The right dose can be very hard to find, it sounds like you could be close, but I agree in that I'd personally recommend talking with your doctor about this. I have several meds on board to manage my anxiety, and I spent a fair while as you describe. I got reviewed and there was one that had been added into the mix but shouldn't be. I weaned off and stopped: It was like waking up from being a zombie! So there's definitely a 'right dose' for each person, keep on advocating for yourself as you have been doing. Make it clear that your emotional numbing is not ok with you, and ypu want to find a better dose and or option. Good on you btw for engaging with it, it can be off-putting with the stigma around minds. I think: if someone cannot produce insulin, they take it. I can't keep a healthy level of something else, so I correct it. A final note: I started with fluoxetine, it did help me in a way. Anxiety uncontrolled causes depression and vice versa

My meds did this too.coulnt cry for over 10 years. I am now slowly reducing them. I'm looking forward to crying again!

I had the same problem (on Venlafaxine). Felt emotionless for years on it! I had to come off antidepressants full stop due to needing other medication for other health reasons. Felt weird to have emotions again. I don't like being depressed again but I do at least have highs as well as lows. It's tough... do talk to your doctor though. I should have done but when you feel emotionless it's hard to make those kinds of connections.

Always talk to your doctor if you can. There's lots they can play with. Unfortunately it's more of an art than a science, and to optimize it takes a good bit of trial and error. And sometimes it just comes down to a trade-off. Sadly, all d***s have side effects and sometimes it comes down to: Do you want some relief from terrifying, paralyzing anxiety? Well it may come with some emotional flatness, some sleepiness and some nausea. But I bet your doc can minimize it a bit. Hopefully you can see a specialist.

I'm on the same, if I'm on the wrong dose it makes my anxiety worse instead of better

Fluoxetin did nothing for me. You might also consider trying a different one, many people try a few.

Yeah, be careful of sexual side-effects as well. Check even if you're not 'active'. Those side effects can become permanent (look up PSSD).

Just signed in to fix that down vote. I have no idea why you were down voted. But thank you for sharing

Pandas absolutely *hate* it when you try and provide explanations, nuance or data. Wait a couple of days and try it again somewhere. You'll see what I mean

I really don't know because you are correct.There is such a thing as serotonin syndrome ,which is nasty to go through.I found that out first hand when I was put on serotonin...so yeah no idea why the down votes.. but guess I'll get them too haha..

Lauren: maybe you are downvoted because the serotonin theory (as the only cause for) depression has been scientifically disproven? That doesn't mean that serotonin doesn't play a role (amongst other things) depression, or that SSRIs will never work. But some people have a hard time navigating ambiguity.

Serotonin syndrome is brutal I've had it but I have to admit I had to fight the urge to downvote you! I don't agree with downvoting facts so thankfully that won out!

The original post is a joke, supposed to be humorous. You ranted on with specific medical stuff. Lighten up!

No I'm aware it's just a meme. It was just something I happen to know about that I wanted to share. No one is under obligation to read it.

Agreed. Or sudden withdrawals either: hospital forgot to give me mine during a 6 week medical crisis. As I was almost recovered, I suddenly got locked in syndrome. On the fourth day locked in, they realised I'm on a very high daily dose on venlafaxine and started to give me it. I could move my head a little the following day, and was fully unlocked two days after that. Serotonin syndrome and the meds in general are not to be underestimated, I 100% agree

Cocaine is an SNDRI. It inhibits the reuptake of serotonin, dopamine, and noradrenaline.

Unfortunately cocaine is bad for your heart - and nose.

Yep I'm for real ^-^. Check my response to Maria Maria. If you still want to mock me, I couldn't care less. That's definitely a you problem.

As long as we're providing our unsolicited feedback on the merits of Lauren's comment, I'll add that I didn't mind hers at all and kinda appreciated it, but I didn't like Mason's unsolicited sarcastic response to Lauren's unsolicited comment providing information on the topic of the post. Sorry to anyone bothered by the unsolicited response to the unsolicited response to the unsolicited information.

I didn't copy paste a thing there Mason. I spoke from my own knowledge. And RedMarbles is right, your comment is not exactly solicited, and unlike mine is not even providing information. (Edited for spelling)

Right! Especially since quitting/the withdrawal can be seriously difficult...

If you’re not referring to the ghastly American “healthcare” system I’ll eat my hat. Also it makes me sad to think that other countries would have it half as bad as it is here 🤒