Light therapy for SAD?
Saturday, March 6th, 2010 at
12:36 am
I am a 15 year old male. I suffer from severe anxiety and some depression, mostly in the winter season (February, mostly). I was thinking of using light therapy with the special SAD lights, however, I read that there can be some side effects, such as increased anxiety. Has anyone ever suffered any side effects? Should I use these lights? If so, how?
Also, I take fluoxetine (Prozac) for my anxiety. Will this cause any problems?
Filed under: Anxiety And Panic Alternative Remedies
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I’m sorry for you sad problem. I too have a severe sad. I have heard about the light thingies, it would probably be the best idea. though its better to check with a real doc. =\
prozac is known to cause anxiety as is every other anti depressant.
Prozac is not necessarily shown to cause anxiety, however it’s extremely important that you discuss this situation with your prescribing doctor, because if you are suffering an increase in depression and anxiety on your medication it could be an adverse effect, or a sign that you are being treated with the wrong type of medication (anti-depressant vs mood stabilizer etc). If your doctor didn’t have you come back for a follow up 2-3 weeks after initially prescribing the Prozac, as recommended by the American Board of Psychiatry, you definitely need to talk to another doctor.
If the Prozac was prescribed by a family practice doctor you should request a referral (free) to a licensed psychiatrist, who is much better equipped to monitor and help you eliminate your anxiety.
Also, it’s important to note that the reason the lights are recommended in SAD therapy is due to vitamin D deficiency especially caused in the winter months when skin exposure to direct sunlight is minimal. Tanning bed lights present a similar effect to SAD lights. If you are vitamin -D deficient, you can just take a supplement and it will have the same effect. Walmart even carries them (look for D-3 supplements in the vitamin aisle). Vitamin D is also relatively safe to take and almost impossible to overdose on.
In short, TALK TO YOUR DOCTOR, RIGHT AWAY. Don’t wait. If you can, see a psychiatrist. They charge on a sliding scale, so even if you don’t have insurance it will be affordable. And, if you’re dead set on the SAD thing, try tanning once, or take vitamin D for a month, and see how you feel. I should note, my sister tans in the winter (not the summer) to prevent SAD.