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Increased anxiety & watery stools after 5 wks sertraline

Posted , 3 users are following.

lisa23201
lisa23201

hi all. 

I started sertraline 5 weeks ago after taking citalopram for a couple of years. My anxiety increased massively, and I have had diarrhoea getting worse, now five or six times a day for the last few weeks. Just watery stools last two days. 

I have been waiting for this to improve, but it's only getting worse. 

Has anyone else had same problems? What did you do? Did you change meds?. This is making me tired, fed up and more defeated than ever. 

0 likes, 5 replies

5 Replies

  • Gerrymoo
    Gerrymoo lisa23201

    Posted

    Hi Lisa,

    Why did you come off citalopram? Have you had a word with your Dr?

    • lisa23201
      lisa23201 Gerrymoo

      Posted

      Hi Gerry. I came off citalopram because it didn't seem to be helping my depression any more. I haven't seen my doctor yet about the side effects, but will go on Monday morning!

  • GodsServant
    GodsServant lisa23201

    Posted

    Lisa, yes, the same thing happened to me for weeks with no end in sight. And it was horrible in that not long after I eat something I had to run to the bathroom right away, 6-7 times a day but this went away. Things to help, drink plenty of water inspite of your fear because diarrhea causes dehydration. This will eventually go away, replaced by soft stool. Try to eat well and get lots of fiber and veggies in diet. 
    • lisa23201
      lisa23201 GodsServant

      Posted

      Hi, thanks for your reply.

      I started off needing the bathroom after eating. Now I need to go even when I haven't. Last night I was up until 3am because my stomach was bubbling and I kept having to go to the bathroom. I didn't dare to sleep in case I soiled myself.  That was even after taking Imodium! 

      I am making sure I'm still drinking and eating small meals when I can. Simple things like rice or soup. 

      I have IBS anyway, and am taking omeprazole for reflux. Maybe that makes me more prone to problems? 

    • GodsServant
      GodsServant lisa23201

      Posted

      During that phase I ran to the bathroom while at work to make sure I dont soil myself. I even had leakages. Ugh! I even feared eating and drinking water at a certain point. But I don't have IBS so I don't know how severe your situation is. I have had acid reflux and belched a lot, at one point my acid reflux got so bad I had to sleep with a raised pillow, but currently this is not acting up, which is great because I hate to subdue a belch in public when my body so need the release. Sometimes you can belch a lot because you are nervous and swallowed a lot of nervous air. I guess a visit to your doc is a great idea. Hope it goes well. Wish I could help more, but I have always believed what's worse than not sharing information is sharing incorrect information. A little knowledge can be dangerous. Best of luck today. You seem to know exactly what you are doing to cope, breads and rice, mashed potatoes, small meals and water. Make sure you have plenty of clean undies, just in case. And of course, try to stay close to a bathroom. 

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