SSRI /problems in mod 40s

[Anonymous]

I have been on SSRIs for 11-12 years for pretty bad anxiety and health OCD. Now, it has helped a great deal but it also comes with a price. It does lose effectiveness in every 2-3 years, so I have breakthrough anxiety and insomnia.

Recently work has been really stressful with multiple international trips and I got very anxious. When I travel my circadian rhythm is off, my digestion is slow and I feel sick to stomach all the time. I am an anxious traveler. Lately, I had been having really strong hypnic jerks which prevents from falling asleep. I am so tired all the time.

Anyone with long term SSRI use with the same problems? I truly beleive that after certain time, my body adjusts to the SSRI dose and it does not do much for me.

[Anonymous]

Hi -- I am very similar to you but not sure my SSRI dose has ever been high enough to be super effective in the first place. But that is another story...

Have you tried upping the dose? For me, a lack of sleep can really increase my anxiety so maybe it's more that than the drug not working anymore. Do you have a good psychiatrist?

[Anonymous]

I have GAD and a panic disorder since birth and SSRIs did zero for my anxiety. All I got were digestive issues and depression with suicidal thoughts. I take a PRN Ativan and that works but nothing in any other drug class.