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DRIVING ME CRAZY

Posted , 2 users are following.

Lenny316
Lenny316

After trying to not take my prescribed sertraline until I was so bad I felt I had to, within a week I had an awful experience work. I am a support worker (needing support myself!) and whilst with a client sitting on a chair I fainted or something worse and came too finding myself on the floor. I went back to my GP and she said to stick with tablets. I told them I was worried about fainting again especially as I drive. They said stop driving. I said I need to drive for my work. They said stop the tablets. I am so low. Damned if I do, damned if I dont. I got very anxious about all this and went back to the GP who signed me off for two weeks. I've looked at the DVLA Guidelines and for 'dizziness' it said I MUST lell the DVLA. I do want to be responsible to others as well as for myself, but this is driving me crazy!

1 like, 6 replies

6 Replies

  • Digsby
    Digsby Lenny316

    Posted

    Hi Lenny,

    Just wanted to show my support and encourage you to look after yourself at the moment. You are obviously a compassionate person who gives a lot to other people. If you are not coping at the moment, you can't give all that you want to so take some time to get your mojo back. You can't rush your recovery - it may take a few weeks or a few months. The waiting is frustrating I know, but we need to be patient. I've not read about fainting being a side effect of this particular medication, although it may have lowered your blood pressure. Has your GP checked your BP, and done blood tests for any other underlying conditions (e.g. thyroid). If you are not happy with this medication, you can always ask to change. We are all different and there are a lot of other anti-depressants available.

    You'll find a lot of support and helpful advice on this forum. Keep in touch! Keep calm and carry on (as they say) ;-)

    Good luck. Digsby

    • Lenny316
      Lenny316 Digsby

      Posted

      Thanks Digsby. Appreciated your time taken to reply. Back to GP yesterday, my BP was low. She got an ECG done for me - that was fine. Went back in and then she rushed me out. Timed out for other patients. Walking out of the door I asked whether I had to notify DVLA - she said yes. Rang them without disclosing my name and number - they said I had to notify them by law! If I was suicidal I might have thought about it. I am worse off now than I was before. And she said I was fit for work! Give me strength!
    • Digsby
      Digsby Lenny316

      Posted

      Sorry to hear that buddy. The health system can be very frustrating at times. I would weigh up the risk of fainting while driving and try to avoid it for a while (yes, even if this means staying signed off work until you feel a lot better). I'm not proud of the fact but I'm due back at work next week after having 5-months off (2 of those months were on the wrong meds so felt worse than when I started). I don't apologise for the time needed to get back to a place where I feel able to do my job. Be gentle with yourself and take the time that you need - it will be better in the long run. Are you taking the meds for anxiety, depression or both? Fainting is not normal and if your GP is not willing to explore the underlying cause then maybe you need to seek a second opinion. If you feel able, be assertive when it comes to matters of your health. It's in everyone's interest for you to recover fully so it may take some time and investment from you and the health service to achieve this goal. Do you have any other support from friends and family.

      Always here for you buddy. Take care & don't give up hope...EVER!

      Digsby

    • Lenny316
      Lenny316 Digsby

      Posted

      Thanks Digsby. I could write more but it all looks so hopeless. But I will not give up as you advise.
  • DawnDedee
    DawnDedee Lenny316

    Posted

    Hi Lenny,

    You have some great advice from Digsby, so I have not much to add. I wonder about the fainting spell. Have you ever fainted before? Do you take other medications? Are you diabetic? Had you eaten prior? Do you have seizures? As suggested a second opinion is a good option.

    I have had several episodes of syncopy, sudden blacking out. Very scary, but no real explanation of why. And has not happened for a long while now.

    I hope you can get to the bottom of this and I am sorry that you are suffering.

    💛 Dawn, USA

    • Lenny316
      Lenny316 DawnDedee

      Posted

      Thanks Dawn - very kind response. As I have said to Digsby  it all looks so hopeless. But I will not give up as he advises. I have not fainted before, had eaten two hours before the incident, haveType 2 Diabetes controlled by diet and fitness and not on medication. I am 60 and lucky not to be on any wedication and trying this Sertraline does not want to me to take any more tablets. My head still feels strange a week two and a half weeks coming off it. I feel I've just added more problems to those I feel low about already. I cannot drive until The authorities lok into my case having been told I must report it by law.
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