If one SSRI doesn't work, what next?

I've been on Escitalopram now beginning the 9th week. The first four, I was at 10mg, then 20mg for two weeks. On week seven, I went to 30 then was bumped to 40 per my doctor. At 40, I was hysterically crying daily and I generally haven't felt well the entire time being on this even though I've taken it in the past. I never had a mental health problem to begin with; only occasional panic attacks which resulted in my doctor placing me on Clonazepam. I was placed on Escitalopram to help stabilize my anxiety so that they could bring down the benzo. My mental health has deteriorated. I'm due to see a psychiatrist tomorrow but terrified I won't ever get back to myself. I'm afraid I'll be placed on something new and will have to relive more start up side effects. I'm as low as can be and would appreciate any advice or feedback.

Thank you...I'm hoping to find something that works. I definitely agree about the benzo; didn't even know it was one when I was prescribed it (I normally research them before I take them)...just had had a massive panic attack and relented to the trust I had in my doctor; big mistake.

Thank you Rspwed; I wasn't sure where the continued link was to my last post. Yes, I think I'll do that...this is torture..

Thank you SC....I have to say I'm pretty anxious about the whole thing but I so need relief..

KCSmith,
Pls don't feel bad for taking meds.I am living proof of meds do work.I had extreme case of depression and anxiety.
I have my bad and ok days.If not for meds I would not be writing here.

Lexapro at higher dose makes me sick too,I am just ok at 10 mg .

I do not know why?
Clonzapam is a good drug.
Be consistent whatever you pick.
Consistency is the key in depression.
If I miss a dose it's terrible.

KC,

Yes...the antihistamine I mentioned above. Taken off label...it works like a benzo, but without the risk of dependency.

Hydroxyzine is the Rx name...Vistaril and Atatax are examples of brand names.

S.C.

Hi KCSmith,

I have not much about med knowledge but I am on various combos.
My doc tried various meds for me and is probably tired of me .So many Rx 's failed for me but I believe they made my path to recovery somehow.
I could not walk or talk with anyone .I cried my eyes out 20 hrs a day.My thoughts were terrible and I could not hold conversation.
But I had faith in meds as I have seen ppl suffering without meds for entire life and it's basically self inflicting
i take Xanax or Ativan never both.one is for anxiety other is for panic attacks.
Still I have difficulty sleeping most nights.
But for crying Lexapro is best .Nothing can even come close.Thats what doc and ppl told me .
I mostly take Xanax now a days as my anxiety is extremely high .
My sleep is terrible and I am in lookout for good sleeping pill.
Sleep and anxiety is connected .
I always carry them and won't carry expired ones.

Post Edited (cilly) : 8/22/2016 11:38:21 PM (GMT-6)

Hydroxyzine ...I have never had for anxiety Sc but I have taken in past for extreme dermatitis.
It was such a blessing n controlling my symptoms and put me to sleep for 12 hrs .
If I ask doc ...I get look ...you know what I mean .....lol

Hi

Sorry to hear you are having a tough time at the moment I hope things settle down for you soon have a look at our resources for some good links to self help.

Escitalopram is the strongest of the SSRI's and 40mg sounds a lot to me I would speak with your psychiatrist about reducing the dosage. If you do not respond to SSRI's the next option is usually an SNRI such as Effexor or Cymbalta.

I hope you find something that works for you soon so keep us posted so we can help support you.

Remember I am not a doctor so the above is just my personal opinion.

Hibee

Psych doctor wants me to start Zoloft 50mg; worried about going through horrid start up effects; Also, is it normal to go down on the Escitalopram with the Zoloft; two antidepressants together; doesn't that heighten risk of serotonin syndrome? He didn't change the benzo yet...Anyone have any positives on Zoloft? He thought I'd given Escitalopram long enough; but oddly, today at 30mg I feel a little better...

Thank you SC....I hope I can find some positive reviews on Zoloft...very nervous; He's bringing me down from 30mg Escitalopram; 10mg a day for seven days while adding the Zoloft; not looking forward to nausea and no sleep; I'm sleeping on Escitalopram...not sure about the whole thing.

Thank you...I'm just finding myself looking up people's experiences on YouTube with Zoloft and some are good; then others are wayyy bad.

Thank you MomofTwo...I appreciate it...I really need many prayers to get through this; doctor prescribed me with Panic Disorder today..