16.
- Peta Hills
- Sep 28, 2017
- 3 min read
Hey guys! I actually got a question which I think deserves a post of its own so let's go! Message; Hey Gurrrrl, I have a question for ya! You said that you are getting off your awful anti depressants ....but what is happening from them that makes them so awful? ! i know that they arent the best if you actually have depression, but i was told that if youve got anxiety that they should help heaps. Sending you posi energy! I'm looking forward to you writing a post on the issues you've had with them and (if you can) say why you were given them if they are so bad. I know ppl who have head heaps of luck with antidepressants! Thanks! The email address wasn't real so I couldn't reply directly so I will go ahead and reply here! I thought it was really important to write this, as it shows that most people really truly do not have an understanding of mental health issues and all that goes with it. To be honest I was kind of perplexed but I guess if you don't suffer from any issues or know someone close to you, you probably don't really get to see or gain any knowledge of the ins and outs of our lives, medications and all the shit that comes with it I've been on my particular tablets for several years (Pristiq) and they no longer do anything for my depression or anxiety at all (this is why there is so many types because some work for some people and don't work for others) When I first started on Pristiq I had amazing results - I felt bulletproof, didn't even cry for two whole years! Unfortunately like all things, pain, medications, habits etc your body gets used to it and in my case my medication has not had any effect on my mental health for years, I have only continued to take it due to the debilitating side effects I (and thousand and thousands of other people who have tried to get off this drug) get if I miss a single dose. Withdrawing from anti depressants is really awful, there is a whole bunch of symptoms that include and not limited to - brain zaps, nausea, vertigo, headaches, general pain and exhaustion etc If I miss a dose of mine I start getting these symptoms after about 8 hours so I will be getting a compounding pharmacist to make me lower and lower doses through my GP so my body can slowly get used to the drug leaving. Once we do this, we will be able to find a new medication which will work to fix the chemical imbalance in my brain (this is what causes the depression etc) it can be quite hit and miss as not every tablet works for every person. Personally, we will be looking for a medication which will help with my depression, anxiety and insomnia. There is obviously lots or options so it could take a while for us to find the right one, especially as it can take at lest two weeks for your body to start reacting to the new medication. The best way I can describe the withdrawals is to think about someone addicted to an illegal drug, I dunno think heroin or something, although my anti depressants is a legal drug your body still wants those chemicals and has to withdraw from them. Anyway, I just saw my GP and we have decided we are going to hold off on reducing the tablets for a bit (yep even doctors know how bad it is) as he doesn't want to cause any extra/undue pain especially as I am having my nerve blocks done tomorrow - should they help, then it will be the best time for us to try and do the switch. I had made the decision with my Clinical Psychologist that it was a good time to do this, but after chatting with my GP I can see that dealing with my pain was where we should really start and if all goes well with my nerve blocks, a reduction in my daily pain may increase my quality of life which, in turn may help out with my mental health issues. As always, fuck the stigma - please ask me questions if you don't know what I am talking about like this one! I guess what I leave you all with is this... What's good for the goose isn't always good for the gander. Hope this all helps mysterious girl. Thanks, Peta xo
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