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Hi, I have been on 3 different anti-anxiety meds over the past 7 years. I am wanting to come off for good.

Posted , 3 users are following.

juls31
juls31

I have been on effexor, citolopram and sertraline. As of the past ~4 years sertraline has worked best. I have attempted to come off sertraline one time which lasted 3 months and then had to go back on because of the ongoing symptoms of feeling like I couldn't swallow, anxious 80% of my day, heart racing.

I am BASICALLY here and signed up for support of anyone out there who has positive/any advise of tapering from sertraline. I was dx in 2006 with generalized anxiety, I have never been depressed, I am a very outgoing and happy person, so even having to be on any medication this long is very frustrating. I truely feel my deal is biochemical.

I am 31 and will be 32 this year, I am hoping to conceive my first child and really want to come off sertaline for good. I am staying positive, have my redface faith and support surrounding me in this matter. I would love anyones feedback. Thank you.

0 likes, 4 replies

4 Replies

  • Tonyag
    Tonyag

    Posted

    Juls you are on the right track. You said the key word Faith. Depression is something with my experience that you don't even know you have in you. It comes out when you never seen it coming. God showed me that counseling in addition to the medication and seeking him I would be alright. I found through sessions that I had compounded grief and baggage from growing up that I needed to clean out. I lost my only sibling and my son 33 days old. Sometimes we have to to through a little in order to share with someone else what pain is really like. Faith in God is key. Stick to the sertraline and let it get into your system. Try to stay active and surround yourself with good support always. Read Psalm 91 for protection and stay focused on getting better.
  • juls31
    juls31

    Posted

    Thank you for that kind post. The sertraline actualy has been in my system, as I have been on it for years. I am now WEANING myself OFF...so just looking for any advice/tips for those who have started to come off their meds and how long it took them to feel "normal"/"less anxious"? Take care Tonyag.
  • rob74885
    rob74885

    Posted

    Hi Juls, you are experiencing one of the worst side effects of sertaline that being anxiety. So get your specialist to prescribe you an effective tranquilizer, until the sertaline kicks in. I would not recommend to ever come off ones medication, a reboud/relase can occur and then you are back to square one, trust me I have been there, messed around with my meds, been off them, now back on sertaline and will stick to it. I know there are hectic side effects, but the pros out weight the cons. You cannot affrod to fall to pieces if you are planning to have a child and need all the mental health that you can get from proper medication. I have done the weaning off thing and it was the worst possible thing I have ever done.
  • juls31
    juls31

    Posted

    @ Rob: anxiety is not my side effect, I was prescribed sertraline for anxiety. I am weaning off with Doctors knowledge-slowly and this is my 3rd attempt/ I KNOW there is the controversy with should you be on it when pregnant or not...possible birth defects. That is my main reason of wanting to come off. But I know some have stayed on antianxiety meds/anitdepressant meds and their babies have been healthy and fine. It is a fine line. I will never go on a tranquilizer...I am not a big med person in general. AGAIN I am coming off sertraline in steps...so it doesn't need to "kick in". Thank you for your feed back. Take care.
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