Chronicle # 2...To take a pill, to not take a pill...that, is the question

Prozac, Luvox, Paxil, Zoloft, Celexa, Ativan, and Lexapro. This may sound like an extremely long list of fabricated names, but in actuality they couldn’t be any farther from it. This list of hard to pronounce names are some of the most commonly prescribed SSRI (Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors) medications, used to treat or reduce the symptoms of anxiety and depression. Anxiety disorder is one of the leading symptoms of PTSD, and because of this most Physicians will encourage their patients to try one of the above meds as an attempt to treat their anxiety or lessen  some of the more debilitating effects of anxiety.

So how exactly do SSRI’s work?

SSRI’s work by increasing the amount of serotonin (neurotransmitters) found in the brain. The use of these medications is supposed to calm the anxiety, and mildly influence mood, outlook, and behavior, thus reducing the symptoms of anxiety and depression.

So what are the draw backs?

Well, as with any medication side effects are to be expected. Because medication affects each person differently, grouping the side effects together generally isn’t realistic if you want a true understanding of what to possibly expect while on SSRI’s. Because this site is all about sharing knowledge and experiences along this journey I’ll share some of the side effects that I’ve noticed in my husband and while trying these meds.  If they sound similar in your case, maybe doing a little more research could benefit you or your loved one in finding the right fit for you. Just understanding the reality behind SSRI myths and facts can help you know what you expect, understand the risks, and help you make an informed decision about your treatment.

So what are the side effect facts?

Fact # 1… Taking an SSRI can change the chemistry inside your brain. This causes subtle changes in the way you feel, act, and behave. Knowing this important piece of information is absolutely vital in understanding how your chosen SSRI is affecting your loved one because although this change can cause more emotional stability, and outgoing nature, it doesn’t always create this calming effect. In some cases the person taking these medications can feel more tired, jittery, dizzy, and experience frequent headaches and nausea. I know for my husband, all the above were true.

Fact # 2… SSRI’s can also cause sexual problems including reduction of sex drive or inability to have an orgasm (although these symptoms are reversible), and can also further cause frequent muscle pain, decreased appetite, insomnia, diarrhea or constipation, exhaustion, and in some cases further cause anxiety.

So, what has my experience been?

My husband has been on every SSRI out there including other medications not considered to be SSRI’s however often carrying the same effects of SSRI meds like Wellbutrin and Effexor. All the meds my husband has tried have all had pretty similar side effects and none have seemed to work so far. In our case (which greatly varies from friends of ours) the meds my husband has tried have increased his anxiety and often caused more problems than they were worth. We’re still trying to figure out what works for him, but in the meantime have discovered a helpful tool to chart his meds and the symptoms he experiences. He’s keeping a daily medication journal, and it is one of the best tools to help give his Physician an overall full scope of how each medication works for him, and which dosage is right. If you have had the same problem we have run into, keeping a journal could really help to not only show you the difference between the meds, but also show your doctor exactly how the meds are working (or not working) for you. Try it, it just may be beneficial.

So what are my tips?

When taking meds the question on our minds has always been Should I or Shouldn’t I. For us, this answer is never easy, which is where gathering information comes into play. Knowing the meds helps to know what you are getting yourself into. Besides, knowledge of your meds is always a key factor in making an informed decision of what’s right for you. Not to mention, if it’s your loved one taking the meds, understanding those meds and how they affect or change the chemicals in the brain help you to understand any behavioral changes that your loved one may experience. If your loved one was always the active type, and this was something that interested you, and now the meds are making them sluggish and constantly fatigued, understanding this side effect could help you understand what steps to take on your end to help your loved one, and in some cases prevent an argument or worse.  

So here are my tips:

1.       Ask your Physician lots of questions about the suggested meds.
2.       Create a Daily Med journal to chart frequency of symptoms, changes in mood or behavior, and overall success (or lack thereof) of the suggested meds.
3.      Do your homework. Researching the meds will only further build your knowledge and understanding, and help you along this journey.
4.      Ask your Physician about slow dosages. Jumping head first into a high dosage of meds isn’t always the best idea. Trying a lower dosages of meds can help your body become acclimated to the chemical change, thus increasing your changes of a positive experience while on the meds
5.    Talk, talk, talk. Keeping the channels of communication open with your loved one is important. You need to know how the meds are working, or not working for them. Either way, talking about the meds he/she has been prescribed can make all the difference in this sometimes difficult process.

What is your take on the Pill Fight?