YOU ARE NOT ALONE - A companion online community discussion board for The Mental Illness Happy Hour podcast with Paul Gilmartin

Hi everyone.

My therapist pointed out to me today that it seems like I don't do well with SSRIs in general, not just specific brands. Is anyone here knowledgeable about what other kinds of antidepressants/anti-anxiety meds there are/has anyone else had success with something that isn't an SSRI?

Many thanks for any/all input.

By not do well do you mean you are still depressed, or do you become manic-like?

They'll work for the short-term and then I'll become more depressed and, in some cases, suicidal.

SNRI's tend to be gentler and cause less side effects that last such as weight gain and dizziness.

I am on cymbalta. In the beginning I was completely freaked out and suspicious. I felt a little dizzy for a week and had mad hot flashes for a month. but after that, I felt incredible. Complete 180 on my paranoia, body dysmorphia and improvement with my anxiety/depression. I had no weight gain (I actually lost a little because I felt so awesome) but I do have to get my liver checked every year AND it causes me to be sensitive to the sun and heat and my blood is thinner. But seriously is magic for me otherwise and the side effects are really just life style changes - stay out of the sun, have air conditioning and be careful about being cut or taking other meds that thin blood!