4m x 3m Omlet pen, cube, new auto door still boxed and coop light

[Alis girls]

You are welcome. People are far too dismissive of depression and if these medicaitons enable you to be a functioning person again whats the problem. keep us posted.

[Tiggy]

I've been on antidepressents a couple of times over the last 20 years they do make me feel better eventually, none of them are a quick fix and can take upto 6 weeks before you get the full effect and they all have side effects but not everyone gets them. I understand how you feel, when you are that anxious you need some TLC and in the 10 mins you have with your GP it is difficult to express fully how you are feeling, and difficult for the Dr to totally get a handle on what you may need. So you get a prescription without a full explaination of how the drug works or many of the side effects, that would take another appointment. Many people find that a suport group or freind/counselling is just as good in the long term, but the drugs are good when you have reached crisis point

[chocchick]

I've tried a multitude of ADs for depression and anxiety prozac, paroxatine, venlafaxine, citalopram and now trying mirtazapine. I've found they've had very little effect. I think I've had drowsiness, headache and nausea but hard to say it wasn't caused by being tired, stressed or anxious anyway! Nausea was bad in venlafaxine but not for anything else. I find Drs ask me what I want to do for my treatment so I end up saying I want a higher dose or to try an AD It is a case of suck it and see as it might work or it might not and will take 6-8 weeks to have an effect. It tends to be reviewed about every 1-2 months after that and you can develop resistance. Often you have to try it long term e.g. over 6 months before they will consider taking you off it. Don't dwell on the side effects as you will never take it and they all have a similar list of horrific symptoms! I was shocked that there were at least 4 E numbers in my current pills, one which can cause allergies If you have side effects you can't manage your Dr needs to bring you off it safely.

[xChicken04x]

Hi guys, once again, thank you to each and every one of you for your support.

 

Just another update: Since Saturday evening I've been taking half a Cipralex (5mg) and have so far had next to no ill effects. I know it is only early days though.

So far the only side effects that I've noticed are:

 

*A sudden wave of anxiety, completely randomly that lasted about 30 seconds. For no reason what so ever I sometimes just get a clenching feeling in my stomach, but it goes away very quickly.

 

*A tightening across my forehead, like the beginning of a headache.

 

*I had a horrible dream last night (a big green monster chased me )

 

*Increased hunger, by quite a lot . I'm only very slim and have 3 meals daily, with usually only cuppa's and a few biscuits in between. But over the past few days I've been really hungry and have been snacking non stop, which is good as I need to put a few lbs on anyway.

 

*Increased fatigue, by a huge amount. Usually because of my M.E I'm tired an awful lot, but I've REALLY tired over the past few days.

 

*Very, very slight nausea every now and then, if I'm hungry, it's not bad at all though.

 

Other than that I'm Ok. I really believe it's had a positive effect on me already, although I just be being optimistic. Tomorrow, I think is going to be the big 10mg . I've made no plans for tomorrow and Wednesday, so if it doesn't react well I know I can just rest. It's also a huge comfort knowing I can take stugeron too, if need be. I also have my travel band, which seem to help.

 

 

Thank you all again so much.

 

Natalie xx.

[deejmum]

It is so hard to know what to do and how to cope when you have anxiety and depression. You will get through it. I am no expert but have experienced it. I am totally paranoid about side effects of prescription medicines, I know that I actively look for side effects. I suppose my point is that some of your current symptoms may be caused by your anxiety related to actually taking the drug, rather than the drug itself? Anxiety does seem to be cumulative and it is so important not to be afraid of fear, because fear can not actually hurt you.

 

Good luck.

[xChicken04x]

Hi again,

 

Just another update on my progress:

 

As you know, I've been taking my Cipralex since Saturday evening in 5mg doses everyday. I woke up this morning feeling quite unwell, I'm not sure if it's just the M.E or the Cipralex or a mixture of both. But I do sometimes feel like that if I have been too tired/stressed, which I have been. Plus I didn't sleep too well.

Anyway, I managed a slice of toast and a cuppa. I only had a plum and a carrot (quite randomly) for dinner. I still feeling a bit 'off' but I can manage some chicken for tea.

 

I've just been really brave (well, brave for me anyway) and taken my first 10mg tablet. I feeling anxious as too how my body will react to it . I'm just praying it won't be too bad.

 

Thank you all again...

[Phoebe]

Keep going, you're doing great !

 

When I was particularly unwell I found the "relieve anxiety" cd from here

http://www.firstwayforward.com/adultscds.html

 

very helpful. I would listen to it to get to sleep, and for an hour in the afternoon, to get some relaxation in during the day.

