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10 weeks on sertraline and needing help

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lauraEllen24
lauraEllen24

Hi,

I was prescribed sertraline 10 weeks ago, after previously being on amitriptyline for around 6 weeks prior and before that I was on mirtazapine for around 5 years.

I was initally given the mirtazapine after a death of a family member and depression, this stabled my mental health for a certain time however I have always suffered with insomnia which had got worse since taking that medication. In august I found it was no longer working I was having a terrible time with insomnia and constant panic attacks. I decided to change to the amitriptyline and started counselling. However these tablets only allowed approx 5 hours sleep if that ans increased the panic attacks and suicidal thoughts cropped up. After this I changes to sertraline (50mg) which other family members also take as they suffer with anxiety, insomnia and OCD. At first it made me feel ill physically sick but these side effects stopped. In myself I felt happier however certain intrusive thoughts came up which I never experienced before. I decided to increase the dose to 100mg in a hope it would stop them, but they have increased even more. These thoughts have made me feel suicidal and self harmed for the first time. I have spoke about this with my counsellor. My sleep has not improved and most nights I relay on sleeping tablets. I'm thinking of coming off the sertraline but I'm really not sure of the next option. I'm in my early 20's and are worried I will have the anxiety, suicidal thoughts, panic attacks for the rest of my life. Any advice would be great. Thank you.

0 likes, 2 replies

2 Replies

  • chelsea83261
    chelsea83261 lauraEllen24

    Edited

    hi laura im currently on week 10 too and noticed lately that intrusive thoughts (suicidal thoughts) have returned and really bothering me too. very strange because i dont feel depressed but the thoughts bother me.

  • jenski1975
    jenski1975 lauraEllen24

    Posted

    hi there i am week 9 and feel the same but trust me sometimes it takes longer. Last time I was on Zoloft it took about 12 weeks so be patient i know its hard believe me Im living it too

    instead of quitting try talking to your doctor about increasing or changing

    I think youve come this far it would be a shame to stop

    hope that helps x

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