Elevating My Mood Pharmaceutically - good/bad idea?

Do you know that SSRI's will work positively for you? There are a lot of negative side effects people have written about, and I have personally experienced the worst ones.

It is important to know the side effects of any medication you're on.

I would think getting a small benzodiazepine prescription only for intense periods of anxiety is a good idea, although, you really do have to keep it to very infrequent usage.

Have you tried exercising on a daily basis? What is your diet like?
 
Yea, I just read about side effects of SSRI-based medications, and I guess I could do without them. Anyway, it's not like I get anxiety attacks often, but more of generally high level anxiety.

As for my exercise - I sometimes go and do aerobic exercise, but rather irregularly. I probably don't do enough nearly enough actual movement throughout the day. As for the diet - mostly grain-based foods and cheese. Also multivitamins.

I guess I can try to start more regular exercise sometime.

Also, at times, I go on pretty high coffee consumption streaks. I think they really don't help me with sleep or anxiety, but at least when used in moderation, coffee gives me the energy and motivation to do more.
 
Doing sports is the best anti-depressent on the market, mostly free and having no side-effects. I highly recommend it. Drugs are only a temporary solution, do sports not drugs, sports sports sports + change your diet to a more nutritious one. It helps, helped me, helped others, let it help you= D
 
is it a good/bad idea?

in general i would say no. its not good. you should explore your lifestyle and try to find ways to make yourself more comfortable. most people have lots of reasons for naturally feeling less than they think they should. that being said as far as being a bad idea, is it any worse or more dangerous than any other reasons for taking drugs. i would say not. if i can buy otc "chemicals that arent safe" that will grow my hair back after i neglicted my scalp for 30+ years, would it be worse to take something to help you cope with life in general that isnt "safe"? i would say that would take investigating both cases alot.
 
Pregabalin definitely sounds like a more low-risk choice (compared to benzos). Then again, come to think of it, Kratom is even easier to come by, and it's legal.

Also, exercise has worked reasonably well in the past. It's helped with energy and elevated my mood. But anxiety still persisted in some form.
 
s_l: I've had a similar set of circumstances, and have had to overcome similar challenges over the years. In my case, I was isolated by my peers at a young age, and retreated into solo pursuits like you have. I've also missed out on a lot of social experiences, and am in the process of learning social protocols, at 30, that most people seem to learn in jr. high or high school.

In my experience, medication is not useful in the long term. In the short term, it can provide relief of symptoms, but generally don't treat the underlying cause. Over time, tolerance develops, symptoms worsen, and the side effects begin outweighing the utility of the medication. Also, in many/most cases there is the issue of addiction to deal with, which makes things a whole lot worse. My experience (with pharmaceuticals at least) are limited to benzos and SSRIs.

What works for me? Exercise, therapy, and over time a slowly increasing frequency of socialization. I'm an introvert as well, so in-person socialization can be exhausting, but it is very rewarding from a mood elevation standpoint, and really helps with social confidence-- which, I don't have to tell you, is critical.

The most important thing, for me at least, was seeing a psychologist. It was a catalyst for a huge change, and was able to treat the underlying cause of the problem rather than the surface symptoms. Even just having a neutral, sympathetic ear to talk to can help heaps.

In the end, if you're looking for a quick fix for a few months to a year or two, then meds are fine. If you're looking to fix the problem, and are willing to put a fair bit of effort into doing so, then therapy is the real solution. It's a lot harder than popping a pill, but the absence of side effects and duration of relief are well worth it.

Best of luck!
 
exercise helps as well as sports but even these are just temporary solutions as well...

trying to feel better by taking benzos is a bad idea..
 
^^
I went through the whole social round about of what your saying, during childhood and highschool. I went to 7 different schools in 4 different cities before I graduated.

What I found really helped me, besides a study partner that turned into a best friend, was using MDMA once or twice. It really made me connect with people on a whole other level.

Unfortunately I abused, then went through some crazy times. Alot of social withdrawal, and intense anxiety. I can tell by your post, that benzos would be highly addictive, because in a sense they make me feel "normal".

If suggest going on a low dose SSRI for anxiety for a few months, exercise loads and get your ass out and socialize! SSRIs will "rewire" parts of your brain optimal for thinking and emotion, particularly the frontal lobes, this is where your social ability lies.

So during the short treatment, aim this rewiring in a positive direction, with low levels of anxiety, and then taper off once youve discovered yourself more!

Meditation works aswell.
 
I think you shouldn't do anything on your own (self medicating). Especially with SSRI's I wouldn't try doing that without the watch of a doctor. If you are going to take benzos once in a while that is different, but SSRI's should really be administered by a physician... you do not know how many mg's you need, nor do you know which one would be best for you.
 
Ok, I've started a running + push-up routine starting from today. It already has given me energy.

As for SSRI medications, once again, I guess I'm going to hold off unless they're actually prescribed to me. I'm also annoyed at the idea that SSRIs would prevent me from being able to fully enjoy weed and mdma. I don't do them often, but I do like to indulge sometimes.

^^
I went through the whole social round about of what your saying, during childhood and highschool. I went to 7 different schools in 4 different cities before I graduated.

Yea, I kind of forgot to mention that since the first big move I wrote about, I have moved at least 4 times as well. This really messes with you further.

Anyway, thanks for everyone's advice, so far!
 
As for SSRI medications, once again, I guess I'm going to hold off unless they're actually prescribed to me.

Good. You should never ever start taking psychiatric medications (or anything other prescription meds for that matter) unless you are specifically prescribed them by a doctor, and seeing them for regular check-ups while you're on the meds.

Good luck with your new exercise routine! I hope it helps (which I'm sure it will :)).
 
Small steps are important, and it's great to recognize small improvements. They tend to be additive :)
 
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