Lived Experience Forum

[garyking]

Hi guys bit new to here.

I recently saw my doctor who is a psychiatrist. He is aware of my mental issues and challenges that I am facing. However he recently also prescribed me anti psychotic on top of SSRI that I have been taking. These medications has made great difference to my anxiety levels and I feel much better.

However I was wondering why would someone prescribe me both SSRI and anti psychotic medication? I do have OCD as far as I can tell. Anyone else with similar experience?

Thanks

[garyking]

I have been on SSRI for a year or so. But started anti psychotic recently only. For both I am on lower range dosage. Along with meds trying to practise ERP but without any anxiety due to meds I can't see any point doing ERP. As far as I know you need to have some level of anxiety to do ERP effectively.

Anyone in similar situation please please...??

[Mazarita]

Hi @garyking, I just wanted to give you a response while you are waiting for someone who may have closer experiences to yours. I have bipolar and take an anti-depressant, a mood stabiliser and an anti-psychotic. Like you, the anti-psychotic is relatively low dose. I think anti-psychotic medication is used more widely now as an 'adjunct' therapy to the main course of treatment. It certainly has taken the edge of my capacity for high anxiety and inner agitation. If I was in your situation wondering why I was being treated in the way I was, I would simply ask the psychiatrist next time you see them. Wishing you well.

[Shaz51]

Hello @garyking

My Husband is on anti psychotic on top of SSRI

He was diagnosed with soo many differnt things -- clinical depression, major depression , inherited depression and anxiety and he might have Bi Polar 11 as well

He was just on SSRI without much change until he was put on  anti psychotic ,

[garyking]

Thank you guys for responding. I really appreciate it.

Though this is can be million dollar question, does anyone wonder if you have to be on it forever??

Thank you

[Shaz51]

Hello @garyking

does anyone wonder if you have to be on it forever?? -- It depends but the Specialist and Gp`s usually say to be on the Anti Psychotic medication  short term , but you need to check that with your specialist or Gp

my hubby has been on his longer then expected and he is trying to go off them now very slowly

[Mazarita]

@garyking, I kind of expect that I will be on anti-psychotic meds long term. I've already been taking them since 2009. My psychiatrist did explore slowly weaning me off them at one time but my symptoms returned as the dose went lower, so it was raised to its previous level again. As @Shaz51, has indicated, I think it depends on your particular condition and the approach of the doctor. Again, I would really encourage you to talk openly about these things with your psychiatrist. 

[garyking]

Yes thank you Mazarita and Shaz51. I have gone through hell of a mental trauma due to some life events. I found myself in a situation where I didn't get mental support when required. I will talk with my doctor in detail about long term plan. I sometimes feel that balancing career and juggling with mental condition overwhelming because people don't understand mental condition easily. I agree that people need to come out and talk bit openly about mental health. We probably need a mental health week rather than mental health day...lol

[Mazarita]

@garyking, it is difficult dealing with mental health issues and a career. I've read a lot of different viewpoints on whether or not mental illness should be disclosed to employers. That seems to be a highly personal decision. The forum has held a series of 'career chat' sessions that you will (hopefully) find on this search link, if you are interested. Also, there is a mental health week that happens in October. The forum usually has some special events around this time, such as Topic Tuesday sessions or webinars. Keep chatting as much as you like about what's going on for you. You will usually get a reply from someone, even if what we have experienced is not exactly the same as your situation. Kind wishes.

[garyking]

Today again I have been thinking how to balance my career and my mental health. The core issue is that I need to study and focus on things from time to time to advance my career. I don't feel studying as I feel drowsy especially on Mondays after weekends.

I really think that I need to take some caffeine to be able to study and focus and not feel like zombie. I don't need to drink loads of tea or coffee but probably one cup of tea in morning so I can do what I need to do in my work. This mental issues are really painful. And who has time to keep doing ERP all the time?

Currently due to meds I don't even feel any anxiety to engage in ERP. What's the point of doing ERP if I don't feel anxious at all due to meds.

It's pretty crazy. Sometimes I just feel that I have had enough and can't be bothered with anything and just take medications to get things done.

Sorry for ramble but I do feel emotionally heavy and bit lost. Going to see doctor again in few weeks time.

I really appreciate your input..thank you