Starting SSRI
 

Hey guys,

After 4 months of dealing with near constant anxiety after hitting my head, I'm thinking of giving citalopram another shot. I was on it for 3 days but discontinued after a horrific panic attack. This time I'm going to use a benzo with it while I adjust. I've been using a very low dose of benzo every so often since July. Tends to take the edge off, but I tend not to get panic attacks, just low grade anxiety that stays nearly all day. It has a big effect on my work and personal life.

I've tried 5-htp, 100mg each morning for over a month. I think it helped but just not enough. I discontinued the 5-htp on Thursday I believe. How long do you think before I can start the SSRI?

Also, for those who've used SSRIs to help their PCS depression/anxiety, how long have you stayed on them?

Citalopram will take a few weeks to see a marked difference. A 3 day try does not tell you much.

What benzo and dosage are you going to try ?

What have you been able to do to reduce sensory stimulation in your daily life ?

Yeah I know it takes time, but I decided to stop it early due to the panic attack.

I've been taking .25 mg of clonazepam. Only take it a few times per week when I need it. Like I said, my anxiety is realitively low, just constant.

As far as sensory reduction, I can't do many things I used to. No music unless very low, definitely no headphones. No going to the movies, try to limit public spaces as much as I can.

Unfortunately I have no sick time left at work and literally bought a house the week before hitting my head so can't afford to take time off.

mansfim-

Just wanted to let you know you aren't alone ;) I suffered from debilitating anxiety for weeks. It has gotten so much better. I take 25mg of Zoloft (an SSRI) in the morning and Mirtazapine (an atypical anti-depressant) at night to help me sleep. I've tried 3 times to wean off the night time med and it ended in disaster.

I was prescribed Ativan right after my accident, but it didn't touch the anxiety. It made me pass out for about 2-3 hours, then wake with 10X the anxiety than before I fell asleep. I've read- and I'm sure you have to- about benzos. I've read they aren't the best for brain injuries, but I fully get you have to do what you have to do to maintain. They just never worked for me.

I've gotten extremely deep in my faith and feel this has helped tremendously. Sometimes when I can't sleep or get scared I just say over and over "Jesus, Jesus, Jesus..." and I feel calm or fall asleep. I also read a daily devotional called Jesus Calling by Sarah Young. Just thought I'd mention this because so many swear by meditation for relief, so I feel this is my "meditation".

I swear my body got caught in flight or flight mode and just couldn't shut off. I became almost suicidal and thought something had to give because I couldn't deal with living like that anymore. It's been about 2 months since my injury and the past 2-3 weeks have gotten progressively better.

How did you hit your head and when? It takes time for the SSRI to take effect and yes, it may make you feel worse before better. I felt jittery and nervous and have developed minor muscle twitching since I started taking it. Mine is a pretty low dose considering but I don't like the idea of taking meds like so many others.

I think I tried to rush my recovery and and wouldn't allow myself to stay on the meds like I needed to. I may have been better long ago if I wasn't so stubborn. But I'm on them now until....

Thanks RAllen,

I hit my head may 31st 2014. Tripped over my feet while trying to sit in a bench, tumbled over it and hit my head on a rock.

Been a roller coaster since. Was finally getting close to feeling normal a couple weeks ago but something stressful happened again and now I replased. Stress seems to always be the cause.

Tried so much from vitamins, nucca, massage, diet, mild exercise. Not much seems to work. Best way to describe my symptoms is like being hungover 24/7. I have no real headaches though.

I know all about benzos. I don't like them cause I find they make me feel a bit depressed whereas otherwise I'm not really. I'm just incapable of relaxing, always nervous for no reason and wake up 2-3 hrs before normal.

Sounds all too familiar. I understand when you say nothing works. It didn't matter what I took or relaxation method I tried, there was no getting rid of it. I call it "the feeling" and would never wish it upon my worst enemy.

For me sleep has been the key to recovery. I don't know which caused which- the anxiety or the insomnia- but it's a vicious cycle. Are you sleeping at night? I too was waking (when I slept) anywhere between 3 and 5am with immediate panic attacks.

Like I said, I don't know if its meds, finally sleeping, or if this is "healing" but I hope I'm on the upside of this. I'll stay cautiously optimistic as the plan for now is to continue on all meds for 3 more weeks, then re-evaluate.

It's definitely taken a toll on my mental state for sure. I was a panic attack away from mentally cracking for so long that now these constant thoughts of PCS, anxiety, being "crazy" and grieving the loss of my old self run through my mind constantly.

I've recently started therapy about my thoughts which sounds pretty insane in itself. I'm hoping for positive results so we shall see. I'm interested in talking to you more and checking in with your progress.

I too have been doing therapy. Not much help though.

Sleep was a disaster for me but now it's not too bad, but I hear you, if I get a bad sleep I'm ruined the next day.

Having the zopliclone for sleep is nice, just knowing I have something to get me back to sleep if I wake up in a panic has done a lot for me.

I'm glad to hear you're doing better. I was the same until a stressful event 3 weeks ago put me back down a few pegs. Make sure you avoid stress!

Well, at least you know the trigger for setbacks and thankfully it didn't just happen out of the blue. I sat out this semester of nursing school- it was supposed to be my 4th so that has me bummed. I feel even though I am avoiding stress, I'm sitting at home all day with too much time on my hands. Wish there was a happy medium, or a cure-all for this crap. It's hateful for sure.

I sent you a PM today- sorry I just realized you could send them. I have my next therapy appt tomorrow so I'll stay in touch. Let me know how it goes the first few days on the SSRI. Just hang tough. It's no more rough than the anxiety and panic you've felt before.

Benzos aren't good for anxiety in the long run, OK for occasional use, but if you build a tolerance they can make you more anxious and can be a pain to come off. How come you weren't prescribed amitriptyline? That's usually the first AD offered.

@RAllen82 Know what you mean about being stuck in fight and flight mode, that's exactly how I felt for the first 3 months or so, too much cortisol swimming about in the bloodstream. I read it can eventually lead to adrenal fatigue (which is what I may have). I found just walking helped my anxiety, takes your mind off thinking about PCS which I became obsessed with. I think it's a good idea to get some talking therapy PCS is mentally tough to cope with alone.

Don't talk to me about sleep! When I can sleep 6 hours without waking I'll be so happy.

SuperElectric
I read about the adrenal fatigue also. What are your symptoms from it? I cut the front and back yard yesterday with a push lawnmower and got extremely hot. It was the most physical exertion I have done since my accident. I felt horrible last night and even worse today Like my anxiety is back and I just don't feel "right" :( Have you ever experienced anything like this?

Today was my second therapy appointment and once again they referred me to someone else. Its like once I get in there and start talking, the therapist has never seen/ heard anything like this and pushes me off to another person. I would love to have someone helpful for the talk therapy. You're more than right, PCS in a lonely place.

Sorry you are having trouble with sleep. I think that it effects so many of us and just sets the tone for a miserable day. With all that negative, it is wonderful that we have this to come to or support. I am so grateful for that!