Please help - switching ssri

Hi,

After suffering with my latest bout of anxiety/depression my psychiatrist suggested changing ssri. I have been on lexapro for over ten years and despite increasing the dose from 10mg to 20mg and adding mirtazapine I still wasn't right. Both my psychiatrist and I felt a change might help.

I reduced my lexapro from 20 to 10 to 5 over four/five weeks. I felt no different whilst reducing, if anything I felt better. I then tried pregabalin 75mg at night. A week after coming off the lexapro I started to feel increased anxiety. I was advised to go back on it at 5mg. I did this for an extra three weeks and stayed on the pregabalin. I wanted to increase the pregabalin but apparently both lexapro and pregabalin an affect the heart. My psychiatrist suggest coming off lexapro again and trying Sertraline at 50mg whilst staying on 30mg mirtazapine and 75mg pregabalin.

I have been on sertraline for 11 days since stopping lexapro. For the last 5 days my anxiety has massively increased,I feel very scared, feel like I can't control my brain/thoughts and feel very low.

Please could you advise if you have switched anti/depressants and how you have found it. Do you think this is withdrawal from lexapro or start up of sertraline? Do you think it will level out or should I go back to lexapro? I feel completely hopeless. Please help x

I cannot comment on changing meds as its not something i know about.
I just wanted to wish you well and like hibee says try doing more self help skills on a regular basis until the meds do their stuff
xx keep up the good work x

DMM,

I am sorry to hear of your recent challenges.:(

I believe you have at least three things going on here to create a 'perfect storm'.

First of all...you had the increased anxiety/depression that prompted your switch in the first place.

Then you have both a discontinuation as well as a start up...that is a lot of change!

However, stay positive as all this should improve soon, as your system adjusts. ..and you come up to therapeutic levels with your new Rx.

What does you therapy/self help regimen look like currently? Can you up the efforts there in any way?

Please see our Resources at the top of the main forum page here for great self help material. Practicing the suggested exercises daily will make a big difference in how you feel.

Keep posting with us as well if you find it helpful. We understand, care and support is key!

Talk soon,

Scaredy Cat

Here's a few to start with....but be sure to explore our whole Resource Guide for your choice of great material!

Positive Mantra/Affirmations for Anxiety Management

anxietynetwork.com/content/coping-statements-anxiety

Therapy Work Sheets:

www.get.gg/freedownloads2.htm

Anxiety Management Exercises

www.stress-relief-exercises.com/

S.C.

Yes, that is a great choice!

With the Therapy Worksheets, you should try to practice regularly/daily at first to become accustomed at catching the negative thoughts...and how to apply the methods taught in the exercises...

...then once you have become familiar and practiced with them...you can use them as needed...

...and you will eventually even be able to go through the steps mentally, rather than always needing to write it all out! :)

Best wishes for progress with this!!

S.C.

Sending you lots of strength DMM!!