I've started taking anti-depressants that belong to the class of SSRIs. The brand is Efexor-XR and I'm supposedly on the lowest dosage of 37.5mg.
About 6 days ago, I told my boyfriend that I had problems concentrating and it's like ADD and he suggested that I might want to take antidepressants to help me. Went to see a doctor the following day and very easily (too easily?) got myself a prescription. The doctor merely asked me a few questions and made me fill out a "DASS" questionnaire. Anyway, I've been on antidepressants before so I could suggest medication the doctor could put me on.
So the whole of this week, my body has been adjusting to this medication and it's been hell. Pretty much every morning I've had nausea and mild weakness. My appetite has dropped - arguably a good thing since I've been trying to lose weight for ages. And apparently I've contracted urinary tract infection which has only just been brought under control by antibiotics (Ibilex) at the same time. Today I feel somewhat better after having slept through a good part of yesterday. And then I've had some coffee, which seems to trigger dizziness...Wooo...
Friday, November 7, 2008
One week of Purgatory
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2 comments:
I just stumbled upon your blog by accident, and your post concerns me.
Anti-depressants are pretty serious medications, and can come with quite serious side effects. They shouldn't be prescribed or taken lightly.
Having trouble focussing does NOT mean you have ADD. Many people are over-diagnosed as ADD when really there is nothing clinically wrong with them.
Did you talk about your problem with concentrating at any length with the GP or a counsellor? Many other things could help BEFORE medication, such as exercise, mental techniques etc.
Taking anti-depressants is like trying to knock out a tooth with a baseball bat. You may get the tooth out, but just be careful what else you knock out along the way!!
Well, as it happens, a GP prescribed anti-depressants after making me go through a test. I was NOT diagnosed with ADD.
I know quite a bit about anti-depressants since I've been on several different types before. It's not even remotely funny. I've been to see so many counsellors/psychotherapists/psychiatrists, I can even tell you what to expect from a typical session.
I wish I could find help with mental health professionals but I'm coming to the conclusion that that's not going to happen for me. C'est la vie.
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