Has anyone found that in the first couple weeks SSRIs make them more anxious? I was on meds at the beginning of the year for like 3 weeks then I stopped because they made me more anxious and I just started meds again I think it’s having the same affect but I want to keep going with them. Anyone have any experience with this?

Yea I have a thing about taking any medicine it always makes me anxious I’ve just been having panic attacks which is abnormal for me. I’m going to try to stick with it though, I think meds will be really helpful for me.

@dommy That sounds like a common OCD tendency as well, to be anxious about your medication which can trigger panic attacks. I’ve noticed multiple people with OCD experiencing the same. I’m sorry you’re going through this- but perhaps think of it as another part of exposure therapy; what you’re doing is brave and facing your anxiety head on.

@Atlas_21 You’re right that’s a good way to think of it. Glad I have therapy today though lol. Thanks for your help 🥰

Trying my darn hardest. Kind of wish it was just a month from now haha 😅 I’ll make it though 💪

@dommy Curious, what meds have you been prescribed?

@Atlas_21 I’m on 25mg of Zoloft right now. At the beginning of the year I took 10mg of Prozac and had a realllly bad experience. I’m finding I like the Zoloft better but I don’t really feel too different since it’s only been about a week.

@dommy Thanks for info. If I’m not experiencing significant difference with ERP, I may consider using Zoloft for extra assistance, as I’ve heard it works the best with OCD. Let me know how it goes!

@Atlas_21 I’m only a week in and I’ve already felt a marginal difference in my tendency to hold on and obsess over thoughts. Could just all be in my head but I say definitely worth a shot

I’m only 6 days in!! I think it’s just all in my head at this point but I understand the hesitation I’m exactly the same. So far I’d say it’s better than Prozac. I couldn’t sleep at all when I first started taking Prozac plus all the other stuff. When I was prescribed Zoloft I was told for a lot of people Prozac is actually very activating and might worsen anxiety and other SSRIs like lexapro and Zoloft are more gentle. I say give it a try if it doesn’t work it just might be an uncomfortable couple of weeks- nothin you’re probably not used to.

@dommy Thx. I think I may give it a try, I I’m on a very low dose of Ativan , I’m aware it isn’t the long term solution . But, It sure helps my nerves settle , quiets the monkey mind and I don’t want to run or jump out of my skin. Helps calm the nervous stomach, too . Been a hard summer, Too bad this isn’t a long term soulutiin . It’s hard to understand that SSRI’s have so many side effects , and can take 2 months to kick in !! Ugh ! Just doesn’t make sense ! Thanks for your insight . All the best !😊👍⭐️🇨🇦