Posted by Dispossessed on March 3, 2014, at 19:37:08
In reply to Re: Sudden sensitivity to SSRIs/side effects? » Dispossessed, posted by phidippus on March 3, 2014, at 14:56:46
> What dosages?
I've tried propranolol at 10, 20, 40mg instant, and 80mg extended release. Do you think that the lack of response could be evidence of physical anxiety symptoms?
> Taking a dose of benzodiazapine may unmask the anxiety.
I have around 5 2mg diazepam tablets I could take. Being in the UK, doctors are reluctant to give out benzodiazepines even for occasional use. When I had a spell of increased anxiety/intrusive thoughts I asked the GP for some and received a total of 14 2mg tablets. 4mg doesn't do anything to be honest, but that's the NHS. They're paranoid about benzo addiction after what happened in the 80s. I could take 10mg but I want to keep them in case I have a really, really bad day.
> you have no symptoms of restlessness when you're off the SSRI, correct?
I don't have the physical restlessness when off SSRIs, no. Certainly no restless legs/jaw clenching.
> The other thing you can try is a different antidepressant, one you haven't been on. I really like Viibryd and Brintellix.
I don't have that many options regarding antidepressants left. I could return to citalopram and be anxiety free but experience cognitive/visual issues. I haven't tried paroxetine but I'm unsure how long it would take for the anticholinergic side effects to fade. There was no change in visual/cognitive issues when I took sertraline, and I discontinued because it was seriously affecting my ability to study. Unfortunately the two drugs you mentioned are not available in the UK - the latter has been approved but will be released in the second half of 2014 (estimated).
> Remember, its not what the intrusive thoughts do to you, rather what you do with the intrusive thoughts.
I know what you mean. Though when I feel panicky and fear about losing control, the fear of acting on them is very real. I do have a book on OCD which told me to make a recording of the worst case scenario and play it back to myself on a loop - I made the recording but never listened to it on a daily basis because when the thoughts are particularly intrusive, its very easy to become demoralised.
poster:Dispossessed
thread:1061454
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20140214/msgs/1061775.html