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Anxiety relapse! Back to sertraline I go...

Posted , 4 users are following.

meagan54385
meagan54385

Hi! I'm really just reaching out for some encouragement. This is the third time in 3 years I've tried to stop taking sertraline as I felt like I was ok, and feeling pretty good only to be greatly disappointed. First few months are always great, it always hits me that third month. First comes the tears, crying about silly things, the irritability, and than BAM! the panic attacks hit. I really wanted to get off, I so thought I was good. I feel like a failure and now have to go through those awful first weeks of restarting the meds. I don't see myself ever getting off. I've come to the realization that this a chronic condition for me. Are there any other long term sertraline users out there? Does it work for that long even? I need to hear some positive things bc I can't keep doing this to myself. I need reassurance that staying on sertraline forever is not a bad thing. Thanks for listening to me ramble...first day back and I'm sure we all know where my head space is at

0 likes, 4 replies

4 Replies

  • Clover11947
    Clover11947 meagan54385

    Edited

    Hi Meagan, I wanted to contact you to let you know you are not on your own and you are not a failure. you were most likely just not ready to come off Sertraline. I am 2nd time, my break was a little longer than yours at 5 months.

    I have been on Sertraline for almost 21 weeks this time and I am only just starting to feel myself again. I started early March on 50mg, Had all the same side effects as before and more besides. at 8 weeks the panic attacks had returned so upped to 75mg for 1 week then up to 100mg. A lot of the old side effects returned along with aching calf muscles and tinnitus. After 8 week I was not feeling any better so went back to 75 for 3 weeks then 50 mg 2 weeks ago. I can honestly say I started to feel a bit better the next day and have been getting better by the day. the side effect have now almost gone and I would say I'm feeling 90% my old self.

    I too was disappointed to be going back on AD and it has been a rocky road with lots of pitfalls but I battled through it as I know you will. If I have to stay on these pills indefinitely and if it takes a little white pill for me to feel the best version of me, then so be it.

    Keep strong and be kind to yourself . I spent many hours trawling this site day and night when I was at my worst. I always managed to find comfort and support. Take care xx

    • Guest
      Guest Clover11947

      Posted

      hey! i am wondering if i should increase to 75mg? i am at 50 and have been for 11 weeks. i know many say it takes 12 weeks to feel the full benefit. anxiety has lessened, but worry is still there. thoughts?

  • sue41044
    sue41044 meagan54385

    Posted

    Hi Megan

    Just read your message and wondered how you were doing. I to have a similar story. Was on sertraline 100mgfor 18 months. felt great and came off. All good till 4 month later old problems returned so put back on. 50mg. All the same horror starting up again but started to feel a bit better but not like before so increased to 100mg 4 weeks ago. Feel no better on 100 than on 50. Hoping it will improve soon. Wish you all the best. Like you just need some encouragement to know from fellow users that things will be fine in the end. Take care x

  • gerard62834
    gerard62834 meagan54385

    Posted

    Hi

    I found this thread very interesting and I do hope everyone is okay at this time.

    I am at a much earlier stage with Sertraline but in my case I have basically accepted that most probably, I will be on this for the very long term. My problems go back many years so I feel a short burst of ADs will not be enough. Of course I'll have to convince my GP of this but I don't anticipate any major problems.

    I can certainly appreciate that some people want to get off Sertraline as soon as they can, especially because of the unwanted effects, but for me the advantages seem to outweigh any negative effects as they help with intrusive thoughts and severe dissociative episodes. I guess any drug is a case of trade-offs between risks and benefits but they help me to manage some quite major issues.

    Very best wishes to all

    Gerard S.

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