Are all SSRIs activating?

[Anonymous]

We are wondering if the SSRI DS started in July is activating. He's on a low dose Zoloft 25mg for around 3 months, and started getting feedback around a month ago of disruptive behavior and other stuff going on at school. He's always had behavioral issues, but with medication, it's never been a 'problem' at school. More of a 'we know your son has different stuff going on, want you to know about some of us, but it's manageable.' So what we're seeing this year isn't necessarily totally out of character, but it's a lot more than in the past. So hard to tease out if it's SSRI activation or just a new phase of his ADHD and anxiety.

Anyhow, I think we're going to cut out the Zoloft. And see what he's like after that.

Curious - if we think the behavioral stuff goes away after stopping the Zoloft, so that we're pretty sure it was SSRI activation.... does that mean all SSRIs are likely to cause similar activation? Possible we'll find another anti-anxiety that works, but more likely to have side effects?

[Anonymous]

Yes, unfortunately that was our experience.

There are some non-SSRIs.

GL, getting medication sorted is a lengthy and exhausting process.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Yes, unfortunately that was our experience.

There are some non-SSRIs.

GL, getting medication sorted is a lengthy and exhausting process.

Not, OP, but going through something similar. Do you mind sharing what medication worked in your family? I know everyone is different but would love to hear some options that actually worked for people.

[Anonymous]

DH found several SSRIs activating but not zoloft. IOW, I wouldn't rule everything out based on one bad reaction.

[Anonymous]

Can Prozac be activating?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Can Prozac be activating?

Yes.

[Anonymous]

I've tried 4 SSRI's and 1 SNRI over my lifetime. IME, you have to find the one that works right for you. The only one that was activating for me was Luvox. It made me feel crazy and I threw it in the trash after a week. The Prozac and Paxil made me into a flat zombie. Zoloft was alright, but Effexor makes me feel like the best version of myself.

Also, don't just cut out an SSRI. Give it 6 weeks to see if the side effects settle. Then you have to taper down or your DC will be in for a rough ride.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Can Prozac be activating?

MY child attempted suicide three weeks after starting Prozac and the ER psych said it was activation and not at all uncommon with Prozac.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Yes, unfortunately that was our experience.

There are some non-SSRIs.

GL, getting medication sorted is a lengthy and exhausting process.

Not, OP, but going through something similar. Do you mind sharing what medication worked in your family? I know everyone is different but would love to hear some options that actually worked for people.

MY DC is on Lamictal now. There are no side effects. It's a mood stabilizer used more and more off-label for anxiety and depression. Not a magic bullet, but big improvement.

The rest is DBT and therapy.

[Anonymous]

We found luck with our third try. Start low and go slow.

Prozac activated after the first increase (though admittedly a tiny dose did alleviate the anxiety). Lexapro helped but brought on impulsiveness when we tried to raise the dose. We found luck with a low/medium dose of Zoloft.

[Anonymous]

PP here. My son has ADHD and pretty bad anxiety. You may find luck with another SSRI, so don't worry that you may have to rule them all out.

For us, the activation went away once the medicine was decreased and stopped. Quickly. It didn't linger. His activation presented as impulsive, aggressive, and a huge increase in hunger.

[Anonymous]

We were worried about emotional disregulation and our doctor recommended Lexapro for DD. She has done well on it. I personally found Prozac very activating.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Yes, unfortunately that was our experience.

There are some non-SSRIs.

GL, getting medication sorted is a lengthy and exhausting process.

Not, OP, but going through something similar. Do you mind sharing what medication worked in your family? I know everyone is different but would love to hear some options that actually worked for people.

MY DC is on Lamictal now. There are no side effects. It's a mood stabilizer used more and more off-label for anxiety and depression. Not a magic bullet, but big improvement.

The rest is DBT and therapy.

Thank you. That was one of the meds that the dr recommended trying next so glad to hear it worked for your kid.

Where did you find therapist for DBT? Our therapist moved and we are feeling a little lost for next steps.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Can Prozac be activating?

MY child attempted suicide three weeks after starting Prozac and the ER psych said it was activation and not at all uncommon with Prozac.

So sorry to hear that. Hope you’ve found meds that are a good fit.

[Anonymous]

All of them can be activating. The important things are to start low and be on the lookout (you and child) for what to look out for.