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Week 11 on an SSRI, running into a few problems.

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Anxiety & Panic Disorders
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Posted 12/9/2016 3:53 AM (GMT 0)
Hello, I fell into an extremely deep hole and was told to try 20mg paxil. I had the usual side effects, then it all started to kick in after 4 weeks. It took the edge off my depression and anxiety, I actually started to feel alright by week 7. However in week 8 I became very fatigued and a little depressed, so my doctor bumped me from 20 to 30mg in week 9. It helped a little, I was still fatigued. But for the last 3 days (mid week 11) it's all going sour. I have an ear ache, anxiety is back in constant small waves throughout the day, I feel hot, and very sleepy wanting to lie down often. It's terrible, I was just wondering what is other peoples experiences with anti-depressants and what the problem could be. I was doing so good. Would I need another increase? Is it no-longer working and I may have to try another SSRI? (I cant see the doctor for a few days)
Posted 12/9/2016 4:43 AM (GMT 0)
Hello and welcome!

I am sorry you are going through a rough patch currently. :( This is frustrating and confusing for sure!

It sounds to me like you may be having a bit of breakthrough anxiety. This can happen for a number of reasons...hormones, sleep quality, stress levels...and illness, which sounds like it could be the case for you.

An earache is not at all a typical Rx s/e, so perhaps you have picked up something. Have you had a recent cold/congestion that could have turned into a secondary infection in your ear?

Any time we are not feeling well, anxiety can get a foot in the door to challenge us.

Medications can't cover all of our management needs, and that is why therapy and self help coping skills are essential.

You can find the material for the latter in our Resources at the top of the main forum page. Practicing the suggested exercises there 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 if key!

Hoping you feel better soon.:)

Scaredy Cat
Posted 12/9/2016 7:59 AM (GMT 0)
yep, incorporate therapy, for sure. sounds like you might have a bug going on, thus attacking ya immunity. for it to kick in around 4 weeks is really good, usually 6-8, and when we increase the body has to adjust, you know, synapses are saying, your doin' what? might seem savage, but some intial s/e going up is common. am finding this my recent med increase. gp chat a good thing.
Posted 12/9/2016 8:15 AM (GMT 0)
Hi Jess
Welcome to HW forum.. You have landed at the right place for support,advice and encouragement.

I'm sorry your having a blip when you were starting to feel somewhat better. However this can be normal it is still early days.

The earache is more than likely to be the culprit with the rise of anxiety.... I have experienced it my self. because you are not on top form due to the anxiety and depression you can feel run down.. then supersensitive to an ache, twinge etc and the anxiety jumps I .

if you can I would suggest some coping skills to help you , there are helpful tips in the resources page.. I found relaxation and calming meditation s on you tube very helpful. or download a free app on your phone or tablet to listen to with ear buds whenever you can.

I hope things settle back down look after your self physically too fresh air plenty of fluids and good diet.

Please let us know how you go on xx
Posted 12/9/2016 8:59 AM (GMT 0)
Hi

Welcome to the forum.

I agree with SC it sounds like breakthrough anxiety I would give it another week and if things don't improve go back and see your doctor and see what they suggest.

And as the others have already mentioned talking therapy is worth looking into as well as self help.

Keep us posted

Hibee
Posted 12/9/2016 1:55 PM (GMT 0)
Hey Guys

Thanks for the very warm welcome and support.

My brother showed up today and the last time I saw him was 5 days ago. He's had an ear ache for a few days as well, except he has been spewing up with difficulty eating. I've always handled sickness better than my brother so I've felt bad, and nauseous but haven't been overly sick.

I always thought an ear ache was just really painful, I didn't realize it can also come along with a full blown fever, so I just thought it was all SSRI side effects. If I wasn't dealing with SSRIs and anxiety I would have noticed it as a fever, but due to other things it's kinda hazy.

I have definitely been looking into therapy. I also thought that a bump may take time to get used to, but it's really nice to get confirmation and info from others. Thanks guys.
Posted 12/11/2016 10:19 AM (GMT 0)
Brilliant.
Well not brilliant you both had ear probs but knowing that there was something else going on... Rather than a side effect .

Here,s to improvement and well being
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