I have always resisted medication for treating mental health issues in the past, primarily due to some doctors wanting to put you on pills because they don't know what else to do.
Many years ago, I had a bad reaction to propranolol (used for heart issues, anxiety and migraines – it was the latter in my case) which isn't actually an antidepressant but really messed me up. They wrecked my sleep pattern and caused me to develop a mental numbness, what's also known as "emotional blunting". I eventually experienced what can only be described as a breakdown.
Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (Vortioxetine is an SSRI) take a while to get into your system and have their full effect. I was advised I need to be on them for at least 3-4 weeks before any further treatment could be considered based on my reaction. It's been a week and a half so far.
I have read the information online about the effects SSRIs can have but the big question is how will they make me feel? The idea is they will improve mood, focus and attentiveness but what exactly does that feel like? How will I know if they're really working? I imagine it will likely be more obvious to those around me as they will pick up on changes of mood and behaviour more easily.