 

Try to relax and not worry too much about how you are feeling - easier said than done, I do understand, but I know I could make myself feel anxious just by wondering if I was feeling anxious - it becomes a truly vicious circle. Relaxation, or for that matter reading, helps to give you a break from worrying about it, which can help in itself.

 

all the best, we are here for you

 

interesting food choices by the way !

 

"I only had a plum and a carrot (quite randomly) for dinner."

[fluffyfeet]

Hi there

 

So glad you've decided to give the medication a whirl.

 

I've always suffered with anxiety and I've been on and off anti-d's for the last 7 years, for anxiety and depression. I'm currently taking Prozac and have found them to have the least side effects.

 

I've think I've tried all the one's mentioned on here and had varying degrees of success, but once you find what is right for you, you won't look back.

 

And ignore the people who say 'you shouldn't need those' or 'what reason do you have to be depressed'. I did and I can never thank the friend enough who made me go to the doctors to sort myself out.

 

Listen to your body, both physically and psychologically - you know it best.

 

There - I didn't think I could tell anyone, but you've just helped me to do just that - thanks.

 

Dawn x

 

Please feel free to pm me if you'd like to talk in more detail.

[xChicken04x]

 

There - I didn't think I could tell anyone, but you've just helped me to do just that - thanks.

 

 

Weldone! I'm really thankful that everyone is so honest with me. It has taught me not to be ashamed of my condition and to accept it.

 

Well, it's been a few hours since I taken my 10mg tablet and I'm feeling fine. Quite up-beat and mellow, but not spaced out like I was with the Diazepam.

I have noticed a bit of an increase in anxiety and can get panicky moments, but I've found, rather than fighting the panic, I just accept it. The good thing about me is I loose concentration quickly and tend to get bored of these panicky moments .

 

I'm going to stop researching the actual drug now as it is just making me panic more about the possible side-effects. What ever happens, happens .

[Guest]

you're doing really well xxx

[Plum]

You have a positive attitude well done, keep it up.

[jenuk99]

So glad your feeling so positive!

I used to get very anxious and panicky at night because that is when I would start to worry about anything and everything, most of which I could do nothing about. I have been receiving cbt and was told instead of fighting the worry and anxiety just accept it and and my body should let it pass, and youre doing it on your own. Well done!

I heard an advert on telly say that 1 in 4 people are affected by mental health issues, I think its a lot more as I know 10 friends who have been affected in some way. And on here so many people are talking about it which can only be a good thing as it increases the understanding.

Well done to everyone who is feeling positive

Jen

[xChicken04x]

Hi all, THANK YOU again for all of your support. I've read all of your replies with interest, but don't have time to individually reply right now.

 

Another update:

 

I'm still feeling relaxed and quite happy. I haven't been feeling sick either, which is good. I'm surprised by the lack of side effects. I built my self up, expecting to be really ill, but I'm actually fine .

I taken another 10mg dose today, without a stugeron, so I'm really proud of my self. Even without the travel sickness pill I'm feeling fine, so now I know I can do it.

 

You might be wondering why I keep updating, mainly because I want to keep a diary to hopefully look back on and see how much I've improved. But also for anyone considering taking antidepressants. I'm sure there are people interested in this thread but don't quite have the courage to post, so I wanted to keep updating to keep you all informed with my progress.

 

I hope you all don't mind. I'll probably, from now on do updates every couple of days, rather than daily, as that might get slightly boring .

[Phoebe]

its good to hear from you - the worst thing is when someone starts a thread like this off and then disappears and you get really worried about whats happened to them

[xChicken04x]

Hi guys, just a further update:

 

It's day 8 of being on my Cipralex.

 

I'm feeling Ok, not much change yet. I've had a few side effects to taking the tablets though. One of them has been a change in emotion, one minute I'm up-beat and happy, the next I'm feeling low and anxious.

The things I've got used to doing daily such as walking Zara and popping to the local shops have made me anxious and generally panicky . I'm getting through it though.

 

I've also had a big increase in fatigue about an hour after taking the tablet I have to rest, but this is getting better and today I didn't need to rest after taking the tablet and was able to clean the ducks and chooks out.

 

Another side effect I've been experiencing is I've been feeling completely 'disconnected' with everything. Like I've just passed out and I'm just waking up. I sometimes feel like I'm walking on a treadmill and the world is moving around me. It's hard to explain, but it can be quite scary. Luckily this only lasts about 2 mins and I'm Ok again.

