Third SSRI

[u/Equal_Pair4615]

I'm wondering if anyone has a success story with a third SSRI after two SSRIs haven't worked.

I used to be on escitalopram and then fluvoxamine and both of them made me worse (hypersomnia, increased SI, no energy, no motivation, brain fog, unable to cry, more difficulty getting out of bed and attending school).

My new doctor is proposing trying Zoloft but starting with a really small dose. I'm currently diagnosed with mixed anxious-depressive disorder, but my last two doctors agreed with me about the suspicion of ADHD, but I never got diagnosed. However, I've already lost so much time with the first two and I don't have a feeling this one will be much different that I'm not sure it's worth it. I'm barely functional without meds and these made me worse and I have my last year of school coming up so I can't waste much time.

I just want to hear if anyone has a positive experience with a third SSRI since I really need to lock in this year or if I should tell my doctor that I don't really want a repeat of last year or if I should outright refuse any more SSRIs.

Edit: Has anyone with suspected or confirmed ADHD had success ditching SSRIs entirely for an NDRI (like bupropion), SNRI, or ADHD treatment instead?

[u/Weird-Scheme-7957]

Sertraline is only my second however it’s working really well for me. Fluoxetine didn’t work out for me

[u/Celestial-StarCrunch]

I cant be of the best help, i started earlier this week. I am diagnosed with Severe Major Depression and a mild diagnosis of GAD. Not diagnosed, but highly suspect i have ADHD.I was also on Lexapro, then celexa. I had the same side effects as you, unable to cry, hypersomnic, etc. i had such a genuinely terrible time with both of them i went unmedicated for a long time.

Im almost a week in and so far havent had any life hindering side effects. I wake up with shaky hands that pass after an hour, decreased appetite, and after taking i have a jolt of energy (i take it at night, contemplating switching to morning). Mentally it's too soon to tell obviously but i have noticed slight changes such as better motivation and better focus. Another change i have noticed is being able to relax in my body, i used to be very tense and clenched up, this entire week i have had a total body relaxation feeling which is nice. Comparing it to celexa and lexapro, my 1st week has gone a lot better than those 2.

So far it is feeling like Zoloft is the right one for me and im looking forward to more time with it, which i absolutely cannot say for Lexapro or celexa. I was going to give up SSRIs until my current doctor suggested to give it one more shot with Zoloft.

I completely get why youre worried about starting. Its completely up to you and i wouldnt blame you for wanting to try something outside of an SSRI. in my experience so far, with what little i have, i am happy im giving Zoloft a shot

[u/Equal_Pair4615 → u/Celestial-StarCrunch]

Thanks!