Understanding Antidepressants
Hello everyone, I’m 22 years old and have been experiencing a significant struggle with depression and anxiety recently. For the past three weeks, I have been on clonazepam, taking 3 drops in the morning, 5 in the afternoon, and another 3 at night, in conjunction with a daily fluoxetine tablet. Unfortunately, I don’t sense much of a change in my condition. While clonazepam provides some relief, it hasn't been sufficient to fully manage my anxiety, as I'm still facing anxiety attacks.
Answers (1)
2/13/2026, 1:50:37 PM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like you are experiencing a challenging time with depression and anxiety despite your current medication regimen. It's important to acknowledge your efforts in seeking help and trying these treatments.
Understanding Your Situation: Clonazepam is a benzodiazepine that can help reduce anxiety but is usually intended for short-term use because it can lead to dependence. Fluoxetine is an antidepressant that often takes several weeks to fully exert its effects. It’s not uncommon for the initial treatment plan to require adjustments before you find the right combination that works for you.
Next Steps:
-
Track Symptom Changes: Keep a journal detailing your mood, anxiety levels, and any side effects you're experiencing with your current medications. This will help identify patterns and communicate effectively with your healthcare provider.
-
Assess Medication Effects: Note the times when you feel most anxious or depressed and any improvements or worsening since starting both medications. This information will be valuable for your next discussion with your doctor.
-
Lifestyle Modifications: Consider integrating calming activities into your daily routine. Techniques such as deep breathing exercises, mindfulness meditation, and regular physical activity can help manage anxiety and improve mood over time. Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate exercise most days (like walking or swimming).
-
Consider Communication with Your Doctor: If you don’t see improvement in the next few weeks, it may be beneficial to discuss your treatment plan with your healthcare provider. They might consider adjusting your fluoxetine dosage or evaluating whether a different medication or therapy option is needed, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), which can be effective for anxiety and depression.
-
Avoid Abrupt Changes: While you may be eager for change, do not alter your medication dosage or stop taking them suddenly without consulting your healthcare provider, as this can lead to withdrawal symptoms or worsening of your condition.
Reaching out for support during this time is vital. Consider talking to friends or family about your feelings or joining a support group for individuals with similar struggles. You're not alone in this process, and finding the right support can make a significant difference.
Related Questions
Did They Fail Me?
I feel a bit awkward sharing this, but here it goes. Approximately six months ago, at the age of 15, I experienced an inability to urinate. I rushed to my hometown hospital, where I was met with alarming symptoms: my blood pressure registered at an astonishing 179 over 100, and I was in excruciating pain rated at a solid ten out of ten. It felt unbearable, as if I might collapse from the intensity. After spending five hours there, undergoing a physical examination and an ultrasound, the doctors discovered that I had 850ml of urine retained, pressing back into my kidneys. Shockingly, they took no action and simply sent me home around 3 AM. The following day, I noticed blood in my urine and again found myself unable to urinate, prompting another visit—this time to the largest children’s hospital in the region. They quickly attended to me, performed another ultrasound, and confirmed the previous finding of retained urine. Due to my recurring pain, my blood pressure was once again dangerously high. They treated my dehydration with saline and administered antibiotics to ward off the risk of sepsis, which was a genuine concern at that point. After their thorough assessment, I underwent emergency surgery the same day. During my consultation with the urology team, I learned that I had a condition known as BXO. Subsequent to my initial surgery, another operation was required, but eventually, everything was resolved. For two weeks, I was prescribed 500mg cephalexin to be taken four times daily, along with steroid cream to apply three times a day for a duration of two months. This entire experience, particularly my first visit to the emergency room, has unfortunately left me grappling with severe health anxiety, which can sometimes be debilitating. So, would you consider this situation to be malpractice?
Navigating Symptoms of Low Blood Sugar or Cognitive Effects?
I am a 20-year-old male, standing at 5'11" and weighing 130 pounds. Currently, I am on bupropion for managing my ADHD. My medical history includes a diagnosis of ADHD, complex post-traumatic stress disorder (CPTSD), anxiety, and depression, as well as a possible diagnosis of bipolar disorder, which my psychiatrist has yet to confirm. Lately, I've been experiencing episodes characterized by overwhelming fatigue, intense hunger, and mental fogginess. These episodes come on suddenly and are apparent to those around me. During these times, my ability to drive safely and interact effectively is compromised. I tend to feel sluggish, spaced out, and this state often results in social challenges, including workplace bullying and academic difficulties. While I suspect my symptoms may not solely stem from low blood sugar, I can’t be certain. My past has been marked by significant isolation; abusive and mentally ill parents effectively removed me from conventional schooling for years. I was relocated to a small town with a population of just 500, where I had little opportunity to forge relationships or attend school. My days were consumed by scrolling through social media and engaging in heavy music in the confines of my darkened room, severely impacting my sleep patterns. I'm beginning to think that this extended isolation has led to cognitive impairments rather than merely holding me back in life. Unfortunately, I currently lack access to a psychiatrist and cannot get blood tests done. I'm eager to know how I can best manage my symptoms effectively. I’m reaching out because living in this manner is unbearable, and I am confident that I possess the potential for a better life.
Is 10mg of Diazepam Safe for First-Time Use?
I recently took a 10mg dose of diazepam, which I acquired from a pharmacy in Mexico about a year ago. As a 31-year-old female weighing 160 pounds and standing at 5'9", I have been struggling with significant anxiety and persistent anxious thoughts. After consuming a whole pill, I'm left contemplating whether I should have opted for just half of the dose, especially since this is my first experience with diazepam.
Understanding My Breathing During Movement
I'm a 24-year-old woman, standing at 180 cm and weighing approximately 77 kg. While I was dancing, I started moving my torso from side to side when suddenly I became acutely aware of my breathing. It felt as though I could distinctly hear my lungs, and with each sway, my breath became noticeably labored, echoing audibly from my mouth. Is this a common experience? Should I consider consulting a doctor for this? Or am I possibly overreacting to something that isn’t serious?
Facing My Health Concerns
Height: 168 cm, Weight: 49 kg Recently, I shared my worries about some lumps I discovered, which fortunately turned out to be benign. That was a relief, but now I’m dealing with another health concern. I visited a dermatologist for a follow-up examination of my moles — this was my second appointment, and this time I chose a university hospital instead of a private practice. The doctor examined my moles and indicated that one appeared unusual, recommending its removal. However, she also suggested that I could wait three months to monitor any changes in it, which is the route I opted for. This recommendation raises questions for me; does that imply there’s a possibility it could be melanoma? The mole in question has only been visible for about two years, leading me to fear that it could potentially be in an advanced stage if it is malignant. Adding to my anxiety is the discovery of strange, ball-like formations on the back of my head while scratching. On one side, everything feels normal, but the opposite side has a noticeable lump that I can easily feel. I’m unsure whether these are just typical bone structures or something more concerning. My health anxiety intensifies with all of this, making it a very frightening time for me.