Increased depression! Could it be a side effect?

Posted , 3 users are following.

About 10 days ago I upped my dose from 100mg to 125mg. I had usual increased anxiety, which was horrible but expected. However, for the last 3 days I’ve been feeling extremely depressed to the point where I started to get suicidal thoughts. I’m wondering if anyone else has had this as a side effect from Sertraline or if I’m just getting worse. I’m extremely concerned because I was feeling better last week, despite feeling more anxious. Any incite or experience of this anyone? I need some hope. 

0 likes, 10 replies

10 Replies

  • Posted

    Hi Sarah - it is a side effect but have you told your doctor about this ? How long have you been on the medicine.

    From my experience an increase im dose could be an option but do speak to your doctor. These thoughts will wear off on the right dosage as 10 days is enough time to level out and titrate if needed if you've been on sertraline for at least 2 months or more.

    I'm in my 8th MONTH on 200 and still have side effects so just relax, you'll be fine soon.

    • Posted

      Thanks for your reply. I’m feeling a bit better today. It was very strange though as I felt so low I couldn’t get out of bed and I didn’t leave the house. Been more myself today, although feeling slightly anxious. I was on 100mg for about 2 months and I’m trying to work up to 150mg, at 125 at the moment. Are you feeling better on 200mg? How long have you been on that dose? I’m hoping I won’t have to go any higher than 150mg. I’m due to see the doctor next week, so I will mention it. 
  • Posted

    Glad to hear that you're feeling better.

    This is my third day on 200 and can definitely say im much better physically and mentally except for the fatigue which is the biggest issue with this med which too is much better

    You need to get the fear of an increased dose out of your head as we keep on suffering on lower doses untill the doc etc tell us. I was like you before..stuck to 50 for almost 5 months. There is no adverse side effect or any kind of harm on a higher dose. Infact i've read that some OCD/SAD have even gone upto 400/day untill they felt better.

     

    • Posted

      I’m only come concerned about the side effects. Other than that I just want to feel better, so if I have to be on a higher dose, I’m fine with that. Are you on it for anxiety or depression, if you don’t mind me asking and have you improved since you started taking it? I’m on it for severe anxiety. The physical anxiety has really dies down on the whole, but I still get an overactive mind and racing thoughts. I probably have a bit of depression too at times. 
    • Posted

      If you see my first, it will tell you that I'm on the med for acute chronic anxiety pretty much from childhood which got aggravated later on in life due to certain events and eventually it developed into real hard physical symptons (Fibromyalgia) which became a viscious circle and made the anxiety even worse.

      I can completely relate to your condition so don't stress about anything - dose increase , sertraline worse side effects on increasing etc as all this will increase the anxiety to make matters worse.

      Please go through my first post with a calm mind and INSHALLAH you'll feel better. 

      I was on approx 4 different meds alongwith with an anti - anxiety drug as a quick fix before this but nothing worked

    • Posted

      ...and also im about atleast a good 50% overall with almost negligible anxiety.

      Hope you feel even better soon !

    • Posted

      Thank you, I read your Sertraline story, it’s really encouraging, although it sounds like you’ve been through a lot. I had read it before, but I didn’t realise it was you, lol! 
  • Posted

    Hi Sarah,

    I think you may try a different medication. I have tried 3 or 4 different medication and now settled with one.

    Good Luck and Keep trying.

    • Posted

      I’m really hoping this one will work eventually. I’ve been on it before and it worked ok, but the anxiety keeps telling me it’s not going to work this time. I can’t bear the thought of having to come off it and start again with something else. It’s taken me nearly 3 months to get to this point and I have seen a small improvement, so I’m hoping it will work in time.
    • Posted

      I agree with you that it is a pain to start a different medication. I was on Paxil for three years and then It stopped working. Any way don't give up and may adjust your dosage and one day you be a happy candidate. Best Wishes

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