Hi 8,

I realize that you want to know if anyone has had good results from SSRIs whilst drinking. I have tried several SSRIs whilst at the same time continuing to consume alcohol but none have helped me with either GAD or OCD. If you refer to the following article, it makes the statement that "Alcohol can interfere with the SSRI as it attempts to treat your depression"...

http://ezinearticles.com/?SSRI-and-Alco ... id=1549047

All the best.

V.

Thanks so much for the input guys. I have decided not to mess around with my brain with SSRIs when there is a reasonable chance they will not work, and bearing in mind the nasty side effects I've had in the past. I'm going to go on the beta-blockers.

Hi 8,

I take a beta-blocker (propranolol) and it does help with the physical symptoms of anxiety.

My best.

V.

Many thanks V, that is the one my doctor is considering I think. The physical symptoms (heart pounding) gets me into a very vicious circle, which has led to my huge increase in benzo use recently. Without that, I can try to taper off the benzos.

All the best

8

My doctor told me that beta-blockers take a while to work, but I've read information that they can start to work immediately. Can anyone tell me from experience, please?

I've had complex PTSD, Social Phobia and Major Depression for most, if not all my life.
A few years ago my symptoms peaked and I went cap in hand to my doc and we decided the best course of action was Zyprexa (Olanzapine 5mg daily). It is an anti-phsychotic, prescribed to schizophrenics but in my opinion is the best anti-anxiety, anti-depressant I have ever had. Before Zyprexa I had made 7 suicide attempts ... and since ... I actually enjoy living and I see hope for the future. I'm not going to say you should take it ... just consider it. The only side adverse affect I've had is that I put on some (noticeable) weight.

I've been taking a beta-blocker (atenolol) for a heart arrhythmia for about 15 years now. They do not work immediately. Usually takes about 20-30 min to kick in. However, if you chew the tablet (someone suggested this to me with a similar arrhythmia) you will feel the effects in about 10min.

Q

Thanks a lot Q, that's exactly what I was hoping for. My doctor had given me the impression that they take a few weeks to kick-in, just like SSRIs.

tuttle - thank you thank you, and so glad you have found a medication that works so well for you, and to such an incredible extent. It's certainly something I'll look in to more if the beta-blockers (which I have decided to definitely try) don't help.