 

Yet another thing that's been bothering me is how giddy I've been feeling over the past few days, it's actually quite embarrassing . If I find something funny, then I'll giggle for ages like a nutter!

 

Other than that I've been Ok. Been a mixture of happy and unhappy, which is quite normal, but I think the tablets have definitely taken the edge off it.

 

 

I found a forum that is aimed at people with anxiety and depression problems. Looking at some of the people there, I definitely think I've had a touch of depression, not as severe as some members there though.

 

I was finding it difficult to understand why I couldn't just forget about what has happened to me in the past and just get on with my life. I couldn't figure out why I couldn't just 'snap out of it.'

Then, when I was googling, I found the scientific reason why it's impossible to just 'snap out of it.' It's due to a chemical imbalance, I can't explain it with all the scientific terms because it's too complicated, but this is basically how it goes:

When you (I) have been feeling 'low' and anxious for a very long time, the chemicals and hormones that make you 'low' and anxious basically multiply and out weigh the chemicals and hormones that make you feel happy, so it's difficult to feel the happiness through the anxiety.

By taking these tablets, they slowly get the chemicals/hormones that make me feel anxious/low under control. They then stimulate the happy ones which encourages them to multiply.

It finally make sense to me!!!! I really didn't understand why I couldn't just snap out of it, but now I realise that a chemical imbalance is beyond my control. That explains why I've been so giddy and giggly, everything is probably just settling now.

 

I'm so glad I've had no nauseous effects though .

 

Anyway, I'll update again in a few days.

 

Thank you again for all your support.

[Guest]

I got the passing out thing, you've just reminded me! I'd let the chickens out at about 8am, have a coffee and sit on the sofa, felt tired so put my feet up for 5 mins, next thing I knew I was waking up and it was 11am!

 

It was quite funny one day because the phone woke me up from my torpor and I picked up the remote control and tried to answer the remote but couldn't work out which button to press! It took me at least a minute to realise what I was doing.

 

I can laugh about it now but they didn't half knock me out and make me tired and disoriented. I went back to the docs and told him I wanted to try something else as with the nausea, I'd had enough! This was during the time my dad was ill too and I needed to be more alert than I was

 

I have to say, the sertraline seem to be really working for me but I don't suppose I gave the other stuff a chance

 

Hang on in there, you'll get there

 

xxx

[jenuk99]

I couldn't figure out why I couldn't just 'snap out of it.'

That sounds terribly familiar and the anxiety over normal things I had a period of about two weeks when I got very anxious about going out and simple things would take 3 times as long to do. It does pass and you do start to feel more like your old self and you notice less down days and more up ones.

Keep going we are all rooting for you

Jen

[Mutrix Farmers]

Have only just caught up with this thread. I hope you are continuing to feel better chickens04.

 

I suffered with anxiety 4 years ago and was prescribed Cipralex which I took for about 15 months. I was off work for 3 months at the beginning so carried on taking them when I went back to work. I didn't get any of the side effects apart from nausea for the first 2-3 days but you have now been taking them longer than that so I doubt it will be a problem if you haven't experienced it by now.

 

I also read a fabulous book called "Why Zebras don't get Ulcers" by an american doctor (R Sapowolski??? - honest!!) that I found really helpful. It helped to explain the chemical imbalances that occur when you feel stressed and anxious, and what physical and psychological effects this has on the body if left unchecked. I didn't want to take any drugs but I acknowledged that I needed the help to get my body chemicals back to normal.

 

I also had a fantastic friend who took me out for coffee every week and made me laugh. I would have stayed in bed if it hadn't been for her.

 

Someone also suggested Cognitive Behaviour Therapy to help you deal with situations that cause stress. I didn't do it but I know it helps some people.

 

I still get anxious but I now recognise the signs and can deal with it before it gets a hold. My christian faith has also been a big comfort, but that may not be your thing!

 

Take each day as it comes, tomorrow will come soon enough! Don't worry about what anyone else thinks or says, only you know how you feel, and those feelings are very real to you even if no-one else understands them. If you can do some activity, even just going for a walk, it will help the chemicals as exercise releases adrenaline which gives good vibes, but I know it's difficult to feel motivated enough to do that (that's where a really good friend helps).

 

Hang in there, and please stay in touch with everyone, you're not alone!

[xChicken04x]

Hi guys, thank you for taking the time to reply.

I've not had a very good day today, been feeling quite unwell. I think it may just be my M.E rather than the effects of the tablets. I woke up this morning feeling just as tired as when I went to bed . I've been REALLY tired all day and haven't had the energy to do anything. I've also been feeling quite sick too, which is probably due to the M.E as well. Anyway, I haven't had the best of days, so I'm feeling slightly miserable.

