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From fluoxetine to sertraline, increased anxiety?

Posted , 7 users are following.

luc.a
luc.a

For the last year or so I was on 20mg fluoxetine daily but after my depression got significantly harder to deal with and doubling my dose didnt help, my doctor decided to switch me onto sertraline.

I was on 50mg for the first two weeks and now I'm on 100mg. I've noticed a significant increase in anxiety, intrusive thoughts of harming myself (often ideas of ripping and tearing into my skin, literally removing it from my skeleton; grusome and scary) as well as numbness and itching in my hands and feet. Is this normal? Should I just wait it out? I havent felt any benefits so far and I'm not sure if I can deal with these side effects much longer.

Thanks guys.

1 like, 4 replies

4 Replies

  • lorraine82455
    lorraine82455 luc.a

    Posted

    Maybe Dr should have gone to 75mg first. Increased anxiety for sure is a major ide effect, but maybe you should call Dr about the suicidal thoughts. Keep telling yourself it's just the drug, which it is.😬Good luck

  • deirdre72189
    deirdre72189 luc.a

    Posted

    Honestly, that does not sound like normal side effects to me. My initial thought is that you possibly increased the dosage too quickly.... If you had manageable symptoms on 50 mg, I would have stayed on that for another week or two... And then, after that , try 75 mg, cut the 50 mg tablet in half... Increase gradually... Slow and steady wins the race... I have an extremely sensitive system and always start at the lowest rise, and increase very gradually..... Doctors don't know this as most of them have never taken these meds.... Also, take a benzo ,if necessary ,when starting a new medication, to cope with the increased anxiety.... Xanax or klonopin.....

  • shelly84
    shelly84 luc.a

    Posted

    Hi. I was also on fluoxetine then switched to sertraline. I say give it anther week or so if no improvement go back to your doc. I came off sertraline the withdrawal systems wer horrendous for me i personally wouldnt take this drug again. But all people are different. I hope things get better for you.
  • philip49799
    philip49799 luc.a

    Posted

    If you have the resources then get to a Hypnotherapist about thos horrible negative self harming thoughts. Yes, honestly, I use this and it is like a lifeline. Don't be afraid to call Samaritans......they are used to these things and will listen to you. Sert is a tough drug but it can work after a number of weeks.

    Good luck and bless you.

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