Better routine to minimise side effects?
Posted , 3 users are following.
I have been prescribed sertraline for approximately 12 weeks in total, starting on 50mg I feel like I almost skipped the initial 'bad feelings' you get when trying new medication (i have also been on citralopram and prozac, both made my anxiety and depressive symptoms massively increase in the first 0-6 weeks to the point I quit my job and made myself unemployed to try and ride out the side effects out, i couldn't do this and after feeling suicidal resorted back to no medication), two weeks ago i felt the overwhelming feelings of doom/dread, extremely excessive sweating, changes in my heart beat and rate, not wanting to go out had been creeping back in and so I made a second doctors appt regarding my meds. I was prescribed 100mg sertraline and since originally being put on meds 12 weeks ago have took my tablet religiously on a night time just before i sleep (usually 10pm) but I've been struggling with dry mouth and waking up 2/3 times during the night, every night for water. I usually drink about 2/3 litres of water daily so its not because i'm dehydrated. ive been experiencing really bad dizziness - sometimes itll come over at the most unprovoked times and I fear ill fall and grab onto the nearest thing until it passes. This and fatigue are affecting my daily living. i've been to the doctors to have my ears checked, my BP checked and doctor has told me its just side effects of the medication and that they will pass but I'm not convinced, however dont wanna stop taking sertraline as the positives outway the bad but still not enough for me to lead a normal life. still dont feel i am able to socialise (i suffer GAD, social anxiety and severe depression) , question IS.. can i get any advice on maybe changing the time of day I take my 100mg to prevent dryness of mouth while im sleeping and any advice on the dizziness, fatigue, and if any of you feel like through sertraline youve managed to lead a normal life? - do general things like meet up for coffee without a panic attack or ridiculous worrying from the second its been organised until the second I cancel (usually a couple hours before cos im freaking out). thanks, new to this, sorry for the long post just need advice!!!
0 likes, 4 replies
PatientMod-B rhiannat23
Posted
Hi rhiannat23
We note from a recent post which you have made to our forum that you may be experiencing thoughts around self-harm. If we have misinterpreted your comments then we apologies for contacting you directly. But if you are having such thoughts then please note that you are not alone in this, and there are people out there that can help.
If you are having these suicidal thoughts then we strongly recommend you speak to someone who may be able to help. The Samaritans offer a safe space where you can talk openly about what you are going through. They can help you explore your options, understand your problems better, or just be there to listen.
Their contact details are on our patient information leaflet here: https://patient.info/health/dealing-with-suicidal-thoughts, which also offers lots of other advice on how you can access the help you may need.
If you are having such thoughts then please do reach out to the team at the Samaritans (or the other people detailed in our leaflet) who will understand what you're going through and will be able to help.
Kindest regards
Patient
Potatoghost rhiannat23
Posted
hey rhiannat23
some antidepressants can increase suicidal ideation in the first month or so this doesn't always mean they wont work but I can imagine that feeling like that must have been horrific and scary for you bless you x
what improvements have you noticed since starting the sertraline?
the side effects are temporary and can last up to 8 weeks for some x i know it doesn't state this anywhere but I have spoken to a lot of people who have had side effects for longer than some so don't worry they will pass x
how long have you been on your current dose?
it might be a better idea to take your med in the morning if its disrupting your sleep x how I changed to mornings was over a few days. taking it earlier each night until it was early enough to take it when I woke up x
chris80549 Potatoghost
Posted
Agree with Potatoghost.
it will pass
Keep mind occupied
like when you were little and you would think or do something to take your mind off the dentist.
keep going, things will improve
chris80549 rhiannat23
Posted
Hi Rhanna
Sertraline 100mg Im on
Rianna keep on with it, it took me months for the side effects to calm down.
Started 50mg last Aug 2018. Went up to 100 about 6 months ago
I found taking at night I couldn't sleep so changed to take it Breakfast time.
I find still a bit muzzy head in morning but clears by afternoon.
I found Sert lifts mood but still get a bit panic/anxiety .
The tiredness goes with the problems your suffering with.
I still get tension headaches, but I think its not the meds its the stress, just try to ride through it.
Keep busy do things no matter how ill you feel, never give in, try and keep your mind in the now, whether watching tele or walking , anything to occupy your mind.
You will get there.
Try relaxation tapes or Hypnotherapy.
Good Luck keep going, you will get there. But manage your day, plan and do it,