 

 

I got the passing out thing, you've just reminded me! I'd let the chickens out at about 8am, have a coffee and sit on the sofa, felt tired so put my feet up for 5 mins, next thing I knew I was waking up and it was 11am!

 

It was quite funny one day because the phone woke me up from my torpor and I picked up the remote control and tried to answer the remote but couldn't work out which button to press! It took me at least a minute to realise what I was doing.

 

........

 

Hang on in there, you'll get there

 

xxx

 

 

Hi Poet, that sounds just like me! I've been so disorientated recently, it's actually becoming quite a pain. I know it's only the tablets though and the side effects will wear off soon and I'll hopefully start feeling better.

 

I couldn't figure out why I couldn't just 'snap out of it.'

That sounds terribly familiar and the anxiety over normal things I had a period of about two weeks when I got very anxious about going out and simple things would take 3 times as long to do. It does pass and you do start to feel more like your old self and you notice less down days and more up ones.

Keep going we are all rooting for you

Jen

 

 

Thanks Jen. Yes I find doing simple things like walking Zara for a walk will take much longer than usual. Also taking things out to the bin seem to take longer. I think it just takes a bit longer for my brain to engage and react to whatever I'm doing. It should pass soon though.

 

 

Someone also suggested Cognitive Behaviour Therapy to help you deal with situations that cause stress. I didn't do it but I know it helps some people.

 

 

Hi, yes I did try CBT, but unfortunately, I didn't really like it. I now recognise where my anxiety comes from and why, so that has helped, but other than that I wasn't really a fan.

 

....My christian faith has also been a big comfort, but that may not be your thing!

 

That's a very interesting point. Before I became unwell, I had never really bothered with religion of any kind, due to my upbringing, my parents always wanted me to choose my religion. I was never lead to believe anything or follow any religious faith. But since being unwell, I have found I strongly believe, in my heart of hearts that there is 'something' looking after me. It's hard to explain, but I think I'm being guided by someone. I have also started counting my blessings when times get tough and the other day, for some reason, felt the urge to buy a crucifix necklace I saw whilst shopping . I know that doesn't make me Christian (and I hope I don't offend anyone by implying that, depending on how you read it.) But needles to say, I did buy it and I'm glad I did. I feel it has given me a sense of courage and strength.

 

 

 

Anyway, I've rambled enough! I'm off to bed now, I should update in a few days.

 

Natalie

xxxxx

[Guest]

I came across a book while doing my charity shop stint today called "The places that scare you; a guide to fearlessness" by Pema Chodron.

 

As it was cheap and it was staring at me, I brought it home

 

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Places-That-Scare-You-Fearlessness/dp/000718350X

 

It could be a load of mumbo jumbo but thought it was worth a try I'll let you know if I find it useful xxx

[xChicken04x]

Hi Guys, just another update:

 

It's now day 14 of being on my 10mg Cipralex. So far, not much change if I'm honest, but it's very early days. I've been feeling a bit anxious but it's not too bad....

However the worst thing is, I have been so, so tired it's ridiculous. Yesterday, I was a bit sleepy, but didn't really bother resting because I had to much to do. BIG mistake because I paid for it today. I woke up this morning feeling fairly Ok. Pottered around for the day, I didn't feel very hungry so had a small snack for dinner. By 2pm I had a splitting headache and was feeling very weak and dizzy. I sat down and closed my eyes and before I knew it, I was waking up at 6pm .

I'm feeling quite weak this evening as well, I feel like my legs can't support me properly . I'm hoping it's just a phase and will pass soon. I have learned from my mistake of not eating properly so I've just has bacon & toast with a cuppa and a fairy cake, not very healthy I know, but I need a sugar boost, that's my story and I'm sticking too it .

 

I'm really hoping I'll be feeling better tomorrow as the chooks and ducks need a clean, they were only done last Sunday but I like to get them cleaned every week....

 

 

I came across a book while doing my charity shop stint today called "The places that scare you; a guide to fearlessness" by Pema Chodron.

 

As it was cheap and it was staring at me, I brought it home

 

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Places-That-Scare-You-Fearlessness/dp/000718350X

 

It could be a load of mumbo jumbo but thought it was worth a try I'll let you know if I find it useful xxx

 

Sounds good Poet, please do let me know if it's any good. I'm trying to get some books/relaxing CD's together to help me understand anxiety and how to deal with it.

 

 

Anyway, enough of my rambling I'm going to get some rest now...