I reduced my sertraline 12 weeks ago, still feel rubbish

Posted , 3 users are following.

I am 60 years old, and have been on 100mgs of Sertraline for many years, started on 50mgs about 25 years ago, then at some point increased it to 100mgs. I’ve tried many times to come off it altogether and failed.. 12 weeks ago I reduced my dose to 75mgs.....thought I was doing OK but I feel anxious, lightheaded, down, weepy, panicky, something I’ve not felt for years..I’m beginning to feel like I’ll never be able to come off them. My Dr feels that there is no need to come off, saying that if I had a physical illness I needed to take tablets for, I wouldn’t even think of coming off them, so why am I trying to come off these if they make me feel ‘normal’ I just don’t know whether to increase the tablets again, or persevere.  Really confused 😫 I would really appreciate any advice..or anyone else’s experiences. Thank you 

0 likes, 7 replies

7 Replies

  • Posted

    I am no expert but I would agree with your doctor. The way I look at is that anxiety is an illness and if sert sorts it out then why come off it if its still working. If you had asthma you would use an inhaler. If you were diabetic you would use insulin.

    I too am in my 60s and on 150mg now and have no intention of coming off them ..I may change my mind when I retire..who knows ..good luck.

    🦄🦄🦄🦄🦄🦄🦄🦄🦄

    • Posted

      Does a diabetic need to deal with horrendous side effects and sexual dysfunction due to their medication? 

      Antidepressants arent effective enough to warrant the physical illness arguement. They barely understand how SSRIs work

    • Posted

      I appreciate your reply...I think it’s what i needed to hear...just hate being dependant on tablets and wish I never went on them in the first place, but hey ho..I’m guessing this is the way it’s gonna be.. xx 
  • Posted

    Dylan..I am not advocating the use of SSRIs I was only expressing an opinion in response to Anniejay post. I just think that if Anniejay has been taking sert for all those years with great success then why reduce and risk all those horrible withdrawal symptoms.

    🦄🦄🦄🦄🦄🦄🦄

    • Posted

      I meant no offense,I just really dislike the ‘physical illness’ arguement. Im only 25 with only a couple years of experience with these meds, all i really know is I wasnt this screwed up before starting the meds. It really frustrates me to see someone who wants off the meds but cant because theyre dependant. 
    • Posted

      its really cr**. I hate being dependent on them but I’m thinking now that this is it....really can’t cope with feeling like this, all the panic and negativity...on sertraline for life I think 😫 xx

    • Posted

      Thats your choice. Whatever you choose i hope its for the best. 

      I cant handle all the extra baggage that sertraline brings with it so if i have to be on sertraline for the rest of my life it wont be a long life. 

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