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Increased dose

Posted , 5 users are following.

sue38919
sue38919

have just had my dose increased from 150mg to 175mg yesterday.  Have been on sertraline for 6 weeks now and had noticed small improvements but nothing else so gp increased the dose.  I feel quite lightheaded today and also had a couple of palpitations although my mood definitely feels better.

Stupidly I read about seratonin syndrome and now that worries me as I am dizzy!  Reassurance please smile

0 likes, 17 replies

17 Replies

  • Sapphire07
    Sapphire07 sue38919

    Posted

    It's normal to feel pretty similar to when you started when you increase a dose I believe, there's more symptoms involved with serotonin syndrome but if your worried ring your GP hope you feel better soon xxxxxx just started on Sertraline myself so I feel pretty similar to you x
  • susan20486
    susan20486 sue38919

    Posted

    Hi Sue,

    I had weaned off paxil while increasing the zoloft.  I was up to 100 but have had terrble stomach issue.  Diarrhea with mucus and cramping.  Also cryngs jjags. And I am not a cryer.  So we just decreaded to 50 to see if symptoms stop.  But now I am taking Xanax to help me keep the panic at bay.  So if you have no negative symptoms do not worry at all about seratonin syndrome.  Sue

    • sue38919
      sue38919 susan20486

      Posted

      Hi Sue

      Luckily the only side effects I seem to have are dizziness and sometimes a headache but I'm a terrible worrier and definitely shouldn't be looking up these symptoms on Google!  I hope you feel better soon x

    • susan20486
      susan20486 sue38919

      Posted

      Sue,  I think most people with an anxiety disorder are major worriers.  My psychiatrist said I should write my worries down then put them in a box so they are done with.  Easier said than done.  Our doses will get figured out and we will be as good as new.  Hugs, Sue
  • CG1964
    CG1964 sue38919

    Posted

    Hang in there.

    When i increased my dosage i experienced a resurgence of the side effects.

    Focus on the positive - that's great news that you are noticing slight improvements already - the meds must be working and you just have to wait it out - easier said than done i know - but remember that you have a supportive and encouraging community here on this forum with people who know exactly what you are going through!!

    Hope you have a better day today than you had yesterday.

    • sue38919
      sue38919 CG1964

      Posted

      Ah thank you for your lovely comments!  Feeling quite hyper today but hopefully things will calm down soon.  How long did your side effects last?

      I was originally on Citalopram for 15 years (30mg) and they worked brilliantly but eventually stopped working so my gp started me on Sertraline, first at 100mg, then 150mg and now 175mg.  

    • CG1964
      CG1964 sue38919

      Posted

      I was on sertraline 25mg for 3 weeks and it was doing nothing and the side effects were quite debilitating so i was bumped up to 50mg.  Now I am starting my 6th week @50mg and I can definitely in the last 7 days notice the difference.  my side effects are gone - except for some early morning anxiety and sometimes a bit of insomnia - if i get up and start my day right away that usually deals with the knot in my stomach.

      So my advice is to wait it out for at least 6 weeks to allow the meds to reach their therapeutic levels - and keep in touch through this forum where you will always find someone willing to listen and talk anytime.

  • marion39490
    marion39490 sue38919

    Posted

    Sue, I'm a googler too!! Don't do it lol. Makes everything a million times worse.

    I can off lexapro and straight onto Zoloft 6 days ago and have struggled a bit with side effects, heightened anxiety, crying, panic and my sleep pattern is awful. I have faith that this medication will work and I'll be back to being the fantastic Mum, partner, friend and work colleague is was before xx

    • susan20486
      susan20486 marion39490

      Posted

      I have been having terrible stomach issues.   Lots of diarrhea and cramping.  I wonder if this means I need to get off the Zoloft?  I too feel anxious today.  We are a hot messconfused
    • susan20486
      susan20486 marion39490

      Posted

      Marion,

      She is a psychiatrist and I luckily have an appointment tomorrow.  I'm thinking I might have to go on a different drug if this keeps up.  Thanks

    • sue38919
      sue38919 susan20486

      Posted

      I think the upset stomach thing is quite a common side effect - although unpleasant!
    • sue38919
      sue38919 marion39490

      Posted

      I am sure you will - I remember when I started Citalopram 15 years ago, when I eventually felt better, it was amazing and I felt like I was back to being me! smile
    • susan20486
      susan20486 sue38919

      Posted

      sue, do you think the side effects subside eventually?
    • sue38919
      sue38919 susan20486

      Posted

      Hi sue - yes they do but it does take time which is the difficult part sad

       

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