Any advice from people on medication?

Vallete

1692

My husband has always been anxious and easily frustrated, but it got worse about being out of the house/around other people a few years ago (several panic attacks). He started seeing a therapist and getting medication recently. First the doc put him on Escitalopram, and he got a lot better. Started going on walks, a lot more patience with the kids, even playing games with them! The doc added resulti, even better he started getting sleep!
Around this time, he started getting frustrated with the weight gain, so he asked the doc if there is an alternative without weight gain, the doc put him on Propranolol.
He started feeling weak and tired, at first we thought he had a cold... But he's sleeping 18+ hrs a day and gets back pains if he goes on a walk. All his interests in video games/playing with kids stopped, he just wants to sleep. He has gone back to previous levels of irritation.
I have to go back to work and the kids back to school soon, we have a special needs kiddo that needs his care and to be driven to therapists.
Husband feels too tired to drive. I can't do this by myself!

socially_awesome_awkward_penguin

mental_health

memes

downrightmike

Some physical rehab work would probably help too.

2 years ago |

Caboune

I think the best advice anyone here can give you it to see with another doctor to have a second opinion. That way you will know if those symptoms are normal or not in the context of the medication.

arrowheadguitars

I was on citalopram for a while but swapped to venlafaxine, which I have had no issues with at all.

CogYang

I was put on Propranolol a long time ago, decided very quickly I did not like it at all and was switched to Venlafaxine (Effexor) and am ok on that. Meds are different for everyone, you do have to find ones that work for you

PutinGivingYouANeckMassage

Assuming that he gets the prescription from a psychiatrist... Propranolol only makes much sense if he has a quite elevated (and maybe irregular) heartrate and it isn't a reaction to his symptoms but the cause of them. But: don't take medical advice from strangers only, no matter their profession

Thanks!
(You ever watched Santa Clarita diet? Lol)
https://dailysantaclaritadiet.tumblr.com/post/157297503630/so-lets-not-dishonor-that-profession-which-takes

happyrabbitzz

Is it possible (and acceptable) for you to accompany hubs to Dr. appointments to be sure current symptoms are fully stated?

I should, ge usually schedules it for when I'm at work/kids are in school/therapy

Emily0dd

I highly agree with this, if it is possible for you to join him I think it's a good precaution to take. I'm currently going through med changes and having a family member with me for my doctors appointments has not only helped me feel supported, but my doctor also gets more context about how I'm reacting to the new meds from my family member's perspective.

SabertoothCrotchCrickets

Has he tried treating said anxiety and frustration without prescriptions? Finding community through a hobby that's physically rewarding is great for ones brain chemistry and it's sustainable. Prescription drugs are not the solution, and are the last resort imo. I really hope it gets better for ya both, much love.

Yeah, he is a teetotaler and resisted drugs for a long time. He couldn't do anything out of the house besides drive though.

If he ever needs another male to talk to, please feel free to inbox me, I don't have answers, but I do have ears and a loving heart. I'm sorry for your guys' struggle, and I really hope the right answer comes his way soon.

Thank you! Honestly I wish I could get him on imgur, but he refuses any social media (probably for the best). He does have a few male friends that are healthy minded guys (by that I mean supportive and aware of their emotions, not toxic) but I think the last couple weeks have been rough for hubby because they are busy with their family/holiday stuff. I will make sure to invite them over for him soon. Dnd got postponed until after New Year

UserMCP

Sounds like it's time for another consult with the doc. There's probably another option.

I was super fortunate in that the first thing we tried helped immensely; but I know people who have had to try five or more meds.

mizzderp

They also might benefit by a consult with a pharmacist before going back to the doctor. Pharmacists know a lot and really care. They can offer suggestions and their consultations don’t cost extra.

The doc just told him to keep taking it for another 2 weeks, sorry meant to add that.

SleepyKitten

To a point yes, most docs will keep you on something for at least 2 weeks. But you are ultimately the one who decides if you can live and function with these side effects. If he feels like he can't function then insist with the doctor that a change can't wait that long. I've been there and done that three times before. Good luck!

demoncatmara

Clonidine is a good alternative to propranolol, also hydroxyzine (it's different but works quite well), may be worth switching to one of those

That communication is key. Keep on keeping on, and good luck!

Thesaya

These meds can take a month or so to start working properly. Starting new ones and finding the right one sucks, but it's worth it once you do.

Propanolol is a beta blocker, you might be thinking of SRIs, those take 2+ weeks and often longer to show effects

Yes, I was. I am used to not recognising American brand names, so I just assumed it was something that also takes a while to get used to/start working, since the doctor said to give it two more weeks.

Propanolol isn't a brand name but the active compound.

Comments (27)