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Posted 11/20/2007 7:10 PM (GMT 0)
Hey guys...

my doc is going to start me on an ssri for my severe anxiety/depression/ocd...I'm so afraid of what everyone says about the ssri's causing suicide and violence...especially since my ocd involves thoughts of harming myself or others (would never ever do soemthing like that!).  I'm so scared..please help

Posted 11/21/2007 11:28 AM (GMT 0)
Hi there Sophie,

There is a small risk of suicide and self-harming with SSRI's but the risk is small. The risk with some SSRI's is smaller than others but they are all small. Your doctor will have chosen an SSRI that is a lesser risk to you if you have told him/her that you already have such thoughts. Not all of the problems are from the meds themselves but they are a continuation of the despression/anxiety/OCD etc... when the meds dont work. Is this the first time you have been on an SSRI? Have you any experience within your family that you can talk to? You are always welcome here and to the chat sessions we hold on a Thursday. Being scared is a natural reaction but try not to let it take over your life.

If you have any specific questions, feel free to ask. There is no such thing as a stupid question if you dont know the answer.

Darren
Posted 11/21/2007 8:18 PM (GMT 0)

We have had the gamut of SSRIs in our house with all 4 daughters and myself using one or more of the various choices.  Please just remember to stay hydrated with a good filtered water and get all the sleep you need.  The doctor has probably given your Rx a lot of thought and chosen one based on your symptoms.  If you can stay on the lowest dose and not dehydrate, you will probably be ok.  Use your Higher Power to give over your trials, too.  I am so very grateful to not have to use drugs now.  It was not a fun ride.  Remember that this too shall pass.  Really.  I am not kidding! :-)

Posted 11/22/2007 1:17 AM (GMT 0)
I've been on lexapro before, and at first it did give me suicidal thoughts that i had no intention of following through with (this was probably OCD related, but I didn't know it at the time).  I didn't like it for other reasons (sweating, sexual side effects, nightmares, etc).  I made sure to tell them all my concerns so i'm sure they'll make a decision based on that...hopefully zooloft or paxil which help OCD, my main problem at the moment.  I freakin hate OCD....i'm talking to a great doc but i may look for an OCD specialist.  Thanks for all the advice...the OCD is the one telling me that if i take these i'll turn out like one of those horror stories on tv...but i gotta remember everyone on here has varied success but no one has went and killed a bunch of people.  I'm not suicidal/homicidal but that's the fear i have from the OCD just to clarify.  Sent me to the ER today, darn obsessions giving me panic attacks.  Thanks for the great advice!
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