Success with SSRI!!
I would like to share experience with medication.
I have been struggling with PMDD ever since taking the mini pill birth control. I never had pmdd before, just occasionally pms. It caused serious unbalanced brain chemistry, severe depression and vomiting. Brain fog and decreased cognitive ability. Also feelings of hopelessness. I had to stop taking mini pill after 11 days because it seriously was affecting my quality of life. After that, I continued to struggle with this depression and my pms worsened!
I live in The Netherlands, and was referred to a hormone specialist. I scheduled a GP appointment too since the specialist waiting time is quite long. The GP suggested SSRI, as I have already implemented all of the lifestyle changes like exercise, diet, therapy with little to no effect. My therapist also suggested I see a GP and referred me.
I was started on 10mg of Prozac, taken only during lutheal phase.
First day - I felt my pms, I was having brainfog and felt very tired + dry mouth that made my throat hurt a little
Second day - I also felt pms, but my mood was alright! I had interest in hobbies and even worked a little, which is something that I struggled with so much during lutheal.
Third day - I felt like my physical pms symptoms were no longer upsetting. I can deal with the brain fog and cognitive decline because I feel motivated and less depressed.
Now I feel like I am not having pms at all! My close ones have really noticed the positive change, I talk about my interests more and became more social. When I am sad, I can recover more quickly, and my emotions don’t feel overwhelming. My sensory struggles reduced too, I am not as overwhelmed by loud noise or bright light.
I am hoping that when my follicular phase without the SSRI starts my mood will remain normal. I will continue this treatment for a few more months under supervision and if things go wrong, we will adjust medication or change the treatment.
I wish you all luck and hope that you find the treatment that works for you!