Depression/Anxiety Medication & Therapy
Hi everyone,
I’ve been depressed and anxious for a long time since I was in elementary school, but I’m only just now getting help for it (23 now). I started therapy and my therapist told me to consider medication, so I eventually went to the doctor after much reluctance and they prescribed me fluoxetine 20 mg. My therapist told me not to take it and that she thinks it’s wrong for me. My doctor said I can choose a different medication if I want to but I have no idea what would be good.
Right now I have trouble with anxiety, depression, sleep issues, sensory issues, and panic attacks My therapist is worried that this medication will increase my sleep problems and suicidal ideation which I’ve struggled with.
I was also given a referral to a psychiatrist and don’t know what to expect from this or what I should do. Before my therapist really wanted me on medication and now it seems like she doesn’t.
Anyway I’m very confused and don’t know what to do to help myself.
@tallWriter3650 We are not allowed to recommend specific medications here. It's Rule 6.
I've read about sleep disturbance and suicide risk associated with fluoxetine and medications of that type (SSRIs), so I can understand why your therapist might worry. Your doctor will be able to suggest a different type of medication to try, taking these worries into account.
Your psychiatrist might have more specialist knowledge of medications than a general physician, though, and if you are seeing the psychiatrist soon, then I suppose you could wait and see what they suggest. A psychiatrist typically makes a detailed assessment of your symptoms and how they developed over time, so there's no particular preparation you need to do, but expect a lot of questions.
Charlie
I have a similar situation. Being depressed since 4th Grade, and didn't get any medication until I was old enough. But because I was still young, my doctor couldn't prescribe me anything strong. I also didn't see any therapists until my mid-20s, but had been on medication since my late teens (before seeing the therapists).
If you can, do wait until you see a Psychiatrist. They are specialized compared to regular GP's when it comes to medications dealing with depression and anxiety~
@tallWriter3650
@tallWriter3650
This helped me, I am on 2 antidepressants from the most effective list. Trintellix and effexor xr.
Antidepressants Do Work, Some Better Than Others