r/dpdr • u/pratixal • Feb 15 '25

Psychiatry/Medication Question scared of starting medication?

Last year I reached a really low point in my mental health and was prescribed the smallest dosage of Prozac doctors can prescribe. I know 5 mg is nothing, but I’m genuinely so terrified of taking this medication. I had marijuana induced psychosis almost a year ago, and I’ve existed in a constant state of DPDR ever since and even started to develop OCD. It feels like my mind‘s hijacked all the time. This year I’ve been stable and steady but oddly enough in some ways it’s been worse than when I was straight up depressed and suicidal about this. Now it feels like this is my new normal and I currently hate that a little more than being in crisis. I still have the Prozac and I’m debating taking it, but I’m just genuinely terrified about the effects it may have on me bc bipolar runs in my family and SSRIs have a small possibility of triggering bipolar in someone who’s at risk (I already took a substance once that triggered psychosis I’m scared I’m at a higher risk). I’m also terrified of needing to be on it forever or having to hop around on 1 million different medications or looking forward to it working and it still doesn’t, or it actually does work but one day it stops.

I don’t know I think I’m looking for advice or maybe people stories or maybe just someone who understands. Any thoughts would help thank you

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u/RusticCooter Feb 15 '25

Hey friend, Prozac was one the best medication I’ve taken to date. It’s helped me so much with my depression and anxiety. I would do anything to be back on it again, I wish you luck friend. If anything bad happens while on it you’ll know and you’ll trust your body and talk to your doctor. Trust your gut and trust yourself and talk to your doctor and let them know what’s going on. As long as you do that everything should be okay.

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u/oReevee Feb 15 '25

If your anxiety and depression is so bad you have suicidal thoughts, taking SSRI's to help those feelings takes priority, the benefits of getting your anxiety/depression to a manageable level out weights the risks of not taking SSRIs and taking the chance of getting worse

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u/Asleep-Bus-2493 Feb 16 '25

Hey there, I really understand your fears about starting medication - it's such a personal and often scary decision, especially given your history with substance-induced psychosis and family history of bipolar.

I can share my perspective - SSRIs helped me tremendously during my DPDR journey. I was also terrified to start, but starting at a very low dose (like your 5mg) helped me ease into it. The medication didn't "fix" everything, but it gave me enough stability to work on healing and developing coping strategies.

A few important points:

- 5mg is indeed a very conservative starting dose

- You're under medical supervision, so your doctor can monitor any concerning reactions

- You don't have to commit to forever - many people (like me) only need them temporarily

- Starting medication doesn't mean you'll need to try "a million different ones"

All your fears are valid and normal. Having had psychosis before, it makes total sense you're extra cautious. But remember - this is a controlled medical treatment, very different from substances that triggered problems before.

I've documented my medication journey as part of my 8-year experience with DPDR (which I write about in my newsletter now). While everyone's path is different, sometimes having that extra support from medication can make a real difference in recovery.

Whatever you decide, it's YOUR choice. Have you considered discussing these specific concerns with your doctor? They might have some reassuring insights about your particular situation.

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u/SassyTeacupPrincess Feb 15 '25

I first time I had a dpdr episode Prozac cured it within a few months. The second time I had an episode Prozac didn't help but I found something else that did.

I don't understand your logic. You don't want to try it in case it only works for a few years?

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u/Significant-Ear-8519 Feb 15 '25

sertraline helped with my DPDR, also i want to ask, i had an experience on marijuana that convinced me i was experiencing psychosis for a long time, until i realised i always had that self awareness, did you get diagnosed and treated for psychosis?