Types of Anti Depressants

It sounds to me like you need anti-anxiety medication not anti-depressants or SSRIs. They work in completely different ways and target different problems. I've found numerous new papers showing Autistic and ADHD individuals appear to have less GABA "resistors" which are not only responsible for curbing anxiety in the brain, but also the gut-brain connexion.

Anti-depressants do not help boost GABA. SSRI's IMO are quite dangerous for some, especially if you have low blood pressure and do not target GABA.

I've just posted on another page (not to be too repetitive today):

Some anxiety IS amendable depending on the circumstance. But it seems autistic biology can be wired for a heightened anxiety and our society is not helpful. One factor I've found in medical journals is the link between GABA and its ability to shut-down an over-active brain. What has been found is that ADHD and Au have less GABA. I've found a mushroom compound with Lion's Mane incredible helpful as a daily supplement. 

But when unresolved matter, and unknown stressful factors send the brain into a sort of state of hyper analysis, anti-anxiety medication can help create clarity and in connexion with Problem-solving tools, it is possible to fix many situations which are causing anxiety in the first place. Fixing sensory environmental factors is sometimes the first. Adjusting work/home life however is necessary for the best of everyone involved and letting go of bad relationships.

But, in my experience, a looping / broken record of a melody will only be dissolved with a micro-dose of Xanax. No one should need these daily, as they're incredibly addictive and can also create anxiety if taken daily for 3-5 days in a row. So I use them sparingly when need be as this kind of stress is bad for health and I am responsible for a young adult who'd like me to stick around for a while :) 

Tricyclics are another option, though I don't know how effective they are for autistic people. I am taking one (amitriptyline), but at a low dose for a chronic pain condition, and while it definitely does work for that I can't speak to its effectiveness for anxiety. Tricyclic antidepressants can make you really tired though- I have to take mine at night even with a really low dose.

I've had a few medications now and then, some I still have, and others I stopped taking. If you are having issues at work, perhaps speak to your employer? They should be able to help you. I currently have sertraline and aripipazole, and they usually help me with anxiety and stuff. I don't want to get into what I took before, but as someone who is having a trial shift soon, I can feel you. 

Take care in the meantime!

Venlafaxine is kniwn as a potent drug. It is said that trying to come off it comoares to coming off heroin. I have been reducing my dose for the past 4 years approx. I am nearly half way. I may never be free from it. I wouldnt reccomend taking it honestly x

Some antideppressants can cause anxiety. It is a dilema i know. I have been switched from one antidepressant to another for the past 40 years. I syltill suffeted. But i didnt know that i was autustic. Coming off some antidepressant is very very difficult. I have made the decision approx 4 years ago that i want to experience life free from antidepressants. I have geen reducing the dose. Its nit easy. I have given up work. My autism is becoming more apparent as i reduce.

To be honest unless you are very unwell, i would try some sort of exercise to help with the anxiety rather than switch to another pill. 

I wish i knew all thise years ago what i lnow now. 

You say none really helped. Doctors will willingly write a prescription, but it isnt always the best option. 

I have been anxious lately, dealingbwith the reality of being autistic etc. But i have saidvit before, those periods do pass. Its not nice when its hapoening, but it does pass x

Thank you Ice Swimmer. It's really good to know you've had a similar experience.

Venlafaxine is the latest AD they want me to try. They aren't very pushy, and respect that I am now terrified of SSRI's, but I get the impression that they (GP's)  can't help in any other way?

Have you had any AD's which didn't have the worse before it gets better effects? I can't seem to handle those. Mirtazapine really messed me around.

I was thinking of speaking to a psychiatrist.

Thank you.

Totally get this. I have been through about 10 SSRIs and SNRIs with varying effects from nothing, to debilitating side-effects, to worsened mood, to numbness. These have been prescribed by psychiatrists, so it's not just GPs that push them.

The first antidepressant I was prescribed was a tricyclic Lofepramine and it had some positive effect, but I definitely was conventionally depressed on top of undiagnosed autism (next to nobody had heard of autism then, let alone women being autistic). There were only two types then (1990s): tricyclics and MAOIs. Both types are dangerous in overdose which is why they are rarely prescribed these days. MAOIs interact badly with certain foods too. There is also Lithium which requires ongoing blood tests to get the dosage right.

My most recent prescription was Venlafaxine (SNRI) augmented by Quetiapine which only left me feeling flat all the time, with Diazepam for occasional use for anxiety.

The following is a useful summary:

https://www.nhs.uk/mental-health/talking-therapies-medicine-treatments/medicines-and-psychiatry/antidepressants/overview/

In your place I would push to see a psychiatrist, but don't let them pressure you into taking an AD if you don't want to.

Thank you for the reply GI. Sertraline was the first SSRI I was prescribed. The side effects were manageable, but I didn't feel better, just numb.

I tried several that made me feel much worse. Now been on Sertraline for about 10 years, which works much better. I take it at bedtime and don't get any side effects, although it did disrupt my sleep for a couple of weeks when I first started it.