ill. Has anyone ever done the same - how long does it take to get it all out of your system?   (Thu Mar 9 3:15 2006)

Sorry to hear you're not too well Pam, I hope you things sorted.  You sound like me though, I went to the doc and I'm going off the remeron onto nothing, because I'm a bit put off of AD's at the moment.  I might go onto Effexor if thinkgs don't improve at all.  

Thanks for the info Sue!  I think that's why the doc put me on remeron, cos it's not meant to increase anxiety.  Doesn't make sense at all.  But I'm glad I'm going off it, because I know I am worse than usual.  Not good at all!

Hope things are still improving for you.   (Wed Mar 8 13:31 2006)