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Coming off Sertraline

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clare_sturdee
clare_sturdee

Hi...i want to come off sertraline as its doing nothing for me. I was on citalopram for almost 2 months then switched to sertraline as the side effects from citalopram was awful. Sertraline has just been as bad. Im fed up feeling like a zombie all the time and having sore heads and horrible hot flushes going through my body. Im only on 25mg...should i start cutting down and taking just one every other day?

Any advice would be appreciated!

0 likes, 4 replies

4 Replies

  • Wilb
    Wilb clare_sturdee

    Posted

    I would speak with your GP regarding this! How long were you on the citalopram? What were your side effects?
    • clare_sturdee
      clare_sturdee Wilb

      Posted

      Hiya...i was on it for 6 months then came off it as i felt better. Had to go back on it again in June but the side effects where more severe than the first time round. Not sleeping, tight feeling round my throat and chest, feeling zoned out, sore heads all the time, heart palpatations etc...i spoke to my gp over a week ago and she put me onto sertraline as she said the side effects wouldnt be as bad. They are just as bad..i halfed the dose to 25mgs as couldnt stick the 50mg dose and its made no difference. I dont feel these things work for me. Its only for panic attacks and mild anxiety brought on through stress. I dont know what else to do! 😕

    • Wilb
      Wilb clare_sturdee

      Posted

      Side effects can be terrible the first few weeks of taking them! My doctors state you just have to wait it out and be patient! I have been on the genetic Lexapro for 3 weeks and just starting to feel somewhat better! Takes 6 to 8 weeks for the full effect so I have been trying to hang in! Was on Lexapro 10 mil for 9 yrs before it pooped out! Tried Cymbalta,Prozac, and Zoloft and they gave me awful side effects! The only one I have not tried is Wellbutrin! My GP thought increasing the Lexapro to 20 mil would be helpful since I had such good luck with it before! We will see!
    • sparrow01
      sparrow01 clare_sturdee

      Posted

      hello clare, if you are stopping with ssri's you could instead get some anti-anxiety meds, eg. alprazolam (which also comes in an extended release version, for a longer lasting effect)

      there's no reason to have to suffer with anxiety.  and remember that your doctor is there to help you and should respect your decisions as an adult of which meds you wish to take.  if your doctor isn't on your side, change your doctor (i say this because some doctors don't like to give out benzodiazepine (anxiety) meds.. which i find disgraceful because, if only some people are allowed them and others are not, then that's a very unfair thing happening right there).

      so have a read around the internet, see which med looks like it will suit you, and get the meds you need. don't take no for an answer. and always remember that the doctor is there to work for you and your needs.

      (sorry if my message seems a bit hostile and a rant, it's just that i find it a shame that so many doctors give out ssri's to people who would be much better off simply taking something which works right away to calm anxiety.  many doctors are simply playing it safe because they think people are irresponsible and might take too many of the anxiety meds, so the doctors give out ssri meds instead because they are 'safer' for the doctor.. (regardless of what you actually need in order to get your life back on track)

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