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Feeling flat

JudyFZ
JudyFZ
I started taking Lexapro earlier this year after being off antidepressants for 20 years. I mainly took it to treat my anxiety, but depression has been a lifelong problem for me.

I felt better, happier, calmer, for awhile. Then, this summer, things went down hill. I had spikes of anxiety but mostly I felt down and very negative.

Now I just feel flat. Not horribly depressed, but unmotivated and numb. I'm not excited about anything and it takes a huge amount of effort to accomplish anything.

My anxiety is almost gone, but I hesitate to go off the drug because it really helps me sleep. Before I started taking it, my insomnia was putting me in an early grave.

Anyone else have this flat feeling on antidepressants and what did you do about it?
mginmn
mginmn
Please see my responses in the "anxiety" group. I so hope you feel good soon.
SadNLonly
SadNLonly
I just posted about the same thing yesterday. I started a new med a month ago. At first I did feel better. I had spurts of happiness. Now Im not as depressed, but like you I just feel flat. No real feelings at all actually. Im finding Im isolating myself to my house and really just dont do anything except go to work and come home and sit on the couch. This past weekend I came home from work on Friday and didnt leave the house until going to work on Monday.

Is it normal? I cant imagine it is, but I also dont know if I just need to give it more time. Maybe its not in full effect yet.
whatswrong19
whatswrong19
I'm in a bad place today, because what needs changing for me is not my medicine, but my circumstances. Changing my meds is only a temporary fix, it's the circumstances that need to be changed, my psych thinks I shoudl try to change my thinking, to being positive, but that again is also a temporary fix, and not a permanent cure.
whatswrong19
whatswrong19
I'm like why should I "pretend" to be happy or thankful when I'm not. that's like being fake. I can't stand fake people, nor can I stand being fake. I prefer reality, even if it is dark and gloomy
JudyFZ
JudyFZ
Thanks for your responses. @whatswrong19, I know how you feel. It's hard to know what the right solution is. Am I feeling down because of my meds, my depression itself, or is it just life and the way I'm handling it? I know there are some issues I still need to work on and that may be causing some of this. I also had a rough summer due to personal circumstances and I'm still pretty burned out because of it.

I don't think just "thinking positive" is a long-term solution. It can feel really insincere and like you're not acknowledging your true feelings.
Est3lle
Est3lle
I feel like this all of the time and I am not on medication! I guess you should speak with your doctor as there maybe something more suitable! With a lot of anti-depressant drugs it is trial and error!