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?

SSRI’s take 4-6 weeks to take effect, I would be doubtful that they were causing the anxious distress. It may have been a negative placebo effect- you know that something different was in your body, and you hyper aware of any difference that happens inside for you that it may cause anxiety. Not saying this is happening for you, but just a potential theory. I would give the meds a full 4-6 weeks. Even then they may take 2 months to fully adjust to your chemistry. But of course keep monitoring with a doctor if you’re really concerned about any really adverse symptoms.

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 🥰

Meds DEFINITELY increased my anxiety at first. Hang in there ❤️

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 couldn’t tolerate Prozac, even a low dose,absolutely no appetite / nightly sweats, serotonin spike! Ugh Not sure if Zoloft will do the same ! Now I’m so afraid to try .

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.