Side effects of anti-depressants

[X]

I have been reading posts on the forum for a while, but have never felt comfortable to post anything myself before (although I still wish to remain anonymous because I feel very self conscious).

A few months after the birth of my second child, I eventually went to see my GP about not sleeping (as I had not been feeling myself for a while). My GP and I had a chat and I told her that I didn't want to take sleeping tablets, which she agreed with. I tried some suggested methods which can cure sleep problems.

I think that I really knew that it was more that just not sleeping, and this was my initial 'cry for help'. At my son's 8 month check, I filled in the pnd test, and my health visitor suggested that we make an appointment for a chat. I met with her a couple of times and we talked, I found that this was helping.

Then recently my husband decided that he would rather be with another woman than me and left me. I am currently staying with family. I went to see my GP again on the advice of my Health Visitor and was prescribed anti-depressants. I tried one type for a while, but found that they wasn't working, so I went back to my GP who prescribed Lofepramine. I have only been on Lofepramine for a while, but I think I am experiencing some side effects that I don't like. I am not sure if it is the side effects of the drug or if it is down to the fact that I am very tired. I have been feeling sickly, haven't been wanting to eat much, having headaches, etc. Has anybody else experienced these side effects with Lofepramine?

I often feel a 'fake' because I think that I am OK, or am looking too happy to be depressed - I am used to putting on a brave face and must do it well. I still have the same symptoms so I know that I can't really be OK yet. I feel a failure and don't really like anyone to know that I have pni and am on anti-depressants.

I am worried about moving into my own house with the boys, because I will no longer have the support of my family 'on tap'. I don't know if I will be able to cope on my own.

[wendabell]

Hi x,
It took me months to finaly join this site after just visiting too read.I know how you feel about the feeling fake thing.Ive got to go back to the doctors on tuesday after months of not visiting after taking myself off the drugs.Wouldnt it be easier if we had something physical to show people we are ill instead of our feelings.i bet i will even make an effort and do my hair and put on make up to go,why cant we show people how crap we are feeling and not put on that fake smile!
Have you read the leaflet that comes with the drugs that usually gives a rough indication of the main side effects,if not go back and see the doc.Maybe they are just not for you or maybee a side effect that will fade away.To be honest i get these symptoms now and im not on medication so it could be the pni.Go see the doc anyway hunny
Im sorry to here your husband left you.The relatives that you are staying with at the moment have you told them about how you are feeling,if so do you think they will let you stay for a little while longer until you feel confident to move.I know its hard to tell peole how you feel im a great one for that, i keep everything to myself as dont want to appear a burden to anyone and dont want them to take on my baggage also,but im learning you have to,for yourself and your family.Me i feel crap on the inside then put on this big smile and carry on.I guess that is why i dont tell anyone as if did say i was depressed people automaticly expect you to go around with your arse in your hand,never smile let alone have a laugh or go out socialising. Me i let down two groups of friends this week who invited me out,said i couldnt afford it rather than say sorry feeling down and have a massive panic attac at the mo!
Please go to the docs and have a chat with your relatives,also stay using this site its being a great help to me at the moment and it could to you also as there are many women out there with advice and support and its nice not to feel alone in this. Love and hugs wendy x.x.x.

[X]

Hi Wendy and Jeannie, thanks for your replies. Yes I had read the leaflet for the Lofepramine and it says that the symptoms that I am having could be due to side effects, but I just wondered if anyone else had experienced them.

I know that my post is full of facts and not much about how I feel. I find it difficult to express my feelings, even anonymously. I surprised myself when talking to the HV and GP, because I did manage to say how I felt - probably because I have a connection with them both. My GP offered to send me for councilling, but I told her that I would not open up to a stranger. I have to make an appointment to see my GP next week for a review - she is keeping a close eye on me at the moment (luckily)!

I can stay with my family idefinatley, but I can't tell them how I feel about moving out and being on my own. I know that I have to do it, because my life is on hold at the moment and I just have to start a 'new' life for myself and the boys.

Thanks

X

[wendabell]

Sorry flower if i seemed to be pointing out the obvious.Whenever i reply i am always worried that i offend people.
About your family they proberbly know something is up with you and you are not your ususal self.They most likely will put it down to you feeling low about the seperation from your partner.If they will let you stay there and of course you get on well then stay hunny for your and your familys sake.Its a big move for anyone i should imagine suddenly becoming a single parent family but to deal with all this crap we have as well is not going to make life an easy one at the moment.Hey we all want to be independant right but if there is a crutch there at the moment then take it.When you feel a little better then maybe move,but not whilst like this.As everyone keeps telling me be kind to yourself.and its right you must i am seeing that now(on a good one at the mo).Life does have to move on but only when you are ready.You have had such a tough time of late,you dont have to tell your family everything if you dont want to,you could just say you need more time as the split up from your partner shook you up more than expected and no one will think bad of you for that.
Make sure you go back to the doctors about those possible side effect symptoms please.
love and a big hug wendyx.x.x

[X]

Hi Wendy

Don't worry, you didn't offend me. Will make sure I go and see the doc.

Thanks

X

[wendabell]

Hi im glad i didnt offend,hope i gave some useful advice
take care and im online loads if you need a chat.
love and hugs wendy x.x.x

[X]

Hi Wendy

Your advice was good. It is helpful to know that what you are feeling is genuine and that you are not alone.

X

[X]

Hi Jennie

Don't be too hard on yourself, I am not offended - I too beat myself up over things that I have said. You are right though, I did not express any feelings. I find it difficult to express my feelings, I usually keep things bottled up.

When I gain confidence, I may be able to share some of my feelings with the forum.

Thanks for taking the time to post a reply.

Best wishes

X